Horseriding in the Polish Bieszczady

1265 €, 8 Days

Mountains situated on the very South-East of Poland. This immense territory, almost a human desert, is one of the most beautiful regions in Poland, a paradise for those seeking isolation. Virgin landscapes where civilisation can barely be seen. In short: a playground for enthusiastic equestrians.

This is a journey to the deepest meaning of nature as Bieszczady are mountains famous for its rich flora and fauna including wild animals like bears and wolves. So don't be surprised when fox, hare or even deer will cross horse's way just in front of you.

You will have a chance to admire villages typical for this region where, for example; in Komancza, traces of the old Lemk and Boik civilisations architecture can be found.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cracow
Here you are in Cracow. At the time of the arrival, you are transferred to the hotel in the city center. From there you have free time until the evening when the group meets for dinner in the hotel restaurant. The former capital of Poland, Cracow has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life and is one of Poland's most important economic hubs. Cracow is cited as one of the most unique destinations in the world, thanks to its very reach cultural heritage across the different epochs. The Historic Centre of Cracow with its wonderful urban layout was added in 1978 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2000, Cracow was also named European Capital of Culture.
Your hotel is located in Kazimierz - old Cracow's Jewish quarter. Before it was a separate city then integrated with Cracow. You can visit old synagogues (the oldest dated back to XVth century) and Jewish cemetery from XVIth century. Walking along narrow streets you will be continuously coming across little cafés and restaurants.
Then, you can take a walk to the Main Market Square, the biggest Middle Age (Medieval) market in Europe where you can admire St. Mary Church and Sukiennice, former Cloth Hall. You can also see the Wawel Cathedral, the Royal Castle, the St. Mary's Basilica, Saints Peter and Paul Church. In the evening, we will meet in the restaurant.

Day 2: Sanok – Wola Piotrowa
We start from Sanok - town located near the Polish-Ukrainian-Slovakian border (c.a. 3h30minutes drive from Krakow). After breakfast, we meet our horses and get ready for departure. At first we cross large open spaces and we pass through the villages abandoned due to the “Operation Vistula” (a codename for the 1947 forced resettlement of Ukrainian minority including Boykos and Lemkos from the south-eastern provinces of post-war Poland, to the Recovered Territories in the west of the country).
We will also have the opportunity to see a church built in the XVI century.
The night is spent in Wola Piotrowa where we are hosted by locals.

Day 3: Wola Piotrowa – Roztoki Dolne
A wonderful journey ahead - long meadows, endless gallops and beautiful forests. We cross open spaces and villages abandoned due to the “Operation Vistula” (forced resettlement of Ukrainian minority including Boykos and Lemkos from the south-eastern provinces of post-war Poland, to the Recovered Territories in the west of the country). On the way we will have the opportunity to see old tombs hidden by plants that grew slowly covering them over time. We will stop in the village Turzansk known for its gothic, wooden church from the nineteenth-century, which together with different tserkvas is designated as part of the UNESCO Wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region in Poland and Ukraine.

Day 4: Roztoki Dolne – Rybne
Another day perfect for nature lovers. Passing through fields and forests, and feeling the atmosphere of abandoned villages. We will travel through a small village Zernica where we will have the opportunity to see a wooden Orthodox church.

Day 5: Rybne – Terka
We cross open spaces and follow the mountain ridges with wonderful views of Solina Lake - also known as the "Sea of Bieszczady". It is the largest artificial lake in Poland, fed by the rivers San and Solinka.
We pass through the village of Bukowiec and we will have the opportunity to see another orthodox church (in Gorzanka). If the weather is convenient, we will climb to montain Korbania with magnificent view of the region.

Day 6 : Terka – Postolow
We continue the journey along Solina Lake.
We will also cross San River several time which is always a big attraction for the riders.

Day 7: Postolow – Sanok
Today we will be heading slowly towards Sanok – our point of departure.
We can choose the path leading through beautiful forests of the mountains Slonne. We will then have the opportunity to see ruins of the Sobien castle and once we cross the river San, we will arrive to the largest ethnographic park in Poland - the museum buildings of different ethnic groups living in the Polish-Ukrainian border region (a hundred of wood from the seventeenth to the twentieth century: farms, Orthodox churches, mills).The second possibility is to follow the path leading to the Discalced Carmelites monastery ruins.

Day 8 : Sanok– Cracow - your final destination
After breakfast we go back to Cracow (c.a. 3,5 hours drive from Krakow) to the airport or a hotel from where you continue your stay in Poland.

Difficulty:

You should be confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops). Also please keep in mind that you will spend 4,5 - 6 hours in a saddle per day.
We recommend riders should have a good level of fitness, and that you have a few rides just before the trip to reduce aches and pains. You should also be able to saddle and unsaddle your horse as all the participants are responsible for tending the horse before and after the day ride as well as for taking care of the equipment. Our trips are not for debutants, you do not need to be a champion though. Children of more than 12 are welcome with their guardians.

Assistance

Saddle Bags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items, due to space: rain coat and rain proof over-trousers, water-bottle, extra sweater, camera and a small bag with personal items. Luggage is transferred by a car. Your guide will ensure your satisfactory passage through the route plan. Nonetheless they will not succeed without your enthusiasm, good spirits and a will to explore into the unknown. An open minded approach and ability to adapt to the customs and habits that prevail in the country you visit will enhance your enjoyment.

Board & Accommodation

Basic dormitory style accommodation is provided in agricultural farms, forester's lodges or local hostels in rooms.
This is just a continuation of groups' integration. These conditions are determined by horses' accommodation and wildness of the places our trip takes place in. Accommodation provided on the trip is on a full-board basis where breakfast and dinner is provided in the same place or close to where you are accommodated.
Lunch, depending on the track, is in form of a picnic or in a restaurant if it's on our way. The food is typical, natural polish food and is delicious! Alcohol drinks in general and drinks between meals are not included in the trip price.

Note: The route program may be modified due to technical causes, imponderables, safety reasons or weather conditions of the moment. In these cases the guide is authorized to take necessary decisions.

Price Includes:
Full-board accommodation (first meal: dinner on arrival day
last meal: breakfast on departure day)
Care of experienced guide
Participants transportation during the trip
Luggage transportation during the trip

Not Included:
Obligatory insurance: liability insurance
accident and death insurance
Optional insurance (ex. cancellation insurance)
Entrance fees (for ex. In Cracow) and additional activities
Drinks between meals and alcoholic beverages
Flight
Personal expenses
All other services not mentioned as included

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