Jour 1: Lipizza
ITALY / LIPICA (-/-/D)
Just two hours from Venice, you can experience an unforgettable equestrian holiday while exploring the diverse landscapes of Slovenia on horseback. We are in Lipica, on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, home to the largest Lipizzaner stud farm in the world. Founded in 1580 by Archduke Charles of Habsburg, it continues to breed the finest dressage horses, known worldwide for their pure white coats. The breed takes its name from the town of Lipica, where the stud farm remains to this day. Originally used for royal carriages and military purposes, Lipizzaners demonstrated an aptitude for complex movements—originally for defense or attack—that later evolved into haute école dressage.
This is a unique opportunity to ride the noble Lipizzaner through the richly varied Karst landscape. Highlights include:
A horse show, where stallions perform high school dressage figures
The Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Kokoš Hills, offering panoramic views over the Gulf of Trieste
A visit and wine tasting at a local estate in Dutovlje
Arrival at the property is independent (transfer from Trieste train station available on request – we recommend having your own car). Check-in at the hotel adjacent to the stables and introduction meeting with your instructor. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Maestoso.
Jour 2:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
After breakfast, enjoy your first ride of approx. 2 hours around the beautiful estate. In 1996, the Lipica Stud Farm was declared a cultural monument of exceptional importance by the Republic of Slovenia. This protected area includes cultivated Karst landscape, over 300 purebred Lipizzaner horses, and rich architectural and artistic heritage. On horseback, you’ll discover the green avenues once used by the Habsburg family and observe unique Karst features such as the kal (watering pond) and ledenica (ice pit).
Free afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Jour 3:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
Breakfast followed by a 3-hour ride through what is known as the "Living Karst Museum", one of the most geologically rich areas in the world, featuring limestone pavements, sinkholes, and hidden caves. Covering over 700 hectares, it is an ecologically unique natural area. In 2017, it was voted Slovenia’s best thematic trail. Once a restricted border zone, it’s now open for exploration. Return to the stables by lunchtime. Dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 4:
LIPICA (B/L/D)
Today’s ride lasts around 4 hours, culminating in a visit to the Škocjan Caves, on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1986. These caves feature the largest underground canyon in the world, a natural wonder that amazes every visitor. The park is noted not just for its geological features but also for its ecological and cultural significance. You’ll enjoy a guided 2-hour visit of the caves, followed by a picnic lunch. Return to the stables in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Jour 5:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
After breakfast, saddle up for 4 hours of riding to the Karst ridge, ascending to the Kokoš Hill at 670 meters. This peaceful forest trail is rich in wildlife and popular among locals. At the summit, enjoy a short walk with breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea and the city of Trieste. Ride back down to the open meadows of Lipica. Return by lunchtime. Dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 6:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
Today’s 3-hour ride will take you to the Karst village of Lokev, rich in history and culture. Highlights include the Tabor Military Museum, once a defensive tower against the Turks, the historic Fabian grocery store, and the oldest Karst ham production facility, the famous Pršutarna Lokev. Return to the stables by lunchtime. Dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 7:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
Breakfast and free day for independent visits or relaxation (ask the hotel team for recommendations). Dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 8:
LIPICA / DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Breakfast, check-out, and departure. Transfer to Trieste train station available on request (extra fee).
Note: This itinerary is indicative and may vary depending on the starting day of the week, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. The program also includes a carriage ride, stud farm visit, and horse show. Optional private riding lessons can be booked in the afternoons (ask us for a quote).
Key Info
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 8 days / 7 nights
RIDING LEVEL: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TACK: English saddle
HORSES: Lipizzaner horses – typically white (technically grey), bred since 1580 in Lipica. Elegant, docile, and selected for the Habsburg court and Vienna’s Spanish Riding School. Bred throughout Europe and renowned worldwide for their dressage performances.
PACE: Daily treks of 2 to 4 hours within a 20 km range. Terrain is relatively easy, but riders must be able to control their horse at all three gaits in open spaces.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING: Comfortable riding clothing, boots or paddock boots
MAX WEIGHT: 85 kg
TYPE: Equestrian holiday with hotel accommodation
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights at Hotel Maestoso, in standard rooms. Built in 1970 and named after one of the six founding Lipizzaner stallions, the hotel was recently renovated and features 59 comfortable rooms and 7 suites. All rooms have private bathrooms, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, radio, minibar, and paid Wi-Fi. Facilities include a fitness center with sauna, swimming pool, snack bar, casino, golf course, and red clay tennis courts.
The restaurant serves a wide variety of local and international cuisine.
Pets allowed (extra charge payable on site).
DEPARTURES
Available year-round on request, with a minimum of 2 participants (except July and August).
GROUP SIZE: Min. 2 – Max. 4 participants
