Most days in Split are either city or beach. This one is horses and quads in the Cetina area, with a traditional lunch in between. I like that you get two certified horse instructors to get you comfortable fast, and I also like that the quad portion is led with a dedicated, certified guide while you ride through canyon paths and back roads. One thing to consider: if you’re an experienced rider, the horse time includes training and short paddock time, so you may not get the fast, long canter you might be hoping for.

The format is also easy on logistics. You get picked up from your accommodation and returned the same day in air-conditioned transfers, and the group is kept small (max 4). That small size is a big deal when you want personal attention instead of feeling like you’re moving with a crowd.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two horse instructors help with gear and early riding confidence before you head out near the Cetina River
• 3 hours of quad biking with equipment provided, plus a safety-first setup with a certified guide
• Traditional lunch at a local tavern with a vegetarian option on request, plus 1 drink and water included
• Dinara Mountain routing is guided on separate quad so you’re not guessing the trails
• Small group limit (4 travelers) makes it feel more like a shared day out than a bus tour
• B license rule for quad drivers matters—check this early if you plan to drive yourself

Horse-to-quad day: how Split turns into Cetina canyon fun

This full-day outing is built around one simple idea: get outside Split and stay active the whole time. You start with horse riding at Equestrian Club St. Mihovil, then shift gears to ATV/quad biking through the Cetina River area and onward toward higher ground around Dinara Mountain. It’s a classic “two adrenaline hits” format, with a real meal in the middle so you don’t fade halfway through.

What makes it work is the pacing. You’re not just dropped into chaos. There’s training for both activities, and you ride with certified support. Even the lunch break is part of the rhythm: eat well, drink something cold, then go again.

Getting to Equestrian Club St. Mihovil from Split

The day starts at 8:00 am from the Split Outdoor Adventure meeting point (Trumbićeva obala 13, 21000 Split). From there, you’ll be picked up and taken to the stables by the tour’s driver/guide in comfortable air-conditioned transfers. That comfort matters because you’re doing a full-day activity that begins early and ends later.

Another practical point: the tour uses a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper. Also, the group size is capped at 4 travelers, which usually means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time actually riding.

You should also plan around the physical side. The experience calls for moderate fitness, which is fair—horse riding and quad biking both involve some time sitting, balancing, and handling movement over uneven ground.

Horse riding at St. Mihovil (Trilj): training, gear, and Cetina nature time

Your horse start is at the prestigious Equestrian Club St. Mihovil in the Trilj area. Here, you meet two certified riding instructors. The day begins with getting your equipment sorted and a short training session so you’re not figuring out basics while you’re already in motion.

Once you’re set, the riding portion is organized near the Cetina River, so you’re outdoors rather than stuck on a paved loop. This is the part of the day many people remember most, because it’s hands-on and calm. You’re moving at a horse’s pace, but you still feel the change from city life to open countryside fast.

From the feedback I’d trust most, the instruction style is a big reason people rate this so highly. Guides like Robert are described as patient and clear, and that kind of calm teaching helps you relax into the ride. One note from an experienced rider: if you already ride regularly, you might wish the horse pace could be faster. That doesn’t mean the ride is poor—it just means the format includes training and may favor comfortable, controlled riding over a speed-focused session.

Lunch in Gornji Bitelić: traditional tavern food and a real reset

After the morning ride, you head to the Gornji Bitelić stop for lunch at a local traditional tavern. You get a solid break here—about 2 hours—with time to eat, cool down, and get ready for the quad biking block.

The meal is listed as a traditional meat option, and there’s a vegetarian option on request. You also get 1 drink per person and cold drinks are part of the refreshment setup during the stop. Add in 0.5 l of bottled water for the day, and you’ve basically got the hydration baseline covered.

For timing, this stop is useful because the quad portion is next. If you skip the full meal or don’t drink enough, you’ll feel it later—quad biking is more physical than it looks, especially when the day heats up.

Dinara Mountain quad biking: 3 hours guided off-road style

Once lunch is done, the tour moves into quad biking near Dinara Mountain. You start with a short introduction and training again, then the real ride begins—about 3 hours of quad driving with your equipment provided.

A key safety and comfort detail: you ride with a certified guide on a separate quad vehicle, who leads you through paths and trails that even locals don’t know exist. That setup matters. Instead of you following a random route, you’re following someone who knows where the trail goes and how the group should string out.

The timing and structure also help you enjoy the experience rather than just “get through it.” Three hours is long enough to get into the rhythm—turns, straight stretches, and terrain changes—without feeling like an endless training session.

And if you’re wondering about the vibe: the guides come across as friendly and practical. In the feedback, Tony gets credited for great guidance during the quad travel, and Robert also stands out for making the day feel fun while staying in control.

Safety, pace, and the quad driving license rule

Safety is explicitly treated as a priority. For quad biking, the tour includes a setup where a certified quad biker accompanies the group through the ride. You should still take the training seriously—your “confidence” will depend on doing the basics right: grip, posture, and how you handle speed on uneven ground.

Now the part that trips people up: a driving licence (B) is obligatory for quad drivers. That means if you want to drive the quad yourself, you’ll need the right license category. The tour rules don’t mention a workaround in the info provided, so you should confirm ahead of time if you’re unsure whether you qualify.

Pace is another consideration. The quad ride is guided and includes training, so the focus is likely on safe control more than racing. If you want a high-speed, aggressive riding style, set expectations accordingly and treat this as an adventure ride with guidance—not a motorsport course.

Transfers, group size, and meeting point details that actually matter

You’ll start at the Split Outdoor Adventure meeting point on Trumbićeva obala 13 at 8:00 am, and you’ll end back at the same meeting point. Transfers are included both ways, and the transfer vehicles are described as air-conditioned—again, not glamorous, but very useful on a full-day outing.

The group cap at 4 travelers is also part of the value. With smaller groups, you typically get more attention during training and less waiting around. That’s especially helpful for horse riding, where instructors can adjust for comfort and control.

Duration is listed as roughly 7 to 8 hours, so plan your whole day around it. This isn’t an add-on for a half-day plan—it’s the main event.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

At $424.17 per person, this is not cheap. The question isn’t just whether it costs more than other activities in Split—it’s what’s bundled into that price.

For your money, you’re getting:

• Pick-up and return transfers from your accommodation
• Horse riding at St. Mihovil with equipment and two certified instructors
• Lunch at a traditional tavern, including 1 drink and water
• 3 hours of quad driving with equipment
• A certified quad guide and a local tour guide/driver
• Short training sessions for both horse and quad parts

In other words, you’re paying for guided access to two different outdoor experiences, plus the overhead of equipment, safety, and transportation. The small group limit also suggests you’re not just buying time—you’re buying instruction and a more controlled day.

If you’re the type who likes activities that feel “real” and not overly scripted, this is a strong use of your budget. If you’re only looking for a casual ride with minimal commitment, you might find the cost harder to justify.

Who should book this horse and quad tour from Split

This is a great fit if:

• You want a full active day with both horse riding and quad biking
• You like the structure of training and clear guidance
• You care about safety and would rather be taught than figure it out alone
• You’re traveling with a relaxed group size (max 4 works well for attention and comfort)

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re an advanced rider and want a speed-forward horse session (there’s training time, and pacing may be calmer)
• You don’t have the correct B license if you plan to drive the quad
• You’re not comfortable with moderate physical fitness needs

It also works well for people who like a “day trip that feels like a story.” Split is close enough that the transfers make sense, but far enough that the countryside day feels like a real change.

Should you book this adventure day?

I’d book it if you want one day that flips your Split trip into countryside action—horses in the Cetina area, then quad biking toward Dinara Mountain, with a proper lunch in the middle. The pricing is high, but it’s high for reasons that matter: certified instruction, equipment, safety guidance, and round-trip transportation.

If you’re deciding based on comfort and control, focus on this: small group size, trained instructors, and a certified guide on separate quad. That combo is exactly what turns a potentially intimidating activity into something you can actually enjoy.

And if you’re worried about the quad license rule, check your B license status before you go. That’s the one practical barrier that could change the whole experience.

FAQ

How long is the full-day horse riding and quad biking trip?

The trip runs about 7 to 8 hours total, starting at 8:00 am and returning to the same meeting point.

What’s included for lunch and can I request a vegetarian meal?

Lunch is a traditional meal (meat) and there is a vegetarian option available on request. You also receive 1 drink per person, plus a 0.5 l bottle of water.

Do I need any special experience to ride the horses or drive a quad?

You’ll get short training and equipment for both activities, and the horse portion includes two certified riding instructors. The quad portion also includes introduction and guidance from a certified guide.

Is there a minimum age for the tour?

Yes. The minimum age is 12 years old, and children must be accompanied by a parent.

Do I need a driving license to ride the quad?

Yes. A driving licence (B) is obligatory for the quad drivers.

What weather happens if conditions aren’t good?

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