RIDING AND CRUISING ENGLAND AND IRELAND

Boca Raton, FL (February 15, 2011) –  High Pointe Equestrian Tours has designed for horse people the unique experience a riding adventure through the idyllic countryside of the British Isles combined with the luxurious and exciting atmosphere of a cruise ship voyage.

Travelers ride through the fabled moors of England’s west county, sail the Irish Sea aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s ship, Independence of the Sea, and traverse Ireland’s jagged coastline of County Cork on horseback.

On first leg an English country cottage is home for three days of guided rides on Warmblood horses in the County of Devon, home of Devonshire cream and scones.

Bridle paths cross moors and fields, down valleys and up hills and across rivers to historic villages dating back to the days when the Danes triumphed in battle over the Anglo Saxons, where William the Conquer ordered the 1086 survey known at the Doomesday Book. Riders visit the geological wonders of the area, the Tar Steps and the Caractus Stone, and take in manmade sights such as the racecourse on Venford Moor. Then its onward to walk through beech tree forests, to trot past quaint farm dwellings dotting the hills and to canter to a picnic at Willingford Bridge.  Horses traverse rugged moorland terrain to Molland, which was for centuries the main thoroughfare to London and is today home of the Molland Horse Trials.

Just as travelers are ready for nightlife, poolside action and Wi-Fi, they transfer to the spectacular Independence of the Sea to enjoy the amenities of cruising including a wide variety of restaurants, themed bars and lounges, and a fully-equipped casino. Cantilevered whirlpools, sports pool and day spa compliment the fitness center, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, boxing ring, sports court and 9-hole miniature golf course. Other choices are to relax in the stateroom before the full size flat screen TV or stroll around ship’s promenade.

The two-night cruise docks the ship at the Port of Cork, Ireland, where the day awakens with a beach ride, mounted on Irish Sport Horses, below the grand sea cliffs in County Cork known for its villages brightly painted in vibrant colors.

After the ride, the ship returns to sea for two night, landing in the historic port city of Southampton, England.

“This tour is packed with beauty, great riding, variety and fun things to do whether on the land or sea,” explains Cathy Mann, president, High Pointe Equestrian Tours. Mann has been a horsewoman most of her life. She created High Pointe Equestrian Tours as a blending of her two passions, travel and horses.

“We pride ourselves on being available to our customers 24/7 when they are overseas,” says Mann who has been in the travel business for over 20 years. “We spend a lot of time with our clients to determine what they like for their equestrian experience, as well as what they like to do before and after the tour.”

Trip details are:

Dates: April 26 - May 4, 2011
Airport: London Heathrow
Group size: Minimum 6
Price: $2,183 interior cabin - per person, double occupancy,
            $793 single supplement
            $2,229 outside cabin -per person, double occupancy
            $839 single supplement
            $2,296 balcony - per person, double occupancy
            $900 single supplement

Includes: cruise, lodging, most meals, round trip transportation from airport to destinations, horse, tack, 4 days guided riding
Not included: airfare, taxes, fuel supplement, government cruise fees

Prices fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and are fixed at final payment.

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