Caves and Waterfalls of the Balkan Mountains Bulgaria "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 chain in the peninsula- over 600 km. Dividing Bulgaria into two distinct halves, the Balkans amaze us with their spectacular natural sights- the river canyons, the rocks, the forests and the high picks (the highest is 2376 m). Our trail takes you to the North side of the Balkans in its central fore-mountains- the land of ancient historical, architectural and extraordinary natural landmarks. The main goal of this carefully designed holiday is to show you the best preserved castles, towers, monasteries and fortresses from the Middle Ages together with the old houses and traditional crafts and finally to leave you fascinated, while staying in front of the unique waterfalls and caves of the Devetaki plateau. All this experience will be supplemented by the fine Bulgarian wines and the delicious traditional dishes, fruits and vegetables, cultivated without any chemical treatment. The relief is various, but mainly smooth and pleasant for horseback riding and will give you the possibility to ride free of strain and to enjoy with all your senses the amazing sceneries of the nature.   Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Sofia airport Airport: Sofia airport Transfer: Included from Sofia airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Those rates are valide until August 31st 2020

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is included from Sofia International Airport (SOF) at set times only. 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.

Sample Itinerary 2023 - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to Sevlievo, located 190 km northeast from the capital, Sofia.
You are accommodated in a hotel with sauna and Jacuzzi. In the evening, initial Instructions by the guides and dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Sevlievo

Day 2 (Sunday): Morning Ride & Visit of Ethnographic complex Etara
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the stables. We tack up the horses and listen to the final instructions from our guides. Then, we get in the saddle and ride through hills and beautiful forests, with small creeks and lakes. We stop for our picnic in a beautiful meadow. 
After the ride, we go visit the Ethnographic complex Etara near by the town of Gabrovo, by car. The complex presents a village from the 19th century with the main crafts, developed at that time. The old machines are working with the power of the running water and the present craftsmen produce traditional pots, garments, food, music instruments, tools and souvenirs on them.
Riding: About 18 km (3.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hunting Lodge near Skalsko

Day 3 (Monday): Visit of Dryanovo Monastery & Ride to Ledenik
This morning, we visit the Monastery and the cave “Bacho Kiro” by car. Then, we ride northward to the village of Ledenik, through beautiful meadows and walking along the small canyon and nice oak forests. An interesting tower has been preserved, that was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). Picnic will be taken next to the village of Kereka.
Riding: About 29 km (5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Complex "Chiflika"

Day 4 (Tuesday): Visit of Veliko Turnovo & Ride to Emen
In the morning, visit by car to Veliko Turnovo the capital of Bulgaria in the time of the second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). 
Today's riding destination is the village of Emen. You will ride along Yantra River and the fields and forests until you reach the village. Picnic next to the village of Balvan.
Riding: About 22 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Complex "Imenieto” in Emen

*Highlights: The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo.
A well-fortified hill has been the house of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages are telling stories of one 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 Byzantium 167 years ago. The brothers, Assen and Peter, which owned a miraculous icon, fascinated the people in the church on the day of St.Dimitar and leaded them to an armed uprising. Both brothers were kings for totally 12 years and they succeeded to restore Bulgaria almost to the size of its First Kingdom (681-1018). Both brothers were killed by traitors. On the 9 of 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 conclude peace with the knights, but they refused haughtily the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14 April 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 later died.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Emen to Karpachevo
We start riding in northwest direction to the village of Karpachevo. Our route goes through beautiful forests with meadows and fields, towards the Devetaki plateau (500-600m above sea level) with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes. Picnic in the shade near the village of Krasno gradishte.
Riding: About 35 km (5.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse “Ongul” in Karpachevo

Day 6 (Thursday): Morning Ride & Visit of Devetaki Cave
In the morning, we go on a short ride on the Devetaki plateau. After the ride, we go back to the guesthouse for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit by car of the Devetaki cave. A part of the movie “The Expendables 2” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis was captured in the cave in November 2011.
Riding: About 12 km (2 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse “Ongul” in Karpachevo

*Highlights: Krushuna's Waterfalls
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 is rich of limestone caves with springing streams and rivers. The biggest cave, called Boninska, contains the longest underground lake (800 m) in Bulgaria. The territory of Krushuna’s Waterfalls is a National park.

Day 7 (Friday): Karpachevo to Kramolin Lake
W start riding from Karpachevo village to the vertical cave ”Garvanitsa” on the plateau, then ride to the lake of Kramolin where we can swim in - with and without the horses. Picnic by the lake. In the afternoon, you will ride through the valleys of the rivers Magara and Krapets, and on the hills above the village of Kurmiansko.
 Once we arrive at the guest house, the horses are transported back to the stable.
Riding: About 35 km (6 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Sevlievo

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast at the guesthouse, then transfer to Sofia.  
Meals included: Breakfast

Additional activities: bow-shooting, swimming in a lake with the horses, rowing with canoe, cultural tour around the historic landmarks, visit to Devetaki plateau caves and special party night. Massages are available every night upon request and against a small additional payment.



Sample Itinerary 2024 - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to Sevlievo, located 190 km northeast from the capital, Sofia.
You are accommodated in a hotel with sauna and Jacuzzi. In the evening, initial Instructions by the guides and dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Sevlievo

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to Gesha
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the stables. We tack up the horses and listen to the final instructions from our guides. Then, we get in the saddle and ride through hills and beautiful forests, with small creeks and lakes. We stop for our picnic in a beautiful meadow. 
We arrive in Gesha village, where we spend the night in a nice guest house with a swimming pool.
Riding: About 23 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Gesha

Day 3 (Monday): Visit of Dryanovo Monastery & Ride to Ledenik
This morning, we visit the Monastery and the cave “Bacho Kiro” by car. Then, we ride northward to the village of Ledenik, through beautiful meadows and walking along the small canyon and nice oak forests. An interesting tower has been preserved, that was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). Picnic will be taken next to the village of Kereka.
Riding: About 29 km (5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Complex "Chiflika"

Day 4 (Tuesday): Visit of Veliko Turnovo & Ride to Emen
In the morning, visit by car to Veliko Turnovo the capital of Bulgaria in the time of the second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). 
Today's riding destination is the village of Emen. You will ride along Yantra River and the fields and forests until you reach the village. Picnic next to the village of Balvan.
Riding: About 22 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Complex "Imenieto” in Emen

*Highlights: The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo.
A well-fortified hill has been the house of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages are telling stories of one 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 Byzantium 167 years ago. The brothers, Assen and Peter, which owned a miraculous icon, fascinated the people in the church on the day of St.Dimitar and leaded them to an armed uprising. Both brothers were kings for totally 12 years and they succeeded to restore Bulgaria almost to the size of its First Kingdom (681-1018). Both brothers were killed by traitors. On the 9 of 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 conclude peace with the knights, but they refused haughtily the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14 April 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 later died.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Emen to Karpachevo
We start riding in northwest direction to the village of Karpachevo. Our route goes through beautiful forests with meadows and fields, towards the Devetaki plateau (500-600m above sea level) with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes. Picnic in the shade near the village of Krasno gradishte.
Riding: About 35 km (6 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse “Ongul” in Karpachevo

Day 6 (Thursday): Morning Ride & Visit of Devetaki Cave
In the morning, we go on a short ride on the Devetaki plateau. After the ride, we go back to the guesthouse for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit by car of the Devetaki cave. A part of the movie “The Expendables 2” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis was captured in the cave in November 2011.
Riding: About 12 km (2 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse “Ongul” in Karpachevo

*Highlights: Krushuna's Waterfalls
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 is rich of limestone caves with springing streams and rivers. The biggest cave, called Boninska, contains the longest underground lake (800 m) in Bulgaria. The territory of Krushuna’s Waterfalls is a National park.

Day 7 (Friday): Karpachevo to Kurmiansko
W start riding from Karpachevo village to the vertical cave ”Garvanitsa” on the plateau, then ride to the lake of Kramolin where we can swim in - with and without the horses. Picnic by the lake. In the afternoon, you will ride through the valleys of the rivers Magara and Krapets. The ride ends in the village of Kurmiansko, from where the horses are transported back to the stable.
Riding: About 35 km (6 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Sevlievo

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast at the guesthouse, then transfer to Sofia.  
Meals included: Breakfast

                                        Veliko Tarnovo area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	41	45	54	63	73	80	84	85	76	65	53	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	25	27	34	43	51	58	61	60	53	44	35	27
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	7	12	17	23	27	29	29	24	18	11	6
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-3	1	6	10	14	16	16	12	7	2	-3

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

Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

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

Average ratings from 6 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date carrie cheong 7/25/2013 rony atoun 2/15/2012 rony atoun 8/8/2011 nina tejs jørring 8/1/2010 sharon dr. regev 8/21/2008 dror soffer 8/4/2008

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 comfortable hotels and authentic rural houses with unique atmosphere, in double rooms with private toilet and shower. TVs, cleaning services, and WIFI is available at all locations. Swimming pools, massages, and sauna are available in all of the hotels. However, please, note that in September and October, outdoor pools might be closed.
Laundry is not available while on the trip.

Accommodation Itinerary 2023 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Guesthouse near Sevlievo
Night 2: Hunting Lodge in Skalsko
Night 3: Complex Chiflika in Ledenik
Night 4: Complex Imenieto in Emen
Night 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Karpachevo
Night 7: Guesthouse near Sevlievo

Accommodation Itinerary 2024 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel near Sevlievo
Night 2: Guesthouse in Gesha
Night 3: Complex Chiflika in Ledenik
Night 4: Complex Imenieto in Emen
Night 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Karpachevo
Night 7: Hotel near Sevlievo

Hotel near Sevlievo (from 2024)
This small and modern hotel offers simply decorated rooms with a comfortable bed, air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.

Guesthouse near Sevlievo
This charming guesthouse is located in a small village near Sevlievo. It has 10 guestrooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Hunting Lodge in Skalsko
This beautiful lodge is located on the shore of a lake, just outside of Skalsko. The rooms are modern and feature bright colors. Each room comes with a satellite TV and an ensuite bathroom. There is a big common room decorated with hunting trophies and warmed up by a fireplace. The lodge also features a terrace with wonderful views over the lake, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Guesthouse in Gesha (from 2024)
This charming guesthouse has 8 rooms, each with private facilities. The rooms are all equipped with a TV and free Wi-Fi internet.


Complex Chiflika in Ledenik
This accommodation is located in a small Balkan village known for its mineral pools. The complex features comfortable rooms fitted with a TV, Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom. Guests can access to the covered mineral pool (winter seasonal), outdoor Olympic mineral pool (summer season) and the small outdoor mineral pool (always open) free of charge. There is also a Jacuzzi and sauna onsite.


Complex Imenieto in Emen
This accommodation features different buildings with a variety of rooms. Each room is equipped with satellite TV, Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, a fridge and a private bathroom. The complex has a beautiful garden with an outdoor sitting area and a swimming pool.


Guest House in Karpachevo
This lovely guesthouse offers spacious rooms with a tasteful décor. Each room has its own fireplace, a TV, Wi-Fi internet and a private bathroom. The guesthouse also has a beautiful garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

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 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:		Both Western and English high quality Endurance saddles: Ortho-Flex, Podium, Barefoot and other good quality models.
Horses:		Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses. From 150 to 165 cm
Pace:		4 to 7 riding hours per day. Usually 40 % walking, 30 % trotting and 30 % cantering. | 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 4-7 hours per day in the saddle. We cover about 145 km in total.

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
The terrain is diverse, but mainly smooth and pleasant, giving you the opportunity to ride free from strain and to enjoy the amazing nature scenery. You should be a strong, confident rider, capable of all paces and fit enough for long canters through rough areas. Wide-open spaces and gently undulating land provide the opportunity for long gallops. (Please note that during rainy weather the ground may be too slippery for long, fast riding).

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: bow-shooting, swimming in lake, canoeing, cultural tour around the historic landmarks and visit of Devetaki plateau caves. Massages are available every night upon request and against a small additional payment.

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).

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.