9 - 16 May 2026 TEST RIDE WITH GABY

Local farms and guest houses. Riders are welcomed with authentic Serbian hospitality, staying in a mix of rustic mountain guesthouses and traditional ethno-villages. From the highland farmsteads of Taor to the cultural charm of Kostunici and Gostoljublje, each stop combines comfort with local character - hearty home-cooked meals, natural surroundings, and a true taste of rural life in the heart of Serbia.

Day 1 – Arrival in Taor (Povlen Mountains) We recommend arriving a day or two earlier to explore Belgrade, Serbia’s lively capital, where history, culture, and modern charm intertwine. On the official start day, we meet as a group and transfer to the mountain village of Taor, set at 1,100 m in the Povlen Mountains (airport transfers from Belgrade included). Your rustic guesthouse offers the first taste of Serbian hospitality. After settling in, enjoy a traditional dinner with homemade rakija while we brief you about the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – First Ride & Divčibare Plateau After breakfast, it’s time to meet your horse and set off on the first stretch of the trail. The route takes you through forest paths and rolling meadows towards Divčibare, a scenic plateau famous for its ski slopes and alpine landscapes. The ride is mostly at a gentle pace, with chances for trots and canters on open stretches. Dinner and accommodation await in the Divčibare area. Riding: ~25 km (4–5 hours)

Day 3 – Open Steppes to Rajac Today’s trail brings long stretches of open terrain, perfect for gallops across steppe-like meadows. The path climbs gradually towards Mount Rajac, offering panoramic views of Serbia’s central highlands. You’ll ride through unspoiled countryside where shepherds still tend their flocks as they have for centuries. Overnight stay near Rajac with hearty local dishes. Riding: ~30 km (5 hours)

Day 4 – Ethno-Village Kostunici After breakfast, the trail leads into the heart of Šumadija, Serbia’s green rolling hills. We ride to the ethno-village of Kostunici- a place that feels like time has stopped. Traditional wooden guesthouses, a small lake, craft shops, and authentic cuisine make this stay a highlight. In the evening, relax by the water or taste local delicacies before dinner. Riding: ~28 km (4–5 hours)

Day 5 – To Gostoljublje & Rural Charm Today the ride continues to Gostoljublje, another ethno-village dedicated to authentic rural tourism. Here you’ll discover farm life, traditional architecture, and organic food produced on site. Expect a warm welcome, hearty meals, and a chance to experience the Serbian countryside lifestyle. Riding: ~25 km (4 hours)

Day 6 – Return to Taor On the final riding day, the trail circles back towards Taor. The route combines forest paths with open views of the Povlen Mountains. Back at the starting guesthouse, celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner, homemade specialties, and a last toast with Serbian fruit brandy. Riding: ~20 km (3–4 hours)

Day 7 – Departure After breakfast, transfers to Belgrade or onward travel. If time allows, you may extend your stay to explore more of Serbia’s cultural treasures.

Price: 1282 EUR

Single room supplement (if requested): approx. €20–30 per night, paid directly to the host (subject to very limited availability).

Deposit: 500 EUR

If you are not an EU citizen, please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 6 full days of horseback riding on local, well-trained horses with traditional tack

• 7 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected rural guesthouses, mountain lodges, and ethno-villages

• All meals during the ride, featuring homemade Serbian dishes and authentic local flavors

• Drinks provided with meals:
  

  • Breakfast - one drink (coffee or tea)

  • Lunch (if on rural estate) - one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink

  • Dinner - one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink

• Picnic lunches and rustic meals on the trail

• Entry fees and access to sites as per the itinerary

• Professional guides and local hosts throughout the program

• Luggage transfers and support vehicle

• Private airport transfers to and from Belgrade Airport (exclusively included)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• International flights to and from Belgrade

• Medical / travel insurance (mandatory)

• Additional drinks beyond those specified with meals

• Single accommodation supplement

• Personal expenses (laundry, extra drinks, souvenirs, etc.)

• Tips

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

The Rider

This trail is designed for confident riders with solid trail experience and good physical fitness. You should be comfortable at all paces – walk, trot, and canter – and able to spend several hours in the saddle each day across varied terrain. The riding pace alternates between steady walking through forests and mountain paths and long, exhilarating canters across ridges and meadows. Expect to be in the saddle for 4–6 hours daily over 6 consecutive riding days, with flexibility required for changing weather and terrain.

Horses

You’ll be riding hardy and spirited Balkan mountain horses and Arab crosses, known for their endurance, agility, and sure-footedness in challenging terrain. These horses are reliable partners, accustomed to navigating steep ridges, rocky tracks, and wide open valleys. Tack is comfortable and well-suited for long-distance trail riding, mainly Western-style saddles. Group size is limited to 4–10 riders, with a maximum rider weight of 95 kg (209 lbs).

Route

Over 6 riding days, you’ll cover approximately 150–170 km, spending 4–6 hours in the saddle each day. The trails are designed to offer a balanced mix of walking, trotting, and cantering, with most routes staying around 1,000–1,100 m altitude in the Dinaric Alps of western Serbia. The terrain is varied but never excessive – descents are gradual, and the pace is active yet sustainable for the horses.

The last two days – the Šumadija and Tara trails – feature the longest canters of the ride, some lasting up to 15 minutesalong the Skrapež River. Serbia is known for having some of the best forest trails in Europe, and here you’ll enjoy sparsely populated landscapes with wide open ridges, endless forest paths, and no fences or villages to interrupt the flow.

The final day includes the scenic Povlen ride, starting from the farm at 1,100 m and climbing to 1,400 m at the top of Mount Povlen. Though this section is slower, the reward is breathtaking 360° views over the mountains, before circling back to the farm for a memorable finish.

Overall, the riding pace is slightly above moderate – about 40% walking, 30% trotting, and 30% cantering – with plenty of long, open stretches for confident riders to truly enjoy the rhythm of the trail