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Overview

Slovenia - Horses & Heritage Ride
Slovenia
Duration: 7 days
Equescapes Equestrian Adventures image
Equescapes Equestrian Adventures
$0

About your trip

Location:  Trebelno, Dolenjska Region, Slovenia

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 riding days

Accommodation: 4* hotel and equestrian estate

Dates: Flexible - year-round

Riding Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Group Size: 12 maximum
Non-Riders welcome


The estate was founded in 1627. In the midst of the economic crisis in 1933, the grandfather of the current owner sold the Pule Estate to a wealthy Slovenian woman who had just returned from America. But the story doesn’t end there: more than seventy years later, in 2004, Jože Anderlič bought the estate back — from the granddaughter of the former owner. However, by then the estate was no longer in its former glory. Decades of neglect had left their mark, and a thorough and extensive renovation was necessary, which reached its final form in 2006.

Today, the buildings on the estate stand where they once did. Only a few additions have been made: charming wooden cottages and a wellness center, completed in 2009. Today, the estate comprises 19 buildings dedicated to tourism. The old part has been carefully restored or reconstructed, while the new buildings are set apart from the originals, thoughtfully integrated into the terrain and natural landscape, together creating a beautiful and harmonious whole.

 

The Pule Estate today stands as a shining example of the successful revitalization of a 17th-century Slovenian homestead, transformed into a boutique rural tourist village. The renovation was guided by preserved archival, photographic, and oral sources, and inspired by local architectural heritage. Special emphasis was placed on reviving and materializing the nearly forgotten skills of traditional Slovenian crafts, once passed down from generation to generation.


Horses

Horses are warmblood-types (Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Andalusian), and the estate is in the process of expanding the herd.

Riding

Riding Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Speed: Ride speed will be tailored to your group and level

Distance: 7-17 km per day

Ride Time: 1-6 hours per day

Terrain:  Hilltops with rolling green fields, valleys full of meadows, forest trails, unpaved country roads

Tack: English tack (Western tack available for those who prefer it)

Minimum Age: 8 years old (must know how to ride)

Maximum Rider Weight: 100 kg

Accommodation

9 villas. 6 have 1 bedroom and 3 have double bedrooms. All have ensuite bathrooms, a shared living area and a private terrace.

There are Finnish and Turkish saunas in the wellness area. Massages can also be booked by arrangement.

Check-in: 14:00 – 22:00
Check-out: 12:00

Dining

Embark on a culinary journey that celebrates Slovenia’s rich gastronomic heritage at our on-site restaurant. Our restaurant, opened only for estate guest and by reservations offers a unique blend of traditional regional recipes and modern culinary techniques.
We source our ingredients on the estate, ensuring freshness and authenticity. The flavours are bold yet refined, and each dish is complemented by wines from our private cellar. This elevates every meal to a celebration of Slovenia’s culinary excellence.

Breakfast at 7-9 am, tea-time snack menu at 3 pm (coffee, tea, juice, snacks, sandwiches), dinner at 19:30. Dinners consist of 4-course meals with wine. 80% of the vegetables come from the estate and everything else is locally sourced.

Activities

In addition to riding, activities include walking and biking (e-bikes), quad bikes, archery, air rifle target shooting, wine tasting & culinary workshops, swimming in the pool, boutique spa and massage treatments, yoga sessions, and organized day trips around the Dolenjska region, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Lipica Stud Farm.

Arrival & Departure

Nearest airport: Zagreb Airport (55 minutes)

Transfers are not included

What's included

Accommodation

Single or shared rooms

Meals

All meals included

Riding and Activities

All riding and activities included

What's not included

Flights

Flights to/from Slovenia

Transfers

Transfers to/from the estate

Travel Insurance

Insurance is mandatory for all riders

Personal Travel Expenses

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Slovenia

Arrival at Zagreb or Ljubljana Airport. A private transfer will bring you to the breathtaking PULE Equestrian Estate – or feel free to drive in yourself for a taste of the Slovenian countryside.

As you journey through charming villages and rolling hills, your immersion into Slovenia begins. The Dolenjska wine region welcomes you with its serenity, authenticity, and timeless beauty.

Upon arrival at PULE Estate, settle into your accommodations and enjoy your first glimpse of our 130-hectare horse paradise. Walk the grounds, take in the views, and meet your hosts. A traditional welcome awaits – local delicacies, warm smiles, and a preview of the days to come.

At 19:30, join your fellow guests and hosts for a family-style dinner – where stories of horses and travel flow freely.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Ride, Wine, Relax

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the estate restaurant or in the privacy of your room. Then, take a short walk to learn about the estate’s history, dating back to 1627.

You’ll be welcomed by Mr. Kovačević, our estate manager, and his two loyal dogs. After a guided tour of the stables, meet our noble horses and – if you wish – help with grooming and tacking. A short riding assessment will follow.

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the forests, meadows, and trails of the estate.

Spend your afternoon at leisure – relax, hop on a bike to visit a nearby village, or find a quiet spot in nature.

At 14:00, indulge in a traditional tea with sweets and sandwiches.

At 17:00, join us in the wine cellar for a guided tasting of estate-produced wines.

At 19:30, a four-course dinner awaits you, crafted from estate-grown or locally sourced ingredients. Later, unwind at the estate spa or wellness area.

Day 3

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Castles, Springs, and the Capitol

After breakfast, set off on horseback for a scenic ride through the rolling hills to the natural spring beside the ruins of Klevevž Castle. Pause for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters before riding back to the estate, where a hearty lunch awaits.

At 14:00, enjoy tea and homemade sweets, then depart for an afternoon excursion to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. Discover the city on a guided bike tour, taking in its medieval streets, riverside cafés, museums, and leafy parks. Ljubljana is youthful, vibrant, and full of character – a true cultural and culinary hub.

Depending on the day, you may sample local flavors at the city’s famous Open Kitchen food market (Fridays only) or unwind with a glass of wine at the stylish AS Lounge Bar.

Upon return to the estate, relax with some spa and wellness time before gathering for dinner at 19:30.

Day 4

Day 4 image

River Ride

This day combines Slovenia’s top pleasures: horses, wine, and water.

After breakfast, ride through meadows and forest paths to a local sparkling wine producer. Savor bubbly with local cheese, sausages, and homemade bread.

Later, our friends from Bela Krajina will take you on a kayak adventure on the Kolpa River – one of Europe’s cleanest and warmest. Swim, relax, and learn about the region’s history with refreshing stops along the way.

End the day with a regional dinner – either a riverside picnic or at a local inn. Return to the estate late in the evening and rest well.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Lipizzaner Legends

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic ride to a local dairy producer to sample artisan cheeses, yogurts, and cured meats – all paired with regional wines.

In the afternoon, travel to Lipica, home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses and the oldest cultural horse breed in Europe. Wander among 300+ white stallions and learn about their rich heritage.

After a light snack, return to PULE for a barbecue dinner at 19:30, served on the estate terrace.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Picnic Ride

Ride out in the morning to our secret picnic spot. There, enjoy a classic Slovenian barbecue, fun games, air rifles, archery, and more. After a joyful 3-hour feast, ride back through the estate.

In the afternoon, choose your adventure:

•           Electric bike tour through nearby hills

•           Spa and wellness

At 19:30, gather with estate guides and managers for a farewell dinner. A night of celebration, storytelling, and gratitude.

Day 7

Day 7 image

Farewell

Enjoy a final breakfast, then saddle up one last time for a peaceful farewell ride across the estate.

Take in the memories, the landscapes, and the bond you’ve formed with your horse and this unique land.

About your organizer

Equescapes is female-owned and operated and specializes in horseback riding trips for intrepid equestrians and avid travelers, providing curated travel experiences and inspiring adventures on horseback around the world. Equescapes offers both set group departures and private, custom trips, with itineraries tailor-made for riders of all ages, ability levels, riding disciplines, and budgets.

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