Horses on an old Roman track: what a treat. This guided ride takes you along an ancient trail over Perun, connecting Podstrana and Krilo with huge views across Split and the islands—then you end back at the stables for homemade snacks and wine. I love how the horses are calm and well-mannered, and I also like that the route is paced and beginner-friendly, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the stress.

One thing to consider: the trail is walked and the ground can be rocky and stone-like, so it’s not the smooth, stroll-in-a-park kind of ride. Also, keep an eye on your start time; if you’re shifted later toward sunset, the experience may feel shorter than the full two hours you’re picturing.

Key things to know before you go

• Ancient Roman trail route: a historic stone path linking Podstrana and Krilo over hill Perun
• Epic panoramic views: Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, plus Čiovo, Split, Stobreč, and Trogir
• Calm horses, guided handling: suitable for riders with no experience, with a guide setting pace and order
• Walk-only tempo: the horses move at walking speed while the guide explains sights along the way
• Ranch payoff: homemade snacks with bottled water and homemade wine after the ride
• Small group feel: up to 5 travelers, with the option for a private ride for your party

Roman trails, Perun hill, and why this ride feels different

This isn’t a quick photo stop with a horse. It’s a proper guided experience on horseback, on a real older-than-you-expected route. You start from the older village area of Gornja Podstrana and ride along a mountain trail that follows an ancient Roman track. You’ll feel the change the moment you leave the flatter streets behind: cooler air up high, stone underfoot, and wide views that make you look longer than you planned.

The Perun hill crossing is the big “wow” moment in your head before you even mount. Perun is treated like a mythic landmark in the story you’ll hear from your guide, and the panorama supports it. On clear days you’re not just looking at water—you can pick out islands and coastline all around the Split area.

Two details make this ride work especially well for most people. First, the horses are described as extremely well-tempered and well-mannered, and the tempo stays controlled. Second, the guide stays with you the whole time, setting the pace and the group order, then talking history and natural points along the way. That combination means you’re not left scrambling to figure out how your mount moves.

Getting started in Podstrana: where it begins and what to plan

Your meeting point is Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312, Podstrana, Croatia, and the activity ends back there. Most of the “getting there” friction depends on where you’re staying in Split.

If you want an easy door-to-door start, you can organize a transfer from Split’s city center or from your accommodation, but it’s an extra cost. If you’re on your own, public transportation is described as nearby, so you can still make it work without renting a car.

Before you head out, you’ll get riding equipment and a helmet. That’s not just a safety checkbox—when you’re a first-timer, it helps you feel like someone has actually thought through the experience. Bottled water is included, and after the ride you’ll be back at the ranch for snacks and wine.

Practical tip: wear closed-toe shoes or boots you don’t mind scuffing. The trail is described as stone terrain, and rocky ground plus stirrups means your feet will take more contact than you get on a smooth indoor arena.

The ride over Perun: views you can’t fake, plus the pace reality

The trail connects two villages—Podstrana and Krilo—using the ancient route over mythic hill Perun. The view focus matters here: it’s not only “pretty coastline.” You’re meant to look out across the archipelago—Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis—along with the peninsula Čiovo. And you’ll also see key points around the Split area: Split itself, Stobreč, and Trogir.

The ride is guided the whole time. Your guide explains historic and natural sights along the way, and the horses walk rather than run. That walk-only tempo is a big deal because it controls motion. For riders who are nervous, walking pace lets you settle into the rhythm of the horse without feeling like you’re bouncing along at speed.

At the same time, I wouldn’t treat this as a gentle “trail promenade.” The description points out stone mountain terrain. One of the trade-offs of panoramic trails is that they’re often on older tracks and rougher ground. That’s great for the authenticity, and it also means you should expect some unevenness.

What to expect from the movement: the guide sets tempo and order, and the group stays together. You might feel the uneven ground more than you’re used to, but the controlled pace helps you manage it.

Horses and guides: beginner-friendly without being boring

This experience is set up for all levels, including people with no prior horseback riding experience. That line is common in tourism, but the way this tour is structured makes it more believable. The horses are described as extremely well-tempered, and the trail is appropriate for beginners and experienced riders.

You also aren’t riding solo. The guide greets you, stays with you on the entire trail, and sets the tempo. That matters because first-timers often struggle with timing—when to hold, when to relax, and how to avoid fighting the horse. With a guide controlling pace and group spacing, you’re mostly managing your posture and staying balanced.

Guide personality is a repeat theme in what people loved. Names show up in the stories you may hear from your group, such as Ana and Ante—both described as helpful, friendly, and able to make people comfortable quickly. One rider even highlighted how their guide took photos and sent them right after the ride, including higher-quality file handling (like HEIC) beyond what you’d normally get through basic sharing.

If you care about photos: ask your guide what they use for photo delivery. Even if they take photos on your behalf, it’s helpful to know whether the files arrive in a way that keeps quality.

A small note on “fit.” One rider reported swapping to a different mount because they didn’t want a particular type of horse. Another ride described the horses as gentle and relaxed. The safest takeaway for you is this: tell your guide immediately if something about the mount feels off, and be ready to adjust if the ranch pairs you with a different horse than you expected.

The best part often starts when the ride ends

After the horseback trail, you head back to the stables for snacks and drinks. Included in the experience are homemade snacks, bottled water, and homemade wine, plus alcoholic beverages are listed in the inclusions. There’s also insurance included.

This part is more valuable than it sounds, especially after two hours in the open air. You’re not forced into a long waiting gap. The food and wine are positioned as the payoff for being outside, moving slowly, and taking in views. In descriptions you’ll see again and again: wine, cheese, and bread are a highlight, and the overall tone stays relaxed and social.

One rider even called out that grapes tasted fresh from a tree—so if the season and timing line up, you might get little local touches like that while you’re at the ranch or on the way out and back.

Practical tip: if you drink wine, slow down. You’ll have time to settle after the ride, but your body will still be warm from riding and sun exposure. Bottled water is included for a reason—use it.

Price and value: what $105 is really buying you

At about $105 for roughly two hours, this ride is priced like a premium activity, not a bargain city tour. So the value question is fair: are you paying for “a horse for an hour,” or for a full package?

Here’s what you’re actually getting, based on the experience details:

• A guided horseback tour along a historic ancient Roman trail
• Included helmet and riding equipment
• Bottled water
• Snacks plus homemade wine after the ride
• Insurance included
• A max group size of up to 5 travelers
• Private ride option for your party (for groups that book it that way)
• The guide talks about historic and natural sights while riding is kept at walk tempo

If you compare that to the cost of renting gear for a different outdoor activity and paying for transportation, it starts to make sense. You’re not just paying for the mount; you’re paying for guided leadership, trained horses, and the whole “go out, ride, return to a ranch meal” structure.

Where value can feel weaker: if your scheduled start time gets pushed later, you may feel like you spent more of the day waiting and less time riding. That’s why your start time matters for perceived value, even though the listing duration is approximate.

Who should book this horseback ride from Split (and who might not)

This ride is a strong choice if you want:

• A break from beach crowds and city walking
• A guided outdoor experience with real scenery and a story
• Beginner-friendly horseback time with calm mounts
• A calm pace where you can enjoy the view without racing the horse

It also works well for couples and families, since the tone is tranquil and the horses are described as gentle. One family-focused story emphasized that kids can be part of the day without needing riding experience.

You might reconsider if:

• You dislike rocky, stone terrain on foot (your mount will move with that ground)
• You’re expecting a long, fast ride with lots of cantering (the pace is walked, not run)
• You need a strict amount of saddle time at a specific hour (schedule changes can affect how the day feels)

Quick packing list so the ride stays comfortable

Keep it simple:

• Closed-toe shoes/boots for the stirrups
• Light layers for warm-to-cool mountain air
• A small bag for water and phone (you’ll have bottled water included)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen if the day is clear

If you’re sensitive to heights or movement, plan to focus on the guide’s instructions and the calm walking tempo. This is one of those rides where a relaxed mindset pays off fast.

Should you book Ranch 22 Podstrana for the Roman trail ride?

I’d book it if your ideal Split day includes nature, views, and a guided activity that doesn’t require experience. The combination of calm, well-mannered horses, a guided walk-only route over historic terrain, and a real ranch finish with homemade snacks and wine is exactly the kind of “worth it” travel day that’s hard to recreate on your own.

I’d pause and double-check your timing if you’re the type who gets frustrated when a plan shifts. Since the experience depends on weather and your actual start time can affect how the ride feels in daylight, pick a slot that gives you breathing room.

If you want one postcard-worthy view, you’ll get it. If you want an hour on horseback that feels like you left Split for a different world—and came back with food and stories—this one makes a strong case.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

It includes riding equipment and a helmet, homemade snacks, homemade wine (alcoholic beverages), bottled water, and insurance.

Is private transportation included?

Private transportation is not included. You can request a transfer from the center of Split or from your accommodation for an extra pay.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312, Podstrana, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How far is the ranch from Split?

The ranch is listed as 12 km from Split.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum is 5 travelers.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The trail is appropriate for beginners, and there is no prior horseback riding experience required.

What kind of riding pace should I expect?

The horses walk and do not run; the guide sets the tempo and group order.

Is the activity weather-dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.