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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Bulgaria
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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, tours, monasteries and fortresses from the Middle Ages together with the old houses and traditional crafts of Arbanasi village, and finally to leave you breathless before the unique waterfalls and caves of the Devetaki plateau. This fantastic experience will be enhanced by delicious traditional dishes, organic fruits and vegetables, and fine Bulgarian wines. The terrain is varied, but mainly smooth and pleasant for horseback riding. All your senses will delight in the amazing natural scenery and riding.
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Meeting:
Sevlievo
Airport:
Sofia
Transfer:
Included from Sofia Airport at set times.
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Accommodations in guesthouses and 3 star hotels, all meals, 6 riding days with English speaking guide.
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP 6 riding days | 8d / 7n | €960 | $1395 |
10% OFF for groups of 5 or more riders!
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Sofia airport included at set time
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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05/09
- 05/16
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Expired
|
Reserve
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| A |
2009
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06/06
- 06/13
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Expired
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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06/20
- 06/27
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Expired
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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07/11
- 07/18
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/01
- 08/08
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/22
- 08/29
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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09/05
- 09/12
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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10/10
- 10/17
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8d / 7n
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4
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Hard Drinks. Personal Travel Insurance (manditory).
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, preserved from the 17th century. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
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.
subject to change
Meeting:
Sevlievo
Airport:
Sofia
Transfer:
Included from Sofia Airport at set times.
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Tack:
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Both Western and English high quality saddles: Ortho-Flex, Podium, Barefoot and other good models.
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Horses:
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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.
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Pace:
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4 to 7 riding hours per day. Ranges from a walk on the steeper slopes to a faster pace on the open spaces, which are great for long canters. Usually 60 % walking, 30 % trotting and 10 % cantering.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low intermedaite+
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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
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
8
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The riding guides are experienced and professional. They know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety and speak English, German or French fluently. A guide follows the group in a jeep with a mobile phone connection.
Additional activities: bow-shooting, rowing in lake or down the river with a canoe, cultural tour around the historical landmarks, visit to Devetaki plateau caves and special party night.
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
Marked by four distinct seasons, Bulgaria enjoys a generally favorable climate that is one of the country's best features. Although located at the same latitude as southern New England, Bulgaria's climate is noticeably more temperate. Summers are typically hot and dry, but rarely oppressive, with moderate relative humidity. Winters are cold but not bitterly so.
| … 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 (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| 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 |
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| 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.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Sharon Dr. Regev
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8/21/2008
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Dror Soffer
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8/20/2008
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Dror Soffer
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8/4/2008
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..view other reports for different trips
Your accommodation is 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..
Meals: all-inclusive, except hard drinks. The hotels and houses provide the breakfasts and dinners and offer traditional local dishes. The midday meals are in the open-air during the rides and consist of hot food, wine and warm up drinks, all included in the price. We offer ecologically clean food, international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine, drinks included.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
The riding guides are experienced and professional. They know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety and speak English, German or French fluently. A guide follows the group in a jeep with a mobile phone connection.
Additional activities: bow-shooting, rowing in lake or down the river with a canoe, cultural tour around the historical landmarks, visit to Devetaki plateau caves and special party night.
|
Tack:
|
|
Both Western and English high quality saddles: Ortho-Flex, Podium, Barefoot and other good models.
|
|
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.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4 to 7 riding hours per day. Ranges from a walk on the steeper slopes to a faster pace on the open spaces, which are great for long canters. Usually 60 % walking, 30 % trotting and 10 % cantering.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low intermedaite+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
75
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4
|
Max
8
|
The riding guides are experienced and professional. They know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety and speak English, German or French fluently. A guide follows the group in a jeep with a mobile phone connection.
Additional activities: bow-shooting, rowing in lake or down the river with a canoe, cultural tour around the historical landmarks, visit to Devetaki plateau caves and special party night.
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.
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Caves and Waterfalls of the Balkan
Tour Code: IT-BGRT02
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,395.00
Difficulty :
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Local Events
Tack:
Both Western and English high quality ...
Horses:
Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, An...
Pace:
4 to 7 riding hours per day. Ranges fr...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Sofia
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