Caves and Waterfalls

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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.

Riding

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.

Itinerary

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. Visit by car to the Ethnographic complex of Etara near Gabrovo.  It is a 19th century village showcasing the main crafts developed at the time. Next we arrive at the stable and 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 the Yantra River and a small rocky canyon.  Lunch in the beautiful meadow under the Skalsko Rocks.  Night in Dryanovo Monastery or nearby hotel.  About 5 hours riding.

Day 3:  Breakfast in the hotel. Visit of the Monastery and the cave “Bacho Kiro” above it. 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.

Day 4: Breakfast in hotel "Ledenik". By car we will go to Veliko Turnovo - the ancient capital of Bulgaria since the time of the second Bulgarian Kingdom.

Highlighted:
The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. The well-fortified hill has been the home of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for two 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 Romans 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 9^th, 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 14^th, 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.

Day 4 Cont'd: Lunch at hotel "Ledenik" then off to the village of Emen.  You will ride along  theYantra River and pass many beautiful fields and forests until you reach the country style hotel "Imenieto" equipped with a swimming pool.  Dinner and overnight at hotel.  About 4 hours of riding.

Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel.  Ride in a northwest direction to the village of Krushuna. We ride through more beautiful forest and meadows towards Devetaki Plateau with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes. Picnic lunch near the village of Dimcha. Overnight in the Krushuna guesthouse under the caves.  About 6 1/2 hours riding.

Day 6:  Breakfast in the guesthouse. The horses rest for most of the day and we venture off to sight-see. Visit by car to the remarkable Devetaki Cave, placed 15 km from Krushuna.  Lunch at the guesthouse.  Walking up to the amazing Kroushuna’s Waterfalls coming from the caves with the springs. You can swim in the small lakes under the waterfalls.  Just before the Sunset - ride for 1 and a half hours to the village of Kurpachevo on a beautiful path above the waterfalls.  Dinner and night at the guest house.

Highlighted:
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. We ride from Krushuna village to the vertical cave "Garvanitsa" on the plateau and then to the lake of Kramolin where we can swim ourselves or ride the horses in for a swim!  Lunch at the lake side.  Next we ride to the larger lake, formed by the Rositsa River.  From here both horse and rider are transported back to the stables and then the riders spend dinner and the night at a nearby hotel.  About 5 1/2 hours riding.

Day 8:  Breakfast in the hotel.  We leave for Sofia and the airport.
subject to change

Rates and Dates for Caves and Waterfalls

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Sevlievo
Airport: Sofia
Transfer: Included from Sofia Airport at set times.

Climate:

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.