Day 1 - Arrival
Riding: No riding.
You will be met at Sofia airport at 16:00 and transferred to Plovdiv city which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria. This afternoon you will explore Plovdiv, finding traces of civilisation much older even than the Romans. The historic centre is more than 8000 years old and if there is time you can visit the Ethnographic Museum and the ancient theatre, one of the best-preserved still in existence. Dinner and overnight at a hotel attached to a riding centre on the outskirts of the city.
Day 2 - Hisarya
Riding: 5 hours
After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the trek. The horses have already completed their transfer. Once everyone has been assigned the correct horse, the first ride begins towards the historical city of Hisarya. Hisarya is famous for its healing mineral waters: 16 natural mineral springs and 6 drilled mineral water wells. The town is one of the oldest and most popular balneological and spa centres in Bulgaria. On your way to this fascinating place, you'll enjoy some fast riding on easy terrain. Lunch is taken from the saddle bags right beside the bank of a beautiful river.
After the ride you will be able to relax in the mineral spa centre of a 4* hotel. It is also possible to head out by yourselves to view the historical sites before dinner.
Day 3 - Wine and Spa Complex Starosel
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
Today's ride takes you over hilly terrain towards Bulgarias most famous Wine Complex. Along the way you'll see some of the historical sites such as the best preserved Roman city wall in Bulgaria as well as the cities emblematic gate known as "The Camels", dating back more than 2000years and standing 20 m high.
You ride along vineyards, meadows, numerous lakes and oak forests. The landscape will change entirely from the previous day as you ascend into the Sredna Gora mountains. A saddle bag lunch is taken beside a beautiful lake.
After the ride you can again enjoy the mineral Spa centre of the complex
Before dinner you can join a wine tasting tour at 6 o'clock - a walk in the cellar with tasting of 7 types of specially selected bottled wines of Starosel, served with special bites and mineral water in the "Wine Temple" and a gift certificate. ( additional charge of 15 euro, payable locally)
Day 4 - Eagle Rock Spa complex
Riding: 5 hours
Before getting on your horse, visit the largest Thracian temple complex in the Balkans, where excavations are still underway. Built in the 5th and 4th centuries BC, the tombs have provided researchers with great insight into the history and culture of this mysterious people.
Todays ride heads for the highest point of the trail at around 1800m in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountains. Along the way you will encounter the most panoramic scenery of the week. Lunch is taken in the restaurant of an old lodge.
Tonights hotel again has a SPA centre with a pool, sauna and jacuzzi
Day 5 - Valley of the Roses
Riding: 4 hours
Todays destinations is the famous Valley of Roses and another mineral SPA center called Aqua Termi. Along the way you will ride in a protected Beech Forest with amazing trees. You'll also climb the famous "Peak of the Wolves", on top of which you can admire a breathtaking view over the 'Valley of the Roses'. There should be some beautiful canters accompanied by the lovely smell of Roses.
Again after the ride you will be able to relax in the mineral Spa of the hotel
Day 6 - Lake Pyasachnik and Boutique Complex Trakiets
Riding: 4 hours
Today is your guides favourite day. You ride along the largest lake in the Thracians plains and if the temperatures are suitable, (depending on the season) you could take a swim with your companions. Today is also full of lovely canters through beautiful meadows.
You are heading for the Boutique Complex Trakiets, which combines both an amazing Spa centre and Bulgaria's most renowned jumping stable.
Day 7 - Tsaratsovo
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
Today's route passes through vineyards and fields, back to the stables. Along the way you will cross a river and, of course ,you will enjoy a few more canters and gallops. Early in the afternoon you return to the jumping stable where you stayed on the first night. Here you say goodbye to your horse.
After lunch you can take a walk or watch the training sessions. During dinner you can look back on the highlights of the week with your travel companions!
Day 8 - Departure
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast there will be a transfer to Sofia for your trip home. The journey takes around 90 minutes (120km) by minibus.
NB. The itinerary may be modified for reasons of safety, weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
