At 600 km, the Balkan Mountains are the longest mountain range on the peninsula of the same name and divide Bulgaria into two distinct halves. With its deep gorges, rugged rock formations and river valleys, the Balkan Mountains are among the wildest and most rugged, but also the most beautiful mountains in Europe.

On this horseback riding tour, you will explore the northern side of the Balkans – an area full of historical sites, medieval remains and extraordinary natural beauty. The route takes you past the best-preserved castles, towers, monasteries and fortresses from the Middle Ages and to unique natural spectacles such as the waterfalls and caves of the Devetaki Plateau. You will be served local wines, traditional dishes, fruit, vegetables and other delicacies typical of the region. Overnight stays are in comfortable hotels and guesthouses, almost all of which have a pool and/or sauna. Full board includes international and Bulgarian dishes. Lunches on the trail are hot meals.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia and transfer to Sevlievo (approx. 190 km) in the northern Balkans. Dinner with a briefing about the riding tour and overnight stay in a hotel with sauna and swimming pool.

Day 2: After breakfast, you will head to the riding stable, where you will meet the horses. After a short briefing and explanation from your guide, you will saddle up and set off on your adventure. The first day of riding begins in beautiful forests and hills, winding through small streams. You will stop for a picnic lunch in a meadow along the way. In the evening, you will reach the end of today's ride, near the beautiful Drjanovo Monastery. You will spend the night in a hotel with a pool in Drjanovo, about 5 km from the monastery, or in accommodation near the town. Riding time approx. 3.5 hours.

Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel and visit to the Drjanovo Monastery. The Bulgarian Orthodox monastery was founded in the 12th century and is one of the most famous sights in this region. Just a few metres away is the Bacho Kiro Cave, which is nestled in the gorges and fed by the Drjanovo River. The winding cave consists of four ‘floors’ and the labyrinthine passages have a total length of 3.6 km. Not far from the monastery, today's ride begins. You will explore the wild beauty of the Balkans across wide fields and meadows, through oak forests and narrow gorges. You will stop for a picnic in a village. Overnight stay and dinner in a hotel with swimming pool. Riding time approx. 5 hours.

Day 4: The day begins as usual with breakfast at the hotel. You will then be taken to Veliko Tarnovo, the Bulgarian capital during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396). The city on the northern foothills of the Balkan Mountains was of great importance in the Middle Ages and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous preserved churches and architectural monuments in the old town, built on a steep slope, bear witness to these past times and make Veliko Tarnovo an attractive destination for visitors today. The ride continues along the Jantra River. Quiet paths through forests and across fields and meadows lead you to the village of Balvan, where you will stop for lunch. Well rested and refreshed, you continue your ride through the beautiful, gorge-like surroundings. In the evening, you arrive at your country-style accommodation (with pool). Dinner and overnight stay. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 5: Today you will ride northwest to the village of Kurpachevo. This is the longest day of riding. You will be able to enjoy the Bulgarian countryside to the fullest – forests, meadows, streams, mountains, gorges, valleys... the wild beauty of nature will make every rider's heart beat faster! On your route, you will also pass the spectacular Devetaki Plateau, with its magnificent views! Overnight stay and dinner in a guesthouse in Karpachevo. Riding time approx. 7-8 hours.

Day 6: Today is a day of rest for horses and riders. In the morning, you will explore the region on a short but beautiful ride. The area is particularly green and home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Return to the guesthouse for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to visit the Deyetaki caves and explore the cave passages and nooks and crannies. One of the caves also contains Bulgaria's largest underground lake (800 m). The small pools under the waterfall are perfect for a refreshing dip. The Hollywood film ‘The Expendables 2’ was shot here. Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse. Riding time approx. 1.5-2 hours.

Day 7: Breakfast at the guesthouse and ride to the Garvanitsa stalactite caves, which are located on a plateau. You will then reach a lake where you can stop for a picnic. After lunch, the last stage of the ride awaits you. You will ride through river valleys and over the hills around Kurmianski. This is where your tour ends and you will be taken back to the stables with the horses. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel near the stables. Riding time approx. 6 hours.

Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to Sofia Airport.

Subject to change!

Please note that the programme may change at short notice due to weather conditions, e.g. riding through less slippery terrain after heavy rainfall. This is for your safety and that of the horses.

Accomodation
You will stay in comfortable hotels and authentic country inns, many of which are run by families who will warmly welcome you with Bulgarian hospitality.

Saddle & Tack: English, western and endurance saddles. Riding helmet compulsory.

Experience: Confidence in all gaits and trail experienced (also in different terrains). The pace is somewhat slower on steep/hilly passages, on the flat/wide sections there are nice cantering/trotting possibilities. Minimum age 12 years. Riding time approx. 4-7 hours per day. Max. Rider weight 95kg.

Horses: Arabians, Shagya-Arabians, Bulgarian breeds and Achal-Tekkiner mixes. Stock size between 150-165 cm.