Horseback Riding Velebit NP

2012 Prices and Departure dates

Other dates on request

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NOTE: The prices are fixed in euros. This conversion is for comparison purposes only.
The exact price in dollars or pounds is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.

High season - July 14 - August 24, 2012
Intermediate season - June 9 - July 13, August 25 - September 14, 2012
Low season - April 21 - June 8, September 15 - October 5, 2012

All prices are per person, in EUR.
Single occupancy is possible in all accomodations except in the mountain lodge.

Prices include:

• 2 nights ranch (tipis), 5 nights mountain lodge
• all meals
• 6 days of guided riding with historical and natural interpretation
• skilled English speaking guide and assistance

Not Included:

• international airfare to/from Croatia
• items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s)

Minimum and Maximum Group Size:

• We consider 7 to be optimal group size for our back-country trips, but can handle groups as large as 10 if booked together. When people book individually or in couples we will limit bookings to 6-7 participants so that we can provide the desired personal and individualized service.
• Minimum group size is 4 people for custom trips. If we accept a booking for a scheduled trek it means we will do that ride regardless of how few people book. Once your deposit is paid, it is safe to arrange your travel because the trip is assured.

The minimum age for pack trips is 8 years old. Anyone under 15 should be a regular and enthusiastic rider, have a keen sense of adventure, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We have had people in their 70's on pack trips, but again, they were fit, in good health and rode regularly prior to their holiday. We ask that you judge yourself (and your children) honestly in this regard, as we will take your word for it and plan the trip accordingly.
For all age groups: It is important that you feel fit and healthy before going on the trail. We are traveling in the wilderness, and medical services (beyond first aid) will not be readily available.
The maximum weight for riders is 100 kgs (220 lbs). Exceptions may be made for very experienced/athletic riders.

Detailed Itinerary

The adventure starts at our ranch in a small village of Velika Plana (700 m elevation) inside Velebit Nature Park. We take the road up the mountain through valleys and canyons, retracing an old trade route. We cross the pass at 1400 m, descending via an abandoned road to the mountain lodge of Veliki Alan. We make camp there for next two days. This trip runs Saturday to Saturday and covers 80 km on horseback. On arrival day we meet at the ranch to map out the route for the next 5 days, match you with a horse according to your riding abilities, have a test ride and answer your questions over a delicious barbecue dinner. You will spend the first and last night of the trip at the ranch. Last night at the ranch we make a big dinner and have a dance party afterwards.

Day 1 - Sat:

Arrival at Linden Tree Retreat & Ranch, settling in the tipi, exploring the ranch.

Day 2 - Sun:

Choosing your horse, learning the riding equipment and how to saddle up your horse, test ride, discussing the trip and necessary equipment, dinner.

Day 3 - Mon:

Breakfast, packing up, riding up the mountain, lunch on the trail, dinner at mountain lodge, our base camp.

Day 4 - Tue: 

Breakfast and lunch at the camp. Spend morning learning about cowboy culture and lifestyle. Learn how to throw a lasso and ride without saddle. After lunch, ride in the area where Winnetou movies were filmed.

Day 5 - Wed: 

After breakfast, ride to the beach in the back of our old pickup truck. Box lunch and time at the beach in the afternoon. Dinner at the seaside restaurant.

Day 6 - Thu: 

Breakfast, passage through the canyon where several western movies were made. Snack on the trail, lunch and mid-day break at the mountain pass, dinner at the base camp.

Day 7 - Fri:

Breakfast, ride back to the ranch through the deep forest, dinner party.

Day 8 - Sat:

Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay.

Note on the itinerary:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Huck Finn guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Contact for booking

Gorana Bajcetic
gorana@huck-finn.hr
Mob: +385/(0)99 314 7373
Tel. +385/(0)1 618 3333

If you are contacting us by e-mail, please include the following information in your request:

• number of persons in your party
• average age
• your preferred date(s)
• contact telephone number
• means of travel to / in Croatia
• other preferences

Gear List

Listed below are the items that we feel you should wear and bring for a safe and comfortable trip in the Velebit Mountain. Please bear in mind that the mountain weather can change quickly and without warning, and the night-time temperature can drop near freezing even in the summer. During the day it can reach temperatures in the high twenties.

Items:

• 2 pairs of jeans or riding pants
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• fleece or Sweater (fleece is lighter)
• jacket or vest as wind breaker
• brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches) – available for purchase at the ranch
• healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
• gloves - available for purchase at the ranch
• toque (warm hat)
• warm socks (1 pair per day)
• underwear (1 set per day)
• towel and swimsuit (optional)
• personal hygiene items
• comfortable campshoes
• warm underwear
• camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries on the trail!)
• flashlight
• knife - available for purchase at the ranch
• chaps (if available)
• rainwear (oil-skin slicker works best)
• warm sleeping bag - available for purchase at the ranch
• therm-a-rest pad - available for purchase at the ranch
• sturdy duffelbag

Saddle bags

Your trailhorse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rainwear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle

Reviews

Today we returned to city, after spending weekend at Linden Retreat. In this encounter with city rush, your place seems almost unreal. What beauty, what nature surrounds you! We want to return season after season. Thank you for the experiences, dinner by the candle lights, your hospitality, acceptance of us as we are, your patience and understanding of our world.

Sabljic Family

Have you ever listened to the sound of falling snow? Can you remember it? I loved that sound, long time ago, before I became occupied with daily routine. When I had time to listen. I didn't even realize how much I missed it until I came to Linden Retreat. I heard it again and wished never to leave. I left, of course, but I brought the sound with me.and gratitude for the chance to visit that wonderful place. The portal to what matters. I believe we all have to have one to get us where we belong... Sound of snow falling is mine. If I forget that magical sound again, it's good to know where the reminder is. If you are still searching for the one, Linden Tree is definitely the place to start the search.

D. Derifaj, journalist, Nova TV

Let´s see what fate brings to us all, but whatever it brings, let´s face it with an open heart and joyful feeling of being alive. I learned this in Velika Plana.

Javier Fernández Pello

I just want to thank you for the wonderful time we had at your ranch, it was a beautiful place to enjoy nature and just relax. It was nice to meet so many friendly people, thank you for making it special, it was the highlight of my holiday.

J. Thompset