Ride on the scenic Karst Plateau of Slovenia, discovering ancient caves and castles as well as having the chance to visit the home of the Lipizzaner horse - Lipica. If you're lucky you may even spot a bear on an evening's trip to a woodland hide.
7 nights, 5 days riding, 4-7 hours/day
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1: On arrival at your accommodation in Trnje you will be shown your room and then offered dinner in the evening.
Day 2: After breakfast you are transfered to the horses, it's a short drive to Sembije (c. 15min) where the horses are located and set out on the trail, following a path which goes under a natural wall and through a tunnel carved in the rock. Upon reaching Silentabor you'll have spectacular views of the wildness around you. Your next stop is the village of Narin where you have time to rest and enjoy lunch in a pub.
After lunch, continue riding on the hillsides of Primoz where you will be able to look at the remains of the tunnels from World War I. The path leads through woods and onto floodplains of the river Pivka, before reaching Trnje again. You can settle your horses here and have dinner before returning to your B&B to overnight.
Riding time: 7 hours
Day 3: Straight after breakfast, you will head out on a half day ride to the lake Petelinjsko Jezero. The path takes you through unspoilt nature and a small village where the people may openly offer you some of their authentic homemade sheep's milk cheese to try. Head back to Trnje for lunch and to change for the afternoon sightseeing activity. Today you can choose to visit either Postonjska Jama (the cave park) or Predjamski Grad (a beautiful Medieval castle built into the mouth of a cave). NB: Entrance fees to either activity are not included.
After sightseeing, you can head out for dinner and then return to Trnje to overnight.
Riding time: 4 hours
Day 4: This morning you have another half day ride, this time to the lake Palsko Jezero, following a route through green forests and stopping to view sights along the way. After returning to Trnje for lunch, you will have a chance to change before heading to the Lipica Stud in the afternoon - the home of the Lipizzaner horse. Once there, you can choose to take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage, visit the Lipizzaner Museum, take a tour of the stables or simply relax in the beautifully maintained grounds. NB: Entrance fees and costs for additional activities are payable locally.
Later you will return to Trnje for dinner and to overnight.
Riding time: 4 hours
Day 5: Today will be a full day of riding as you head out through Trnje to the floodplains of the river Pvka. After passing an old mill and the ruins of castle Kalec, there will be a chance to stop for a rest in the shade of some huge lime trees, before continuing on woodland paths to the village of Bac, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will ride to Sembije, following the forest route uphill to Mala Milonja which offers heavenly views of the landscape around you.
Tonight you will leave the horses here and have dinner nearby before returning to Trnje to overnight.
Riding time: 7 hours
Day 6: Non-riding day as you head to Piran - an old port town that has remnants of a medieval wall, protected as a cultural historical monument. Narrow streets and closely constructed houses descend from the hill to the church and central square in true Mediterranean character. This town, which grew up under the influence of Venice, is considered to be one of the most authentic and photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. Lunch is to your own account today so you can choose from the many cafes and restaurants on offer.
No riding
Day 7: Today will begin with a short drive to Sembije to meet and saddle the horses. You will then you ride to Milojna, which is bear territory and if you are very lucky you may see one, or evidence of one, along the trail. This wild area offers breathtaking views from the hilltops and a special lunch of wild boar goulash will be served at an idyllic cottage in a clearing near some WWI tunnels. In the afternoon, you will continue your ride back to Sembije for an early dinner. This evening you will have the chance to head out with an experienced guide to a hunting observatory where, if you sit quietly enough and long enough, you may get to view wild bears.
Late at night you return to Trnje to rest.
Riding time: 5 hours
Day 8: After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or onwards travel.
