In this rural and unspoilt region of Lika, Croatia, you are far, far away from a busy lifestyle. Here you can enjoy the natural, almost untouched beauty of the region, explore the magical Plitvice lakes and maybe even see some wild deer or birds of prey. There are bears in this area, but are very rarely seen. You may not always keep to a strict time table, but hopefully you will enjoy Croatia's delicious traditional cuisine, wines, schnapps and other drinks, as well as the endless and fabulous nature trails, without any stress.

The Plitvice Trail is suitable for experienced riders with a sense of adventure. Rides go through untouched forests and vast open fields and mountains where you can often see wild animals in their natural environment. You are given the choice of the type of tack (English, Western or trail) you would like to ride in and you will find that the horses are fit and most fairly spirited, though there are quieter mounts for those who would prefer it. However, all riders should be prepared to care for their own horse (grooming, tacking up etc.), mounting and dismounting unaided, riding for long hours and for some very fast gallops. 

You will ride to the town closest to the Plitvice Lakes, which are reputed to be some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Here the horses enjoy a well earned break in the shade, leaving you to explore the well known destination of the national park with its unique and stunning lakes which are under UNESCO protection (you will be transferred to and from the lakes). After visiting the park the ride continues through further fantastic, varied landscapes, each day being longer with faster gallops.

Each day you start your ride after breakfast, at around 09:30. You will then have short breaks and water stops before lunch. After eating lunch, you have the chance to chat or as most do, take a two hour nap! The horses are always turned away on the pasture land and set free to roll and graze in enclosed areas over lunch breaks.

Riders on this trail should have a spirit of adventure and be prepared to get stuck in. Accommodation during this trail is basic but you will find the ride a special way to explore the untouched beauty of this part of Croatia. Willing and exciting horses, hearty food, home-produced schnapps and genuine people all add to the charm of this horseback adventure. In the summer months you can even swim with your horse in the lakes. 

Trail Itinerary

Saturday:

Guests arrive during the day. You may wish to visit the town of Split and the remains of the Diocletian Palace (over 1700 years old) or the little town of Trogir, both under UNESCO protection. Split is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Croatia and features fantastic beaches so its well worth a look. You will be transferred to the ranch at an arranged time. 

Once on the ranch you have the opportunity to get to know the other riders, horses and people on the ranch. Dinner in the evening is a fun affair, drinking local wine and for the brave members of the group... some locally made schnapps (beware, it's not for the faint-hearted!). 

Sunday:

After breakfast on the ranch you set off for a test ride to familiarise yourself with your horse and to see if you are matched with the right one. If this is not the case then you can change your horse before the start of the trail.

Today's ride starts by going up to a little cottage near the top of Mount Svilaja (1512m) on a sandy road, walking and trotting through tracks and open fields. On the way up you get to enjoy some fabulous views. It takes about two hours to get to the cottage where you unsaddle the horses and leave them in a "natural" stone paddock. You have a typically Croatian lunch or BBQ and afterwards you can opt to rest or climb up to the top of the mountain (about a 30 minute climb, which is quite challenging) where there is a splendid panoramic view over the River Cetina and Peruca lake. It is well worth the climb.

When you get back to the cottage you saddle up the horses and return to the ranch for dinner and a well-deserved rest. On the way back you canter and gallop around fields to get a good feel for your horse.

Monday:

After breakfast you get ready for the trail. The horses and riders are transported to Gracac where the trail begins. You start by riding through woods and fields, in the direction of Udbina, to a small hill in Oudic where you have lunch. You then continue to Udbina where you have dinner and sleep indoors on a small farm. If you want you can try some “domestic” plum schnapps - rather strong!

Tuesday:

After breakfast, you start with a fast ride through a 15km long field, often enjoying long gallops. Your well-deserved lunch is on a family estate with friendly local people. You get a warm welcome, homemade bread and enjoy typically Croatian food. Next you ride through areas with beautiful landscapes, lush pastures and small hills. Tonight you eat out at the restaurant and sleep in a hotel.

Wednesday:

Today begins with a fast gallop towards the city of Korenica where you will either enjoy a picnic meal or may have the opportunity to eat in a restaurant. You leave the horses to rest near the guesthouse where you will be staying overnight. You will then be transported to the Plitvice lakes. These are under UNESCO protection.

There are several stunning walks to explore where you can see the natural wonders and beauty of Plitvice. There are sixteen breathtaking lakes joined by amazing waterfalls. The Silver Lake is the most amazing of them all.

In the evening you will return to the guesthouse where you can change and prepare for dinner in a restaurant.

Thursday:

After a tasty breakfast you continue your ride towards Mount Licka Pljesevica (1613m). On the top of the mountain you enjoy your lunch, nestled in a beautiful spot of the mountains and enjoy a well-deserved break after climbing up the mountain.

Next, you ride down the forest-covered mountain, down forgotten cattle routes to the old farm where your host is waiting for you with a glass of homemade schnapps (of course)! Here you spend your night in tents or in a hay barn on the farm. The people are very generous and will show you what Croatian hospitality is all about. It is worth noting that although there is plenty of clean water availability for drinking and washing, it is not always sourced directly from the mains.

Friday:

After breakfast you leave the farm and make your way trotting and cantering through the fields. You climb Mount Kremen, where you have lunch and enjoy the panoramic views.

Then you re-saddle the horses and continue riding down the mountain, passing through pastures to the finish point. You load your horses in the truck and then drive back to the ranch, have dinner and relax after your fantastic trail, enjoying a relaxed evening with your new friends, discussing the lasting memories of the trail experience. 

Saturday:

After breakfast everybody prepares to leave and says their goodbyes.

Itineraries may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances but we assure you that this ride will be a real adventure.

The Dalmatia trail is suitable for riders with basic experience who can walk, trot, canter and gallop. You will ride on historically old tracks, Roman and Napoleon roads, old cattle ways and through the beautiful rural parts of Dalmatia known as Dalmatinska Zagora.

You will follow the River Cetina and Peruca lake straight to one of the sources of the River where you can drink the clear, fresh and refreshing spring water.

In the summertime you can also refresh yourself and your horse by swimming in the Peruca lake. You will also experience the local culture when passing through the small villages full of friendly and welcoming people.

Saturday:

Guests arrive during the day. You may wish to visit the town of Split and the remains of the Diocletian Palace (over 1700 years old,) or the little town of Trogir, (both under Unesco protection) before your transfer to the ranch. Split is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Croatia with nice beaches.

Once on the ranch you have the opportunity to get to know the other riders, horses and people on the ranch. Dinner in the evening is a fun affair, drinking local wine and for the brave members of the group, some locally made schnapps.

Sunday:

After breakfast on the ranch you set off for a test ride to familiarise yourself with your horse and to see if you are matched with the right horse. If this is not the case you can change horse for the start of the trail.

You go up to a little cottage near the top of Mount Svilaja (1512m) on a sandy road walking and trotting through open fields. On the way up you see some fabulous views. It takes about two hours to get to the cottage where you unsaddle the horses and leave them in a "natural" paddock. You have a typically Croatian lunch and afterwards you can opt to rest or climb up to the top of the mountain (about a 30 minute climb and quite challenging) where there is a splendid panoramic view over the River Cetina and Peruca lake. It is well worth the climb.

When you get back to the cottage you saddle up the horses and return to the ranch for dinner and a well-deserved rest. On the way back you canter and gallop round fields to get a good feel for your horse.

Monday:

After breakfast you prepare for the trail. You start by heading eastwards, towards the village of Orgorje and then climb through the forest to a hill called Zelova where you settle down to enjoy your lunch. After lunch you ride to the small village of Satric. Overnight is camping on a hillside where you will enjoy dinner around a campfire. Please note there is no running water but water will be available from tanks. 

Tuesday:

After breakfast you have a long ride to the river Cetina. You cross the river and enjoy a long fast gallop to get the adrenaline pumping. In the early afternoon you come to Peruca lake where you relax, have lunch and where you can have a swim with the horses.

Early evening you ride on a path between the lake and Mount Dinara to your overnight stop. Tonight you will stay in a small private guesthouse. Dinner will be cooked by the owner or the guesthouse and served outside in the picturesque garden.

Wednesday:

Today you will continue your ride towards the town of Vrlika, where the horses will stay overnight. You will be driven back to the guesthouse from the previous night for dinner and your overnight stay. 

Thursday:

This morning you will ride through the town of Vrlika before an uphill climb to your lunch spot. After lunch you will descend down from the top of the hill, riding through typical stony regions of Dalmatia. Tonight will be spent camping in tents. 

Friday:

After breakfast you ride through some big fields and through the river with plenty of trotting and galloping. After lunch you continue on an old path in the valley where you can see the old water mills and then you come to a big field for a long gallop.

In the evening you return to the ranch, have dinner and relax after your fantastic trail, enjoying a your evening with your new friends.

Saturday:

After breakfast everybody prepares to leave and says their goodbyes.

Please note this itinerary may vary at times.