Magic of Istria, Croatia
Reviews
“I was very surprised at how beautiful and unspoilt Istria is. The countryside is wonderful for horseriding. Your guide Petar is an experienced horseman and knows the area well. The horses are well trained by him and perfect for trail riding. The accommodation and food are first class.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Arab crosses, English full blood crosses, draft crosses, local breeds and Appaloosa.
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, forward going but safe.
Height of horses:
Average of 14.3 hh - 16.1 hh
Weight limit:
85 kg
Tack type:
Trail saddles
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 18 C
Forecast:
Fri - Rain/Thunder. High: 24 Low: 17
Sat - Thundershowers. High: 28 Low: 19
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Magic of Istria - Trail programme
2010 Price: £619 per person based on double occupancy.
Includes: Seven nights accommodation, bed and breakfast and dinner in private accommodation, lunch on each day of trail, guide, luggage transportation and riding as detailed by the programme. Also includes airport transfers from Pula airport only. Transfers from other airports can be arranged at an additional fee.
Single supplement £83
Notes: Non-riders are welcome, price on request. Additional week on request, based on availability and if riding or non-riding option.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Magic of Istria - Stationary programme
2010 Price: £452 per person based on double occupancy.
Seven nights accommodation, breakfast and three nights dinner in private accommodation, lunch on each day of trail, guide, luggage transportation and four nights bed & breakfast in private accommodation. Also includes airport transfers from Pula airport only. Transfers from other airports can be arranged at an additional fee.
Single supplement £83
Notes: Non-riders are welcome, price on request. Additional week on request, based on availability and if riding or non-riding option.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Experience the charming Istrian countryside with this friendly, family run establishment. Your guide has over ten years of experience in horse riding and trail guiding. The ranch is currently home to around seventeen well-kept horses and young stock. They are mainly Arab crosses, English full blood crosses, draft crosses, local breeds and Appaloosa. They specialise in small groups to ensure quality riding and personal attention to each guest.
Istria is situated in the north-west of Croatia, close to the borders of Italy and Slovenia. It is the largest green oasis of the Northern Adriatic. The coast and its surrounding islands are covered with pine woods, whilst its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies. This leads some to believe the ancient, local myths of giants. Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks. Stunning views of white topped mountains, lush fields, plateau, valleys, vineyards, olive groves and the sea can be experienced across the land.
The mild Mediterranean climate enjoys warm, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. The average temperature in the coldest months amounts to 6°C, whereas in the warmest averages 30°C.
The Central region of Istria is known for its beautiful, lush, unspoilt and underpopulated areas. It provides plenty of wilderness and greenery where life is pleasantly laid back, with very friendly people where ever you go. It is not only ideal terrain for riding, but also for biking, hiking and sightseeing combined with comfort and a local touch of local luxury. Everything is warm–hearted and friendly here; nature, towns and people. Welcome to the land of history, beauty and vitality!
There are two programmes offered here, a trail programme for the more adventurous rider and the stationary programme has been devised for people who like riding but not necessarily spending an entire week in the saddle. The stationary programme allows you time to enjoy other activities, explore the stunning towns both in land and on the coast line. We advise you hire a car to
explore the wonders of the local historical towns.
We can also arrange self catering accommodation if you wish to continue your holiday in this fabulous area.
We returned recently from visiting Istria and are very keen to return so Far and Ride will be organising an escorted trail ride led by Emma on 1 - 8 May. She will be flying from London Stansted to Pula with Ryanair, flights are currently very good value. Please feel free to enquire for further details. Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity for single travellers.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The programmes are based on their small, family run farm in a hamlet. This is an ideal place to switch off and relax - no noise, no traffic and no pollution. The farm consists of several buildings around a courtyard, built in the traditional Istrian style (stone and red tiled roofs), with all modern amenities.
There are five guest rooms, each with private bathroom facilities and each with either two single beds or a double bed. All rooms were renovated in the spring of 2009, furnished in lovely colours and solid rustic furniture, and are now non-smoking rooms. The rooms have wooden floors and some have wooden ceilings with beams. The bathrooms are spacious with either a large shower or bathtub.
There is central heating for the chilly mornings and evenings in early spring and autumn. Views are to the garden or the green valley at the back of the house. There is also ample parking if guests wish to rent a car.
One room is situated in the main family house but with a separate entrance from the outside to ensure privacy. Four rooms are in a separate building - which has been arranged into a u-shape around a small courtyard where meals can be enjoyed outdoors in the summertime. On one side of the building there is a common area for the guests with a kitchen, living/dining room and open fireplace.
During the trail programme guests spend two nights in an agriturismo with a very nice restaurant (but clients still keep the rooms on the farm so no need to pack).
The food and wine offered will be traditional and organically produced to leave a lasting impression of the local countryside. They pride themselves in serving freshly made meals using local ingredients - no frozen supplies! Many products are grown on the farm, or supplied by the local neighbours. Chickens provide fresh eggs and there is a myriad of Istrian traditional dishes for guests to taste. Although Croats are known as big meat eaters, vegetarians are also catered for.
There is also the option of wild game. For those that have an interest in game hunting, excursions can be arranged to experience catching your own evening meal, depending on the season of course.
Their local food is wholesome and often consists of home-made thick soups (based on various beans,herbs and potatoes), thin soups, meat stews (wild boar, venison, beef, rabbit) served with handmade varieties of pasta (gnocchi, fuzi, pljukanci etc). Fish caught locally is often on the menu. Of course, they also enjoy barbecues and this is usually offered at least once a week (weather dependent).
Another dish that guests will have the opportunity to taste consists of potatoes and meat cooked in 'cripnja' - a speciality that is common to other parts of Croatia, but with slight variations. A large tray with food is placed on the fireplace, and covered with an ironcast lid, and then submerged under ambers. Food then cooks in its own juices and is better than any roast prepared in the regular oven.
Of course, like the rest of the Croatian coastline they also have prosciutto (pršut) and cheese. Istrian pršut has special international recognition and is now a trademark.
Local drinks include red and white wine and a variety of strong drinks: grappa, walnut brandy, biska (misteltoe liquor), etc.
Guests relax and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the accommodation with local wine, soft drinks & water included at dinner time. Breakfast is local ham and cheeses, including a soft cheese often eaten with sugar. Home made conserves accompany the freshly baked delicious bread and fruit is always available.
A light lunch is taken en route, this is either a picnic to take with you, a stop in a local tavern for a snack, or your guide will buy something as you go (depending on the day's itinerary).
Activities
This beautiful area offers an idyllic setting for hiking and biking around the local area. If relaxation is your preference then you can take it easy around the farm or take part in farm activities (depending on the season).
Car hire is highly recommended on the stationary programme to explore the beauty and magic of the local area or to cross over the borders to Slovenia and Italy. We could also link this tour to a stay at the Lipizzaner dressage stud in Slovenia. Please ask the office for further details.
Further Details
Languages: English, German, Croatian, Italian, Spanish and some French is also spoken by the host.
Health requirements: Fit & Healthy and able to withstand long hours in the saddle.
Age limit: 18 and over
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, breakfast, lunch on trails, dinner, guide, transportation of luggage and riding as detailed by the programmes. Airport transfers from Pula airport only.
Not included: Flights, other airport transfers, insurance, tips and extra drinks.
Travel Information
We highly recommend flights to Pula. If you are flying to Trieste we would like to encourage guests to hire a car and we will provide direction assistance.
Low cost flights (may be seasonal) include:
Ryanair - Bristol to Trieste
Ryanair - Stansted to Pula and Trieste
Transfer arrangements are available at an additional fee (payable on location):
Pula: Included in the cost of the package (40 mins away)
Rijeka - £95 per car (max 3 pax) one way (1 ½ hrs drive)
Trieste - £140 per car (max 3 pax) one way (2 ¼ hrs drive)
Airport: Pula
Alternative Airport: Trieste (Ronchi)
Programmes
Magic of Istria - Trail programme
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Riding from the west coast through the inner land of Istria is a special experience that every true nature and horse lover will be delighted with. The horses that you will ride are specially trained for this type of terrain. This beautiful trail is for riders of an intermediate standard and above. You will experience stunning countryside, the trail takes you through medieval towns, valleys, open countryside and over rolling hills whilst enjoying comfortable accommodation and mouth-watering local dishes. Your luggage and personal belongings will be transported in the support van. Day one: Arrive at the airport where you will be transferred to Istria and settle into your accommodation in the tiny village of Karnevali, 3 km from the medieval market town of ˇminj. Once you are settled in you will enjoy your first evening meal and be introduced to this wonderful Croatian family and your fellow riders. Day two: After a traditional breakfast of fruit, bread, jams, ham and cheeses you will go to the ranch. Petar will have selected you a horse and the riding today will ensure that you are suited and happy with your mount. Today is an easy riding day through open countryside, vineyards and olive groves. Your first stop mid morning will lead you to the fantastic caves of Feštinsko kraljevstvo. These were discovered by chance in the 1930's and are now open to the public. The cave now equipped with safe walkways makes entry now accessible to every visitor. You can hear the harmonious sound of the water and see the wonderful underground treasures reflected in small pools of water. The cave inspires visitors with the variety of its stalactite and stalagmite formations and you will be surprised by the very warm atmosphere. This is only a twenty minute tour but not to be missed. This is followed by the leisurely ride to the medieval town of Svetvincenat and its Grimani castle. There is definitely a Venetian influence in the architecture. This town has a lovely church overlooking an elegant square where many concerts are held. There are also many other light hearted fetes that take place here including the best dressed goat! Lunch will be in a small restaurant in Svetvincenat. You return home along the forest trails. Another delicious dinner awaits you. Today's riding totals around 4 - 4.5 hours. Day three: Your journey takes you through the Draga (Shallow Valley) which divides Istria into two parts, and in Roman times was the border between two cantons. Halfway along the valley the ghost town of Dvigrad awaits you. Although surrounded by legends, the town was abandoned after the plague in the 16th Century. The dominating twin fortresses will be your backdrop for a well earned picnic. Legend says that Captain Morgan stashed some treasure here before departing for the Caribbean and there have been many attempts to this day to find the elusive gold. To back up this story, there is a local village named Morgani in honour of the Captain. There are the most amazing views from Dvigrad over the valley, the viaduct and another abandoned town. Following a leisurely two hours lunch break there is a relaxing ride through the valley back to the farm. Today's riding totals around 4.5 - 5 hours. Day four: Today you can choose whether you wish to spend a day/morning exploring on your own, or, weather permitting, there is an option to take a trip to the National Park of Brijuni Islands, an area rich in ancient archeological excavations as well as flora and fauna. To get to the Brijuni Islands you would need to take a 20 minute boat trip from Fa˛ana. Once you are on the Island you will be amazed by the unexpected experience of elephants, antelope and more. Brijuni was a favourite holiday destination for the affluent Romans in the olden days, and more recently was a favourite summer retreat for the Yugoslav leader Tito who entertained world leaders on this beautiful island. Following the morning's exploration you then ride through the woods and along the unspoilt coastline before lunch. After your picnic there will be time for swimming and relaxation. Day five: Today you will experience beautiful views. The day starts by riding through the heart of the Istrian peninsula, dotted with small villages and quaint Istrian field houses called Kazun. A landscape of natural beauty leads you to the middle-aged trading village of Gracisce where you will have a typical Istrian lunch. Gracisce is often the backdrop for concerts and festivals and even donkey racing! The town offers stunning views of Mount Ucka, across the shire landscape that you will be riding through later in the afternoon. The countryside is covered with little hills, mountain ravines and lonely churches proudly fighting the forces of time. Late in the day you will reach the agrotourism site of Gologoricki Dol. Here they have horses of their own so your horse will certainly be taken care of. Rooms are very comfortable and you too will be taken care of with a delicious dinner in the comfortable dining room accompanied by their own wines.Today's riding totals around 5 - 6 hours. Day six: After a delicious breakfast you will get back in the saddle and this morning you will continue through the hillsides to a viewpoint at the village of Cerovlje. The scenery of the sprawling Istrian countryside is stunning. You will enjoy riding along the flanks of Mount Ucka National park before you return to Gologoricki Dol for another comfortable night. A special meal, traditionally prepared in a ceramic pot called a cripnja, is on the menu for this evening. Today's riding totals around 4 - 5 hours. Day seven: After breakfast you leave the unique accommodation and you will ride the old country roads and through farms to the medieval town of Lindar, where a picnic lunch awaits you. After lunch you continue through fields and small vineyards to the ranch where you began. You will say goodbye to your beautiful horse that carried you proudly during the past six days. The last night is spent in Karnevali where you will enjoy a farewell dinner. Day eight: Breakfast and goodbye! You will be transferred back to the airport. Please note this itinerary may vary. We have an escorted trail led by Emma on 1-8 May 2010. At this time there are some excellent flights from London Stansted to Pula with Ryanair. |
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| Accommodation: | The accommodation on Day 5 and 6 is at Gologoricki Dol - a very comfortable agriturismo with ensuite accommodation and rooms with small balconies. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate, comfortable in all paces and experience of riding outdoors. You need to have a reasonable level of fitness. |
| Type of ride: | Trail. |
| Total riding time: | Six days riding with an average of 4 - 6 hours in the saddle (25 - 30 kms per day) |
| Departure dates: | April through to October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Magic of Istria - Stationary programme
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The stationary programme is based in the grounds of this family run farmhouse, offering comfort and all modern amenities. This programme is suited to those wanting a good mix of riding and the opportunity to explore the area and take part in other activities. The local food and wine offered will be traditional organically-grown produce that will leave a lasting impression of the countryside. The riding base is set in the middle of the peninsular, locating it in an ideal area with stunning attractions being no more than an hour away. We highly recommend a visit to Rovinj, Brujuni and Motovun. Day one: Arrive at the airport where you will be transferred to Istria and settle into your accommodation in the tiny village of Karnevali, 3 km from the medieval market town of ˇminj. Once you are settled in you will enjoy your first evening meal and be introduced to this wonderful Croatian family and your fellow riders. Day two: After a traditional breakfast of fruit, bread, jams, ham and cheeses you will go to the ranch. Petar will have selected you a horse and the riding today will ensure that you are suited. Today is an easy riding day through open countryside, vineyards and olive groves. Your first stop mid morning will lead you to the fantastic caves of Feštinsko kraljevstvo. These were discovered by chance in the 1930's and are now open to the public. The cave now equipped with safe walkways makes entry now accessible to every visitor. You can hear the harmonious sound of the water and see the wonderful underground treasures reflected in small pools of water. The cave inspires visitors with the variety of its stalactite and stalagmite formations and you will be surprised by the very warm atmosphere. This is only a twenty minute tour but not to be missed. This is followed by the leisurely ride to the medieval town of Svetvincenat and its Grimani castle. There is definitely a Venetian influence in the architecture. This town has a lovely church overlooking an elegant square where many concerts are held. There are also many other light hearted fetes that take place here including the best dressed goat! Lunch will be in a small restaurant in Svetvincenat. You return home along the forest trails. Another delicious dinner awaits you. Today's riding totals around 4 - 4.5 hours. Day three: Your journey takes you through the Draga (Shallow Valley) which divides Istria into two parts, and in Roman times was the border between two cantons. Halfway along the valley the ghost town of Dvigrad awaits you. Although surrounded by legends, the town was abandoned after the plague in the 16th Century. The dominating twin fortresses will be your backdrop for a well earned picnic. Legend says that Captain Morgan stashed some treasure here before departing for the Caribbean and there have been many attempts to this day to find the elusive gold. To back up this story, there is a local village named Morgani in honour of the Captain. There are the most amazing views from Dvigrad over the valley, the viaduct and another abandoned town. Following a leisurely two hours lunch break there is a relaxing ride through the valley back to the farm. Today's riding totals around 4.5 - 5 hours. Day four: Today you can choose whether you wish to spend a day/morning exploring on your own, or, weather permitting, there is an option to take a trip to the National Park of Brijuni Islands, an area rich in ancient archeological excavations as well as flora and fauna. To get to the Brijuni Islands you would need to take a 20 minute boat trip from Fa˛ana. Once you are on the Island you will be amazed by the unexpected experience of elephants, antelope and more. Brijuni was a favourite holiday destination for the affluent Romans in the olden days, and more recently was a favourite summer retreat for the Yugoslav leader Tito who entertained world leaders on this beautiful island. Following the morning's exploration you then ride through the woods and along the unspoilt coastline before lunch. After your picnic there will be time for swimming and relaxation. Day five, six and seven: Days at leisure with bed & breakfast. These days provide the ideal opportunity to relax, be more active and go hiking or biking around the local area. There are also various activities to enjoy on the farm (depending on the season). For this programme you would need to hire a car so you can explore this fantastic area where all the main tourist attractions are within easy reach. Day eight: Departure day, breakfast and goodbye! You will be transferred back to the airport. Please note this programme may vary. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Novice to experienced. Some knowledge and experience of horse riding required. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | Riding over three days with an average of 4 - 5.5 hours in the saddle (25 - 30 kms) |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: April through to the end of October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |