Nature & Culture

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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.

Riding


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.

Itinerary


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.

Rates and Dates for Nature & Culture

Dates Note: * please inquire for additional tour dates

Other Info
Meeting: Sofia airport
Airport: Sofia airport
Transfer: Included from Sofia airport

Climate:
                                        Veliko Tarnovo area