Trail | Gourmet Rides in Istria
Land & Sea - On horseback through a magical country full of culture and history
Trail | Gourmet Rides in Istria
Land & Sea - On horseback through a magical country full of culture and history
Kurzinformation
Webcode: ISTSTA
Programmart: Trail
Reisezeit: Fixed dates
Unterkunft: Farm, guest house
Verpflegung: Full board
Zimmer: Double
Sprache: English
Nichtreiter: yes
Kinder: upon request
Eigenes Pferd: no
Gruppengrösse / Mitreiter
Min: 4
Max: 6
Short tour: minimum of two riders and a maximum of six.
Beschreibung & Reiseverlauf
Istria is the largest peninsula of Croatia and is located in the northwest of the country not far from Slovenia and Italy. Picturesque hills, ancient romantic villages, wineries, forests, fjord-like valleys, glamorous port cities and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea are what give this region and its landscape a special charm.
Istria also has a lot to offer historically and culturally. Numerous peoples - especially the ancient Romans - left their traces on the peninsula. Numerous churches, impressive old frescoes, cave paintings, old shelters are spread over the country. This riding program shows you Istria from its most beautiful side. The rides lead every day in different directions, so that you will ride in different areas every day and get varied impressions.
You will ride over open landscapes, through valleys, over gentle hills and past medieval towns and villages. Your companions will not only be your fellow riders, your guides and your sure-footed and industrious four-legged friends, but also some animals, birds, the murmur of the river water, the silence of the lake and the sound of waves crashing against the coast. At the end of each day you can relax with a delicious glass of wine, taste traditional dishes and review the day.
Reiseverlauf
Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to the farm. Your current accommodation is located about 25km from Pula. Dinner together and tour briefing. Depending on the time and arrival of other riders, short tour of the stables.
Day 2: After a traditional breakfast with fresh bread & rolls, ham, cheese and homemade products you will go to the stables where you will meet your horses. Today we plan an easy ride through open landscapes, vineyards and olive groves to get familiar with your horse. The first stop in the morning will be in front of the small but fascinating Feštinsko Kraljevstvo Caves, which were discovered quite by chance in the 1930s below a vineyard and are now open to the public. A 20-minute visit (free admission) to the Feštini kingdom gives an insight into what the foundations of the Istrian peninsula are made of. During a free medica (honey-flavoured grappa) you can immerse yourself in the under-Irish world with its myths and treasures. This is followed by a ride in a southerly direction, always with beautiful views over the peninsula. Near the village of Orihi you can see the sea in the east as well as in the west when the weather is clear. Even though the Istrian hinterland is becoming more and more popular with visitors, you can still ride undisturbed and enjoy the authentic rural area in peace. In the late afternoon you will reach the stable near the village of Karnevali, where you will have a pleasant dinner and possibly have the opportunity to use the pool in your accommodation to relax.
Day 3: After a restful night and a delicious homemade breakfast, you will set off again on horseback. You will cross central Istria - beautiful landscapes along old stone walls. The soil here is red and offers a contrast to the karst formations. Small paths lead you to the ruins of the old village of Vigrad. After a breather, you walk through the ruins of the medieval town and enjoy your lunch picnic. Afterwards you will ride over fields of the valley, which once protected the sea. You cross the valley and ride to Tinjan. Your day today will end with your arrival near Karojba. For dinner you will be driven today - a konoba - a typical travertine for local food is waiting for you. With a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy delicious truffles today - fresh and harvested by the landlord himself! Afterwards, you will be driven to your accommodation in Cassa Rossa for the day and let the day end in peace.
Day 4: After breakfast you will be taken to the horses. Today you have time to explore the beautiful landscape of the Istra region in peace and quiet. The day brings you great views of the largest acropolis city in Istra - Motovun. Motovun is a historical monument situated on a 277m high hill, from which you can see the river Mirna, Livade and forests where truffles are always growing. You will ride along the banks of Motovun to reach the Mirna River, which will take you downstream to Lake Butoniga. Here you will spend your lunch break and after a short rest you will start climbing up the hill. The route takes you through vineyards, fields and small villages. The day is full of beautiful sights and opportunities to take some great photos of the changing landscape. You slowly approach the steepest part before descending again to the small village of Kotli, famous for its stone mill on the river. You cross a bridge and see the water rushing by below you. Again and again you will discover small holes in the stones that have been formed by the water. Some of them have grown into a small pool over time. The water level depends entirely on the amount of rain of the last days, so it is hard to predict in advance how high the water will be. After the ride the horses enjoy their break while you drive to the nearby taverna in Kolinasi: Try a wine or a locally produced grappa here! Today you can also try the traditional dish kroštule - a sweet pastry whose recipe is still passed down from generation to generation. Afterwards you can make yourself comfortable in your accommodation.
Day 5: After breakfast you break again on horseback. You will pass through the town Roč with its five towers on the foothills of the mountain. The village is famous for the traditional instrument Triestina, a kind of accordion. You will pass some villages and not seldom you will meet monuments and sights. At the end of your walk Hum is waiting for you - with the reputation of being the smallest town in the world with an incredibly long history that began as early as the 11th century. Slowly ride back towards the starting point and pass through the village Draguć. This small town in the middle of nowhere is also called the Istrian Hollywood, because some film projects were realized here. At the same time, the village can look back on a long history, which can be seen in the old churches, chapels and stone houses. From Draguć you have a beautiful view of beautiful valleys, forests and the lake Butoniga. After your lunch break you will reach after some time Gračišće, which is surrounded by vines and captivates you with its paved paths and the magnificent view. Here you will find a place for your horse so that you can go for a wine tasting. Enjoy the good quality of locally produced wines, through whose vines you have ridden before. Afterwards you will have no further time for your dinner and then you will spend the night in the centre of this small town.
Day 6: Today you can still enjoy wonderful views of the beautiful landscapes. You ride slowly down the Raša valley and follow the river. Here you will also ride on small trails to take some of the strain off the horses´ backs. You will be surrounded by beautiful, untouched nature and pass some historical, small places like Pićan, which has architecture from the 14th century. You will slowly notice a change in the flora & fauna as you descend into the valley. Once down there is time for a leisurely picnic. Afterwards you will walk at a brisk pace across the soft, flat ground towards the sea. Not only the flora & fauna is very different here, but also the architecture. You will reach the town of Raša, which was built in exactly 547 days in 1937. It is built around a mine and was originally built for their work and their families. At the moment Raša is a rather deserted town, as most of its inhabitants left it after the mine was closed. You will also pass by the town of Labin, which, unlike Raša, is still inhabited today and offers an interesting mixture of old and new parts. You will finish your ride today near the river and will be taken to your accommodation (about 15 minutes away).
Day 7: You will start your last riding day in the morning and finally reach the sea. Your way leads you over some fields and through small water channels where you can see fish and frogs swimming. You ride along the coast until you reach some woods on narrow paths. These small paths were once used by the villagers as the main route for their cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys to reach a fresh water source with the animals. The highlight of the day is still ahead of you - a quiet stretch of beach where you can (depending on the weather) go swimming with the horses - a unique experience! Afterwards you will pass through several villages until you choose your picnic spot for today. Afterwards you go to the beach and then slowly back. At dinner together you can share your experiences of the week before the last night falls.
Day 8: Breakfast and journey home.
Unterkunft
The accommodation is chosen so that you do not have to travel far after your riding day. Most of the rooms are furnished in a rustic style, but with the luxury of modern times. All rooms are equipped with shower/WC. The first and last night is usually on the farm.
The family-run equestrian farm is located inland in a quiet area. An ideal place to relax and unwind. The farm consists of several buildings arranged around the courtyard, built in the typical Istrian style of stone and with red roofs. In the main house there is a common room with kitchen and living & dining area and a fireplace for cooler days. The covered terrace offers enough space to enjoy the outdoor dining and has a barbecue.
Catering:
The food and wine offered is traditional and locally produced and is intended to give a lasting impression of the region of Istria. The food is freshly prepared and local ingredients are used - no frozen food! Many products are grown on the farm or supplied by the neighbours. Home-bred chickens provide fresh eggs and there are countless Istrian traditional dishes that guests can try. Although the inhabitants of Istria are known as great meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans are of course also taken into consideration if you book in advance.
The dishes often consist of homemade hearty soups (based on a ion of beans, herbs and potatoes), clear soups, meat stews (wild boar, beef, venison, rabbit, chicken), served with a local variety of pasta.
Of course, as on the rest of the Croatian coast, homemade prosciutto and cheese are very popular. Istrian prosciutto has a special international recognition value and is a regional trademark.
Local drinks include red and white wine and a variety of strong alcoholic beverages such as grappa, walnut brandy, biska (mistletoe liqueur), etc.
Pferde, Reiten & Zaumzeug
Pferde:
Arab crosses, Anglo thoroughbred crosses, indigenous breeds and Appaloosas, all between 1.55-1.66m
Sattel & Zaum:
English tack and trekking/ McClellan saddles.
Reiterfahrung: Intermediate to advanced riding skills. Comfortable in all gaits and experienced in varied terrain. Riding time 4-7 hours per riding day. Minimum age 12 years (accompanied by an adult). Maximum rider weight 90kg.
Kundenmeinungen & weitere Informationen
Kundenmeinungen, Informationen zum Land (wie z.B. Visabestimmungen) und Wetterinfos finden Sie bei und nur online, da sich diese täglich ändern können. Gehen Sie dafür bitte online auf www.equitour.com/iststa.htm
Preise & Termine
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Dates, prices, prestations
Gourmet Rides in Istria
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Included: 8 (5) Tage/7 (4) Übernachtungen im DZ mit DU/WC, 6 (3) Reittage, Vollpension, Getränke zum Mittagspicknick, Ausflüge/Besichtigungen wie beschrieben, Gepäcktransport, Englisch sprechende Tourenführung, Transfer ab/an Flughafen Pula. |
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Accomodation
The accommodation is chosen so that you do not have to travel far after your riding day. Most of the rooms are furnished in a rustic style, but with the luxury of modern times. All rooms are equipped with shower/WC. The first and last night is usually on the farm.
The family-run equestrian farm is located inland in a quiet area. An ideal place to relax and unwind. The farm consists of several buildings arranged around the courtyard, built in the typical Istrian style of stone and with red roofs. In the main house there is a common room with kitchen and living & dining area and a fireplace for cooler days. The covered terrace offers enough space to enjoy the outdoor dining and has a barbecue.
Catering:
The food and wine offered is traditional and locally produced and is intended to give a lasting impression of the region of Istria. The food is freshly prepared and local ingredients are used - no frozen food! Many products are grown on the farm or supplied by the neighbours. Home-bred chickens provide fresh eggs and there are countless Istrian traditional dishes that guests can try. Although the inhabitants of Istria are known as great meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans are of course also taken into consideration if you book in advance.
The dishes often consist of homemade hearty soups (based on a ion of beans, herbs and potatoes), clear soups, meat stews (wild boar, beef, venison, rabbit, chicken), served with a local variety of pasta.
Of course, as on the rest of the Croatian coast, homemade prosciutto and cheese are very popular. Istrian prosciutto has a special international recognition value and is a regional trademark.
Local drinks include red and white wine and a variety of strong alcoholic beverages such as grappa, walnut brandy, biska (mistletoe liqueur), etc.
In a nutshell
Webcode: ISTSTA
Program Type: Trail
Travel Time: Fixed dates
Lodging: Farm, guest house
Catering: Full board
Accomodation: Double
Language: English
Non Riders: yes
Kids: upon request
Own Horse: no
Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 6
Short tour: minimum of two riders and a maximum of six.
Istria is the largest peninsula of Croatia and is located in the northwest of the country not far from Slovenia and Italy. Picturesque hills, ancient romantic villages, wineries, forests, fjord-like valleys, glamorous port cities and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea are what give this region and its landscape a special charm.
Istria also has a lot to offer historically and culturally. Numerous peoples - especially the ancient Romans - left their traces on the peninsula. Numerous churches, impressive old frescoes, cave paintings, old shelters are spread over the country. This riding program shows you Istria from its most beautiful side. The rides lead every day in different directions, so that you will ride in different areas every day and get varied impressions.
You will ride over open landscapes, through valleys, over gentle hills and past medieval towns and villages. Your companions will not only be your fellow riders, your guides and your sure-footed and industrious four-legged friends, but also some animals, birds, the murmur of the river water, the silence of the lake and the sound of waves crashing against the coast. At the end of each day you can relax with a delicious glass of wine, taste traditional dishes and review the day.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to the farm. Your current accommodation is located about 25km from Pula. Dinner together and tour briefing. Depending on the time and arrival of other riders, short tour of the stables.Day 2: After a traditional breakfast with fresh bread & rolls, ham, cheese and homemade products you will go to the stables where you will meet your horses. Today we plan an easy ride through open landscapes, vineyards and olive groves to get familiar with your horse. The first stop in the morning will be in front of the small but fascinating Feštinsko Kraljevstvo Caves, which were discovered quite by chance in the 1930s below a vineyard and are now open to the public. A 20-minute visit (free admission) to the Feštini kingdom gives an insight into what the foundations of the Istrian peninsula are made of. During a free medica (honey-flavoured grappa) you can immerse yourself in the under-Irish world with its myths and treasures. This is followed by a ride in a southerly direction, always with beautiful views over the peninsula. Near the village of Orihi you can see the sea in the east as well as in the west when the weather is clear. Even though the Istrian hinterland is becoming more and more popular with visitors, you can still ride undisturbed and enjoy the authentic rural area in peace. In the late afternoon you will reach the stable near the village of Karnevali, where you will have a pleasant dinner and possibly have the opportunity to use the pool in your accommodation to relax.
Day 3: After a restful night and a delicious homemade breakfast, you will set off again on horseback. You will cross central Istria - beautiful landscapes along old stone walls. The soil here is red and offers a contrast to the karst formations. Small paths lead you to the ruins of the old village of Vigrad. After a breather, you walk through the ruins of the medieval town and enjoy your lunch picnic. Afterwards you will ride over fields of the valley, which once protected the sea. You cross the valley and ride to Tinjan. Your day today will end with your arrival near Karojba. For dinner you will be driven today - a konoba - a typical travertine for local food is waiting for you. With a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy delicious truffles today - fresh and harvested by the landlord himself! Afterwards, you will be driven to your accommodation in Cassa Rossa for the day and let the day end in peace.
Day 4: After breakfast you will be taken to the horses. Today you have time to explore the beautiful landscape of the Istra region in peace and quiet. The day brings you great views of the largest acropolis city in Istra - Motovun. Motovun is a historical monument situated on a 277m high hill, from which you can see the river Mirna, Livade and forests where truffles are always growing. You will ride along the banks of Motovun to reach the Mirna River, which will take you downstream to Lake Butoniga. Here you will spend your lunch break and after a short rest you will start climbing up the hill. The route takes you through vineyards, fields and small villages. The day is full of beautiful sights and opportunities to take some great photos of the changing landscape. You slowly approach the steepest part before descending again to the small village of Kotli, famous for its stone mill on the river. You cross a bridge and see the water rushing by below you. Again and again you will discover small holes in the stones that have been formed by the water. Some of them have grown into a small pool over time. The water level depends entirely on the amount of rain of the last days, so it is hard to predict in advance how high the water will be. After the ride the horses enjoy their break while you drive to the nearby taverna in Kolinasi: Try a wine or a locally produced grappa here! Today you can also try the traditional dish kroštule - a sweet pastry whose recipe is still passed down from generation to generation. Afterwards you can make yourself comfortable in your accommodation.
Day 5: After breakfast you break again on horseback. You will pass through the town Roč with its five towers on the foothills of the mountain. The village is famous for the traditional instrument Triestina, a kind of accordion. You will pass some villages and not seldom you will meet monuments and sights. At the end of your walk Hum is waiting for you - with the reputation of being the smallest town in the world with an incredibly long history that began as early as the 11th century. Slowly ride back towards the starting point and pass through the village Draguć. This small town in the middle of nowhere is also called the Istrian Hollywood, because some film projects were realized here. At the same time, the village can look back on a long history, which can be seen in the old churches, chapels and stone houses. From Draguć you have a beautiful view of beautiful valleys, forests and the lake Butoniga. After your lunch break you will reach after some time Gračišće, which is surrounded by vines and captivates you with its paved paths and the magnificent view. Here you will find a place for your horse so that you can go for a wine tasting. Enjoy the good quality of locally produced wines, through whose vines you have ridden before. Afterwards you will have no further time for your dinner and then you will spend the night in the centre of this small town.
Day 6: Today you can still enjoy wonderful views of the beautiful landscapes. You ride slowly down the Raša valley and follow the river. Here you will also ride on small trails to take some of the strain off the horses´ backs. You will be surrounded by beautiful, untouched nature and pass some historical, small places like Pićan, which has architecture from the 14th century. You will slowly notice a change in the flora & fauna as you descend into the valley. Once down there is time for a leisurely picnic. Afterwards you will walk at a brisk pace across the soft, flat ground towards the sea. Not only the flora & fauna is very different here, but also the architecture. You will reach the town of Raša, which was built in exactly 547 days in 1937. It is built around a mine and was originally built for their work and their families. At the moment Raša is a rather deserted town, as most of its inhabitants left it after the mine was closed. You will also pass by the town of Labin, which, unlike Raša, is still inhabited today and offers an interesting mixture of old and new parts. You will finish your ride today near the river and will be taken to your accommodation (about 15 minutes away).
Day 7: You will start your last riding day in the morning and finally reach the sea. Your way leads you over some fields and through small water channels where you can see fish and frogs swimming. You ride along the coast until you reach some woods on narrow paths. These small paths were once used by the villagers as the main route for their cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys to reach a fresh water source with the animals. The highlight of the day is still ahead of you - a quiet stretch of beach where you can (depending on the weather) go swimming with the horses - a unique experience! Afterwards you will pass through several villages until you choose your picnic spot for today. Afterwards you go to the beach and then slowly back. At dinner together you can share your experiences of the week before the last night falls.
Day 8: Breakfast and journey home.
Accomodation
The accommodation is chosen so that you do not have to travel far after your riding day. Most of the rooms are furnished in a rustic style, but with the luxury of modern times. All rooms are equipped with shower/WC. The first and last night is usually on the farm.
The family-run equestrian farm is located inland in a quiet area. An ideal place to relax and unwind. The farm consists of several buildings arranged around the courtyard, built in the typical Istrian style of stone and with red roofs. In the main house there is a common room with kitchen and living & dining area and a fireplace for cooler days. The covered terrace offers enough space to enjoy the outdoor dining and has a barbecue.
Catering:
The food and wine offered is traditional and locally produced and is intended to give a lasting impression of the region of Istria. The food is freshly prepared and local ingredients are used - no frozen food! Many products are grown on the farm or supplied by the neighbours. Home-bred chickens provide fresh eggs and there are countless Istrian traditional dishes that guests can try. Although the inhabitants of Istria are known as great meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans are of course also taken into consideration if you book in advance.
The dishes often consist of homemade hearty soups (based on a ion of beans, herbs and potatoes), clear soups, meat stews (wild boar, beef, venison, rabbit, chicken), served with a local variety of pasta.
Of course, as on the rest of the Croatian coast, homemade prosciutto and cheese are very popular. Istrian prosciutto has a special international recognition value and is a regional trademark.
Local drinks include red and white wine and a variety of strong alcoholic beverages such as grappa, walnut brandy, biska (mistletoe liqueur), etc.
Saddle & Tack: English tack and trekking/ McClellan saddles.
Experience: Intermediate to advanced riding skills. Comfortable in all gaits and experienced in varied terrain. Riding time 4-7 hours per riding day. Minimum age 12 years (accompanied by an adult). Maximum rider weight 90kg.
Horses: Arab crosses, Anglo thoroughbred crosses, indigenous breeds and Appaloosas, all between 1.55-1.66m
In a nutshell
Webcode: ISTSTA
Program Type: Trail
Travel Time: Fixed dates
Lodging: Farm, guest house
Catering: Full board
Accomodation: Double
Language: English
Non Riders: yes
Kids: upon request
Own Horse: no
Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 6
Short tour: minimum of two riders and a maximum of six.
All itineraries, prices & dates subject to changes © EQUITOUR International Riding Vacations, Switzerland