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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.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Sofia airport
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Airport:
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Sofia airport
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Transfer:
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Included from Sofia airport
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2025
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All your meals and beverages, 6 riding days with English speaking guide, Support vehicle with mobile phone connection & Transfer from/to Sofia airport included at set time
Guides can speak English, German or French
| A | 2025 | 8 day trip, 6 riding days | 8d / 7n | €1600 | $1760 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2025
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Transfer from Sofia airport included at set time
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€
0
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$0
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2025
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Small group supplement (2-3 pax only), pp
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€
415
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$455
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2025
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Private transfer from Sofia, pp
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€
260
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$285
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2025
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Single supplement
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€
180
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$200
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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.
Tour Dates for 2025
* please inquire for additional tour dates
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Rates do not include:
Private transfers from/to Sofia, Hard alcoholic beverages, Personal travel insurance (mandatory) & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to Sevlievo, located 190 km northeast from the capital, Sofia.
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 Vranilovtsi
This morning, we ride through forests and open fields, with lots of opportunities for nice canters. We have great views over the Balkan Mountains. We will take our lunch break near an Armenite village, before riding towards our stop for the night: Vranilovtsi.
Riding: About 20 km (3.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi
Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride from Novakovtsi to Zhivko
Our ride leads us alongside the foothills of the Vitata Stena chain, a beautiful nature reserve. We will stop for a picnic lunch near a lake and we should arrive in Zhivko village in early afternoon.
In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnographic complex Etara, near Gabrovo City. This complex represents a village from the 19th century, with old machines and people dressed with traditional clothes.
Riding: About 20 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Zhivko
Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride to Gesha
Today, we are going to ride through the wilderness towards Gesha village. We will stop for lunch near the Yantra river.
Riding: About 21 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Gesha
Day 6 (Thursday): Monastery visit & Ride through meadows
After breakfast, we visit Dryanovo monastery and Bacho Kiro cave by car.
Then we get in the saddle and ride north through wild meadows. We will enjoy our lunch break near Vetrentsi village.
Riding: About 28 km (5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Imenieto
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 25 km (4.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Incanto 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.
Meeting:
Sofia airport
Airport:
Sofia airport
Transfer:
Included from Sofia airport
Distance:
190 km
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.
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Tack:
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Both Western and English high quality Endurance saddles: Ortho-Flex, Podium, Barefoot and other good quality models.
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Horses:
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Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses.
From 150 to 165 cm
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Pace:
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3 to 5 riding hours per day. Usually 40 % walking, 30 % trotting and 30 % cantering.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
209 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 on. more
Veliko Tarnovo area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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41
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45
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54
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63
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73
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80
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84
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85
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76
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65
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53
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44
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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25
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27
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34
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43
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51
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58
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61
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60
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53
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44
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35
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27
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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5
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7
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12
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17
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23
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27
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29
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29
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24
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18
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11
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6
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-4
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-3
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1
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6
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10
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14
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16
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16
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12
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7
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2
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-3
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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 |
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| Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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|
..view other reports for different trips
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 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Incanto near Sevlievo
Night 2 & 3: Guesthouse near Vranilovtsi
Night 4: Guesthouse in Zhivko
Night 5: Guesthouse in Gesha
Night 6: Hotel Imenieto near Emen
Night 7: Hotel Incanto near Sevlievo
Hotel Incanto near Sevlievo
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 Vranilovtsi
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.
Hotel 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.
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.
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Tack:
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Both Western and English high quality Endurance saddles: Ortho-Flex, Podium, Barefoot and other good quality models.
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|
Horses:
|
|
Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses.
From 150 to 165 cm
|
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Pace:
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3 to 5 riding hours per day. Usually 40 % walking, 30 % trotting and 30 % cantering.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
209 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
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.
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Nature & Culture of Central Bulgaria
Tour Code:
IT-BGRT06
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
July
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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