Packages and Options

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. 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 Yantra River and a small rocky canyon.  Lunch in the beautiful meadow under the Skalsko Rocks.  Night in Dryanovo Monastery.  About 5 hours riding.
Day 3:  Breakfast in the Monastery. 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.
After the arrival at Ledenik, we will go by car to Veliko Turnovo- the ancient capital of Bulgaria since the time of the second Bulgarian Kingdom. Four km from Veliko Turnovo is the village of Arbanasi, famous with its traditional style and architecture, perserved from the 17th century. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
Highlights:
The ancient Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. The well-fortified hill has been the home of the Bulgarian tsar (king) and the aristocracy for 2 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 Roman 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.
Arbanasi village. The oldest houses are more than 200 years old. All the new houses were faithfully built in the original style. There are many shops offering souvenirs made by local craftsmen.
Day 4: Breakfast in hotel "Ledenik". Our next journey is to the village of Vishovgrad. We ride along the beautiful Negovanka River. A little footpath will take you to the Negovanka river canyon - remarkable with lime formations, a wooden suspension bridge and sparkling waterfalls. Arrival at "Dulbok Zimnik" guesthouse in Vishovgrad, dinner and overnight.  About 6 hours riding.
Day 5: Breakfast in "Dulbok Zimnik" guesthouse.  Ride in a northwest direction to the village of Krushuna. We ride through beautiful
forests and meadows towards Devetaki plateau with its extraordinary caves, waterfalls and lakes. Overnight in Krushuna guesthouse under the caves.  About 6 hours riding.
Day 6:  Breakfast in the guesthouse. Ride out from Krushuna village to the remarkable Devetaki caves. A professional guide will lead those who want to see in the caves. Lunch around the caves. Option to ride back or return by car to Krushuna.  After a rest, you will have a chance to feel like an ancient hunter – try your skill at bow shooting! Two masters will show you the techniques. Special party in the guesthouse.
Highlights:
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. Ride from Krushuna village to the beautiful Rositsa Lake.  Lunch at the lake.  After lunch, back to the stables.  About 7 hours riding.
Day 8:  Breakfast in the guesthouse.  Visit a natural lake reservoir at the top of the Plateau of Belyakovets.  Lunch in the hotel.  After lunch, we leave for Sofia and departure from the airport.
subject to change

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.

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.

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.