Rider travelling through a Transylvanian mountain landscape

About us

Local knowledge, clear expectations and a personal scale.

Transylvanian Gems is a locally based ground crew for horseback travel, providing local support and logistics for travel partners and their guests.

Illustrated Transylvanian village and hills

Our purpose

Make the region feel accessible without flattening its character.

The aim is not to present Transylvania as an “escape” or an extreme frontier. It is a lived-in European region with deep rural traditions, varied landscapes and practical travel realities.

The website therefore prioritises useful details: riding ability, terrain, accommodation, transfers, inclusions, changes and responsibilities.

Operating principles

What we stand for.

Honest information

Explain what is confirmed, what is variable and what still needs planning.

Horse welfare

Routes, pace and rider matching must respect the horses involved.

Local value

Use accommodation, food and services that support the communities hosting guests.

Guest care

Communicate clearly before arrival and respond calmly when plans need adjustment.

Small scale

Prefer manageable groups and realistic departure numbers.

Professional partners

Give travel agencies information they can confidently pass to their clients.

Local experience

Istvan Bethlendi

Owner and tour guide

Nearly two decades of horse experience, with practical knowledge of the horses, trails and rural landscapes behind our journeys.

Istvan Bethlendi on horseback