Dalmatian Mountains Ride

8 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1090pp

Croatia ( Best airport: Split)

Explore a hidden side of Croatia on this week-long break in the Dalmatian mountains. Youโ€™ll be riding in an area of Croatia rarely visited by tourists where you can enjoy delicious homemade food and wine and explore Croatia’s natural wonders on horseback. The trail takes you on winding, ancient roads through the mountains and across wide valleys; this is ideal horse-riding country. This isย  a faster than average trail with long canters and fast gallops to enjoy.

The Riding

The horses at the ranch are specially trained for the trails and are well used to the terrain. There are 10 horses available, aged between 6-12 years. With a maximum of six riders at any time, there are always spare horses available if you want to swap. The sizes of the horses range from 14.1hh to 16.3hh and English tack is used. Breeds are Lipizzaner, English Thoroughbred and Croatian warm-blood. They are calm, willing and reliable as well as fit and forward-going.

Explore a hidden side of Croatia on this week-long break in the Dalmatian mountains. Youโ€™ll be riding in an area of Croatia rarely visited by tourists where you can enjoy delicious homemade food and wine, explore sleepy villages and natural wonders on horseback. The riding on this holiday is reasonably fast-paced. Expect lots of cantering through flower-filled fields and a few gallops on the hills where the terrain allows.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders only. Riders must be able to tack up their horses and mount and dismount from the ground unaided. All participants must be competent, confident and in control at all paces over hilly terrain. A good level of current riding fitness is required as youโ€™ll be spending 4-6 hours in the saddle each day.

Guides and Group Size

Your host, Stipe, is a young man who gained experience at another Croatian riding stables before setting up on his own to offer an affordable but fun stationary programme with comfortable accommodation on his family ranch. The group size is between 2-6.

The Horses

The horses at the ranch are specially trained for the trails and are well used to the terrain. There are 10 horses available, aged between 6-12 years. With a maximum of six riders at any time, there are always spare horses available if you want to swap. The sizes of the horses range from 14.1hh to 16.3hh and English tack is used. Breeds are Lipizzaner, English Thoroughbred and Croatian warm-blood. They are calm, willing and reliable but fit and forward-going.

Tack and Riding Equipment

Tack is a mixture of endurance and English saddles ideally suited for trail riding. Saddlebags are fitted for each horse to carry items such as water bottles, sun cream and a camera.

Dalmatian Mountains Ride
Dalmatian Mountains Ride

Accommodation and Dining

You’ll be staying with the owner and his family at their ranch in comfortable double or twin rooms. There are four guest rooms on the ranch, each with an en suite shower room, with access to WiFi and a swimming pool in the summer months.

The meals at this destination are really special, all are homemade (including the wine!) and you can sample traditional Dalmatian cuisine with much of the produce such as fruits and vegetables homegrown at the ranch. You are welcome to join your hostโ€™s mother in the kitchen for an impromptu cooking demonstration to see how some Dalmatian specialties are prepared.

Breakfast at the ranch includes fresh bread, cheese, jam, eggs and seasonal fruit. Lunch is usually eaten as a picnic at a picturesque spot on the trail and can include sandwiches, quiches, cold meats, fruit and bread. In case of poor weather, you will then return to the ranch for lunch which could be a Dalmatian dish (based on fish or meat, greens, olive oil, and seasonings). Dinner is eaten back at the ranch and is another authentic home-cooked meal freshly prepared by the family. A drink is included with each meal (juice, wine, beer, tea, coffee, milk or water).

Allergies and special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Get a free Dalmatian Mountains Ride mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Dalmatian Mountains Ride

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding
ยฃ1090pp

Single supplement โ‚ฌ100 (payable unless a sharer is found)

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

The closest airport is Split (1h30m drive) and airport, bus or train station transfers are available after 3pm. Return flights should be booked no earlier than 1.30pm. Airport transfers are not included. Return transfer from Split airport, bus or train station is โ‚ฌ150 per car payable on-site in cash.

Price Includes
  • 6 full days of riding
  • 7 nights in twin or double room
  • Breakfasts
  • Lunches
  • Evening meals
  • Tea, coffee and mineral water
  • Beer, wine, juice with meals
  • Services of guide
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Tips