Transfer Option:

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia. Transfer and overnight at a cozy centrally located guesthouse in Sofia (private facilities). Meals are on your own today.
Day 2:  Golyam Izvor – Bankov Dol
Transfer from Sofia to the village of Golyam Izvor. Here we meet the horses. The tour starts with a ride to Glozhene Monastery where we will have a break for lunch. Then, the route passes near by Morovitza Cave where we will go for a short walk to explore. Then the route continues to Bankov Dol area. Overnight in villa “Rossi” (shared facilities). The terrain is mountainous but the vertical drops of the route are not large. The ride is along dirt roads and paths through meadows and deciduous forests, typical of the lower part of the mountain. Duration of the ride without breaks: 4 hours.
Day 3:  Bankov Dol – Yamna village.
Today’s route continues in the lower part of the mountain, but in the direction of the mountain central ridge. The terrain is similar to the one from the previous day. Possibility to ride at a trot and canter in some areas. On the way - a stop at Benkovski Cave (Benkovski is one of the greatest Bulgarian revolutionaries from the era of the Ottoman rule) and at the ruins of Chertigrad fortress. Overnight in Yamna village at HJotel Perfect (private facilities). Duration of the ride without breaks: 5 hours.
Day 4: Yamna village – Momina Polyana hut
This day we reach the central ridge of Stara Planina, along which we will ride at 2000 m.a.s.l. The trail starts with a climb in deciduous and mixed forests until we reach the crest. Then, the vertical drops are small–100-200 meters each – for overcoming the ridge peaks. The ridge is unwooded and open and magnificent views are displayed from there both to Teteven Balkan on the North where the tour has passed the previous days, and to the Southern Bulgaria on the other side of the mountain. In that part of the day transition there is an opportunity to ride at a trot and canter. However, when descending to Momina Polyana hut there are steep areas where the horses must be led. Overnight at the Momina Hut at 1640 m elevation (private facilities). Vertical drop: 1200 m of ascent and 400 m descent. Duration of the ride without the breaks: 7-8 hours.
Day 5:  Momina Polyana hut – Benkovski hut
This is the second day in which the route goes high up in the mountain- along the very ridge. The trail starts with a climb to the ridge through pine forests. Once we reach the grassy and leveled high parts we will again have the opportunity for a varied ride with panorama views. Like the previous day, in some sections of the route the horses must be led. Overnight at Benkovski Hut –1540 m elevation (shared facilities). Vertical drop: 400 m ascent and 500 m descent. Duration of the ride without breaks: 5-6 hours.
Day 6:  Benkovski hut – Cherni Vit village.
Once we cross Stara Planina ridge we will begin to descent to its lower parts. The route passes through deciduous forests along the Boatin reserve and by the small picaresque village of Divchovoto; afterwards we will reach the final point for the day – Cherni Vit village where we will stay for the night (private facilities). Today’s route includes sections of asphalt in addition to the dirt roads and paths. After the initial descent there is a possibility to ride at a trot and canter. Vertical drop: 1000 m. Duration of riding without a break: 5-6 hours.
Day 7:  Cherni Vit village – Golyam Izvor village.
On the last day of the equestrian transition the route again passes through the lower parts of the mountain, among meadows, forests and villages scattered in the folds of Teteven Balkan. On the way we will enjoy scenic landscapes and we will touch the live of the local people and observe their unadulterated lifestyle. Overnight in Golyam Izvor village (shared facilities).
The vertical drops, like on the first day, are not great, with possibility to ride at a trot and gallop in suitable sections. Duration of the ride without the breaks: 4 hours.
Day 8:  Departure after breakfast..

Accommodations are in guesthouses, mountain huts and small hotels.
Day 1, Sofia: Centrally located guesthouse/hotel, rooms with private facilities, no meals.
Day 2, Bankov Dol: Guest House Rossi, rooms with shared facilities, B/L/D (lunch at Glozene Monastery)
Day 3, Yamna: Hotel Perfect  -  rooms w. private facilities, B/LP (lunch pack)/ D
Day 4, Momina Polyana Hut,  rooms w. private facilities, B/LP/D
Day 5, Benkovski Hut,  rooms with shared facilities, B/LP/D
Day 6, Cherni Vit: Hotel Cherni Vit, rooms w. private facilities, B/LP/D
Day 7, Golyam Izvor: Guest House Lyubka, rooms with shared facilities, B/LP/D
Day 8, Group transfer Sofia Airport, B/-/-

B= Breakfast   L= Lunch   LP= Picnic Lunch  D= Dinner

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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).