Full day Horse riding & Quad biking

From Split, this is a full day in the hills, with two very different ways to explore the countryside: horseback riding beside the Cetina River, followed by a guided quad trip through mountain paths and past abandoned villages. A traditional lunch in between gives you a proper pause before the engines start.

I like the contrast between the quiet pace of the stable and the faster ride across the trails. I also like the small group limit of four, plus the practical inclusions: transfers, equipment, water and lunch are all part of the day.

One consideration: this is a long outing, and the schedule includes three hours of riding, two hours for lunch and three hours on quads. That calls for moderate fitness and a full day free. Experienced riders may also find the horse portion gentler than they’d prefer.

What to Know Before You Go

• Two kinds of riding: The day combines a three-hour horse ride near the Cetina with a separate three-hour quad tour.
• A real lunch break: You’ll eat at a traditional tavern in Gornji Bitelić, with a meat meal, one drink and a vegetarian option available on request.
• Guided from start to finish: Two certified riding instructors lead the horse portion, while a certified quad guide rides a separate vehicle.
• Small group size: The tour has a maximum of four travelers, which makes for a more personal outing than a large bus excursion.
• A driving licence is required: Quad drivers must have a category B licence. The minimum age is 12, and children must be accompanied by a parent.

From Split to the Stables at Trilj

The day starts at 8:00 am. The tour includes an air-conditioned transfer, with pickup from your accommodation described as part of the experience. The listed meeting point is Split Outdoor Adventure at Trumbićeva obala 13, so check the precise pickup arrangement when booking rather than assuming the address is where you need to wait.

The drive takes you inland to the equestrian club near Trilj. This change of scene is part of the appeal. Split’s waterfront and stone streets give way to the Cetina River area, where the day’s first activity unfolds outdoors.

At the stable, you meet two certified riding instructors, receive equipment and get a short introduction before setting off. That initial briefing matters, especially if you have little riding experience. The tour calls for moderate fitness, but it does not specify that you need previous horse-riding experience.

Three Hours on Horseback by the Cetina

The horse ride lasts about three hours and takes place near the Cetina River. You’ll have time to settle into the saddle and enjoy the surrounding nature rather than simply taking a quick photo and moving on. The ride is led by instructors, so you have support as you get used to the horse and the pace.

The experience seems suited to a range of abilities, but it’s worth setting expectations. One experienced rider would have liked to go faster, though there was a short chance to ride more freely in the paddock before the route began. If you’re an experienced equestrian hoping for a brisk, technical ride, this may feel measured. If you’re newer to horses, that steadier approach may be a comfort.

The horse portion is also a useful counterpoint to the quad ride. It lets you take in the river setting at a slower speed, with less noise and more attention on the animal beneath you. I like that the day doesn’t rely on motorized thrills alone.

Lunch at a Traditional Tavern in Gornji Bitelić

After the stable, you stop for lunch at a local traditional tavern in Gornji Bitelić. The schedule allows two hours, so this is not presented as a rushed sandwich break. The included meal is a traditional meat dish, with a vegetarian option available if you request it. One drink per person is included, along with a half-litre bottle of water.

This stop gives you time to recharge before the second ride. It also adds a local food element to a day otherwise built around outdoor activities. The exact dishes aren’t specified, so don’t book expecting a particular menu item. If you don’t eat meat, request the vegetarian meal in advance.

The long lunch is practical, but it contributes to the day’s overall length. With three hours on horseback, two hours at the tavern and three hours on quads, the activity blocks alone add up to eight hours. The advertised duration is approximately seven to eight hours, so the actual timing may depend on transfers and the day’s pace.

Three Hours on a Quad Near Dinara Mountain

After lunch, you get a short quad-bike introduction and safety briefing, then set out with a certified guide on a separate quad. The route runs through the Cetina River canyon area and toward Dinara Mountain, along trails that can include abandoned villages and paths less familiar to visitors.

The guide leads the way, which matters on a route that uses mountain tracks rather than a simple out-and-back road. You’re not expected to navigate on your own. The tour’s description promises a three-hour ride, and the route is one of the day’s main draws if you want more than a short ATV loop.

The terrain and scenery are a sharp change from the horse ride. You may climb toward the mountain and return near the Cetina, as the day’s route has done before, but the exact path is not fixed in the details provided. Expect a guided ride through the region, not a guarantee of a particular village or viewpoint.

A valid category B driving licence is obligatory for quad drivers. The information does not specify the rules for passengers, so if you don’t have a licence, ask the operator before booking whether you can ride as a passenger. Minimum age is 12, and children must be with a parent.

What the $424.17 Price Includes

At $424.17 per person, this is a substantial purchase. Its value depends on whether you want both activities and can use the full day. You’re paying for two guided experiences, the horse and quad equipment, transfers, lunch, one drink, bottled water and a local guide or driver.

The small maximum group of four also helps explain the price. It is not a large coach tour with a quick stop at each activity. The price can make sense if you’d otherwise book a horse ride, a quad tour and transport separately. If you only want to ride a quad, or only want time on horseback, this combined outing may be more than you need.

Food is included, but the meal is described as traditional meat, with a vegetarian option on request. Don’t assume that extra drinks or other meals are covered. The transfer is air-conditioned, a welcome detail after a morning outdoors and before the ride back to Split.

Guides, Group Size and Pace

The maximum group size is four travelers, and two certified riding instructors are included for the stable portion. The quad guide uses a separate vehicle, leading the route rather than leaving you to find the trail. The team members named on past outings include Robert, Lucia and Tony, though you should not assume a particular guide will be assigned on your date.

The strongest feature of the guiding is the personal support across activities that require very different skills. Robert has been associated with both patient instruction and an enjoyable quad route; Lucia and her team have led the horse portion, while Tony has guided quad outings. The names are useful context, not a promise of who you’ll meet.

Small groups can make instructions easier to hear and give the guide a better chance to keep the group together. They don’t guarantee a private tour, however. The tour may include other people, up to its stated maximum.

Who Will Get the Most from This Day

This outing suits you if you want an active day outside Split and like the idea of combining animals, local food and motorized riding. It’s especially appealing if one person in your party prefers horses and another prefers quads. The format gives each activity a proper block of time rather than treating either as a brief add-on.

You should be comfortable spending much of the day outdoors and moving between activities. The stated fitness level is moderate, and the horse and quad portions each last three hours. If you have limited stamina, want a relaxed half-day or are uneasy on horses and motor vehicles, consider whether this is the right pace for you.

Families can consider it for children aged 12 or older, but children must be accompanied by a parent. The driver requirement is a separate issue: anyone driving a quad needs a category B licence. Ask the operator about passenger arrangements if a participant won’t be driving.

Booking and Weather Considerations

Confirmation is provided at booking. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund; if the minimum number is not met, you’ll be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. These terms make it sensible to check the local forecast and your plans before the final day.

Should You Book This Horse and Quad Tour?

I’d book it if you want a full, active day inland from Split and value the variety of horses, a local tavern lunch and a guided mountain quad ride. The small group cap, certified instructors and included transfers make the day easier to manage, while the combination offers a good reason to spend a day away from the coast.

Think twice if you’re seeking a fast-paced horse ride, have no category B licence and expect to drive a quad, or would rather keep your day short. At this price, the best value comes from wanting both activities. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a distinctive way to see the Cetina area beyond Split.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours. The horse ride is scheduled for three hours, lunch for two hours and the quad ride for three hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Split Outdoor Adventure at Trumbićeva obala 13, Split. Accommodation pickup is also included, so check your exact pickup details when booking.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transfer from your accommodation and back is included, and the transfers are described as air-conditioned.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional meat meal, one drink per person and a half-litre bottle of water are included. A vegetarian meal is available on request.

Do I need a driving licence to ride a quad?

A category B driving licence is required for quad drivers. The provided information does not specify passenger arrangements.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is four travelers.

Do I need previous horse-riding experience?

Previous experience is not stated as a requirement. Two certified riding instructors provide equipment and a short introduction before the ride.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.