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"Some of the finest highland
scenery in Europe is found in the Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Balkan
mountain ranges" (The Rough Guide - 1995)
The Balkans are the longest
mountain chain in the peninsula at over 600 km. Dividing Bulgaria
into two distinct halves, the Balkans amaze with their spectacular
natural beauty- fertile plateaus cut by deep river canyons, alpine
meadows and high peaks (highest is 2376 m). Our trail takes you to
the North side of the mountains- a land of ancient historical,
architectural and extraordinary natural landmarks.
We have put much thought into designing this special trip. Our aim
is to show you the best preserved castles, tours, monasteries and
fortresses from the Middle Ages together with the old houses and
traditional crafts of Arbanasi village. The unique waterfalls and
caves of the Devetaki plateau are truly a spectacular sight.
The terrain varies but mainly consists of smooth and pleasant
horseback riding. The exciting riding and beautiful scenery is
complimented by delicious traditional dishes, organic fruits and
vegetables and fine Bulgarian wines.
 IT-BGRT02 
Rates include English
speaking guides, all meals, lodging in guesthouses and 3 star
hotels, 6 riding days
8 days/7 nights $ 1,350
Single $125
-- based on €
870 / 80
Non rider rate: $970
( € 620)
2008 Dates:
06/07-06/14 07/05-07/12
07/26-08/02
08/09-08/16 08/23-08/30
09/06-09/13
10/04-10/11
Meeting: Sevlievo
Airport: Sofia
Transfer: Incl. from Sofia airport at set time
Pace: 4-6 riding hours per day
Level:
Low Intermediate+
Tack:
Western and English:Ortho-Flex,
McClellan, Podium and others
Horses:
Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood
horses - all well broken and calm. The height of the horses is from
150 to 165 cm.
Min/Max: 4-8 riders
Accommodation:
In authentic rural houses with unique atmosphere or in family
hotels, in double rooms with toilet and shower. Swimming pools and
sauna in some lodgings..
Itinerary
Day 1:
Pick up from Sofia
Airport
and transfer to Sevlievo, 190 km northeast from the capital. We meet
the horses and match you to a suitable companion. We then join our
guide for dinner at a cozy family hotel near the stables. Overnight.
Day 2:
Breakfast in the hotel. Saddle up the horses and receive initial
instructions from your guide. We ride out towards Skalsko village
and Dryanovo Monastery, Southeast of Sevlievo. On the way you will
ride through hills and beautiful forests with small creeks and
lakes, crossing Yantra
River and a small rocky
canyon. Lunch in the beautiful meadow under the Skalsko Rocks.
Night in Dryanovo Monastery. About 5 hours riding.
Day 3:
Breakfast in the Monastery. Ride from Dryanovo Monastery northward
to the village
of Ledenik. An
interesting tower has been preserved which was built during the
Second
Bulgarian Kingdom
(1185-1396). Its first floor is a museum showing regional culture
and traditions from the past. Hotel "Ledenik" in traditional style
offers dinner and rooms for the night. About 5 hours riding.
After the arrival at Ledenik, we will go by car to Veliko Turnovo-
the ancient capital of Bulgaria
since the time of the second
Bulgarian
Kingdom. Four km from Veliko
Turnovo is the village
of Arbanasi,
famous with its traditional style and architecture, perserved from
the 17th century. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Turnovo. |
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Highlights:
The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko
Tarnovo. The well-fortified hill has been the home of
the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The
castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages
represent an impressive history: The year 1185 began with omens. The
winter happened to be so mild that the fruit trees all over
Europe blossomed even in January. The Bulgarians
connected this "God's omen" with the hope of restoring their state,
which had been subdued by the Roman 167 years ago.
Two brothers, Assen and Peter, lead the people to an armed uprising.
Byzantine rule was swept away to the north of the
Balkan Mountains. On April 9th, 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. An eventful clash occurred on April 14th,1205
near to Adrianopolis (present
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.
Arbanasi village.
The oldest houses are more than 200 years old. All the new houses
were faithfully built in the original style. There are many shops
offering souvenirs made by local craftsmen.
Day 4:
Breakfast in hotel "Ledenik". Our next journey is to the
village
of Vishovgrad. We
ride along the beautiful
Negovanka
River. A little footpath will
take you to the Negovanka river canyon - remarkable with lime
formations, a wooden suspension bridge and sparkling waterfalls.
Arrival at "Dulbok Zimnik" guesthouse in Vishovgrad, dinner and
overnight. About 6 hours riding.
Day 5:
Breakfast in "Dulbok Zimnik" guesthouse. Ride in a northwest
direction to the village
of Krushuna. We
ride through beautiful
forests and meadows towards Devetaki plateau with its extraordinary
caves, waterfalls and lakes. Overnight in Krushuna guesthouse under
the caves. About 6 hours riding.
Day 6:
Breakfast in the guesthouse. Ride out from Krushuna village to the
remarkable Devetaki caves. A professional guide will lead those who
want to see in the caves. Lunch around the caves. Option to ride
back or return by car to Krushuna. After a rest, you will have a
chance to feel like an ancient hunter – try your skill at bow
shooting! Two masters will show you the techniques. Special party in
the guesthouse.
Highlights:
Krushuna's waterfalls
- A unique natural water cascade whose sparkling waterfalls consist
of many offshoots and small basins. The region is green and wild
with a large variety of plant and animal species. This picturesque
area of limestone caves, streams and rivers and is a national park.
The biggest cave, Boninska, contains the longest underground lake
(800 m) in Bulgaria.
Day 7:
Breakfast in the guesthouse. Ride from Krushuna village to the
beautiful Rositsa
Lake. Lunch at the lake.
After lunch, back to the stables. About 7 hours riding.
Day 8:
Breakfast in the guesthouse. Visit a natural lake reservoir at the
top of the Plateau of Belyakovets. Lunch in the hotel. After
lunch, we leave for Sofia
and departure from the airport. |
