Bosko's Ranch and Croatian Culture

Day 1 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive during the day. If you wish you can visit the town of Sinj and the remains of the fortress of Grad (the Town) that are the only witnesses of the numerous battles though history. One of the famous battles was in the year 1715 when the people of Sinj, inspired by their faith in Our Lady of Sinj drove away the powerful Turkish army which had besieged the town. Another monument of victory over the Turkish conquerors is the " ALKA". The game called "ALKA" has been performed every year since 1715. Guarding the symbols of the victory with their original outfits, the people of Sinj simulate the battle with horses. People from all over the world come to Sinj just to see this amazing game.

You will have the opportunity to get to know other riders, horses and friendly people on the ranch. Dinner will take place at sunset and you can relax, drink wine from the ranch's own vineyards, and eat delicious local food as well.

Day 2 - Sunday

Riding: 4 hours

After breakfast on the ranch, you will set off for a test ride to see if you are matched with the right horse. If you are not satisfied with your horse you can change it before you start the trail. You can have an exhilarating gallop in the big fields of Sinj and then a chance for you and your horse to cool off as you swim in the river. You will then head back to the ranch where lunch will be served.

Day 3 - Monday

Riding: 6 hours

After breakfast you will tack up your horse and ride through beautiful fields up to the river Cetina where you can have a long gallop.

Lunch will be prepared in stunning surroundings by the river. After a delicious lunch the ride will continue, climbing up rolling hillsides to the plateau named "Bitelic". You will ride on old Roman stone roads and enjoy the views of the mountains Dinara and Svilaja that surround you.

The trail passes an old stone village called "Vucipolje" and will lead you to the lake Peruca. After some relaxation time you will leave the horses by the lake and go back to the ranch by car (20 minute journey), where you will have dinner with a glass of home-made wine and enjoy traditional music played by your host on the guitar.

Day 4 - Tuesday

Riding: 6 hours

After breakfast, you will be driven to the lake where you will saddle the horses and ride up to the river, following the waters edge of the lake Peruca. With adrenaline pumping after some trotting and a long fast gallop, you can refresh yourself by the river and tuck into lunch. Moving on, the ride will cross the river and you can enjoy another long gallop through the lush open fields, arriving at a little Croatian town named Vrlika where you can learn about the rich history of the area. You will eat dinner and sleep in a family home here tonight with the opportunity to explore the town after your meal.

Day 5 - Wednesday

Riding: 6 hours

The next morning, you will ride through Vrlika and start climbing up the mountains through the village of Maovice. At the top of the mountain you will be amazed at the breathtaking, panoramic views across the beautiful landscape of wild rivers, fields and hills. After a quick break, you will start the descent down to the foot of the mountain where you will have lunch. After lunch the pace picks up as you trot, canter and gallop through stunning plantations of vineyards to the town of Drnis.

After unsaddling your horse you will walk to the motel in the centre of the town, where you can refresh yourself before a short walk to a nearby restaurant for scrumptious Croatian cuisine and local wines. Afterwards you can enjoy a good nights sleep.

Day 6 - Thursday

Riding: 3 hours

Today you will start the adventure to the Krka National Park, galloping to the little village Bristane where lunch will be served at a family farm with local cuisine and schnapps. You then leave the horses and travel by boat to see the island of Visovac which is counted among the most important natural and prehistorical monuments of the Republic of Croatia. Since 1445 it has been the site of the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the church of Our Lady of Visovac.

Together with the magnificent landscape of Visovac lake this creates a unique setting. The monastery has an important archaeological collection of historical vessels and a rich library of many historical manuscripts and valuable books. After seeing the island Visovac and its lake you will continue with the sightseeing tour to see "Roski slap". You will be able to swim in the river, enjoying the amazing surroundings and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls along the river.

After sightseeing this breathtaking landscape you will head back to the lovely village of Bristane, to enjoy dinner in the company of your hospitable hosts, followed by a good nights sleep.

Day 7 - Friday

Riding: 6 hours

In the morning you will continue trotting and galloping to the Canyon of the river Cikola. The canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Krka National Park. As you continue, on your right hand side you will be able to see the river Cikola entering the Visovac lake, surrounded with enormous cliffs which are rich in colourful flora. You will then make your way down into the canyon and continue trotting and galloping to the Cikola river crossing. After climbing up the canyon you will have lunch and refresh yourself with a cold drink.

After a lunch break you carry on riding through the villages Goris and Konjevrate, with a combination of trotting and galloping until you arrive at the entrance of Krka National Park, named "Skradinski Buk". This is also the end of your unforgettable trail and after unsaddling your horse, you will be transferred back to the ranch.

There will be time to go sightseeing and visit "Skradinski Buk", the longest and most widely visited series of waterfalls on the Krka river. It is the one of the best known natural beauties of Croatia. The waterfalls are composed of travertine barriers, islands and lakes, which can be viewed freely thanks to a network of paths and bridges that enable a comfortable and safe walk. At the bottom of the waterfalls you can enjoy swimming in the clean water whilst watching butterflies flutter around you.

The travertine cascades of the Krka river are made of very delicate material and are sensitive to natural changes and all human activity. They can even be considered a living creature as they grow, develop and age and can die if there is no water.

One of the interesting things that you will be able to see is the renovated water-mills of the Krka National Park - the presentations include the milling of grain, the washing and treading of cloth, the weaving of bags and rugs, the smithing of horseshoes, ploughing, sowing, and the preparation of food in an old-fashioned kitchen.

Day 8 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

After a final delicious breakfast you will prepare to leave, taking with you many unforgettable memories of your magnificent trail.

NB. The horses used on this trail are English bred, Anglo Arab, Holsteins, Croatian Warmbloods, Bosnian horses. They have a kind temperament and are well trained, sure footed, reliable. These horses are fit and forward going but they know their job well. They act in a herd mentality which adds to the experience and reflects the natural environment that they live in.

Due to the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, the route and programme may have to be adapted.