Nature & Culture of Central Bulgaria Mountains Bulgaria Explore the unique nature of Bulgaria on horseback, learn about local traditions and culture, discover the ancient history, and taste the delicious food and wine. This trail takes you to the North side of the Balkan mountains, where there are plenty of free and open land without any fences: a true rider's paradise. On this riding holiday you will have the chance to explore the greatest historical, cultural and natural landmarks of the area. Your riding companions are well trained, reliable and will happily carry you through this adventure, along valleys, lakes, beautiful forests and open fields. 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

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Transfer and Other Charges:

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.

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 guesthouse with beautiful views over the Balkan Mountains  In the evening, initial Instructions by the guides and dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Sevlievo

Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride
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 come back to the stables for our lunch break.
In the afternoon, we get back in the saddle for another ride in the surrounding area.
Riding: About 18 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Sevlievo

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Zhivko
This morning, we pack our luggage and head to the riding center for the start of our adventure. Our goal for the day is the small village of Zhivko. On the way, we ride along the famous rocky chain ”Vitata Stena” (10 km long and more than 120 m high!), which is a nature reserve. We will enjoy amazing views towards the Balkan mountains.
Our picnic stop will be next to the village of Armenite, located just in the middle of “Vitata Stena”.
Riding: About 25 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Zhivko

Day 4 (Tuesday): Visit of Ethnographic complex Etara & Ride to Gesha
In the morning, visit by car of the Ethnographic complex Etara near by the town of Gabrovo. 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.
After the visit, we start riding in the wilderness towards the village of Gesha. On the way, we stop for our lunch break by the Yantra River.
Riding: About 21 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Gesha

Day 5 (Wednesday): Morning Visits & Afternoon Ride
After breakfast, we go for some sightseeing by car. We start with a visit of Dryanovo Monastery and then “Bacho Kiro” cave, located above it. The Monastery survived after being set on fire by the Ottoman army in one epic battle with the rebels of the biggest Bulgarian uprising against the Turkish occupation in 1876.
After our visit, we start riding north through the valley of the Yantra River, enjoying nice canters along the open meadows. We stop along the way for our picnic near Vetrintsi village.
At the end of the day, we arrive at the peaceful country-style hotel "Imenieto”, with a swimming pool.
Riding: About 25 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Country-style Hotel "Imenieto”

Day 6 (Thursday): Emen Canyon Hike & Ride to Skalsko Lodge
We start the day with a small hike to the Emen Canyon (near Negovanka River). Then we get in the saddle and ride through open fields, with many canter opportunities and beautiful landscapes. We will enjoy our lunch break at a lake near Burya village. This evening, we arrive at the beautiful Skalsko Hunting Lodge.
Riding: About 25 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Skalsko Hunting Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Ride Back to Stables
Today, we make our way back to the stables. We will go through beautiful forests, ride along creeks and enjoy beautiful views. 
Riding: About 20 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Helios Hotel in Sevlievo

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

Additional activities: bow-shooting, cultural tour around the historic landmarks, visit of the Ethnographic complex Etara. Massages are available every night upon request for 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): Introductory Ride
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 come back to the stables for our lunch break.
In the afternoon, we get back in the saddle for another ride in the surrounding area.
Riding: About 18 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Armenite
This morning, we ride through forests and open fields giving opportunity for nice canters, with great views of the Balkan mountains. We stop for lunch near Armenite village.
Riding: About 20 km (3.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi

Day 4 (Tuesday): Visit of Ethnographic complex Etara & Ride to Zhivko
We start the day by riding to the small and well-hidden village of Zhivko. Riding alongside the foot of the famous rocky chain ”Vitata Stena” (10 km long and more than 120 m high!), which is a nature reserve. Along the way, you will have an amazing view towards the Balkan mountains.
We stop for a picnic near a lake.
After arriving at Zhivko village.we go by car to the Ethnographic complex “Etara” near Gabrovo city. The complex represents a village from the 19th century with the main crafts developed at that time. The old machines work with the power of running water and the present craftsmen produce traditional pots, garments, food, musical instruments, tools and souvenirs on them.
Dinner and night at a beautiful traditional-style guest house in Zhivko village.
Riding: About 20 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Zhivko

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride to Gesha
After breakfast, at the guest house, we pack up and ride in the wilderness towards Gesha village. We will stop for lunbch on the way, near Yantra river.
Riding: About 21 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Geshsa

Day 6 (Thursday): Sightseeing & Ride to Gostilitsa
We start the day with a visit by car of Dryanovo Monastery and “Bacho Kiro” cave. The Monastery survived after being set on fire by the Ottoman army in one epic battle with the rebels of the biggest Bulgarian uprising against the Turkish occupation in 1876.
After the visit, we ride north, enjoying nice canters along the wild meadows. We stop for lunch near Skalsko lake.
Riding: About 22 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Gostilitsa

Day 7 (Friday): Ride Back to Stables
Today, we make our way back to the stables. We will go through beautiful forests, ride along creeks and enjoy beautiful views. 
Riding: About 20 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Helios Hotel in 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.

Bulgaria’s hottest months (July and August) are the perfect time for this trail as you can escape the heat of the plains (weather in the mountains is very pleasant for riding).

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

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be accommodated in small hotels and nice traditional guesthouses (mostly twin rooms with en-suite bathroom).
Laundry is not available while on the trip.

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

Accommodation Itinerary 2024 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel near Sevlievo
Night 2 & 3: Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi
Night 4: Guesthouse in Zhivko
Night 5: Guesthouse in Gesha
Night 6: Guesthouse in Gostilitsa
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.

Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi (from 2024)
This lovely guesthouse is surrounded by nature, offering peace and quiet. There are 4 guestrooms, each with its own bathroom, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.



Guesthouse near Zhivko
This charming guesthouse offers simple but comfortable rooms each equipped with private facilities. There is a terrace with a pool where guests can relax. Free internet access is available at this property. 



Guesthouse in Gesha
Each of the 7 guestrooms feature a TV, a balcony, free Wi-Fi internet and a private bathroom. There is a well kept outdoor pool and small garden where guests can relax after a long day in the saddle.

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.

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 Gostilitsa (from 2024)
This beautiful guesthouse offers great views over the surrounding mountains. The rooms are spacious and feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV and private facilities. There is also a small outdoor pool and a nice garden where guests can relax in the evening.

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:		3 to 5 riding hours per day. Usually 40 % walking, 30 % trotting and 30 % cantering. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 4 out of 5)    Low 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 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 3-6 hours per day in the saddle.

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, giving you the opportunity 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.

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.