Serbia – The Dinaric Alps
Welcome to our horse farm in the Zlatar Mountains of southwestern Serbia. This area is part of the Dinaric Alps and lies close to the borders with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is a place for those who love horses, tranquility, and unspoiled nature. Here you ride through green forests and across open mountain slopes, with views of turquoise-blue lakes and deep ravines where the majestic griffon vultures soar high above the landscape. Zlatar is also known as “the Golden Mountain,” with the highest number of sunny days in Serbia.
Your host, Iva, lives and works closely with her horses—a small herd of Serbian Mountain Horses, a rare and robust native breed reminiscent of the Icelandic horse, living freely in a herd year-round. With over 30 years of experience in horsemanship and a degree in Equine Sports Science from the UK, she generously shares her knowledge and passion for horses, riding, and a sustainable way of life.
This riding holiday is more than just riding. It combines morning rides with sightseeing and activities in the afternoons, such as a boat trip to the “Ice Cave,” a 2-million-year-old cave; a wildlife observation tour with the chance to spot the endangered griffon vulture; visits to the Mileševa Monastery and several old, picturesque villages, and more. Iva is passionate about showing you everything she loves about this part of Serbia.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation
You will stay in the village of Amzići, home to around 50 inhabitants and located at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. The people here are welcoming and warm, living mainly off what the land provides. Accommodation is in a guesthouse, a log cabin, or a guest room in a small family-run property, adapted to the size and needs of the group. The lodging is simple and without luxury, but clean and comfortable—you are welcomed as a friend.
Options are limited due to the remoteness of the riding destination, so flexibility is often required, such as sharing a bathroom. However, a private cabin can be arranged for a couple or a small group wishing to stay together.
Note: The accommodation is likely located about 500 meters from Iva’s house, within easy walking distance.
Meals
All meals are included in the package, and you will be served traditional, home-cooked food. The cuisine is simple yet tasty and nutritious, mostly prepared from local, organic ingredients, often freshly harvested from the garden during summer. Meat and dairy form a significant part of the local diet, as the landscape is well suited to animals that live freely outdoors and feed on grass, maize, and barley. Vegetables and fruit are more difficult to grow here, but a vegetarian menu can be arranged with advance notice, focusing on eggs and cheese.
We do not recommend this destination for vegans or guests with strict dietary requirements (other than vegetarians), as the remoteness of the area makes it difficult for hosts to source alternative ingredients.
If you would like to purchase drinks to keep at your accommodation (you will have access to a refrigerator), please let us know and the hosts can stop at a shop with you. We recommend bringing your own black tea or instant coffee if this is essential to your morning routine, although the local coffee is excellent.
Horses & Riding
Serbian Mountain Horses – strong, brave, and free
Meet the native Serbian Mountain Horses—a small, robust, and friendly breed perfectly suited to mountainous terrain. They resemble Icelandic horses. Developed over centuries in Serbia’s green mountains, their strength, endurance, and calm temperament make them ideal companions for riding adventures.
They live outdoors year-round, barefoot and in a herd, and also contribute to nature conservation by keeping the landscape open.
They stand approximately 135–145 cm at the withers and are compact, muscular horses with broad chests and strong backs.
The tack is English.
Maximum rider weight: 90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 st 2 lbs
This riding holiday is suitable for adventurous less-experienced riders (with good physical fitness) as well as more experienced riders. You should feel confident at walk, trot, and canter on a calm and reliable horse, although canters are short and limited due to the terrain. You must be prepared to dismount and lead your horse over more demanding ground and be fit enough (and willing!) to stand in the stirrups when riding uphill.
Program - Zlatar Discovery
6 nights, 4 half-day rides, 1 full-day ride, excursions
This is a stationary riding holiday with a rich and varied program that combines riding in the mornings with sightseeing and activities in the afternoons. These include, for example, a boat trip to the “Ice Cave,” a 2-million-year-old cave; a wildlife observation tour with the chance to see the majestic and endangered griffon vulture; visits to the Mileševa Monastery and several old, picturesque villages, and more. Iva is passionate about showing you everything she loves about this part of Serbia.
Day 1- arrival to the village of Amzici in the late afternoon hours. After settling in the accommodation with hospitable locals and enjoying a refreshing cup of coffee or tea, you will take a tour of Živa family owned organic farm, meet the hosts, fellow riders and the horses. You will proceed to have a hefty welcome dinner and a good night rest in fresh mountain air.
Day 2- after a hearty breakfast we prepare our horses and head out for a 2-3 hour trail ride on forest trails around the village, getting to know the terrain and our horses. We’ll come back to the farm before lunch, take care of our horses and drive out to a local restaurant for amazing homemade goulash! After the lunch and a cup of coffee, we proceed to the middle lake dam (cca.30min drive) and a griffon vulture observation spot. If we are lucky and the vultures are there, we spend some time observing the majestic birds. If not, we continue our drive towards the ancient ethno-village of Stitkovo. We stroll around the tiny village, visit local church and a small cave. We return home for dinner and have a well-deserved rest.
Day 3- after breakfast, we get the horses ready and head to a cca. 2-3 hours trail ride that will take us down to the shores of Zlatar lake. If the weather is warm, we can have a time for a quick dip before returning to the farm. After lunch, we go for a hike through a natural preserve forest and the village of Amzici, visiting friendly neighbors and their farms along the way, experiencing something of a time travel effect. We come back to the farm for dinner. After dinner, if the energy levels still allow it, in the evening we head for a nearby town of Nova Varos, take a stroll and have a cup of coffee. If not, we retire for the day.
Day 4- after breakfast, we get the horses and head out for a 3-4 hour ride towards Zlatar mountain, passing through several villages along the way. We canter trough “Magical forest” and enjoy amazing views. After getting back, we change our clothes and head for a delicious freshly caught grilled trout lunch at a family owned restaurant Kanjon, located in the canyon of the river Milesevka (cca.40 min drive). Afterwards we head down to Mileseva monastery and revel in the amazing history of this 13th century church, the home of the famous Beli Andjeo (White angel) icon. Afterwards, if we feel so inclined, we take a stroll through the town of Prijepolje, before returning to Amzici for dinner and a good nights sleep.
Day 5- after breakfast, we get ready for a full day ride, 5-6 hours. We ride through the forests and pastures to an old hanging pedestrian bridge over the Zlatar lake, that used to be the only connection to the “civilization” for the villages on the other side of the lake. We tuck in to our picnic lunch there, enjoying the view and the air. After lunch we go for a swim or just relax by the water. Refreshed, we jump back into the saddle and head back home through picturesque villages and natural forests. Once home, we take care of our horses and enjoy dinner together.
Day 6- after breakfast we go for our last ride together, cca. 2 hours, visiting the best view point in the village, stopping along the way to forage for some strawberries, mushrooms and herbs, jumping over logs, cantering over grassy fields and even jumping over small logs. We come home a bit earlier, and enjoy an early lunch, in order to prepare for an action packed afternoon on the water. We drive to the upper lake, get in to the boat and ride along the meanders of Uvac river to the “Ice” Cave. We visit the 2 million year old cave and climb the amazing view point near it. We get back into the boat and head back to the shore, jumping into the emerald green river for a quick swim if the weather is warm, enjoying the sunset on the water over a beer. We arrive back to our village in the evening, to a table set for a farewell dinner and drinks.
Day 7- After breakfast, we say good bye to the village of Amzici, to our faithful steeds and to each other and depart according to arranged modes and times of transport.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail riding level 2–3 >>
Included in the price: 6 nights, 5 days of riding according to the program, excursions according to the program, full board, homemade meal drinks or rakija (Serbian plum brandy).
Not included: Flights, transfer to the riding center. Drinks other than those served with meals, lunch on day 4.
Travel: Book flight / rental car >>
Nearest airports: Belgrade (270 km) and Sarajevo (180 km).
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore. Paid in cash to the driver.
Transfer from Belgrade or Sarajevo (pre-arranged times):
• €90 per person round trip to and from the same airport
• €150 per person round trip between different airports
Transfer time approx. 3.5 hours.
Alternatively, bus to Nova Varoš (approx. 4.5 hours). There are more than 6 daily departures from Belgrade bus station and 1 daily departure from Sarajevo bus station. Taxi from the airports to the bus station costs approximately €20 one way. The bus journey costs around €30–40 return and takes about 4.5 hours.
Note: Tickets cannot be purchased online and must be bought on site.
Upon arrival in Nova Varoš, you will be picked up at the bus station at an agreed time (free of charge).
Season: April 26 – October 31
Single room: Available at an extra charge. For prices, click “Book on request” under Dates & Prices.
Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD), although EUR is often accepted or easily exchanged locally.
Credit cards: Cash is most common, but cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities.
Tipping: Optional but appreciated.
Wi-Fi: Yes
Electricity: EU standard sockets
Number of riders: Minimum 2, maximum 4 riders (and up to 2 non-riders).
Age limit: 15 years for riders.
Weight limit: 90 kg/ 198lbs / 14st 2lbs
Pool: No
Special diet: Inform when booking
Climate
Similar tours
Italy - Lazio Castle Ride
Italy - Tuscany
Ireland, Tullamore
Slovenia
Spain, Menorca
