Borac Mountains Ride

Introduction
Central Serbia
Serbia is still an undiscovered destination in the heart of Europe. Located in central Balkans it is the essence of mixture of cultures and influences that will always be viewed as the east to the west and as the west to the east. The interior of the country (Sumadija), literally Woodland is the destination of our new trip in Serbia. It is here that you will get a glimpse of an archaic world covered in thick forest and mountain massifs isolated from the blessings and the curses of urban Serbia. A place wrapped up in its own magic of “slow living” that hasn’t changed for generations.

Rarely in Europe is such a small piece of land home to so many animal species and such beautiful nature. The scenic landscape where the ride takes place has an abundance of rivers and mineral springs, majestic forests and mountain tops. The trail will lead you through small villages populated by simple folk where you will be guests in real people’s homes, taste their homemade products from cheese to brandy and be overwhelmed by their hospitality. This trip is a life seeing experience that will take you back in time.

You will ride amongst the mountains that hide the jewels of Serbian 14th Century architecture. Churches and monasteries that are home to small communities of priests and nuns will welcome any visitor that comes their way. Let us be your guide through local heritage.

This is not just a riding holiday, it is your chance to discover one of the best kept secrets of the Balkans, a truly new destination.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in various locations.

Description
To make your riding holiday a unique experience we found a variety of accommodations ranging from hotels, to mountain lodges, to private guesthouses. Every accommodation has about 3-5 bathrooms. WIFI is available in most locations. Laundry can be done along the trail for a small fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Ecolodge near Taor
Night 2: Zamak in Divcibare
Night 3: Planinarski Dom in Rajac
Night 4: Ethno village in Kostunici
Night 5: Ethno village in Gostoljublje
Night 6: Ecolodge near Taor



Ecolodge near Taor
You will sleep in the lodge or one of the 2 domes. The rooms are simple but comfortable and you can enjoy a great view over the surrounding mountains.

Zamak in Divcibare
This small hotel located just across the slopes offers 8 guestrooms. Each room is furnished with a TV, a phone, ensuite bathroom, internet access and air conditioning.

Planinarski Dom in Rajac
This is one of the largest mountaineering house in Serbia. This historic stone house has 70 beds in double-bedded and multi-bedded rooms. There are bathrooms on each floor, central heating, and a glassed veranda with a television.

Ethno-village in Kostunici
Accommodation is provided in picturesque wooden houses that come equipped with heating, free Wi-Fi, a TV and a private bathroom. The complex also has a lake where guest can go for a refreshing swim.

Ethno-village in Gostoljublje
Located on the slopes of Mount Maljen this holiday village offers various accommodation styles from bungalows to apartments. Each accommodation features free Wi-Fi access, a TV and private facilities. The complex also offers an outdoor pool.

Room Occupancy
If you are willing to share a room there will be no supplement.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Most food is locally grown and a lot of effort is put in to ensure guests are satisfied and left full. There is a lot of heart and soul that goes into the dishes!

One alcoholic drink is included with every meal.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
To participate you should be an intermediate rider, comfortable in the saddle at all paces, and have experience riding for 5 to 7 riding hours per day. The minimal requirement is that you are in control of a horse at a walk, trot and canter, and are used to riding in the open country over different types of terrain.

Terrain
The area used to be and still is quite wooded. There are still a great many areas with fields, thickets and a striking number of Acacia trees. Predominantly spruce, beech, oak forests. The landscape ranges from gentle hills to rocky canyons and often offer splendid views into the distance. The landscape is very lush and makes a very pristine impression. There are lakes, rivers, streams and increased brooklets.

Pace
The rides are at a moderate pace overall, with routes taking you through forests and up and down mountain tracks, with opportunities for trots and canters in the open fields and where the terrain allows it. In total, we will cover about 170 km.

Horses
Horses that you will ride are Lipizzan horses, horses mixed with Lipizzan and Balkan, mixed Balkan and Bosnian Mountain horses. The breed of speckled horse is unknown. The Balkan breed is characteristic for this area and known for its gentleness.
They are small to medium sized, strong-hearted animals, especially suitable for trail and endurance riding. They are sure-footed on rough ground, which helps the rider cover greater distances with less effort.

Guides
Our guides can speak Serbian, English, and German.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 8-day option - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrive to Belgrade Airport where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The road goes through the Povlen Mountains, an eastern part of the Dinaric Alps. The drive to the village of Taor - a settlement that has existed since the Bronze Age - takes about 2 ½ hours and upon arrival a warm dinner awaits you.
Afterwards there is plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and your four-legged companions.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight near Taor

Day 2 (Sunday): Taor to Divcibare
After breakfast we ride to Divcibare, a famous ski area in the Ore Mountains (part of the Dinaric mountain system in northwest Serbia). It is characterized by a specific geography that allows favorable climate, as well as a diverse and unique flora and fauna. 
From this hill, you can see the entire Divcibare, surrounding mountains and the city of Valjevo. Although it is often mentioned that Divcibare is a mountain, it is actually a field on the Maljen mountain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Divcibare

Day 3 (Monday): Divcibare to Rajac
Today our trail leads us through the Serbian steppe, which is reminiscent of Mongolia. The power of this steppe leaves no one indifferent and the 360 degree view gives us a feeling of space and freedom. We will hardly see any houses, and it often happens that we do not see anyone on this leg of our trip.
In the afternoon we will reach Mount Rajac.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Mount Rajac

Day 4 (Tuesday): Rajac to Kostunici
The ethno-village Kostunici is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Serbia, on the southern slope of the Suvobor mountain. There are two stories about how the village got its name and no one knows which is correct.
Above Kostunici lies Ravna Gora, an historical place that has been preserved in its original beauty. Other beautiful sights await like Vidikovac, Babina Glava and Mokra pecina.
There is a lake where people can swim in the ethno village. The lake is surrounded by the Cer Forest and was created by dividing the Cemernica river with a concrete dam just 300 m below.
There are also pottery and handicraft shops where passionate ethno collectors can add to their collections or bring "summer memories" to friends.
The entire complex was built according to Serbian architecture.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Kostunici

Day 5 (Wednesday): Kostunici to Gostoljublje 
Today we are slowly leaving the Serbian steppe and returning to the Dinaric Alps. This transition in landscape is very impressive and shows us how much nature has changed in this area.
Tonight, we sleep in the ethno-village Gostoljublje.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Gostoljublje

Day 6 (Thursday): Gostoljublje to Taor
Slowly we are returning to the paths of the ancient Romans, crossing over the Povlen mountain. On the way, we visit the Taor water spring. There are many small water veins that arise from the porous limestone tuff - in winter the water is rather warm and in summer quite cool. On hot summer days a glass of the cold spring water gives you a very satisfying feeling.
In earlier centuries there were around 20 active water mills along the water sources, which milled rye, barley and oats at full capacity. Most of them have disappeared, but a small watermill has remained.
The freshly prepared food and the miller's good mood underline the atmosphere and lifestyle of the highlands. After visiting the local miller, we go up to the initial farm, where a dinner with local fruit and brandy awaits us.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Taor

Day 7 (Friday): Povlen Mountain Ride
After breakfast, we start at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level to explore the Povlen mountain, which is about 1400 m high. Since 2023, Povlen has been proclaimed a nature reserve with over 170 species of birds, various wild animals and mountain springs. From this magical mountain, we have a spectacular panoramic view of the whole of Serbia and we can enjoy the peace and quiet.
In the Middle Ages, Povlen was a very important road and merchants transported their goods on horses and donkeys. After lunch, we descend into the villages, cross the Skrapez river and visit its source. Then, we head back to the stables.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Taor

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you back to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

It is possible to add an extra day to this program. Those who choose the 8-day version will stay another night near Taor and will spend the day riding over the mountain Povlen, which is a protected nature reserve full of wildlife (birds, badgers, rabbits, foxes, roe deer, ferrets and other various mountain wild animals).

Rates and Dates for Borac Mountains Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Taor
Airport: Belgrade
Transfer: Belgrade airport

Climate:
                                                    Belgrade area