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Land of the Thracians
Mountains
Bulgaria
This trail ride goes through the Bulgarian Rose Valley and Sredna Gora Mountain - the land of the Thracians, the mineral sources, the roses and lavender. It offers the perfect combination of gallops through boundless meadows and riding among the breathtaking Sredna Gora Mountain.
The main goal of this carefully designed holiday is to give great pleasure to your body, senses and mind. This trail ride offers you an extraordinary combination of the physical loading of the riding with the strengthening SPA treatments and the refreshing massages. During the holiday you will enjoy the delicious food, prepared from wholesome local produce and sample famous Bulgarian wines. You will also discover part of the archaeological, historical and architectural landmarks of Bulgaria.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Sofia airport
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Airport:
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Sofia airport
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Transfer:
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Included from Sofia airport
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All your meals and beverages, 6 riding days with English speaking guide, 1 massage, Support vehicle with mobile phone connection & Transfer from/to Sofia airport included at set time
Guides can speak English, German or French
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip, 6 riding days | 8d / 7n | €1780 | $1960 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
|
Transfer from Sofia airport included at set time
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€
0
|
$0
|
|
2024
|
Private transfer from Sofia, pp
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€
260
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$285
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|
2024
|
Single supplement
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€
200
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$220
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2024
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Wine tasting, pp
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€
30
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$35
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is included from Sofia Airport (SOF) at set times.
Pick-up time on Day 1 is available between noon and 4:00pm.
Drop-off on the last day is between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
Tour Dates for 2024
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2024
|
04/06
- 04/13
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 riding days
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4
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2024
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04/20
- 04/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 riding days
|
4
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2024
|
05/18
- 05/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 riding days
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2024
|
06/01
- 06/08
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 riding days
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2024
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09/21
- 09/28
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 riding days
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4
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2024
|
10/05
- 10/12
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 riding days
|
4
/10
|
Reserve
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|
|
Rates do not include:
Private transfers from/to Sofia, Hard alcoholic beverages, Wine tasting (20 euros), Personal travel insurance (mandatory) & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to the famous SPA Resort –the town of Hissar, located 180 km South-east from the capital.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at SPA Hotel Hello in Hissar
* Highlights: Hissar health resort is situated almost in the centre of Bulgaria, on the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain, 336 m above sea level.
The first settlers of the small valley, where the town is situated were Thracians from the Bessi tribe. Eventually, the area was reached by Macedonians, but it was not until Roman times when 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 requirements of Roman town planning - with wide, straight streets, decorated with statues of gods and goddesses, with marble baths, beautiful palaces and villas for Roman aristocracy. To protect the town from enemy invasions, it was surrounded with a wall raised by the skillful hands of Thracian master-builders.
Day 2 (Sunday): Hissar to Krasnovo
Breakfast in the hotel. After saddling the horses and preparing for the ride, we start our ride among beautiful nature around the village of Starosel. Picnic in a wooden shelter in the middle of the forest, close to Matenitsa village. In the afternoon you will ride to the village of Krasnovo, famous with its mineral baths, situated on the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain next to a big dam. Before dinner you will have aquatic relaxation procedures and massages and swim in the mineral water pool.
Riding: About 26 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at SPA Hotel Agua Termi
Day 3 (Monday): Krasnovo to Koprivshtitsa
Breakfast at the guest house. We start our ride from Krasnovo village through the rose garden, before going uphill into the heart of the mountain. We have lunch in the beautiful Hut Buntovna at 1180 m altitude, located in an old beech forests with amazing view.
In the afternoon, we will ride through the deep beech forest and the beautiful open tops of the mountain. In the evening, we reach the town of Koprivshtitsa.
Riding: About 35 km (6 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel ”Eagle Rock”
Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Sredna gora
After breakfast, we ride through an untouched forest to the Spa Resort Strelcha and reach the very top of the beautiful peak “Wolf” - 1240m, with an amazing panoramic view of the Upper Thracian Plain and the surrounding mountains.
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Ride through an untouched forest to the Spa Resort Strelcha and reach the very top of the beautiful peak “Wolf” - 1240m, with an amazing panoramic view of the Upper Thracian Plain and the surrounding mountains.
• Picnic under a cosy wooden shelter just a few kilometers down the “Wolf” peak .
• Overnight in hotel “Sredna gora” with a hot mineral pool, sauna and massage centre.
• Before dinner you will have time to relax with a massage and swim in the mineral water pool.
• Dinner at the hotel’s traditional-style restaurant.
• About 25 km (4.5 hours) of riding.
We stop for picnic under a cosy wooden shelter just a few kilometers down the “Wolf” peak .
Overnight in hotel “Sredna gora” with a hot mineral pool, sauna and massage centre. Before dinner you will have time to relax with a massage.
Riding: About 25 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Sredna gora
Day 5 (Wednesday): Strelcha Ride
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, you go on a 2.5 -hour ride in the beautiful area of Strelcha. You will stop for lunch at a restaurant, followed by a guided tour to the Historical Museum in the town of Panagyurishte. The museum complex includes the vault hall of Panagyurishte's treasure, the Historical Exposition dedicated to the April Uprising, the Dudekova House, the Jounova House, the Sinia Hadjidimitrova House, the Byala Hadzhidimitrova House, the House of Raina Knyaginya, the Tuteva House, the Lekova House, the Drinova House.
After the visit, enjoy some free time for shopping and exploring the charming galleries, craftsman shops and coffee retreats.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Riding: About 12 km (2 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Sredna gora
*Highlights: The museum serves the Apriltsi Memorial Complex, dedicated to the participants in the April Uprising of 1876 and the historical site "Oborishte". The Panagyurishte treasure is by far the richest and most brilliant gold hoard yet discovered which was unearthed by accident by three brothers – Pavel, Petko and Michael Deykovs in 1949, during clay digging near the town of Panagyuriste. The Panagyurishte gold has been dated to the 4th century BC.
Day 6 (Thursday): Strelcha to Starosel
Breakfast in the hotel. You will ride trough the rose fields, nice vineyards, and along sandy lakes. Picnic in a garden, next to the village of Krustevich. You will be accommodated at the beautiful Vinery Spa complex in Starosel. A copy of the Starosel Thracian Temple is made in the cellar of the complex. When you stand in its centre your voice sounds like coming from the Cosmos, but only you can hear it. This is a part of the Thracian mysteries.
Before dinner, you can enjoy the spa or go on a wine tour.
Riding: About 28 km (5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Winery & SPA complex
*Highlights: Wine tasting with 5 wines and special food for each of them - 20 EUR per person.
Day 7 (Friday): Starosel to Hisaraya
After breakfast ,you will visit the Thracian complex in Starosel. It was only discovered in 2000 by the archaeological expedition of Dr.George Kitov. It is the largest preserved Thracian complex with a temple-mausoleum in Southeast Europe. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC. You will learn about the mysterious Thracians and their amazing cultural heritage and historic significance.
Later on, you will enjoy beautiful long gallops among the meadows, and ride by one of the biggest lake of the area (Pyasachnik) with a panoramic view of the mountain.
Picnic lunch in the meadows near village Panicheri.
In the afternoon, we ride across the forest, meadows and along lakes, making our way back to Hisarya.
Accommodation in a SPA hotel with mineral swimming pool and sauna. In the evening enjoy a Farewell dinner.
Riding: About 25 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at SPA Hotel Hello in Hissar
*Highlights: The Thracian cult complex in Starosel.
The suppositions are that the temple is from the time of the Thracian King Sitalk, even his own. The rich findings in the stone-built tomb date from the end of the fifth and the beginning of the fourth 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 semi-columns 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.
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast transfer to Sofia.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Sofia airport
Airport:
Sofia airport
Transfer:
Included from Sofia airport
Distance:
190 km
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is included from Sofia Airport (SOF) at set times.
Pick-up time on Day 1 is available between noon and 4:00pm.
Drop-off on the last day is between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
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Tack:
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Western and English Endurance saddle - Othoflex, Podium and other various good quality saddles.
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Horses:
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Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses
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Pace:
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4 to 6 riding hours per day. Approx. 40% Walk,30% Trot,30% Canter.
This can be changed according to the requirements and the abilities of the riders.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
209 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Pace
Varying from walk on the steeper slopes to a faster pace on the open spaces, which are great for long canters. Usually we do about 40% Walking, 30% Trotting and 30% Cantering. This proportion could be changed according to the requirements and the abilities of the riders. The program includes 6 riding days with 4-6 hours per day in the saddle. We cover about 140 km in total.
You should be a strong and confident rider, capable of all paces and fit enough for long canters through rough terrain.
Horses
We have Shagya and purebred Arabs, East-Bulgarian breeds, and cross-bred horses with Akhal-Teke blood - all well trained and calm. The height of the horses is from 150 to 165 cm.
Riding Terrain
Sredna Gora is one of the smoothest mountains for riding in Bulgaria. It has no steep climbs or descents and a level ridge great for canters. It also offers an amazing 360-degrees view of all the highest mountains – Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Balkan mountains. This trail goes on for 3 days into the mountain and 3 days into the valley, so you will get to explore the deep, century-old beech forests and to marvel at the breathtaking sights of the mountain. Lovely canters between rose gardens and free herds of cows in the valley complete the experience.
Guides
We always have 2 guides per group: one to lead and the other to support the group with a jeep and all of the luggage. The riding guides are experienced and professional and know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety, of looking after horses and guests out on a ride. The guides speak English, German or French fluently.
Non-Riders
All the accompanying non-riders will have the possibility to participate in all the non-riding activities of this program: SPA treatments, swimming, wine tasting, visit to the ancient Roman town Dioclecianopolis, visit to the Thracian complex in Kazanluk and sightseeing.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Note: EU nationals are on. more
Additional ActivitesSPA treatments, swimming, wine tasting, visit the ancient Roman town Dioclecianopolis, the Thracian complex in Kazanluk, sightseeing.
Plovdiv area
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Month
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Jan
|
Feb
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Mar
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Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
41
|
47
|
56
|
65
|
75
|
83
|
87
|
87
|
79
|
67
|
53
|
44
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
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27
|
30
|
36
|
43
|
52
|
59
|
63
|
62
|
55
|
46
|
37
|
29
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
5
|
8
|
13
|
19
|
24
|
28
|
31
|
30
|
26
|
19
|
12
|
7
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-3
|
-1
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2
|
6
|
11
|
15
|
17
|
17
|
13
|
8
|
3
|
-1
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Marked by 4 distinct seasons, Bulgaria enjoys a generally favorable climate. Although located at the same latitude as southern New England, Bulgaria's climate is noticeably more temperate.
Summer
Summers are typically hot and dry, but rarely oppressive, with moderate relative humidity. Always lit by the sun Bulgaria has between 2200 and 2500 hours of sunlight per year. Along the Black Sea Coast the climate is maritime, the Mediterranean Sea cooling summer temperatures compared to the interior of the country.
Winter
Winters are cold but not bitterly so. In the south and Black Sea coastal regions, Mediterranean influences temper the harsher continental climate of the interior. The country's half-dozen mountain groups also play a significant part in determining regional variances.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (mandatory) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Torch/ Flashlight |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra film or batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun protection lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different locations. You will be staying in 5 different accommodations total.
Description
All nights are spent in high quality hotels or in guesthouses in double rooms with private washroom and shower. TVs, cleaning services, and WIFI is available at all locations.
Swimming pools and sauna are available at most of the overnight accommodations.
Laundry is not available while on the trip.
Accommodation Itinerary 2023 - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 7: SPA Hotel Hello in Hisarya
Night 2: SPA Hotel Aqua Termi in Krassnovo
Nights 3 & 4: Hotel ”Eagle Rock” in Koprivshtitsa
Night 5: SPA Resort in Strelcha
Night 6: Winery & Spa complex in Starosel
Accommodation Itinerary 2024 - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 7: SPA Hotel Hello in Hisarya
Night 2: SPA Hotel Aqua Termi in Krassnovo
Nights 3: Hotel ”Eagle Rock” in Koprivshtitsa
Night 4 & 5: SPA Resort in Strelcha
Night 6: Winery & Spa complex in Starosel
SPA Hotel Hello in Hisarya
This small hotel offers comfortable rooms with a modern décor. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. The hotel also has a garden with an outdoor seasonal swimming pool.
SPA Hotel Aqua Termi in Krassnovo
This hotel is located on the outskirts of Krassnovo and features simple and comfortable rooms equipped with all the necessities: TV, Wi-Fi internet, air conditioning and private bathroom. The hotel has a large variety of mineral pools (both indoor and outdoor) and beautiful gardens filled with flowers.
Hotel ”Eagle Rock” in Koprivshtitsa
This property features an original building located a few miles away from Koprivshtitsa. This hotel offers simple and comfortable rooms with Wi-Fi access, a TV and a private bathroom. There is also a garden from which you can admire the beautiful scenery around you.
SPA Resort in Strelcha
This small hotel offers simple accommodations in the heart of Strelcha. All rooms are fitted with a Wi-Fi access, a TV and a private bathroom. There is also a small garden with a terrace and a small swimming pool.
Winery & Spa complex in Starosel
This beautiful complex features spacious and modern rooms with elements that reminds guest of the surrounding nature such as wood. Each room has a TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Wi-Fi is available in common areas. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and a Spa equipped with a hot tub, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we are unable to find another rider to share.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
The food featured on this trip is a mix of international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
The hotels and guesthouses provide breakfast and dinner, offering delicious traditional dishes made with fruits and vegetables from local farms.
The midday meals are in the open-air and consist of warm homemade food, beer, cold and warm up drinks.
Wine and beer are included with meals, but no hard liquor.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western and English Endurance saddle - Othoflex, Podium and other various good quality saddles.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4 to 6 riding hours per day. Approx. 40% Walk,30% Trot,30% Canter.
This can be changed according to the requirements and the abilities of the riders.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
75
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
209 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Pace
Varying from walk on the steeper slopes to a faster pace on the open spaces, which are great for long canters. Usually we do about 40% Walking, 30% Trotting and 30% Cantering. This proportion could be changed according to the requirements and the abilities of the riders. The program includes 6 riding days with 4-6 hours per day in the saddle. We cover about 140 km in total.
You should be a strong and confident rider, capable of all paces and fit enough for long canters through rough terrain.
Horses
We have Shagya and purebred Arabs, East-Bulgarian breeds, and cross-bred horses with Akhal-Teke blood - all well trained and calm. The height of the horses is from 150 to 165 cm.
Riding Terrain
Sredna Gora is one of the smoothest mountains for riding in Bulgaria. It has no steep climbs or descents and a level ridge great for canters. It also offers an amazing 360-degrees view of all the highest mountains – Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Balkan mountains. This trail goes on for 3 days into the mountain and 3 days into the valley, so you will get to explore the deep, century-old beech forests and to marvel at the breathtaking sights of the mountain. Lovely canters between rose gardens and free herds of cows in the valley complete the experience.
Guides
We always have 2 guides per group: one to lead and the other to support the group with a jeep and all of the luggage. The riding guides are experienced and professional and know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety, of looking after horses and guests out on a ride. The guides speak English, German or French fluently.
Non-Riders
All the accompanying non-riders will have the possibility to participate in all the non-riding activities of this program: SPA treatments, swimming, wine tasting, visit to the ancient Roman town Dioclecianopolis, visit to the Thracian complex in Kazanluk and sightseeing.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU member state. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Please note that validity of the documents - EU passport and/or ID card issued from one of the EU countries, should be at least three months on the day they leave Bulgaria. Possession of a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit is required.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following lengths of visit:
(a) nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days; for stays longer than 90 days nationals will need to register with the local police and obtain the appropriate permit;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Canada and USA for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
Additional Activites
SPA treatments, swimming, wine tasting, visit the ancient Roman town Dioclecianopolis, the Thracian complex in Kazanluk, sightseeing. |
|
|
|
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Land of the Thracians
Tour Code:
IT-BGRT03
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
Apr-Oct
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|