Rhodope, Bulgaria
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Arabic-Shagia, Eastern Bulgarian
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, balanced, horses for the experienced and the novice
Number of horses:
20
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16.3 hh
Weight limit:
100kg
Tack type:
Cavalry and English saddles
Ride Description
Your hosts have a respect for nature and are committed to their love of animals. They breed horses at their stables in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains and from here they organise riding programmes with the help and support of the local community. You are able to meet these hospitable people and experience their every day lives.
With three years of experience and well organised programmes behind them your hosts provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy this encounter with nature and learn about a proud and ancient culture. The highly professional staff include a vet and internationally qualified instructors who will ensure your horse riding holiday in this unspoilt country will be one to remember.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in two star family hotels and authentic Bulgarian homes
Organic, international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine, drinks included. Breakfast and dinner in the hotels and a picnic lunch taken on the trail.
Activities
Bird watching, fishing, photo safaris, visits to Neolithic and Thracian sanctuaries, wine tasting, mountaineering.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: None
Age limit: 14
Tuition: No
Included: Riding, full board accommodation, (first day dinner only and last day breakfast only) two guides, admission tickets to the visits described in the programme, transfers to and from the airport.
Not included: Flights
Travel Information
There are now several low cost flights going into Sofia. For the Fire Walking Ride you are transferred from Burgas airport which also has low cost flights from the UK.
Airport: Sofia
Alternative Airport: Burgas
Programmes
Thracian Trail Ride
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his ride through a truly unique natural environment will enable you to discover the culture, history and architectural diversity of this unspoilt country. From the back of your horse you will enjoy a scenic landscape with an abundance of rivers, lakes and mineral springs and rich plant and animal life. The hospitality shown to you by the local people is second to none and you will be warmly invited to taste their lifestyle. This itinerary may change at the host's discretion. Day 1: Saturday After being transferred from Sofia airport to the village of Belovista you will have a chance to meet the guides, horses and other guests. You will have dinner and spend the night at the hotel Keranov. Day 2: Sunday After having breakfast at the hotel you will embark on a 2 hour ride to the Thracian Cult Complex near to the village of Starosel; here you will visit a Thracian Temple-Tomb. After a picnic lunch and a short rest you will ride for 1.5 hours to the "Bialo Kamene" chalet where you will have dinner and spend the night. Day 3: Monday After breakfast in the chalet you ride through the forest to the "Bratan" chalet. You will stop for a picnic lunch and short rest near to the chalet before riding for 2.5 hours in the afternoon to the Koprivsta town of Revival, which is known for its unique architecture. Tonight you have dinner in an authentic historical house where you will also spend the night. Day 4: Tuesday After breakfast you will take a panoramic tour of Koprivstisa where you will get the chance to visit the town's museums. In the afternoon you will ride for 1.5 hours in the the neighbourhood of Koprivsta. There will be some free time for you to relax before dinner. Day 5: Wednesday After breakfast you will ride for about four hours to the resort of "Panagiurski Kolonni". Along the way you will stop for a picnic lunch and short rest at "Konska poliana". You will have dinner and spend the night in a local chalet. Day 6: Thursday After breakfast you will embark on a 4.5 hour ride from "Panagiurski kolonni" to the resort town of Strelcha. You break for a picnic lunch and short rest along the way. Tonight you will stay in a SPA hotel where you may have SPA treatments and massages. Day 7: Friday After breakfast you wil embark on your final ride which will take you from Strelcha town back to the village of Belovista. Today you will ride for about 4.5 hours, stopping for a picnic lunch and short rest along the way. Tonight you will once again stay in the hotel "Keranov" where you will enjoy a farewell dinner. Day 8: Saturaday After breakfast in the hotel there will be time to say good-bye to the guides, your fellow guests and of course the horses before being transferred to Sofia airport. It should be noted that accompanying children and young people should be over 14 years of age. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Novice or Intermediate riders |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 8 days 7 nights 6 days or riding (4-5 hours a day) |
| Departure dates: | 26 April-3 May, 3-10 May, 17-24 May, 31 May-7 June, 19-26 July, 16-23 August, 13-20 September, 11-18 October 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |