Day 1
Riding: No riding.
On arrival at Krakow airport you will be collected and transferred to Jaworki, a small village in the heart of the Pieniny mountains (c. 2hr drive). Jaworki is known for its church dating from the 18th century that has traces of the culture of the old Lemkh inhabitants of the area.
If you arrive early enough, then along the way you can stop to visit Szczawnica, a picturesque town located along the Grajcarek river between the Radziejowa peak and Male Pieniny mountain range. Szczawnica is a health resort specialising in the treatment of allergic and respiratory conditions. You can visit the Mineral Water Bar where you can taste six different types of mineral water and also walk through the town to admire the architectural style of the spa buildings and villas. The Dworek Goscinny (guest manor) is a magnificently designed art and cultural centre. There are also two beautiful parks - the Dolny (lower) with a botanical garden and the Gorny (upper) with different sculptures.
On arrival at Jaworki you will meet your guide and his horses before a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Riding: 3 hours
After breakfast, saddle the horses and set out for your first ride of c 3 hours duration. Climb up into the hills of Male Pieniny with lots of open spaces and panoramic views of Tatras and surrounding hills. You'll ride along the border with Slovakia, crossing montane meadows where locals still graze their sheep. You should also see Trzy Korony (Three Crowns mountain at 982m) and Sokolica mountain (747m) before returning to the farm for lunch.
In the afternoon, you'll take a minibus to Sromowce Wyzne where you can raft through the gorges of Dunajec on wooden rafts piloted by Flisacy (raft sailors) dressed in traditional costumes. These beautiful river gorges twist through the mountain slopes and you can admire majestic elevations of several hundred metres high dominating both sides of the river. After 2-3 hours you'll end in Szczawnica where your minibus will transfer you back to the farm for dinner.
NB. In low season (winter) there is no rafting, but the afternoon is free for walking or skiing.
Day 3
Riding: 3 hours
After breakfast set off riding in the direction of the Przechyba Mountain, following the beautiful forests of the Radziejowa mountain range - the most common woodlands in this region are Carpathian beech with the European beech and silver fir. After around 3 hours of riding, stop for a picnic lunch (unless it's raining, in which case you'll return to the farm for lunch).
In the afternoon you have free time. Your guides recommend that you visit Homole gorge - this deep canyon has steep walls reaching up to 120m high and is very picturesque and popular. The walking path crosses the stream many times on metal bridges and there are seemingly endless stairs, but at the top you are rewarded with panoramic views. There is a cafe with a terrace where you can buy a coffee to take in the views. Return to the village by foot or on the chairlift before dinner at the farm.
Day 4
Riding: 3 hours
Set off riding towards Wysoka Mountain, the highest in Pieniny at 1050m. The summit is composed of red limestone and is not accessible on horseback but you'll get great views of the region and rocks of Homole Ravine. After 3 hours of riding you enjoy either a picnic lunch or return to the guesthouse for lunch.
This afternoon you are again free to relax, walk or cycle, or you may prefer to visit Niedzica castle (about 40mins by vehicle). The castle was built in the 1320's and is well preserved, now housing an interesting museum and views across to Lake Czorsztyn and the ruins of Czorsztyn castle across the lake. Legend says that the castle houses a map of Inca treasures which have yet to be found...
Day 5
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
Ride in the direction of Piwniczna village, following the Grajcarek river and traversing fields and meadows with views of Pieniny and Tatras. You'll also see White Water and Black Water Valleys before reaching Pokrywisko which was once a village but abandoned due to Operation Vistula, the 1947 forced resettlement of Ukrainian minorities including Boykos and Lemkos from the south. Stop for lunch in a small restaurant atop Obidza mountain with beautiful views (access to this restaurant may not be possible in winter).
In the afternoon you can either rest or visit Muzyczna Owczarnia (Musical Sheep Yard) in Jaworki - a special concert hall with a unique atmosphere which hosts several concerts a year.
Day 6
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
A wonderful full-day ride of 4-5 hours beckons as you cross the border of Slovakia and ride though the woods and open spaces with glorious landscapes overlooking the Tatra mountains. There are many opportunities for long canters/gallops across the meadows before stopping for lunch and cooking sausages over the open fire.
In snowy months this ride is replaced by a shorter 3 hour ride followed by a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the magnificent White Water Reserve.
Final goodbye dinner in the evening.
Day 7
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight. If time allows you can stop in the centre of Krakow for a quick visit.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
