Horseriding the the Balkan in Bulgaria

...the secrets of the Balkan...

We welcome you to discover one of the best kept secrets of Europe - Bulgaria - a beautiful, mountainous country that offers travellers untouched villages, rich spiritual traditions, spectacular granite peaks, deep rivers, green valleys, blue sea, and an Old World culture with an impressive history.

The oldest Bulgarian state was situated near the big town of Balh at the foothills of West Pamir (Asia) and was called by the people of the East Balhara, Bulh or Bulghar. The most typical peculiarity of these people is that since antiquity their main spiritual benchmark has been the law of male honour. Unlike many other people in which aristocratic titles and privileges have been hereditary, Bulgarians thought that only the wealth could become a legacy; titles had to be earned by everyone by individual distinction. That is why there even the children of the greatest rulers lived by the strict law of honour and prepared since childhood to become people with their own value in life. The ancient Bulgarians built an well organized state and a culture, unifying on the principle of equality of rights the disorganized population of Slavs living in this land.

Founded in 681 a.c. in the middle of the Balkan peninsula, our country is a cross-road between the East and the West, the South and the North. Surviving after the invasions of many conquerors, Bulgaria is now a country with a rich history, where the past and future meet. Covered for 50 years behind the "Iron curtain", nowadays Bulgaria is financially stable and well developing, famous with its sea-side and mountain resorts. God has blessed this small land with Rila, Pirin, Balkan, Stranja, Sredna gora and Rhodopa Mounts - as beautiful as the Alps, having amazing river canyons and waterfalls, caves, crystal clear lakes and wild forests. One country, which is not so appropriated by the civilization and its nature is still pure and untouched. While the cities are getting modern and urbanized, in the country side you could meet remains of the old times.

When the Bulgarians appeared in Europe 18 centuries ago, they astonished the neighbouring people mainly with two of their qualities- courage and sharp feeling for justice. The Bulgarians of today are friendly and hospitable people. They are always ready to help the foreigners, even if both sides do not speak one and the same language. Bulgarian cuisine is a mix between Oriental and European traditions, but has its own specific and delicious taste, which will satisfy even the biggest gastronomic requirements.
 
Bulgarians were deeply connected to their horses. The history tells us curious facts. The great Hungarian scholar Professor Geza Feher (1890-1955) have written: "We have no evidence of horseshoes in the Romans and the Byzantines… And we do not find horseshoes in European peoples either; nor do we find them in Hun and Avar graves… We must admit that the Bulgarians used the horseshoe for the first time in Europe and that the Byzantines adopted it from them". In "Strategicon" by Psudomavrikius (7th century) is written: "The horses, which the Bulgarians use in battle, graze freely on the meadows and nobody can ride them except in wartime. If they catch someone riding them at other times, they would kill him".

If you wish to enjoy exciting moments, riding in this splendid different world, going wherever you like with no forbidden roads, we are waiting for you! The relief is smooth and pleasant and you will see the spectacular sceneries of our land in the best possible way- from the horse back. As a part of this experience, we will give you some interesting extras: rowing in lake, bow-shooting, cultural tour around the historical landmarks and special party nights.

добре дошли в България! … or Welcome to Bulgaria!

You'll find more information about the 4 trekking trails by clicking on 'day by day'.

Day per day description of this trip

CHOOSE BETWEEN 4 DIFFERENT TREKKINGS BELOW

OPTION 1 : 5-DAYS RIDING HOLIDAY IN THE CENTRAL BALKAN FORE-MOUNTAINS.
Explore the wonderful nature and old Bulgarian villages.

• 5 days - 4 nights - 3 days horseriding.
• Accommodation: cosy family hotels, based on a double room.
• Meals: FB, soda's, water and wine included.
  

Day 1:
Pick-up at the airport or anywhere in Bulgaria and start to the town of Sevlievo
Arrival at a hotel with a swimming pool, placed 10 km from the stable. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 2:
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Arrival at the stable.
Choosing and saddling the horses and start to the village of Skalsko. This village is remarkable with its outstanding hat-shaped rocks. Outside the village is staying a nice family hotel, placed on the shore of a small lake. Lunch in the open fields. On the horses again and ride to the famous “Dryanovo Monastery”, surviving in one epic battle from the time of the Ottoman slavery. A guide from the Monastery museum will advise you about the most interesting moments of the Bulgarian history. Visit of the Dryanovo cave “Bacho Kiro” with its amazing acoustic “music hall”. Riding back to the hotel in Skalsko. After the arrival in the hotel, you will have a possibility to walk to the rocks.
Night and dinner in the hotel.
Riding time- about 5 hours.

Day 3:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit by car of the Old Bulgarian capital Veliko Turnovo.  Well fortified hill has been the house of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages are telling stories of one 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 Roman 167 years ago. The brothers, Assen and Peter, which owned a miraculous icon, fascinated the people in the church on the day of St.Dimitur and leaded them to an armed uprising. Byzantine rule was swept away to the north of the Balkan Mountains.
On the 9 of April 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 conclude peace with the knights, but they refused haughtily the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14 April 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 Turnovo, where later died.
 
Riding back through beautiful wild forests, meadows and creeks northwest from Skalsko. Lunch in the open air. Arrival at a guest house, placed on the top of a hill.  Dinner and night in the guesthouse.
Riding time – about 5 hours.

Day 4:
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Visit by car of the ethnographic complex of “Etura” in the very heart of the Veregava (Balkan) Mountain, placed near by the town of Gabrovo.
Riding alongside the Teutonic lake “Belyakovets”, staying untouched on the top of the rocky plateau for thousands of years. Continuing after that through an old forest and climbing to the foot of the famous rocky chain (10 km long and more than 120 m high!)” Vitata Stena”, which is Natural Reservation. Lunch in the open-air.
Arrival at the guest house, dinner and night there.
Riding time- about 4 hours.

Day 5:
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Leaving for the Airport or any other place in Bulgaria.

OPTION 2 : 8 DAYS KROUSHUNA TREKKING

8-Days riding adventure in Bulgaria of the Middle Ages and among the splendid caves and waterfalls of the Central Balkan fore-mountains.

"Some of the finest highland scenery in Europe is found in the Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Balkan mountain ranges" (The Rough Guide)

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, while staying in front of the unique waterfalls and caves of the Devetaki plateau. All this fantastic experience will be supplemented by the delicious traditional dishes, fruits and vegetables, cultivated without any chemical treatment and the fine Bulgarian wines. The relief is various, but mainly smooth and pleasant for horseback riding and will give you the possibility to ride free of strain and to enjoy with all your senses the amazing sceneries of the nature.

• Itinerary: From the Equestrian Centre located near to the town of Sevlievo, to the village of Skalsko, Dryanovski monastery, village of Ledenik, village of Emen, Krushuna's Waterfalls, Rositsa Lake and back to the Equestrian Centre.
• Meeting point: Sofia Airport.
• Accommodation: In authentic rural houses with unique atmosphere or in family hotels, in double rooms with WC and shower. Swimming pools and sauna somewhere.
• Meals: all-inclusive, except hard drinks; the hotels and houses provide the breakfasts and dinners and they offer traditional local dishes. The midday meals are in the open-air during the passages and they consist of warm food, wine and warm up drinks, all included in the price. We offer ecologically clean food, international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine, drinks included.
• The program includes: 8 days, 7 nights, 6 days of riding.

Day by day description of the trail:

Day 1:
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer Sevlievo, placed 190 km northeast from the capital.
Arrival at the nice hotel nearby Sevlievo.
Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 2:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit by car of the Ethnografic complex Etara near by the town of Gabrovo. The complex presents a village from the 19th century with the main crafts developed at that time. The old machines work with a running water and the present craftsmen produce souvenirs on them.
Arrival at the stable. Saddling the horses and preparing for start, initial instructions by the guides.
The target is Dryanovo Monastery, placed in Southeast from Sevlievo. On the way you will ride through hills and beautiful forests with small creeks and lakes.
Lunch in the beautiful meadow.
Night in a hotel 1 km away from Dryanovo Monastery.
About  25 km (4,5 hours) riding.

Day 3:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit of the Monastery and the cave “Bacho Kiro” above it.
Start from Dryanovo Monastery northward to the village of Ledenik, through beautiful meadows and walking along the small canyon and nice oak forests. An interesting tower has been preserved, that was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). Hotel "Ledenik" in traditional style is offering dinner and a shelter for the night.
About 21 km (4 hours) riding.

Day 4:
Breakfast in hotel "Ledenik".
Visit by car of Veliko Turnovo- the ancient capital of Bulgaria from the time of the second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Highlights:
The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. A well-fortified hill has been the house of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages are telling stories of one 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 Roman 167 years ago. The brothers, Assen and Peter, which owned a miraculous icon, fascinated the people in the church on the day of St.Dimitar and leaded them to an armed uprising. Byzantine rule was swept away to the north of the Balkan Mountains. On the 9 of April 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 conclude peace with the knights, but they refused haughtily the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14 April 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 later died.
Lunch in hotel “Ledenik”.
The next target is the village of Emen. You will ride along Yantra river and the fields and forests till the village. Arrival at the beautiful country style hotel "Imenieto” with a swimming pool.
Dinner and night at the complex.
About 22 km (4 hours) riding.

Day 5:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Start in northwest direction to the
village of Krushuna. Riding through beautiful
forests with meadows and fields towards the plateau of Devetaki with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes.
Picnic at the meadow nearby village of Dimcha.
Night in Krushuna guesthouse under the caves.
About 39 km (6.5 hours) riding.

Day 6: (Rest day for the horses&riders!)
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Visit by car of 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 1,5 hour to the village of Kurpachevo on a beautiful path above the waterfalls.
Dinner and night at the guest house.
Highlights:
Krushuna's waterfalls- an unique natural water cascade, whose sparkling waterfalls consist of many shoots and small basins. The region is green and wild with a large variety of plant and animal species. This picturesque area is rich of limestone caves with springing streams and rivers. The biggest cave, called Boninska, contains the longest underground lake (800 m) in Bulgaria. The territory of Krushuna waterfalls is a National park.

Day 7:
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Riding from Kurpachevo village to the vertical cave”Garvanitsa” on the plateau, then ride to the lake of Kramolin where we can swim in - with and without the horses.
Lunch at the lake.
Riding forward to the bigger lake formed from Rositsa river where the ride is finishing and horses and riders are transported to the stable.
Dinner and night at the hotel nearby the stable
About 33 km (5,5 hours) riding.

Day 8:
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Leaving for Sofia.
Departure from the Airport of Sofia.

OPTION 3 : 8 - DAY THRACIANS TREKKING

“ THE LAND OF THRACIANS”
Riding through antiquity - ancient Thracians sanctuaries and temples, antique Roman Imperial Residence and Bulgarian National Revival towns.
This mountain trail ride takes you through the Sredna Gora Mountain - the land of the Thracians, the mineral sources, the roses and lavender. The main goal of this carefully designed holiday is to give great pleasure to your body, senses and mind. This trail ride offers you an extraordinary combination of the physical loading of the riding with the strengthening SPA treatments and the refreshing massages. During the holiday you will enjoy the delicious food, prepared from wholesome local produce and samples of famous Bulgarian wines. Galloping through the boundless meadows, riding through oak and beech forests you will become one with the virgin nature of Sredna Gora Mountains and you will discover part of the archaeological, historical and architectural landmarks, hidden in them.

• Itinerary: From to the town of Hissar to the village of Starosel, the village of Belovitsa, the village of Crustevich, Belo Kamene hut, the town of Koprivstica, the town of Strelcha and back to the village of Belovitsa.
• Meeting point: Sofia Airport.
• The program includes: 8 days, 7 nights, 6 days of riding.
• Accommodation: In authentic rural houses with unique atmosphere and in cosy family hotels.
• Meals: ecologically clean food prepared from wholesome local produce; international and Bulgarian cuisine; drinks included.

Day by day description of the trail:

Day 1:
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Hissar, placed 180 km South-east from the capital.
You will be accommodated in the SPA hotel with swimming pool, sauna, massage centre and fitness.
Begin your holiday with an introduction to your itinerary and having a first-hand look at the horses and equipment and choosing suitable ones.
Welcome dinner and night at the hotel.
Highlights:
Hissar health resort

Hissar health resort is situated almost in the centre of Bulgaria, on the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain, 336 m above sea level.

The first settlers of the small valley where the town is situated were Thracians from the Bessi tribe. Eventually, the area was reached by Macedonians, but it was not until Roman times when Hissar developed into a large town and resort, called Dioclecianopolis, after the Roman emperor Dioclecian /284 - 305 AD/.

The town was built according to all requirements of Roman town planning - with wide, straight streets, decorated with statues of gods and goddesses, with marble baths, beautiful palaces and villas for Roman aristocracy. To protect the town from enemy invasions, it was surrounded with a wall raised by the skilful hands of Thracian master-builders.

Day 2:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Panoramic tour of the town of Hissar. You will be escorted to visit the remains of fortress wall of ancient roman town Dioclecianopolis, the third largest town in the ancient province of Thrace, after Philipopolis /Plovdiv/ and Beroe /Stara Zagora/. The wall is one of the best preserved of its kind not only in Bulgaria, but also on the entire Balkan Peninsula!
Saddling the horses and preparing for start. Ride among beautiful nature around the village of Starosel.
Picnic - lunch in the neighbourhood of the village.
In the afternoon you will ride to the village of Belovitsa, situated on the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain.
Accommodation and dinner in a family hotel.
About 25 km (3.5 hours) riding.

Day 3:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start from Belovitsa village and ride through hills and oak
forests to the village Starosel, which made
a sensation in 2000 when the archaeological
expedition lead by Dr. George Kitov found for the world "the largest preserved Thracian king complex with a temple-mausoleum in Southeast Europe".
Your guide will escort you to visit the recently found Thracian cult complex, still in excavations. Learn about the mysterious Thracians and their amazing cultural heritage and historic significance.
Lunch and rest in the beautiful meadow next to the temple.
In the afternoon you will ride to Belo Kamene hut.
You will be accommodated in the hut with cosy rooms in the middle of the forest.
Dinner with local meals and wine around the fireplace.
About 19 km (3 hours) riding.
Highlights:
The Thracian cult complex in Starosel

The suppositions are that the temple is from the time of the Thracian king Sitalk, even his own. The rich findings in the stone-built tomb date from the end of the fifth and the beginning of the fourth century BC. A main staircase with monumental corridor, ritual landing and two chambers, leads to the temple. The entrance is outlined with slabs with plastic and colour decoration. The inside area is a round, domed chamber with semi-columns and colour ornaments, where the initiated established connection with gods.

It is surrounded by a 263 yard long wall made out of some 4000 stone blocks and was hidden under a 20 m high mound of earth.

Day 4:
Breakfast in the hut.
You will ride trough the forest via foot of Bogdan peak (1603m.) to the Barricades Chalet.
Lunch at the beautiful meadow next to the mountain river.
In the afternoon you will ride to the Koprivshtitsa town of Bulgarian Revival, which is a unique architectural preserve.
You will be accommodated in the authentic century old house
Dinner with wine tasting.
Overnight in the town of Koprivshtitsa.
Highlights:
The town of Koprivshtitsa is situated near to the Topolnitsa River at 1060 meters above the sea level.
It is a town - museum and unique settlement in Bulgaria, which has preserved in compactness over 250 patterns of the Bulgarian Revival Period architecture. The greatest wealth of Koprivshtitsa are its Revival Period houses with colourful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls and gates, the disorderly built curved and narrow cobblestone little streets and plots, the numerous stone fountain contributes to the attractiveness of the little town. Part of these houses was turned into museums.
About 30 km (5.5 hours) riding

Day 5:
Breakfast at the house.
You will be taken on a guided tour of the
town of Koprivshtitsa. You will visit some of
the most interesting Museums in the town.
Lunch at a restaurant in the town.
After a refreshing break in the afternoon,
prepare for two-hour ride in the neighbourhood
of Koprivshtitsa.
Enjoy some free time for shopping and exploring the charming galleries, craftsman shops and coffee retreats.
Dinner and night in the town of Koprivshtitsa.
About  10 km (2 hours) riding.

Day 6:
Breakfast at the house.
You will ride trough the untouched forest to the health resort Strelcha.
Picnic lunch in a wooden, beautiful shelter situated among the oak trees.
You will be accommodated in the SPA hotel.
Before dinner you could try the aquatic relaxation procedures or massages and swim in the mineral water pool.
Dinner in the local pub in national style.
About 25 km (4.5 hours) riding.

Day 7:
Breakfast in the hotel.
You will ride trough the rose fields and will galloping through.
Picnic lunch.
You will be accommodated again in the family house in Belovitsa.
Before the dinner we could ride bareback to the nearest river and wash the horses there.
In the evening enjoy a Farewell dinner - gourmet food prepared in your honour by the hosts.
About 25 km (4.5 hours) riding.

Day 8:
After breakfast you could say good-bye to your horse.
Visit to the ancient town of Plovdiv and start to Sofia.
Departure from the Sofia Airport.

OPTION 4 : 9 DAYS OF HORSERIDING ALONG THE OLD BULGARIAN CAPITALS

9 days riding holiday through the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom Veliko Turnovo (1185-1396), through the capitals of the First Bulgarian Kingdom- Pliska and The Great Preslav (681-1018) and finishes at the famous monument of the 8th century “The horseman of Madara”. This trail is organized in a natural way, following the road of the ancient Bulgarians. The riders sleep in tents and “take a shower” in the lakes and rivers. Only the first and the last night they sleep in a hotel. The food is supplied by car 3 times a day and the riders prepare it themselves on the fire. In this trails the riders feel the real life as it has been before hundred and thousand years ago.  The nature is wild and beautiful and in many places you could ride without meeting any people.     

• The program includes: 9 days, 8 nights, 7 days of riding.
• Accommodation: In cosy family hotels for the first two and the last two nights. 4 other nights in tents.
• Meals: ecologically clean food, prepared from wholesome local produce; international and Bulgarian cuisine; soft drinks, beer and wine included.

Day by day description:

Day 1:
Pick up from Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Sevlievo, placed 190 km North-east from the capital.
You will be accommodated in a nice hotel with a swimming pool.
During the dinner you will meet your guides and will be informed in details about the trail.

Day 2:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Arrival at the stable and having a first look at the horses and equipment, choosing the suitable ones.
Start from the stable of “Alfa Centaur”. Ride along beautiful green hills. Ride alongside the valley of Yantra river through beautiful forests and hills and arrival to the Tower of Ledenik.  This interesting tower was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). Its first floor is a museum, showing regional culture and traditions from the past 150 years.
Picnic at the open fields.
Hotel "Ledenik" in traditional style is offering dinner and a shelter for the night.
About 34 km (5 hours) riding.

Day 3:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit by car of the Old Bulgarian Capital Veliko Tarnovo.
The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. A well-fortified hill has been the house of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 centuries. The castle and Orthodox churches that have survived from the Middle Ages are telling stories of one 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 Roman 167 years ago. The brothers, Assen and Peter, which owned a miraculous icon, fascinated the people in the church on the day of St.Dimitar and leaded them to an armed uprising. Byzantine rule was swept away to the north of the Balkan Mountains. On the 9 of April 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 conclude peace with the knights, but they refused haughtily the offered hand. The eventful clash occurred on 14 April 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 later died.
Start from the tower of Ledenik along few small villages, riding through beautiful nature till the village of  Merdanyawith its monastery.

Highlights:About 1.5 km from the present monastery ruins of a Medieval Monastery have been found, which was probably built in the time of the king Ivan Assen II (about 1190 year).  The old monastery was destroyed at the time of the Turkish occupation. In the middle of the 19th Century the rich resident of Elena – Hadji Kesaree Horozov bought the ex-monastery’s lands and in 1853 built the new church and the living space around. He also became its first abbot and participated actively in the struggle for national liberation. After the death of the abbot, most of the monks left the Monastery and it started falling. Later it was repaired and turned to a convent.

Picnic at the open fields.
The final target for this day is a lonely fountain in the plain where the first open camp will be done.
Dinner and night next to the fountain.
About 35 km (5,5 hours) riding. 

Day 4:
Breakfast in the open fields.
Start from the fountain and ride through beautiful fields, wild and exotic mountains and forests around Stara reka river. The river is crossed several times.
Lunch in the open fields.
Night and dinner in tents near by the village of Bankovets at the nice meadow and oak forest.
About 30 km ( 5,5 hours) riding.

Day 5:
Breakfast in the open fields.
Start from Bankovets and riding on an old stony road from the Roman times eastward through the old forests, deep valleys and creeks. 
Picnic at the open fields.
Dinner and night in tents next to the small river near by the village of Velikdenche.
About 37 km (6 hours) riding.

Day 6:
Breakfast in the open fields.
Start from the village of Velikdenche. Ride along vineyards and open fields on the plateau of Omurtag.
The ride continues on ancient Roman road, big old fountain and leads you to the remains of the Byzantine basilica of the 13th century.
Ride at the foot of Preslavska Mountain on eco-path. Arrival at a hunting lodge on the top of the mountain.
Picnic at the open fields.
Dinner and night in the hunting lodge
About 40 km ( 7 hours) riding.

Day 7:
Breakfast in the lodge.
Start from the hunting lodge through the old forests of Preslavska Mountain to the remains of the capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom- The Great Preslav.
Highlights:
The town of Veliki (The Great) Preslav is situated in the foot of the Preslavska mountain, next to the place where the River Gorna Kamchia leaves the defile and overflows in the vast valley, following its way to the Black sea. These fat lands have been settled since the ancient times. The name of the town has a Slavic origin. Around the beginning of the 9th century (probably after the khan Krum’s wars with Byzantium), the Bulgarians started to build on that place a well fortified settlement , which became later an important military-strategic center and a residence of the Ichirguboila – the third person after the khan. In the first century of its existence, the town grows up, fenced in a strong wall, water-supplied and modern. The remains of the khan’s castle show that there have been a running cold and hot water and under- floor heating. In year 893 the highly-educated son of Khan Boris- Simeon- becomes the new ruler of Bulgaria. He proclaims The Great Preslav for the new capital of the country. In the next 80 years the town goes through a phenomenal bloom, becoming a center of the politics, diplomacy, crafts. It reaches remarkable architectural  achievements and wide literary and educational activities. An ancient author writes that Simeon builds his great capital for 28 years, but the archaeological  excavations prove that the town continues its development  under the rule of his son- Petar. Probably in the 30th-40-th years of the 10th century Preslav reached the peak of its magnificence and got the name Great. It is curious, that in the writings of the Turks, which visited the Balkan peninsular at that time, Konstantinopol was called “Stambul”, but Preslav was called “The Great Stambul”.
Picnic at the open fields.
Arrival at the foots of the famous monument of the 8th century- “The horseman of Madara” in the village of Kulevcha.

Highlights:
The Madara Horseman is in the north-east of Bulgaria, 20 km from the town of Shumen, near the village of Madara. The relief was cut in a vertical rock at 23 m height during the 8th century. It measures 2.6 m in height and is 3.1 wide at the base. The relief comprises a life-size horseman, a lion, a dog, and Greek inscriptions. The horseman is wearing a knee-length garment and is holding the reigns in his left hand. With the right hand, he has thrown a short spear with a flag at the lion lying at the horse’s front legs. The high back of a saddle is visible behind the horseman. The man’s right foot is thrust in a stirrup. The dog is running behind the horse.
The image is believed to show the victorious khan Tervel. It carries resemblance to the scenes of triumph in the Iran’s east and the artistic traditions of antiquity. The details of the relief make likely its Proto-Bulgarian origin. The proto-Bulgarian inscriptions, written in Greek, announce events in Bulgarian-Byzantine relations under the rule of the khans Tervel, Khormisosh, and Omurtag during the 8th and 9th centuries. One of the inscriptions presents the forceful abdication and the exile of the Byzantine emperor Justinian in 705. Having managed to escape, Justinian sought help from the Bulgarians. Khan Tervel and his army helped him to recover the throne of Byzantium. In return, Tervel received honours and gifts, and recognition of the title of Caesar- Tsar, as well as land south of Hemus and an annual tax from Byzantium.
The Madara horseman is a part of the national history and archaeology reserve of Madara. It was once connected with the large worship complex of heathen temples, palaces and houses, and other premises, built by khan Omurtag on the Madara rock terrace. At the rock base, there is also a large cave called the Nymphs’ Cave, where the Thracians worshiped their deities in ancient times. Scientist have found many prehistoric cult figures and tablets dedicated to the three local nymphs, Zeus, Heracles, Dionysius, Cibbela, the Thracian Horseman-hero Heros, etc.
TheMadara horseman is the only rock relief in Europe dated back to the early Middle Ages.
TheMadara Riderwas included in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List at the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Committee session of 1979 in Luxor, Egypt.
The Rider of Madara is a unique example of the Bulgarian Medieval art. It is included in the UNESCO list of cultural monuments with world significance.

Dinner and night at the guesthouse in Kulevcha.
About 45 km(7,5 hours) riding.
 
Day 8:
Breakfast in the guesthouse.
Visit  the “Horseman of Madara” on the horseback.
Ride from the “Horseman of Madara” to the first Bulgarian capital- Pliska- about 15 km ( 2 hours).

Highlights:
During 2 centuries after the foundation of the Bulgarian Kingdom since 681 to 893 AD, Pliska has been the main political, military, cultural and economical center of the country. But Pliska is also one of the most impressive monuments of the European Medieval architecture. Its outer town is surrounded with moats and covers 23 sq.km lands. Being steppe people, the old Bulgarians had a preference to the plain country for their settlements.  The explorers of the ancient capital have noticed 3 stages in its building:
I.    The Palace of Khan Krum is one of the most remarkable monuments of the first stage. It has been supplied by secret tunnels which have allowed the people to leave unnoticed the town. The Palace has had a big water-store and modern for that time baths.
II.    The huge building of the second stage is connected to the name of Khan Omurtag, who made enormous efforts to make Pliska one of the biggest East-European centers. The Big Palace is the best preserved edifice of the Internal town. The palace is 52 meters long and 26 meters wide.
The Small Palace is one of the most imposing buildings in the Citadel.      Compared to the Big Palace it is much more exquisite and rich. It has been the home of the Bulgarian ruler. In Pliska could be found innovations like heating system, bathrooms with complicated installations, and windows with glass.
III.    The third stage could be described as the period of the early-Christian buildings with impressive measures. The Great Basilica is the most remarkable of them. With its 2920 square metres it was the largest Christian church on the Balkan Peninsula for its time. The imposing three-nave basilica was 100 metres long and 30 metres wide. It was in the centre of a monastery complex of sophisticated architecture. Pliska is the town where the Christian faith was adopted as an official religion of the Bulgarian people in the 9th century. In the year 886 Prince Boris I received here the disciples of the creators of the Slav Alphabet the brothers Cyril and Methodius.

Picnic in the open fields.
Horses and riders will be transported back to the stable in Sevlievo.
Dinner and fare-well party in the hotel.

Day 9:
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit of some local landmarks, according to the time.
Start to the Airport of Sofia.
Departure from Sofia.

Dates & Prices

PTION 1:  5-days riding holiday in the central Balkan fore-mountains.
Prices 2009 :
€ 700 [excl. flight]
5 days/ 4 nights/ 3 days of horseriding
 
Single Supplement: € 50, only when a single room is explicitly requested.
When travelling alone, you'll have the possibility to share a room with an individual of the same gender.
 
Data 2009
à la carte, minimum of 2 riders

OPTION 2:  8 days Kroushuna trekking
Prices 2009:
€ 960 [excl. flight]
8 days/ 7 nights/ 6 days of horseriding

Single Supplement: € 90, only when a single room is explicitly requested.
When travelling alone, you'll have the possibility to share a room with an individual of the same gender.
 
Data 2009
MAY: 09-16
JUN: 06-13 | 20-27
JUL: 11-18
AUG:01-08 | 22-29
SEP: 05-12
OCT:10-17

OPTIE 3:  8 days Thracians trekking
Prijs 2009:
€ 1.200 [excl. flight]
8 days/ 7 nights/ 6 of horseriding

Single Supplement: € 120, only when a single room is explicitly requested.
When travelling alone, you'll have the possibility to share a room with an individual of the same gender.

Data 2009
APR: 25-02 MEI
SEP: 19-27

OPTIE 4:  9-days of horseriding along the old Bulgarian capitals.
Prices 2009:
€ 900 [excl. flight]
9 days/ 8 nights/ 7 days of horseriding

Single Supplement: € 50, only when a single room is explicitly requested.
When travelling alone, you'll have the possibility to share a room with an individual of the same gender.
 
Data 2009
MEI: 23-31

Included:

• Accommodation: whether in hotel-guesthouses or tented camp. Depends on which programme you choose.
• Meals: FB (from diner firts day untill breakfast last day). Drinks > soda's, beer, wine,…(no spirits)
• Back-Up Vehicle (with cell-phone) carries your personal luggage to the next stop.
• Professional and bilingual guides.
• Horses and equipment
• Transfer in group from Sofia Airport to the first location and vica versa.

Not included:

• Insurance: (obligatory)
  
• Flight: (to Sofia) Prices depend on season. Contact us for more information.
• Single supplement (only when a single room is being requested)
• Spirits and cocktails.
  
• Personal spendings
  
• Booking fee: 20 EUR per person | Late booking: + 25 EUR (within 30 days before departure)
• If you pay by credit card 2% costs will be charged

Practical information about this trip

Description of this trip will be online soon.
In the meantime, don't hesitate to mail us for further information
info@Xplore360.com