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Horseback riding in the Alps is an experience. Between Geneva and Chamonix, the ride starts in Samoens. The horses bred in the mountains are calm, crossings of frank mountain, selle français and comtois. They are robust, able to endure the bad weather and the strong temperature variations that characterize Haute Savoie, and to evolve on sometimes uneven terrain and on steep gradients.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN HAUTE SAVOIE
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1:On arrival at Geneva airport you are transferred c. 45 minutes to the small town of Samoens, whichliterally means Seven Peaks.
Depending on the time of your arrival you can explore the town and visit the botanical gardens "LaJaysinia". These 3.5 hectares of gardens specialise in alpine flowers and are open every day (except when there's snow on the ground) and admission is free. The gardens contain about 8,000 plants from around the world, including 4,500 alpines and 500 varieties of trees and shrubs. The gardens are at an altitude of 700-800 meters above sea level and are situated on a steep, south-facing limestone slope overlooking the old village. The gardens also feature the ruins of Tornalta castle (12th century), a
chapel (1687) and fountains and cascades. You meet your horse guide for dinner in the evening where you will be briefed for the week ahead. Overnight in a 3* star hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast you meet the horses and set off riding towards the natural reserve of Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval, which has been named as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval has many attractions including the Cascade du Rouget waterfall, which is one of about thirty waterfalls in the area. You ride along tracks through the mountains and alongside the Giffre river, which are perfect for some trots and canters.Overnight at camping le Pelly mountain tent x2 pax with beds etc
Day 3: After breakfast, set of riding back towards Samoens through the mountains, crossing the Giffre river
and allowing the horses to cool their legs.Overnight in a 3 star hotel.
Day 4: Riding along Giffre valley to Taninges lake de Flérier. We will visite la Chartreuse de Melan and enjoy a nice lunch at Flérier lake restaurant. The Charterhouse of “ Melan” is a former monastery belonging to the Carthusian order, located in the town of Taninges in Haute-Savoie, in the department of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Charterhouse received nuns. It was then transformed into a minor seminary, then into an orphanage. It now hosts a cultural center. The chartreuse was classified as a historical
monument was built in 1911. Hotel night in a 3 stars hotel.
Day 5: Set off early to ride to Gollese pass at 1,784m. You will ride along the well-known GR5 hiking trail
the village of Les Allamands and stopping for lunch at Sebastian Baud guesthouse. After lunch it's just a short ride to your guesthouse at 1,400m. Hotel night
Day 6: End of your horseback riding in Savoie. Transfer to Geneva airport.
* Indicative itinerary which can be modified if necessary.
MEETING:
The day of your choice at the end of the afternoon (usually Sunday). Directly to your hotel in Samoens, or paying transfer from Geneva airport for a fee.
DEPARTURE:
On the day of your choice after breakfast (usually Friday). Paid transfer to Geneva airport.
GENEVA AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
160 € / car / transfer =320 € return to be paid directly on site.
RIDING LEVEL: 
Be comfortable practicing the three gaits (walk, trot, canter). This "Alpine" horseback ride is accessible to experienced riders in good physical condition: plan to walk in the difficult trails.
GUIDE:
A qualified local English speaking guide who knows the Alps perfectly.
HORSES:
Crossings of Franche Montagne, Selle Français and Comtois... The horses are bred at more than 900 meters altitude, they are calm, accustomed to evolving in high mountain terrain, able to endure the bad weather and the strong temperature variations that characterize Haute Savoie.
TACK:
Western, Australian, trail ride saddles.
ACCOMMODATION:
4 nights in a 3* hotel, https://www.augaisoleil-hotel-restaurant.com, 1 night under the tent with beds in a camping https://www.lepelly.com.
MEALS:
Breakfasts and dinners are taken in lodges and hotels. Lunches: in local restaurants.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 2 500 €
Single bedroom supplement: 350 € *
Geneva airport transfers: 160 € / car / transfer = 320 € round trip to be paid directly on site.
* If you book in shared bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single bedroom supplement will be charged, refunded if a person wishing to share, subsequently registers.
Booking fees: 15 €
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Rental of the equipped horse, guide, full board accommodation, drinks during meals (table water and two glasses of wine), visits, transfers planned during the ride, financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals and not included during meals, personal expenses, tips, transfers from/to Geneva airport, anything not indicated in “the price includes”.
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
ARRIVAL & DEPATURE DAYS ARE FLEXIBLE