Farm stay in Serbia

Ride through the wild and remote areas of south-western Serbia. From Ziva farm, located on the slopes of Zlatar mountain, you'll explore green forests, blue lakes and the dramatic Uvac canyon - home to rare griffon vultures. Your host Iva, a UK-trained equine specialist with decades of experience, invites you to reconnect with nature and horses in this special setting. With sturdy native mountain horses, peaceful surroundings, and a strong focus on sustainability, this is the perfect holiday for adventurous riders seeking authenticity, nature and a slower pace of life.
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Centre based holidays
7 days (5 days riding)
From £1,008
Family holidays
from 12 y.o
Open to non-riders
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia
  • Farm stay in Serbia

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride in Uvac Natural Reserve - home to several protected species, including the Eurasian griffon vulture
- Experience Serbia's rural life, food and hospitality
- Support a business that cares - Iva is helping preserve the local horse breed!
- Enjoy an intimate and personal experience riding in a small group
  • Day 1 1: Home – Belgrade Airport - No riding

    Fly to Belgrade airport (you can also opt to fly to Sarajevo, Bosnia). Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request.

    Please make sure to book a flight landing before 2:30pm.
    Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to Amzići. After settling into the accommodation, you will be served a welcome drink and have a tour of the family farm.

    Dinner and overnight at Ziva’s farm.
  • Day 2 2: Forests & Vultures - 2-3h riding

    Today you will set off on a morning trail to the forest that surrounds the village. You will return to the farm for lunch and later drive towards a nearby lake, which also happens to be a griffon vulture observation spot. If there are no vultures around, you will be taken to the ancient village of Stitkovo. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a church and an ancient cave before returning to the farm.

    Dinner and overnight at Ziva’s farm.
  • Day 3 3: Zlatar Lake & Hike - 2-3h riding + 1-2h walking

    Today you will get your horse ready and set off towards the shores of lake Zlatar. If the weather permits you can go for a swim (without the horses) before returning to the farm for lunch.
    In the afternoon, you will go on a hike through the nearby forest and the Amzići village. You will have the opportunity to meet a few locals and learn more about the region.
    Back at Ziva’s farm you will have dinner and, in the evening, you will go on a stroll through Nova Varos town.

    Overnight at Ziva’s farm.
  • Day 4 4: Zlatar Mountain & Mileseva monastery - 2-3h riding

    Today you will explore the Zlatar mountain on horseback. You will cross several villages along the way and get a glimpse of the local way of life. You will arrive back at the farm in time for lunch and set off by car in the afternoon to visit Mileseva monastery (a 40 min. drive). This monastery dates back to the 13th century and is the home of Beli Andejo (White Angel).

    Dinner will be held at a family-owned restaurant located in the canyon of the Milesevka river. Please note this meal is not included in the price and should be paid locally.
  • Day 5 5: Full Day Ride - 5-6h riding

    Today you will ride through forests and pastures towards an old hanging pedestrian bridge over Zlatar lake. This bridge used to be the only connection to “civilization” for the villages on the other side of the lake. You will stop for today’s picnic lunch around this area.
    After lunch, you are welcome to go for a swim or just relax by the horses. Back in the saddle, you will make your way back to the farm through picturesque villages.

    Dinner and overnight at Ziva’s farm.
  • Day 6 6: Foraging & Boat trip - 2-3h riding

    On your last trail, you will revisit some of the host’s favourite spots, stopping along the way to forage for strawberries, mushrooms and herbs. Today you will return home a little earlier for lunch.
    The afternoon is action packed! You will drive to the upper lake and enjoy a boat ride along the Uvac river to the “Ice” cave. After visiting the cave and the viewpoint above it you will return to the shore and enjoy the sunset.
    Drive back to the village and enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.

    Overnight at Ziva’s farm.
  • Day 7 7: Home - No riding

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Please book a flight departing after 3pm to allow time for your transfer.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 4 international riders, plus guides.

- There is no single supplement on this ride, and you must be willing to share. On some departures a single room may be available – please contact us.

- Group transfers from/to Belgrade airport are not included. This is €90/£75/$100 per person, return rate (payable locally, in cash). Please make sure to book a flight landing before 2:30pm and departing after 3pm on the last day.
Transfers from Sarajevo are also possible - arrive before 1:30pm, depart after 2pm.
It's possible to arrange private transfers from Belgrade/Sarajevo - €140/£120/$160 per person, return rate (payable locally, in cash).

- Accompanying non-riders are welcome and will benefit from a special rate - €1000/£850/$1095.

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 12 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.

- Rider weight limit: 90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs. This is a strict limit as the horses are small. Heavier riders please contact us.

- There are several activities that can replace the ones stated in the programme: introduction to permaculture, horsemanship lessons, cheese production, kayaking, etc. Some activities will incur extra costs.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver

Accommodation

Twin room - guesthouse

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7 (excluding dinner on day 4)

Extras

National park and cave entry fees
Boat trip on day 6

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Dinner on day 4

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
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    27/09/2026 03/10/2026 £1,008 €1,200 $1,300
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Equestrian info

Horses

You will ride Serbian mountain horses. This breed is known for their smaller size, but they are strong and sure-footed.

The horses are not shod and they live outdoors.

Heights range from 13.7hh-15hh.

Guide & local team

Iva will be your lead guide. She has a BSc degree in Equine Sports Science from De Montfort University, and over 35 years of practical international experience in horse/rider training and stable management.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To participate in this holiday, riders should be comfortable at walk and trot and have some experience cantering.

The programme can be adapted for beginners (private groups).

Maximum rider weight limit: 90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs

Pace

This is a dynamic ride. There are ascents and descents, as well as some obstacles to cross like streams.

Most of the ride will be in walk. There will be a few short trots and canters where the terrain allows it.

If you are looking for an active or fast ride, you may want to consider a different option

Tacking ability and participation

Riders are welcome to assist with tacking/untacking, but this is not expected.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

There are some sections of the route that will require dismounting and leading the horse. Riders should be able to mount from the ground.

There are also some steep inclines, so riders must be able to maintain a balanced two-point position.

Equestrian equipment

English tack.
Saddle bags are not available - we recommend bringing a bumbag to carry small items with you during the day.

Helmets are mandatory and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. There are no helmets available to borrow locally.

Travel info

Comfort

Depending on the group size, you may stay in a guesthouse, log cabin or guest room in a small, family-owned property within 500m from the farm. The rooms are clean but simple.

You may be required to share a bathroom.

There is cell service in most areas. Wifi is available at the accommodations.

Meals

Most meals are traditional and made with local organic products which provides direct support to local communities.

Meat and milk are a significant part of the diet. The meals are simple but wholesome. Vegetables and fruit aren’t always available in large quantities.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated but meals will mostly focus on eggs and cheese. Please make sure to inform us in advance.

Climate

Temperatures in Amzići show significant seasonal variation. In winter, they can drop to around -6°C, while summer highs often reach 28 – 30°C.
Winters tend to be cold and crisp, especially from December to February, with temperatures hovering between -5°C and 3°C. Snowfall is common during this period and can occasionally continue into early spring. Cold air masses from the north can bring extended chilly spells through March.
Rainfall is relatively evenly spread throughout the year, though May and November are typically the wettest months. July and August tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Early spring, especially April, often sees a mix of showers and sunshine.

The weather at this altitude can change quickly, with colder spells possible even in July/August. The evenings are always fresh. We recommend bringing a few pieces of warmer clothing even for summer rides.

Tips

Tipping is customary - plan about 5%-20%.

Euro is preferred but you can also use GBP or USD.

Packing list

Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper body
- Thermal long-sleeved tops are a lightweight way of providing extra warmth, particularly in the spring/autumn
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal leggings

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas etc

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, tablet, etc
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Disclaimers:
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc).
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals.
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.