Horseback trail ride in BULGARIA : THE BALKAN HORSE RIDING TRIPS

Discover our 4 horseback trail rides in Bulgaria:

This is a seven night circular trail, in hotels/guesthouses and one night in a dormitory in the mountain. Located in the central and higher regions of the Balkan Range, the Central Balkan National Park lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is one of the largest and most valuable of protected areas in Europe. The terrain is varied and the weather is suitable for the hottest summer months. This trail is for riders who want a challenge that takes them into more remote areas. Riding distances are about 25 km a day (4-5 hours riding each day).

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Saturday: Meeting at Sofia Airport (before 4 pm). If you arrive earlier in the day then the guide will meet you and take you for lunch before collecting more people from the
airport. When everyone has arrived you will be transferred 190 km northeast of Sofia to the town of Sevlievo. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Sevlievo. The hotel has a sauna and indoor swimming pool. Ride briefing over dinner. The following is the proposed itinerary but it is subject to change due to local conditions. Riding times and
distances are approximate. Sometimes it is necessary for the horses to overnight a short distance away from where you are staying and then you transfer to and from the horses by vehicle.

Sunday: Breakfast in the hotel before transferring to the riding centre just outside Sevlievo. Meet the horses, saddle up and prepare for the ride under the guidance of
your guides. Set off riding from the stables and ride along beautiful green hills. Lunch in the shade in the open fields, with amazing views. This day gives you the opportunity to canter in the beautiful area at the foot of the Balkan Mountain, from where you can see the whole central Balkan range and its majestic peaks. Later, you will arrive at at your guesthouse. About 28 km/5 hours riding.

Monday: After breakfast in camp, your ride takes you to a small mountain paradise, where your picnic awaits next to the Rositsa River. Spend a few hours of relaxation by the river, with the opportunity to swim if you wish.After lunch you ride, or perhaps walk, into the Lagut National Reserve and hopefully spot some of the native wildlife. At the end of the day you arrive at the guesthouse in the village of Valevtsi for the night. After dinner, if you wish, you can visit the Summer Bar ‘Bedouin’ for a lively evening and perhaps a swim in the river. About 15 km/3.5 hours riding.

Tuesday: After breakfast at the guesthouse, you ride uphill to the heart of the National Park. The trail follows the Rositsa River deeper into the forest, with beech trees over 100 years old. Stop by the river for your picnic and the opportunity to cool down in the river if the weather is hot. Later in the afternoon you arrive at Mazalat hut, situated under the natural formation known as the ‘Singing Rocks’. When the horses are settled for the evening, take a walk up Mazalat Peak, from where you can see for 60 km in every direction. Tonight you can choose to sleep in the hut in shared rooms, or in a tent. About 25 km/5 hours riding.

Wednesday: Breakfast in the hut before walking to the ‘Singing Rocks’. Return to the hut for a picnic lunch before reuniting with your horses and following the trail to the crest of the Balkan Mountain, with amazing views on both sides. The trail takes you down to the hotel in the Uzana region, the geographic centre of Bulgaria. About 15 km/3 hours riding.

Thursday: This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you ride down to lake Hristo Smirnenski, the main water source for Gabrovo city, the Bulgarian ‘capital of humour and satire’. You picnic next to the village of Mechkovtsi then ride on to your guesthouse in the village of Kovachite, near Gabrovo. About 30 km/6 hours riding.

Friday This morning you are taken by car to visit the folk museum of Etara which is near to the town of Gabrovo. This is a beautifully rebuilt and restored village from the 19th century illustrating the main crafts of that time. The machines are powered by running water and the craftsmen produce souvenirs for you to buy (take some money with you – there are some interesting things to buy). You have about one hour here and then return to the hotel to change into your riding clothes. The trail today completes the full circle. You picnic next to the village of Armenite, situated at the foot of Vitata Stena before continuing on the final leg following the rocky chain back to the farm. Overnight and dinner at a hotel in Sevlievo. About 26 km/4.5 hours riding.

Saturday: After breakfast transfer to Sofia Airport (4 hours drive) for flights departing late afternoon.

* Indicative itinerary that can be modified if necessary.

This circular trail starts and finishes at the horse farm near Sevlievo, and takes you to the north side of the Balkans. This is a great introduction to the area and ideal for the hot summer months, or for guests not wanting so many hours in the saddle. This itinerary is designed to introduce you to Bulgaria and its many facetted history, with castles, towers, monasteries and fortresses from the Middle Ages, together with the old houses and traditional crafts. Riders should be happy at walk, trot and canter. Subject to the wishes and capabilities of the group, there will be some long canters on wide open spaces (4 - 5 hours riding each day). Accommodation is in hotels and guesthouses.

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Saturday: Arrive at Sofia Airport (before 4pm). If you arrive early in the day then the guide will meet you and take you for lunch before collecting more people from the airport. If there is time when everyone has arrived, you will be taken on a tour in the centre of the capital before being transferred 190kms northeast of Sofia to the town of Sevlievo. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Sevlievo. The hotel has a sauna and indoor swimming pool. Ride briefing over dinner. The following is the proposed itinerary but it is subject to change due to local conditions. Riding times and distances are approximate. Sometimes it is necessary for the horses to overnight a short distance away from where you are staying and then you transfer to and from the horses by vehicle.

Sunday: After breakfast you are transferred to the horse farm to meet the horses, saddle up and prepare for the ride under the guidance of your guides. This introductory ride takes you through an old forest. Return to the riding centre for lunch and then in the late afternoon return to the hotel and perhaps enjoy a sauna or swim before dinner. About 21 km / 4 hours riding.

Monday: Having packed your bags for the start of the trail, you leave from the horse farm and ride to the small village of Zhivko. The route takes you along the foot of the famous rocky chain “Vitata Stena” (10km long and more than 120m high) which is also a nature reserve. Picnic next to the village of Armenite, situated in the middle of the Vitata Stena. Dinner and overnight at a traditional guesthouse in Zhivko village. About 25km / 4.5 hours riding.

Tuesday: After breakfast you are taken by car to visit the folk museum of Etara which is near to the town of Gabrovo. Etara is a beautifully rebuilt and restored village from the 19th century illustrating the main crafts of that time. The machines are powered by running water and the craftsmen produce souvenirs for you to buy (take some money with you – there are some interesting things to buy). After lunch set off riding from Zhivko towards the villages of Sabotkovtsi and Bozhentsi, crossing the Yantra River and riding through the wilderness of the valley. Dinner and overnight at Sabotkovtsi. About 21 km / 4 hours riding.

Wednesday: Breakfast at the guest house. Visit by car to Bozhentsi where you are able to spend time looking around and there is the opportunity to buy souvenirs. The village of Bozhentsi nestles in the picturesque valleys of the Balkan Mountains, 13km from the town of Gabrovo. It is almost the only settlement in Bulgaria that has entirely kept its ancient look from the Renaissance. The well-preserved valuable architectural monuments, the authentic stone roads, and the rich ethnographic collections were the reason why the village (with about 100 houses and 7-8 public works buildings) became an architectural-historical reservation in 1964. One legend, handed down from one generation to another, goes back to a tragic time for the Bulgarian nation in 1393, when the Capital Veliko Tarnovo was taken by the Turks and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was destroyed for 500 years. The noblewoman Bozhana lost her husband and left the capital with her children to look for shelter. The only possible place was the Balkan mountain. In the heart of the mountain, between the sparkling streams, in the deep forests and hidden from the eyes of the enslaver, she put the first stone of the village, which took her name. Today, the beautiful houses of Bozhentsi, sheltered between two opposite hills among lush vegetation, meet the sunrises and the sunsets in peace and silence as though the time has really stopped. You ride today northwest of Sabotkovtsi, through hills and beautiful forests with small creeks and lakes, towards Dryanovo Monastery. Picnic in a beautiful meadow next to the village of Tsareva Livada, which was the summer residence of the war horses of Bulgarian kings during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, 1185-1396 A.D.Overnight in a hotel on the shore of the lake in the village of Skalsko. About 21km / 4.5 hours riding.

Thursday: After breakfast at the hotel you visit Dryanovo Monastery and the cave “Bacho Kiro” above it. The monastery survived the bombardment of the Ottoman Army in one epic battle with the rebels during the biggest Bulgarian uprising against the Turkish occupation in 1876. After visiting the monastery, you set off riding towards the village of Gostilitsa, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight at a traditional hotel in Gostilitsa. About 19 km / 4 hours riding.

Friday: After breakfast at the hotel you visit the old Bulgarian capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo was the Bulgarian capital during the second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). A wellfortified hill was the home of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for two centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages tell stories of an impressive history. The year 1185 began with omen: the winter happened to be so mild that the fruit trees all over Europe blossomed even in January. The Bulgarians believed this to be ‘God's omen’ for the hope of restoring their state, which had been subdued by the Byzantium empire for 167 years. Brothers, Assen and Peter, who owned a miraculous icon, motivated the people in church on the day of St Dimitar and led them in an armed uprising. Both brothers were kings for 12 years and they succeeded in restoring Bulgaria almost to the size of its First Kingdom (681-1018). Both brothers were killed by traitors. On 9th April 1205 the army of the Fourth Crusade took the capital of Byzantium- Constantinople and founded their own Latin Empire, led by the Count of Flanders, Boduen. Tsar Kaloyan (the younger brother of Assen and Peter) attempted to make peace with the Knights, but they refused the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14th April 1205 near to Adrianopolis (present day Edirne). The army of Count Louis was defeated and the Emperor Boduen was captured and taken to the capital Veliko Tarnovo, where he later died. Return to your horses, and your last ride takes you from Gostilitsa village through open meadows and beautiful forests. After a picnic lunch you arrive back at the horse farm near Sevlievo and say a fond farewell to your horses. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sevlievo. About 25 km / 4.5 hours riding.

Saturday After breakfast you are transferred to the airport in Sofia for your flight home. Flights should depart after midday.

* Indicative itinerary that can be modified if necessary.

This trail sets off from the riding base and takes you to the north side of the Balkans, moving on each night and doing a loop in an anti-clockwise direction. This itinerary is designed to show you castles, towers, monasteries and fortresses from the Middle Ages, together with the old houses and traditional crafts. The trail takes you to the Krushuna waterfalls on the Devetaki plateau, one of the most attractive landmarks of Bulgaria. Riders should be competent at walk, trot and canter. There will be some long canters on wide open spaces (4–7 hours riding each day). Accommodation is in hotels and guesthouses.

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Saturday: Arrive at Sofia Airport (before 16:00). If you arrive early in the day then the guide will meet you and take you for lunch before collecting more people from the airport. When everyone has arrived you will be transferred 190 km northeast of Sofia to the town of Sevlievo. Your first night is in a hotel in Sevlievo. The hotel has a sauna and indoor swimming pool. Meet your guide and have a discussion about the week ahead over dinner. The following is the proposed itinerary but it is subject to change due to local conditions. Riding times and distances are approximate. Sometimes it is necessary for the horses to overnight a short distance away from where you are staying and then you transfer to and from the horses by vehicle.

Sunday: This morning you are taken by car to visit the folk museum of Etara which is near to the town of Gabrovo. This is a beautifully rebuilt and restored village from the 19th century illustrating the main crafts of that time. The machines are powered by running water and the craftsmen produce souvenirs for you to buy (take some money with you – there are some interesting things to buy). You have about one hour here and then return to the hotel to change into your riding clothes. At about midday you are taken to the riding centre just outside Sevlievo. Meet the horses, saddle up and prepare for the ride under the guidance of your guides. You ride through hills and beautiful forests with small creeks and lakes towards Dryanovo Monastery, southeast from Sevlievo. On the way, as on every day, at about 14:00 you are met by the support vehicle with a picnic lunch. Overnight at a hotel in the village of Dryanovo, 5 km away from the beautiful Dryanovo Monastery area. The hotel has a swimming pool. About 23 km /5 hours riding.

Monday: The day starts with a visit the Dryanovo Monastery and the cave ‘Bacho Kiro’ above it. At about midday you are driven back to the horses and ride northwards to the village of Ledenik through beautiful meadows. Picnic next to Kereka villige. After lunch, there is a short section, through a small valley and oak forests, where you will have to lead your horse. There is an interesting tower built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). Continue riding and arrive at the Chiflika hotel. Here you can enjoy the swimming pool and later have dinner. www.chiflikabg.com About 21 km / 4 hours riding.

Tuesday: After breakfast at the hotel you visit the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo by car. Veliko Tarnovo was the Bulgarian capital during the second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). A wellfortified hill was the home of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for two centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages tell stories of an impressive history. The year 1185 began with omen: the winter happened to be so mild that the fruit trees all over Europe blossomed even in January. The Bulgarians believed this to be ‘God's omen’ for the hope of restoring their state, which had been subdued by the Byzantium empire for 167 years. Brothers, Assen and Peter, who owned a miraculous icon, motivated the people in church on the day of St Dimitar and led them in an armed uprising. Both brothers were kings for 12 years and they succeeded in restoring Bulgaria almost to the size of its First Kingdom (681-1018). Both brothers were killed by traitors. On 9th April 1205 the army of the Fourth Crusade took the capital of Byzantium- Constantinople and founded their own Latin Empire, led by the Count of Flanders, Boduen. Tsar Kaloyan (the younger brother of Assen and Peter) attempted to make peace with the Knights, but they refused the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14th April 1205 near to Adrianopolis (present day Edirne). The army of Count Louis was defeated and the Emperor Boduen was captured and taken to the capital Veliko Tarnovo, where he later died. After visiting Veliko Tarnovo, you set off riding towards the village of Emen, along the Yantra River and through fields and forests. Picnic next to Balvan village and later arrive at the comfortable holiday complex of Imenieto, which has a swimming pool. www.imenieto.com Dinner and overnight at Imenieto. About 22 km / 4 hours riding.

Wednesday: This is the longest riding day, and after breakfast you ride in a northwest direction to the village of Krushuna. The ride takes you through beautiful forests with meadows and fields towards the plateau of Devetaki with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes. Picnic at a meadow nearby the village of Dimcha. Later continue riding towards Krushuna and overnight at Ongul Guesthouse in the village of Karpachevo. The guesthouse has a swimming pool and you stay here two nights. About 45 km / 7-8 hours riding.

Thursday:http://waterfallsbg.info/en/krushunskiwaterfalls After breakfast you are taken by car to Devetaki cave which is 15 km from Krushuna. A part of the movie ‘The Expendables 2’ with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis was filmed in the cave in November 2011. Return to the guesthouse for lunch, and then in the afternoon visit the beautiful Krushuna's Waterfalls, which cascade from the cliffs and caves. If the weather is hot, you may wish to swim in the small cold lakes under the waterfalls. Krushuna's waterfall is a unique natural water cascade, whose sparkling waterfalls consist of many shoots and small basins. The region is green and wild with a large variety of plant and animal species. This picturesque area comprises limestone caves with springs, streams and rivers. The biggest cave, called Boninska, contains the longest underground lake (800 m) in Bulgaria. The area of Krushuna waterfalls is a National park. http://waterfallsbg.info/en/krushunskiwaterfalls. There will be time today for a short ride (about 1.5 hours) on the trails around Devetaki plateau, above the waterfalls. Depending on the weather, this could be in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler. Dinner and night at Ongul Guesthouse in Karpachevo. Friday Another long riding day, as you leave from Karpachevo village towards the vertical cave ‘Garvanitsa’ on the plateau, then on to Kramolin Lake. If you wish, and depending on water levels and the temperature, it may be possible to swim in the lake, perhaps also with the horses. Picnic at the lake. Continue riding to a larger lake formed from the Rositsa River and towards Sevlievo. Rather than riding through the busy town of Sevlievo, you finish the ride just north of the town. The horses are transported by lorry the last few miles back to the riding centre and you are taken to your hotel in Sevlievo. Have a farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel. About 33 km / 6 hours riding.

Saturday: After breakfast you are transferred to the airport in Sofia for your flight home. Flights should depart after midday.

* Indicative itinerary that can be modified if necessary.

This trail is on the southern side of the Balkans and you transfer from Sofia directly to the start of the ride (to where the horses will have been trucked from their stables). There is slightly slower riding due to the hilly terrain but still with some canters and so you do need to be competent at walk, trot and canter. There are opportunities for spa treatments at most of the hotels. This is a mountain trail ride taking you through the territory of the Sredna Gora Mountain - the land of the Thracians with healing mineral springs, roses and lavender. Enjoy the wonderful combination of daily riding with strengthening spa treatments and refreshing massages at the end of the day. Canter through the endless meadows and ride through beautiful oak and beech forests. The region has always been populated because of the moderate climate and you will visit some of the archaeological, historical and architectural landmarks to be found in the area.

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Saturday: You will be collected from Sofia Airport. The trail commences in the spa town of Hissar, 180 km southeast of Sofia on the southern side of the Balkans (to where the horses will have been trucked from their stables). Tonight you stay at a spa hotel with a swimming pool and sauna. Welcome dinner with ride briefing and overnight at Hissar health resort. Hissar health resort is situated almost in the centre of Bulgaria, on the southern slopes of the Sredna Gora Mountains (336 m). The first settlers of the small valley where the town is situated were Thracians from the Besi tribe. Eventually, the area was reached by Macedonians, but it was not until Roman times that Hissar developed into a large town and resort, called Dioclecianopolis after the Roman emperor Dioclecian (284 - 305 AD). The town was built according to all the requirements of Roman town planning with wide, straight streets, decorated with statues of gods and goddesses, marble baths, beautiful palaces and villas for the Roman aristocracy. To protect the town from enemy invasions, it was surrounded with a wall raised by the skilful hands of Thracian master-builders. The following is the proposed itinerary but it is subject to change due to local conditions. Riding times and distances are approximate. Sometimes it is necessary for the horses to overnight a short distance away from where you are staying and then you transfer to and from the horses by vehicle.

Sunday: In the morning have a tour of the town of Hissar and visit the remains of the fortress wall of the ancient roman town Dioclecianopolis, the third largest town in the ancient province of Thrace. The wall is one of the best preserved of its kind not only in Bulgaria, but also on the entire Balkan Peninsula. In the late morning saddle the horses and set off for your ride through the beautiful countryside around the village of Starosel. You will be met by the support vehicle and have a picnic lunch next to Matenitsa village. In the afternoon continue riding to the village of Krasnovo, situated on the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain. Accommodation and dinner in a spa hotel Agua Termi. About 26 km/4-5 hours riding.

Monday: Breakfast at the guesthouse. Set off riding from Krasnovo village and ride through rose gardens, upwards into the heart of the mountain. Lunch will likely be in the beautiful Hut Buntovna at (1180 m) which is located in an old beech forest in the area of Konska Polyana, Kulata and Kanara. In the afternoon you will ride through the beech forest and towards the top of the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Eagle Rock hotel, situated in the middle of the hills of the mountain. The hotel has swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. About 28 km/5.5 hours riding.

Tuesday: Have breakfast in the hotel, then set out on a two hour ride in the neighbouring wilderness of Koprivshtitsa. Lunch will be at a restaurant in town and then you will have a guided tour of the old town of Koprivshtitsa. You will visit some of the museums and then have the afternoon at your leisure to explore. There are many shops, galleries and cafes to visit. Dinner and overnight at hotel. About 12 km/2 hours riding. The town of Koprivshtitsa is situated near to the Topolnitsa River at 1060 m above the sea level. This town, effectively a living museum, is a unique settlement in Bulgaria with over 250 patterns of the Bulgarian Revival Period architecture. The greatest wealth of Koprivshtitsa is its Revival Period houses with colourful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls and gates. The disorderly built curved and narrow cobblestone little streets, and the numerous stone fountains, contribute to the attractiveness of the little town.

Wednesday: Have breakfast at the hotel, then ride through untouched forests to the spa resort called Strelcha, and ride to the very top of “Wolf Peak” (1240 m). Here there are panoramic views of the Tracian planes and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a picnic a few kilometres down from the peak. Overnight in a spa hotel which has a hot mineral pool and massage centre. Before and after dinner you will have some time to relax, perhaps with a massage and swim. Dinner in a local restaurant. About 25 km/5 hours riding.

Thursday: Have breakfast in the hotel, then ride through varying scenery of rose fields, vineyards and sandy lakes. Enjoy a picnic lunch next to the village of Krustevich, perhaps in a cherry garden. Tonight, you will stay in the wine and spa complex "Starosel". There is a replica of the Starosel Thracian Temple in the cellar of the complex. If you stand in its centre, your voice sounds like coming from the cosmos, but only you can hear it. This is just one of the Thracian mysteries. Before dinner you can enjoy the spa or join a winery tour. Wine tasting with five wines and special food to accompany each of them (additional cost, please ask for details). Dinner in the restaurant of the spa complex. About 28 km/5 hours riding.

Friday: After breakfast you will visit the Thracian cult complex in Starosel. It was discovered in year 2000 by the archaeological expedition of Dr. George Kitov and is the largest preserved Thracian king complex (with a temple-mausoleum) in Southeast Europe. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC, and you will learn about the mysterious Thracians and their amazing cultural heritage and historic significance. The suppositions are that the temple is from the time of the Thracian King Sitalk. The rich findings in the stone-built tomb date from the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 4th century BC. A main staircase with monumental corridor, ritual landing and two chambers, leads to the temple. The entrance is outlined with slabs with plastic and colour decoration. The inside area is a round, domed chamber with semicolumns and colour ornaments, where the initiated established connection with gods. It is surrounded by a 263 yard long wall made out of some 4000 stone blocks and was hidden under a 20 m high mound of earth. There will be opportunities today for some faster riding among meadows which are near to the biggest lake in Pyasachnik. Here there also panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and you will stop for a picnic lunch nearby In the afternoon, you will ride through forests, meadows and along the lake heading back towards in Hisarya. Dinner and overnight in a spa hotel with a swimming pool and sauna. About 25 km/4 hours riding.

Saturday: After breakfast say your goodbyes to horses and guides. Depending on flight times there may be time to visit the ancient town of Plovdiv before setting off for Sofia at around noon.

* Indicative itinerary that can be modified if necessary.