Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

CROATIA : THROUGH THE HEART OF GREEN ISTRIA...

Riding from the west coast through the interior of Istria is a special experience that every true nature and horse lover will be delighted with. The magnificent horses that you will ride are a fine mixture of Arab and English bred specially trained to work with the visitor. Accommodations and meals throughout the route are organised in rural houses to give you that rustic feel. The food and wine offered will be traditional organically-grown produce that will leave a lasting impression of the countryside. An average day’s trekking will be 25-30km for your trail: Trail across the Green Istria Stationary area trail around the ranch

ITINERARY

STATIONARY AREA TRAIL AROUND THE RANCH

Day 1
Welcome to Pula airport in the evening and transfer to our riding base (40 min drive). Arrive to Istria and settle into your accommodations in the village of Karnevali, 3km from medieval market town of Zminj. Dinner and introduction with your host.

Day 2
After a traditional breakfast we go to the stables. Easy riding through open countryside, vineyards and olive groves to a small cave Festinsko Kraljevstvo, followed by a leisurely trek to the medieval town of Savicenta and its Grimani Castle. Return home along the forest trails.

Day 3
Our journey takes us through the Draga (Shallow Valley) which divides Istria into two parts, and in Roman times was the border between two cantons. Halfway along the valley the ghost town of Dvigrad awaits us. Although surrounded by legend we know that the town was abandoned after the plague epidemic in the 16th century. The dominating twin fortresses will be our backdrop for a well-earned picknick. We continue through the valley to return to our farm in Karnevali in the afternoon.

Day 4
After the breakfast, we leave for a short visit of the city of Zminj: its market, its picturesque churches, the old district… return at the farm for the lunch. In the afternoon, we can go to visit Rovinj, a very welcoming medieval coastal town. Return in the equestrian farm late in the afternoon for the dinner and the night.

Day 5
We leave on horseback to discover the heart of Istria, with its little villages where houses built in a completely picturesque style are called Kazun. These magnificent landscapes lead us up to the antique city of Motovun. We leave our horses at the ranch for night and return to Karnavali by the road. Dinner and night in the equestrian farm..

Day 6
Today we ride through the hills of vineyards and forest until the Mirna river, a perfect place to galop... In the afternoon, on the return way, we visit a wine cellar. Return by the road to Karnavali. Dinner and night at the farm.

Day 7
It’s our last ride through the countryside, among the antique stone walls and the red rocks. We spend the last night in Karnevali with a farewell dinner.

Day 8
Breakfast and so long ! Transfert back to Pula airport in the morning.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses We own 16 horses mixed from Croatian, English blood, appaloosa. They are schooled for a trail ride with a final aim of having a safe but funfilled ride. They are all between 1m55 and 1m65. Tack Mac Lellan saddles. Also, there are 3 english saddles. If more than 3 riders request that kind of saddle, we will suggest to swap the saddle during the week. We highly recommend you to take a seat saver with you during this trip. Saddle bags are not provided, so you can take your own if required. Recommended riding level You need to be at ease at all gaits and have some experience in outdoor riding. You should be fit enough to spend 5 to 6 hours per day in the saddle, depending on the weather conditions in the mountains.

Useful information
On our rides there is a weight limit of 85 kg. If your weight is over this limit or if it has changed significantly prior to your holiday please contact us in order to make sure that we have an appropriate horse.
Non riders are welcome on that itinerary.

Children from 14 years old can be accepted if they have the required riding abilities.

YOUR GUIDES

ACCOMMODATION

During this ride nights are spent to our comfortable private farm. Every room is double occupancy basis (double bed or two twins beds) with private facilities. Full board, lunch picnic, water, soft drinks and house wine at dinner. (other drinks to be paid directly)

DATES AND RATES

It's not possible to book a single in advance however if available, there is a single supplement of 10 € / night payable on location.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please contact Laurie for any enquiry !

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Arrival to Pula.
Arrival on Saturday late afternoon and departure on Saturday after 12.00.
Pick up and drop off is arranged in the best possible way to suit all riders. (25 min transfer).