Hacking out in Croatia
Riding in the mountains
Cantering in Croatia
Mountain Views
Croatian mountain ride
Trail riding in Croatia
Horses at the ranch
Ready to hit the trail
Saddles in the sun
Croatia buildings

Explore the Dalmatian countryside of Croatia on this equestrian vacation for experienced horseback riders. Enjoy delicious homemade food and wines, fast, thrilling horseback riding, and friendly and knowledgeable hosts on this delightful based stay. Escape the summer crowds and see a side of Croatia rarely explored by traveling to the spectacular interior of the Dalmatian region. Horseback rides follow old Roman roads and cattle paths through this mountainous rural area with gentle slopes and wide valleys, making it ideal horseback riding country. Reach the summits of Svilaja and Mosec mountains while experiencing Croatian hospitality first-hand, riding through villages where tourism is still rare. Allow some extra time to explore the city of Split, especially the UNESCO-protected Diocletian Palace before departing.

Accommodation is in simple double rooms with shared bathrooms and home cooked meals.

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from MG of Boca Raton on 06/06/2024

Ride Summary
It was a wonderful week. 5-star
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
Provide rain gear
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
6
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
The terrain was rocky for the most part. We had excellent trotting and gallops when feasible.
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

Day 1
Transfer from Split airport or the bus station to the traditional Croatian ranch set in quintessential Dalmatian countryside which is the base for the ride. Relax with an aperitif while meeting the host and other guests. Watch the sunset over dinner and homemade wines.

Day 2
Breakfast at the ranch before meeting and being allocated a horse. Head out on a +/-4hr ride through the pristine countryside.This area is not widely visited by tourists which allows riders to put their horses through their paces in the deserted fields. Return to the ranch for lunch and a free afternoon (+/- 4hrs riding)

Day 3                 
After breakfast the ride heads to the Svilaja Mountain and the chance to gallop across fields en-route to the villages of Ogorje, Leskur and Milesina. After passing through the village, continue to the mountain for lunch and a break before continuing to the village of bracevic and onto the ranch to enjoy a delicious dinner. (+/- 5 hrs riding)

Day 4
After breakfast the route heads through the fields and natural paths toward the Orlove Stine mountain house where lunch will be served. Stunning views of the Perucko Lake and Cetina River backed by mountains. After a break, ride back to the ranch through the pristine scenery to enjoy dinner.

Day 5
A non-riding day. Take the chance to visit Spilt or just relax by the pool for the day.

DAY 6                             
Saddle-up after breakfast for a ride up the hill, Zelovo (2hrs). After a short break ride for another 2-3 hours through local villages. Return to the ranch for lunch and drinks. Free afternoon.

DAY 7
The final days riding adventure riding at the foot of Mount Moseć on horseback. Ride through lush fields and pastures, crossing freshwater streams before returning to the ranch for lunch. Take a late afternoon ride and say goodbye to the horses before returning to the ranch for a final dinner with your fellow riders and hosts.

Day 8
Departure and transfers are scheduled after breakfast.

 

 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

The horses at the ranch are specially trained for the trails and 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 necessary. 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 extremely calm, willing and reliable but fit and forward-going.



The riding on this holiday is fast-paced and thrilling. Expect lots of cantering through flower-filled fields and quite a few gallops on the hills, mountain slopes and wide valleys that make up this remote region.


Rider requirements

This riding programme is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. You must be comfortable at all paces including gallop and with experience of riding in open countryside. A reasonable level of fitness is required to cope with up to six hours a day in the saddle. You will be helping with feeding, grooming and tacking up your horse but assistance is always available if required.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Guests stay with the owner and his family at their ranch in basic, but comfortable double or twin rooms. There are 5 rooms in total, 3 rooms have a private bathroom and 2 rooms share a bathroom.



The meals are homemade by your hosts family and you can expect traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Guests are welcome to join the host's mother in the kitchen for an impromptu cooking demonstration to see how some Dalmatian specialties are prepared.



Breakfast includes fresh bread, cheese, jam, eggs and seasonal fruit (often home-grown). 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).


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. There’s a departure tax due when leaving the country by air. Most airlines include this in ticket prices; a few have still not done so. Check with your airline or travel company whether you need to pay this separately. If so you can pay by cash or credit/debit card in dollars or local colones. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Climate Summary

Croatia has a typically Mediterranean climate consisting of hot, dry, sunny weather during summer, and relatively mild – though sometimes wet – weather in winter. Average temperatures during summer should lie in the mid-to-high 20s °C/77-86°F, although it is more likely that you’ll have temperatures well into the 30s °C/high 80s or low 90s °F. Winters are obviously cooler, although temperatures never really get below about 5°C/41°F. Anything colder than this is considered freak weather, though technically not impossible – in the last ten or so years, there have been occasions of snow in parts of Dalmatia, such as Zadar and Split. In some winters, even Dubrovnik (one of the most southern points of Croatia) has seen a light dusting of snow. It is not usual for summer weather to stretch out into autumn with temperatures in the high teens or even low 20s (Celsius) – meaning some hardy souls still hit the beach and go swimming. In general, however, during autumn and winter on the coast, you will still experience some sunny days, although it can sometimes get quite rainy.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Croatia and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Health (ride specific)

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites

Electricity

In Croatia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Croatia, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa)

Mobile, WiFi and charging

There is electricity and Wifi available at the ranch.

Packing List

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384. Helmets are available at the stables if you do not have your own
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - for cooler weather
- Warm layers
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - it is always a good idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket!
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Eye protection - it might be very helpful as the ground is stony in many areas
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

Provided by hosts
Riding helmets

Programmes

8d / 7n programme with 5 riding days. Available on set dates with other dates available on request.

Departure Dates

2025: 19 Apr, 3, 17, 31 May, 14, 28 Jun; 6, 20 Sep; 4, 18 Oct

Pricing
No single supplement payable if willing to share with someone of same sex. Should you wish to book a single room, please see supplement price below.

No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20258d/7n5double pp1,065
20258d/7n5single supplement85
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20258d/7n5double pp1,249
20258d/7n5single supplement99
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20258d/7n5double pp1,375
20258d/7n5single supplement109
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20258d/7n5double pp14,555
20258d/7n5single supplement1,165
Recommended Reading

- Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West - Written on the brink of World War II, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon probes the troubled history of the Balkans. The landscape and the people of Yugoslavia are brilliantly observed as West untangles the tensions that rule the country’s history as well as its daily life.

- The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna. A fictional tale of a handyman in a small Croatian town who befriends a neighboring family of foreigners, and by doing so exposes the town’s dark, war-ridden past.

- Cafe Europe by Slavenka Drakulić - A collection of 25 short essays. All have a recurrent theme which is how Eastern European countries adopted Western values after the fall of communism.


Other Activities

We recommend adding a day or two onto your trip to explore the town of Split, regarded as the capital of the Dalmatia region. The town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century, the palace is now UNESCO-protected and consists of 200 buildings which now host bars, cafes and shops.

Other Country Information

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean. The capital is Zagreb, and perhaps unsurprisingly this is also Croatia's largest city. The country is divided into 20 counties, plus the city of Zagreb. Croatia has an area of 56,594 square kilometres and its climate is a combination of continental and Mediterranean weather systems. Croatia's Adriatic Sea coast contains more than a thousand islands. It has a population 4.28 million, most of whom are Croats, with the most common religious denomination being Roman Catholicism. Croatia became the 28th member state of the European Union 1 July 2013.

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Split Airport (SPU), Croatia.
Transfer:
2025: Return transfer from Split airport, bus or train station is €150 per car payable on-site in cash (max 3 pax). (subject to change)
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Split return from £330 pp (Season Dependent)
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