The Krka Trail

A trail riding adventure for experienced riders looking for an active pace! You will ride across the beautiful Croatian countryside from an authentic family-owned ranch to the stunning Krka National Park, following the Cetina river and exploring untouched scenery. You will be able to enjoy regular fun canters through open fields and rolling hills, with opportunities to cool off in beautiful rivers and lakes in the summer months. There is time off the saddle too: visit Visovac Island and its historic monasteries, and the endless waterfalls of Skradinski Buk on the Krka river. This enriching riding holiday in Croatia will also bring you closer to local families where you will be introduced to traditional cuisine and delicious local produce! Long days in the saddle, fit, forward horses and great hospitality make this trail ride one of the best riding holidays in Croatia.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
8 days/ 6 days riding
From £1,304

From the horse’s mouth

  • The Krka Trail
    April 2024 Elena aged 20
    Amazing and well organised trip with breathtaking scenery. The horses were all strong, healthy and forward going. Markos and Bosko were both helpful and made the trip a lot of fun. Colorado was a fast and strong piebald, he was well natured and so much fun.
  • The Krka Trail
    October 2023 Janine aged 40
    Fun ride with plenty of pace, incredible hospitality and amazing horses. Pegasus, 4.5 year old Thoroughbred. Very sweet natured horse who I really enjoyed riding, amazingly comfortable paces but I think he needs a little more time to mature in both body and mind.
  • The Krka Trail
    September 2023 Alina aged 28
    The Krka Trail in Croatia was an amazing experience! The scenery was very beautiful and it was great to get to explore the country on horseback. My horse was absolutely perfect for me! He was very friendly, fit and forward-going and we had so much fun! Food and accommodation were also very good and our guide and all... Read all
  • The Krka Trail
    September 2023 Jill aged 65
    Grom was fit and forward going, but also responsive so I felt I had brakes! I really enjoyed my week with him!!
  • The Krka Trail
    July 2023 SANNAMARI aged 34
    It was a great experience and everything was just like equus journeys said in their website. I will use equus journeys again :) Dollybell was very nice thoroughbred, kind and calm but fast enough :)

Itinerary

Highlights

- Visit “Skradinski Buk” – the longest series of waterfalls on the Krka River.
- Take a boat trip to Visovac Island (optional).
- Enjoy long canters through beautiful open fields – this is an active trail ride suitable for strong intermediate and advanced riders.
- Ride fit, forward-going horses that are an absolute pleasure to ride!

Iris from Equus Journeys has been lucky enough to ride the Krka Trail and will be happy to answer your questions!
  • Day 1 1: Home – Split - No riding

    International flight to Split (flights are not included, but can be booked upon request). Transfer to the ranch (50 min) where you can get to know the other riders, and the staff. Before dinner, you may enjoy a glass of wine from the ranch’s own vineyard!

    Note: Transfers are not included but can be arranged, please check the “dates and prices” section to know more.
  • Day 2 2: Introductory Ride - Approx. 3-4 hours riding

    After a lovely breakfast, you will be matched with your horse and get out on your first ride. Enjoy your first exhilarating canters in the fields of Sinj. Return to the ranch where lunch will be waiting for you. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or getting acquainted with the surrounding area. If you are interested in visiting the town of Sinj and the remains of the fortress of Grad, this would be a good opportunity to do so.
  • Day 3 3: River Cetina & Lake Peruca - Approx. 5-6 hours riding

    Today, ride trough the beautiful fields up to the river Cetina where you can enjoy a long canter and perhaps pick up the pace a bit! Lunch will be served by the river. Continue to ride on rolling hillsides to the plateau “Bitelic”, and enjoy the view of the mountains Dinara and Svilaja. Take an old Roman pathway that will take you through an old stone village called “Vucipolje”. Eventually, you will reach lake Peruca. The horses stay here and you get back to the ranch by car (20 minute journey).
  • Day 4 4: Town of Vrlika - Approx. 6 hours riding

    After a relaxing night, pack up your bag for the next three nights and you will then be driven back to the lake. After getting your horse for the day, you will follow the water’s edge of lake Peruca. Along this trail you will have the opportunity to enjoy some fast paces and cool off in the river before getting ready for lunch. Continue your trail ride across the river, and through open fields where you can canter freely. Arrive to a little Croatian town called Vrlika. Overnight at a family home, where you will be treated to an absolute feast from your hosts' own garden!
  • Day 5 5: Mountainous Trail - Approx. 6 hours riding

    Start the morning climbing up the mountains through the village of Maovice. Once you get to the top, enjoy the breathtaking and panoramic view. After a quick break, start the descent to the foot of the mountain. After lunch, the pace will pick up as you trot, canter, and gallop through the vineyards to the town of Drnis. Untack your horse and you will then jump in the bus for a short transfer to your guesthouse/agriturismo for the night.
  • Day 6 6: Visovac Island - Approx. 3 hours riding

    After breakfast, make your way to the Krka National Park. This is a slower ride today, as the terrain is quite hard on the horses. You will ride back to the guesthouse where the horses will stay today, and enjoy lunch there. A short transfer to Krka river where you can take a boat tour to the island of Visovac, home to the Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy. This monastery holds a very important archaeological collection of historical vessels, and numerous historical manuscripts and books. Continue the tour to see “Roski Slap”, where you will be able to swim in the river, and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls. Get back to Bristane and enjoy dinner and a glass of wine!
  • Day 7 7: Cikola Canyon & Krka National Park - Approx. 5 hours riding

    An early start today as you continue your trail riding holiday towards the Canyon of the Cikola river. The canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the National Park. As you make your way, you will see the river entering the Visovac Lake surrounded by enormous cliffs, rich in colourful fauna. Make your way down into the canyon, until reaching the Cikola river crossing. After lunch break, carry on riding through the villages of Goris and Konjevrate, until you arrive at the entrance of the National Park Krka, called “Skradinski Buk”. This will be the end of the riding day and after untacking the horses, transfer back to the ranch.

    You will still have time to visit “Skradinski Buk” – the longest series of waterfalls on the Krka River. These waterfalls have many islands, and lakes which can be looked at freely thanks to a network of paths and bridges. Transfer back to the ranch (approx. 1h)
  • Day 8 8: Split - Home - No riding

    After a lovely breakfast you’ll be transferred to the Split Airport in time for your flight back home and we say our farewells.

    Note: Transfers are not included but can be arranged, please check the “dates and prices” section to know more.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination 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 or triple room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 3 riders and a maximum of 10 international riders, plus guides.

- Single rooms are not available on this trail and you must be prepared to share.

- If you need airport transfers, they can be arranged at the cost of €75 per person (return rate). This is payable locally in cash. Split city or bus station transfer will incur an additional $30/€25/£20 surcharge, per person, each way.

- Not included in the price:
Boat tour to Visovac island, payable locally: around €15-25
National park ticket to Skradinski buk - price varies from the low to the high season, please factor in around €15-25

- The minimum age to participate in this riding holiday is 12. However please note young riders should be excellent riders and fit to ride forward horses.

- IMPORTANT : Riders weighing more than 100 kg please indicate this at time of booking so we can ensure suitable horses are available.
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

7 nights in shared accommodation

Meals

Full board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the final day
Drinks at the ranch and the guesthouses (water and juice only during picnic lunches)

Price doesn't include

Meals

Personal extras

Transport

Return airport transfers - see above for details
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

Extras

Entrance tickets for the Krka National Park
Optional boat trip

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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Equestrian info

Horses

All horses are forward going and well-trained for trails. Some of Bosko’s horses are actually former racehorses, retrained by him to work on the trails. The breeds range from Thoroughbreds to Croatian and Bosnian warmbloods to other crosses. The horses on the Krka trail and true trail riding horses: they are fit and forward-going, and love their job. They range from 15hh – 16.2hh.

Guide & local team

This trail riding holiday in Croatia is operated by Bosko, a true Croatian horseman who will be pleased to share his culture with his guests. Marko is the main lead guide, a local from Sinj who has great love for horses (and animals in general!) and is a very skilled, compassionate rider.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This ride is designed for strong intermediate and experienced riders. You should be comfortable at all paces (including gallops) and able to keep your balance over varied and uneven ground. You must be comfortable riding at speed over varied terrain.

Maximum weight limit: 100 kg/220 lbs/ 15.7 st - heavier riders please contact us.

Pace

This is a multi-base riding holiday in which you will be spending an average of 5 to 6 hours in the saddle each day (except on Day 2 and 6 which are half days). This is an active tail and there will be a lot of opportunities for long canters and gallops.

Tacking ability and participation

All riders are expected to tack and untack their own horses, athlough help is always on hand if necessary.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You must be riding fit - the days in the saddle can be long and the summers (June to August) are really hot, so you must cope well with the heat if you choose to travel then. Please note that on some occasions, you may have to dismount and lead your horse over difficult terrain.

Equestrian equipment

You will be riding with trail saddles, and occasionally English ones. Most horses are ridden in simple snaffles.
The saddlebags have small pockets for water etc.

Travel info

Comfort

- 4 nights at Bosko's ranch: the rooms are simple, yet comfortable and are all en-suite.
- 1 night at a family home: the guest rooms are bright and modern, with comfortable beds. Some of the rooms share a bathroom. The hosts make their own delicious wine and fruit liqueur, and have a wonderful garden, meaning they are almost entirely self-sufficient!
- 2 nights at a guesthouse/agriturismo, surrounded by olive groves.

The accommodation provided at the ranch and the family guesthouses is relatively basic yet comfortable, the bathrooms are shared in all accommodations with the exception of the main ranch where rooms are all en-suite.

Please note single rooms cannot be guaranteed and you must be prepared to share.

Meals

All meals are provided during the ride - you will eat well! Meals are varied, very generous, and consist of local produce. Amongst Sinj specialties you can find arambasici (minced meet with spices wrapped in sour cabbage leaf), home-reared lamb, trout of Cetina, and others.

- Breakfast: fresh bread, granola, yoghurt, cheese and ham, eggs, tea & coffee, juice
- Lunch is either a picnic lunch (a large sandwich, fruit, water or juice - tables and chairs are brought to you) or a proper meal at the ranch/guesthouse.
- Dinner is usually a salad or soup, followed by a traditional meal and dessert.

Drinks are included at the ranch and the local guesthouses.
Most dietary requests can be met but please contact us with your requirements before booking.

Climate

The climate in the Krka area is mild with no dry season, and warm summer. Average temperature of all months is lower than 22°C, and rainfall is spread equally all year around. The month with higher temperatures in July (around 30°C), and the one with lower temperature is January with registered temperatures as low as 3°C.

Tips

Tips are welcome but left to your discretion.

Packing list

Head
- We recommend all guests to wear a helmet and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- 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 if you need it (early 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 (season dependent)
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- 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 and towel
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day.
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 x 1 litre)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- 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
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- We recommend taking any valuables, such as your camera, iPod, iPad, medicines and glasses etc. in your hand luggage. Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals.

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.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Alka Festival

Every year in August, the local town of Sinj hosts the Alka festival. Riders ride at full gallop along the main street, aiming lances at an iron ring (Alka). This festival first took place in the 18th century as a chivalry tournament commemorating the victory over Ottoman Turkish administration, and is still hugely popular these days! You may find this YouTube video interesting: click here.

On the blog

"It’s easy to think of Croatia as the new touristic hub of the Balkans: a place where people come to party, work on their tan, and drink cheap beer. Instead, what I found on the Krka trail in Dalmatia is a little corner of the world that is still full of charm, authenticity, and steeped in equestrian traditions." - Equus team member Iris visited the Krka trail in 2022. Here is her report from the ride: click here

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Elena aged 20 Dublin 1 trip
    April 2024
    Amazing and well organised trip with breathtaking scenery. The horses were all strong, healthy and forward going. Markos and Bosko were both helpful and made the trip a lot of fun. Colorado was a fast and strong piebald, he was well natured and so much fun.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Gwladys aged 35 Carlingford 2 trips
    October 2023
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Sara aged 57 MATLOCK 1 trip
    October 2023
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Janine aged 40 STRAFFAN 2 trips
    October 2023
    Fun ride with plenty of pace, incredible hospitality and amazing horses. Pegasus, 4.5 year old Thoroughbred. Very sweet natured horse who I really enjoyed riding, amazingly comfortable paces but I think he needs a little more time to mature in both body and mind.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Alina aged 28 Sastamala 1 trip
    September 2023
    The Krka Trail in Croatia was an amazing experience! The scenery was very beautiful and it was great to get to explore the country on horseback. My horse was absolutely perfect for me! He was very friendly, fit and forward-going and we had so much fun! Food and accommodation were also very good and our guide and all... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Jill aged 65 BRISTOL 1 trip
    September 2023
    Grom was fit and forward going, but also responsive so I felt I had brakes! I really enjoyed my week with him!!
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • SANNAMARI aged 34 KAUSALA 1 trip
    July 2023
    It was a great experience and everything was just like equus journeys said in their website. I will use equus journeys again :) Dollybell was very nice thoroughbred, kind and calm but fast enough :)
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Jane aged 55 ANSTEY 5 trips
    April 2023
    This holiday was by far the best trail ride holiday I have been on. The horses were athletic and well cared for. Bosco and his team ran a seemless holiday. We had fantastic accommodation and we were well catered for. The holiday is advertised for advanced riders and this is accurate. The horses are fast, fit and love... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Sharon aged 57 PLYMOUTH 5 trips
    April 2023
    I’ve been on many trail rides over the years and this is up there with the best. Great horses(all of them I would have been happy to ride) brilliant hosting/ guiding, accommodation varied and of a very good quality and the food / drink was extremely good. We were very fortunate to have a group of 8 of us who all got... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • LYNN aged 68 BRISTOL 2 trips
    April 2023
    A great trail, adventurous and varied. Bosco makes it in many ways, he is charming and such a performer. The tack was a problem. Some of the saddles had lumps and bumps, so several riders ended up a bit sore (was also due to poor riding in one instance). But I think one defo needs padded pants for these trails!... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Fiona aged 52 BRATTON 1 trip
    April 2023
    Amazing breathtaking area to travel through on horseback. Everyone was friendly and hospitable. Mario and Ivan who took the rides took great pictures and videos ensuring everyone was included. Bosco the owner took a drone video which was amazing to be able to see yourself in canter/ gallop. Horses were super fit and... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Michael aged 80 MONARCH, ALBERTA 5 trips
    October 2022
    I've ridden in 11 countries; this ride was one of the best--most enjoyable and memorable. Of course the drone videos help remembering--a nice and unexpected bonus. My horse was great--as were all the staff. Extra compliments for Angela's cooking!
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Richard aged 54 Brough 1 trip
    September 2022
    A fantastic trip. Nothing was too much trouble and we were looked after completely from arrival to departure. Horses were healthy and cared for and performed well over many different terrains. Stunning scenery, swimming, fast galloping and made some great new friends. Finished off with a great drone video capturing a... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Silvia aged 32 Traunreut 1 trip
    June 2022
    We enjoyed a fast and scenic trail through croatia. The national parks were stunning, the horses well behaved and Bosko made a drone video as a wonderful memory of this trip for us. Overall, I highly recommend this trail for experienced riders who don`t mind the heat ;-) After a horse change (thanks Iris ;-) I got the... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Cornelia Elisabeth L aged 32 LEERDAM 3 trips
    June 2022
    A various trail with nice canters and gallops. Bosco and his team know what they are doing so it’s a worry free trail as well. They are a well oiled machine. Colorado is an amazing horse. He’s very steady like all horses on the trail where. Although they know exactly when the faster parts are they stay relaxed until... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide