|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Bulgaria
Intro to Bulgaria
----------------------------
 ArgentinaAlbania Hungary Slovenia Romania
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhodope Mountains Ride - In the Land of Orpheus
Mountains
Bulgaria
The Rhodopes are the greenest and most picturesque Bulgarian mountain range, known as the homeland of the mythological singer Orpheus. The140 mile long green mountain ridge is located in southern Bulgaria - with 20% of its range extending into Greece. With their pleasant climate the Rodhopi Mountains are the perfect place for horse riding, offering a variety of terrains in which one can experience of all types of riding and paces. This ride spends 6 days of riding in the enchanting Rodopes – the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, unique rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The mountains will infatuate you with their prehistoric caves, ancient Roman roads, bridges, fortresses and churches. The region has a wealth of traditional architecture and folklore: en route we visit remote villages, old churches and one of Bulgaria’s finest monasteries Bachkovo. According to mythology, this is the homeland of Dionysus, the God of wine and today this region is where the native grape variety Mavrud is cultivated. The robust Mavrud red wines can be sampled at the well-known wine cellar, and is included in our itinerary.
Beautiful landscapes, picturesque small villages, exotic sites, great wines – come join us for an unforgettable holiday!
Special Highlights:
-- Plovdiv – one of the oldest towns on the Balkan Peninsula that has seen the glory of Thracians, Greeks and Romans. Plovdiv played a key role in the Bulgarian Revival as witnesses the old part of the town.
-- Kuklen monastery – the ten centuries old monastery hidden in the northern slopes of the mountain has its stories to tell. They say that the water that springs there is healing.
-- The Miracle bridges –a natural phenomenon in the heart of the mountain and presents two stunning stone arches made from the collapse of a huge cave.
-- Bachkovo monastery - one of the biggest monasteries in Bulgaria, and the biggest in the Rodhopi Mountain. It has been built in the 11th. century, and has been a bastion for the Bulgarian culture over the dark ages of the Ottoman rule. In the monasteries are one of the oldest and best preserved religious wall paintings.
Holiday Extensions:
We
have unique offers for other activity holidays as cycling, walking or
family adventure. You can rent a car directly with our Plovdiv office.
If
you just want to relax on the beaches of Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast or
Northern Greece we can help you with bus/train tickets and hotel
reservation!
|
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
|
|
Meeting:
|
Plovdiv
|
|
Airport:
|
Plovdiv / Sofia
|
|
Transfer:
|
Included from Sofia or Plovdiv Airport
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
3 riders
Max
6 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations in guesthouses and small rural hotels with private bath, most meals, 6 riding days, trip to Bachkovo Monastery, english speaking guide, luggage transportation vehicle
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP 6 riding days | 8d / 7n | €650 | $845 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €95 | $125 |
| Non Rider - Discount | (€100) | ($130) |
| Children 12 to 14 - 10% Discount | (€65) | ($85) |
| Small group supplement (2 riders only) pp | €100 | $130 |
Transfer and Other Options:
|
2013
|
Transfer from Sofia or Plovdiv airport is included on Day 1 at set times
|
There is 1 group transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv for each ride departure. It will be a set time in the afternoon of Day 1 - the exact time will not be announced until all riders flight plans are submitted! We pick up all clients oer their flight arrival, then drive them to city center (15 minutes) where they can leave their luggage at a guesthouse and have free time until we drive as an entire group Plovdiv, after the last rider arrives.
Please Note: Transfers on days other than designated first and last day, or arrivals later than 7 PM and departures earlier than 9 AM, will be subject to a surcharge!
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2013
|
05/04
- 05/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/18
- 05/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
06/08
- 06/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
06/22
- 06/29
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
07/06
- 07/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
07/20
- 07/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
08/03
- 08/10
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
08/17
- 08/24
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
08/31
- 09/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/14
- 09/21
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/28
- 10/05
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/12
- 10/19
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP 6 riding day...
|
3
/6
|
Reserve
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
Dinners on Day 1, 2 and 7, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, personal travel insurance (mandatory).
Day 1 Transfer from the airport to the guesthouse in Plodiv, an ancient and major town of the Thracian valley, famous for its seven hills and 5000 years of history. Meet your guides and then partake in some free time to explore the "Old Town" on your own. Dinner (not included) and overnight.
Day 2 After breakfast, there is a short transfer to the village of Galabovo, 20 km away from Plovdiv and located on the outskirts of the Rodhopi Mountains. Galabovo is the place where the stables and horses are located. After an introduction with the horses, we begin our morning ride. Our riding destination is the Kuklen Monastery, that will prove to be a real trip back in time! When we return to the stables after the monastery visit, we will next have a short car transfer to Brestovica village, where we have the opportunity to taste some the best in local wines at the Todoroff winery. We will have lunch at the winery, before transfering back to Plovdiv for free time and then dinner (not included) in the "old town." We stay again at the Plovdiv Guesthouse.
Hours in the saddle: 2 - 3. Terrain: Soft roads, mostly in the woods. Few uphills and downhills.
Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner on own.
Day 3 The riding day starts up in the mountain where the horses will be already waiting for us! On the horseback trail we will pass by few holiday villages, and enjoy trotting and cantering on the softer roads. We stop for a packed picnic lunch. After, we take a wide road through the pine woods that will deliver us to open meadows! Going downhill we then pass by Sitovo village, before we start going back up again until we reach Lilkovo, our destination for the day. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rositsa.
Hours in the saddle: 5 - 6 Terrain: Mostly flat, gentle ascents and descents, soft/stone roads, paths, couple of miles on tarmac.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 After having breakfast at the hotel, we continue riding deeper into the mountain towards the Varhovrah Ridge. We enjoy gorgeous panoramas of the beautiful forests, we have views towards one of the highest peaks in the mountain - Modar! Most of the ride today is on the ridge of the mountain, without any big ascents and descents. Enjoy our lunch out on the trail, again. At the end of it, we reach nearby the peak of Persenk (the second highest of the mountain) where we stay for the night. Dinner and overnight at the Persenk Guesthouse.
Hours in the saddle: 5 - 6, Flat sections, gentle ascents/descents , soft/stone roads.
Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.
Day 5 After breakfast, we ride a few hours onward to Orehovo village where we will stay overnight in a traditional family-run guesthouse. Here we have our lunch, before we get back into the car for a short transfer (30 km) to the “Miracle Bridges,” a intriguing natural phenomenon! We will take a short walking trek around "the bridges." When we get back to Orehovo, we enjoy an additional hour of riding out along the wide green meadows. Dinner and overnight, or the place that we stay offers a folklore program upon request!
Hours in the saddle: 3 in the morning, slightly downhill, stone roads. Additional 1 hour in the late afternoon on the huge flat meadows. Good hiking boots are advisable for the afternoon hike.
Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 Riding out from Orehovo village, we trek by horseback uphill, and when the steep road turns into a narrow trail we must get off the horses and hand walk them (approx. 40 min.) to the very top of Chernatica Ridge. The walk may leave you a bit out of breath, but the view at the top is for more breath-taking than the hike. We can see both the Orehovo and Hvoyna villages, and the impressive surrounding mountain ridges. Back in the saddle, we will continue on wide and soft roads, ride through huge meadows and within the cool pine forests until we reach the Byala Cherkva area, stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we descent on horseback for few hours, until we reach Kosovo village. Dinner (not included) and overnight in Kosovo.
Hours in the saddle: 6 - 7 soft stone roads, hand walking horses for approx. 40 min., asphalt road, soft roads. Good hiking boots are advisable for the hike!
Breakfast and picnic lunch included. Dinner on own.
Day 7 Homeward bound! The riding day starts with a climb back into the high mountains, and a couple of kilometres of asphalt roads before we come upon a portion of the trails of Day 3, which we will take backwards until we reach the Zdravets chalet. Here we have a choice to make. Those who want to visit the Bachkovo Monastery can get off the horses and transfer by car to the excursion site. Those who want to maximize their riding experience can ride for another few hours until we reach the stables again. We eventually transfer back to Plovdiv after stabling our mounts, where we stay for dinner (not included) again in the Plovdiv Guesthouse and overnight.
Hours in the saddle: 4 – 7 (for those that ride to the stables); Soft/stone roads, asphalt. Uphills and downhills as well as flat sections.
Breakfast and picnic lunch included. Dinner on own.
Day 8 Departure from Plodiv after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Meeting:
Plovdiv
Airport:
Plovdiv / Sofia
Transfer:
Included from Sofia or Plovdiv Airport
Distance:
1.5 to 2 hours
There is 1 group transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv for each ride departure. It will be a set time in the afternoon of Day 1 - the exact time will not be announced until all riders flight plans are submitted! We pick up all clients oer their flight arrival, then drive them to city center (15 minutes) where they can leave their luggage at a guesthouse and have free time until we drive as an entire group Plovdiv, after the last rider arrives.
Please Note: Transfers on days other than designated first and last day, or arrivals later than 7 PM and departures earlier than 9 AM, will be subject to a surcharge!
|
Tack:
|
|
Western, but there is English tack available on request. Riding helmet is not mandatory.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Most of the horses belong to the local East-Bulgarian breed with a mid-height of 150 cm, they are well known as responsive, careful and tough mounts, and are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Rhodope Mountains.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4 to 6 riding hours per day. Ranges from a walk on the steeper slopes and rough terrain to trots and canters on the open spaces. Rough estimate is 50 % walking, 25 % trotting and 25 % cantering.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
THE HORSES:
The local East-Bulgarian breed with a
mid-height of 1,50 cm, is well known to be a thoughtful and tough mount and
are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Rhodope
Mountains. They have been established by the shepherds in the mountains over the centuries. This horse is the best adapted to the mountain terrain we cover (rocks, steep paths, fallen trees, etc.). It is familiar with the local fauna and flora and is brave on the trail. All the horse we are well behaved and are used to each other so you will not experience any trouble with them walking, trotting or cantering in a group together.
TACK:
We use Western tack on this tour, however English tack available on request!
RIDING LEVEL:
We expect that you are confident with both the trot and canter. On days 2, 3, 6 and 7 there are good stretches for long canters! Be prepared please!
Some of our departure dates can also be reserved for more novice riders, please inquire!
TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
Six days of riding in the Rhodopes – the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, weird rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The region has a wealth of traditional architecture and folklore: en route we visit remote villages, old churches and one of Bulgaria’s finest monasteries Bachkovo. According to mythology, this is the homeland of Dionysus, the God of wine. Today this is the area where a native grape variety Mavrud is cultivated. The robust Mavrud red wine can be sampled at the well-known wine cellar, included in our itinerary. Beautiful landscapes, picturesque small villages, exotic sites, great wines – come join us for an unforgettable holiday!
GROUP SIZE:
3 to 6 riders per departure!
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
Temperatures expected for this period are between +15 and +25 C. Noon time could be quite exhausting for trekking or simple walking over open territories. Rainfalls are short, but heavy showers are possible, and can be more prolonged during spring and late autumn.
We suggest in addition to your riding attire and regular clothing, you bring a raincoat, polar fleece and light sporting jacket.
We provide helmets for the riders. We do not provide chaps.
The cell phone coverage in most of the territory of Bulgaria is covered well with a mobile connection. However these tours are done in mountainous areas where the signal can be weak or occasionally completely lacking from time to time. In such a situation normally you just need to change your location a bit in order to find available network.
Electricity: 220 V
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
We stay overnight at local guesthouses and small family-run hotels in rooms with private facilities.
Breakfast, lunch pack & dinner included (except for 3 dinners - Day 1,2 and 7 in Plovdiv - with many dining options to chose from).
(Day 1, 2 and 7) Guesthouse in Plodiv : It is centrally located on the main street of the Old Plovdiv district. Comfortable accommodation combined with all you can eat continental breakfast. Choosing this central and elegant property in the historic hub, you will enjoy a host of facilities with a warm ambience. This is not an ordinary guesthouse but also a place for cultural activities and meetings, a souvenir shop. Various cultural events and seminars take place here. The common area is also used for breakfast and at the same time it’s a perfect place for exhibitions, seminars, literature readings and other cultural events. The guesthouse is secure, equipped with electric combination lock at the entrance and video monitoring system. Here you can enjoy your freedom – there’s no curfew, no lockout either.
(Day 3) Park Hotel Rodopi
(Day 4) Persenk Guest House / Hut
This remote location has shared bathroom facilities.
(Day 5) Hotel Uniquo
Guesthouse Uniquo has 5 spacious rooms. Each room is equipped with two French mattress beds, TV set and satellite receiving 600 TV channels and 300 radio stations. Each room has a terrace and its own bath with a shower; one of the rooms has a bath-tub.
(Day 6) Kosovo Houses
The Kosovo Houses are located in the village of Kosovo in the centre of the Rhodope Mountains. Hills with virgin forests surround it from all sides. Four never failing rivers run through it. The historic rural houses, made of natural materials – stone, earth, wood and lime, are 150, 200 or more years of age - all restored a few years ago. Experts in reviving famous Rhodopean cultural monuments worked in the Kosovo Houses complex. Their track record includes the Agushevi Konatzi feudal residence, the Devil's Bridge and many houses in Shiroka Luka.
The Hadjiyska House
In 2005, the biggest and most beautiful house in the village was opened for visitors. It was built in 1853 by the famous Hadji Georgi Stanchovski and it is a cultural monument. The stone walls, trimmer joists, chimneys, ceilings, tile-stones and other details have been conserved or restored just like the original. The house has spectacular views onto the village and the surrounding forests. The house is a two-story facility and can accommodate 18 guests in 6 double and 2 triple rooms. Each room has individually designed wooden furniture and luxurious bathroom. The atmosphere from the Bulgarian renaissance has been restored with traditional elements: fireplace, window seat, wooden ceilings, oak parquet, cupboards, woven blankets and rugs. Heating and hot water is provided by a central boiler. The Hadjiyska house is 3 stars - the highest class guesthouse.
In the same yard the barn has been transformed into a winery. Traditional "cheverme" and other dishes are made in the fireplace. The big hall is equipped with massive beech furniture, window seats, bar, satellite television and can receive 40 people. It is very appropriate for work and art meetings, seminars, celebrations. The terrace by the winery is a favorite place in summer for its wonderful view. The kitchen offers the best of the traditional Bulgarian specialties and the bar - selected wines and other drinks.
... all accommodations are subject to changes
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western, but there is English tack available on request. Riding helmet is not mandatory.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Most of the horses belong to the local East-Bulgarian breed with a mid-height of 150 cm, they are well known as responsive, careful and tough mounts, and are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Rhodope Mountains.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4 to 6 riding hours per day. Ranges from a walk on the steeper slopes and rough terrain to trots and canters on the open spaces. Rough estimate is 50 % walking, 25 % trotting and 25 % cantering.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
THE HORSES:
The local East-Bulgarian breed with a
mid-height of 1,50 cm, is well known to be a thoughtful and tough mount and
are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Rhodope
Mountains. They have been established by the shepherds in the mountains over the centuries. This horse is the best adapted to the mountain terrain we cover (rocks, steep paths, fallen trees, etc.). It is familiar with the local fauna and flora and is brave on the trail. All the horse we are well behaved and are used to each other so you will not experience any trouble with them walking, trotting or cantering in a group together.
TACK:
We use Western tack on this tour, however English tack available on request!
RIDING LEVEL:
We expect that you are confident with both the trot and canter. On days 2, 3, 6 and 7 there are good stretches for long canters! Be prepared please!
Some of our departure dates can also be reserved for more novice riders, please inquire!
TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
Six days of riding in the Rhodopes – the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, weird rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The region has a wealth of traditional architecture and folklore: en route we visit remote villages, old churches and one of Bulgaria’s finest monasteries Bachkovo. According to mythology, this is the homeland of Dionysus, the God of wine. Today this is the area where a native grape variety Mavrud is cultivated. The robust Mavrud red wine can be sampled at the well-known wine cellar, included in our itinerary. Beautiful landscapes, picturesque small villages, exotic sites, great wines – come join us for an unforgettable holiday!
GROUP SIZE:
3 to 6 riders per departure!
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.
|
|
|
|
Rhodope Mountains Ride - In the Land of Orpheus
Tour Code:
IT-BGRT10
8 days /
7 nights
~$845.00
Dates :
May to 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. |
|