Castles and Caves

After breakfast, around 9:00 AM, we will set off by car on a short journey to the neighboring village of Šembije, where we will meet our horses. After getting acquainted with the equipment and our mounts, we will begin the ride. Our first destination is the hilltop village of Tabor, where we will take a short break to enjoy the views and hear stories about the history of this unique place. We will then continue to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we will pass Kalec Castle, surrounded by old linden and chestnut trees, before stopping at the Palčje Intermittent Lake. This remarkable lake appears and disappears depending on the season and rainfall – hence its name. If we are lucky, we may even have the chance to let our horses wade in its waters. If the lake happens to be “missing,” we will instead enjoy a gallop across open terrain! Overnight stay in Bač.

After breakfast, we will set off towards the stronghold of the legendary knight and robber baron Erasmus of Lueg – Predjama Castle. Originally built into the rock in the 12th century and expanded in the 15th century, this remarkable fortress is dramatically set halfway up a 123-meter cliff. This extraordinary medieval structure, leading into a labyrinth of rock corridors, is the largest cave castle in the world and is listed in the Guinness World Records. Beneath it lies an extensive network of tunnels and caves, crowned by the largest (over 20 km long) and most spectacular of them all – Postojna Cave. The visit begins with a unique underground train ride that takes visitors deep into a fascinating world of rock and darkness. From there, a walking tour leads through long corridors into a series of stunning chambers, each more breathtaking than the last. An additional highlight is the chance to encounter the so-called “cave dragon” – the mysterious olm – adding a touch of intrigue to this unforgettable experience. After lunch at a local pub, we will continue with several more kilometers of afternoon riding at a varied pace, heading towards our overnight stay in Landol, where we will rest in a cozy guesthouse.

After breakfast, we’ll saddle up and continue our journey. We’ll ride deep into the forest to enjoy the peace and take in the beauty of nature. The trail will lead us to… a secret spot, just as we start to feel a little hungry. We’ll stop there for a break and a rest before heading on again. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Volk farm in Suhorje, where we’ll spend the night… sleeping on hay! That evening we’ll also have the chance to spend time with a herd of Appaloosa horses. Our hosts, the owners of the farm, are proud breeders of this remarkable breed and love to share stories. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn some fascinating facts about those horses. In summer – and for the brave, even in other seasons – you’ll also have the chance to feel like a kid again and take a dip in the nearby river.

This day brings a long ride through the Brkini region, known for its fruit orchards and varied terrain with plenty of climbs and descents. Along the way, we’ll pass Prem Castle, a 13th-century fortress likely built on the remains of Roman fortifications. The castle is very distinctive, with cylindrical towers and Renaissance arcades surrounding its courtyard and a small stone well. Documented in 1220 for the first time, it once served as an administrative center and changed hands among prominent families, including the Knights of Udo and the Habsburgs. We’ll stop for lunch at a nearby pub. Strengthened – and perhaps even fortified – by local delicacies, we’ll begin the final stretch of our journey back to Šembije. Once we arrive, we’ll unsaddle our horses for the last time and thank them for the entire adventure. We’ll spend the night at the Požar guest farm, already known to us from our two first evenings.

All riders will will be transferred to Ljubljana Airport for their return flight home.