8-day Balkan villages horseback trek in Bulgaria
Join a certified mountain guide to venture on this 8-day horseback trek in the beautiful Balkan villages in Bulgaria.
TRIP TYPE
Group
MOUNTAIN RANGES
Balkan Mountains
DURATION
8 Days
OFFER PERIOD
Jul - Oct
FITNESS LEVEL
Occasional
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!
- Ride on Stara Planina, the longest Bulgarian mountain to enjoy stunning views.
- Explore the rich biodiversity of the Central Balkan National Park.
- Visit the mineral springs in Chiflik and Shipkovo.
Description
Description
Out of the varied mountainous regions in Bulgaria, Teteven Balkan is undoubtedly the best as it combines picturesque valleys with gushing rivers and ancient forests with vast meadows. Join us on this 8-day trip where we will take you on a thrilling horseback trek through the beautiful Balkan villages. We’ll not only ride over high ridges but also witness spectacular views of the crowned peaks and lush valleys.
The tour has so much to offer. Along with horseback riding, you’ll enjoy local cuisine and also get a glimpse of the unique culture of this area. Get ready to enjoy some home-made rakiya and tasty appetizers along with witnessing exceptional views of the Balkans.
The trail leads along the Stara Planina, the longest Bulgarian mountain which is especially popular among explorers for its diverse plant life.
We’ll begin from Sofia and head towards the quaint village of Golyam Izvor where you’ll meet your horses. It will be truly enjoyable to ride past the Central Balkan National Park, the Glozhene Monastery, Troyan Monastery, the Saeva Dupka cave and the mineral springs in Chiflik and Shipkovo during these 8 days.
We’ll ride at a low elevation on Stara Planina – between 400m to 1100m. The trail leads onto a rugged terrain along dirt roads. You’ll also have an option to trot and canter in this picturesque setting.
We’ll spend between 4 and 6 hours riding every day and don’t worry as the route and the duration of the ride can be altered taking into consideration your needs and abilities.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch now to have a memorable experience of riding in the Balkan villages in Bulgaria. We’ll be waiting for your message. Also, check out our page for some more adventures.
Price includes
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
Price per person. Minimum of 2 people and Maximum of 6. Price Includes: All meals according to the Itinerary, Saddled horses and Airport transfers.
Not Included: Flight tickets, Tips, Insurance, and Optional trips.
Secure your spot with just 25% payment
48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sofia
Transfer to our hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Head towards Golyam Izvor
After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 1.5 hours to reach the village of Golyam Izvor in Teteven Balkan. Here, we’ll meet our horses. Our first ride is in the vicinity of Golyam Izvor.
Includes: B/L/D
Duration of ride: 3-4 hours
Day 3: Golyam Izvor to Glozene Monastery
The road passes through meadows and mixed forest. We will ascend the heights above the village where we will see the first beautiful view of the central ridge of Stara Planina and the town of Teteven surrounded by rocky peaks. Then, we will descend through a beech forest to reach Glozhene Monastery. Perched on a high rock, it reveals an even more spacious view of the Danube plain.
Includes: B/L/D
Duration of ride: 5 hours
Day 4: Trek from Golyam Izvor to Brusen & Lopian
The route starts with a dirt road along one of the ridges in the region, passing through Brusen village. Then, we’ll head off southwest to the village of Lopian where we’ll have late lunch and stay overnight. An optional tour to the Etropole Monastery and the waterfall near it (30 min drive) can be made.
Includes: B/L/D
Duration of ride: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Ride from Lopian to Cherni Vit
The trail leads through mixed forests uphill. We will then ride along unwooded ridge and further descend to the village of Cherni Vit. In the afternoon we will have a trip by car to Saeva Dupka cave which is known for its beautiful formations. Overnight in a guest house in Cherni Vit.
Includes: B/L/D
Duration of ride: 4-5 hours
Day 6: Head from Cherni Vit to Teteven
Starting from Cherni Vit, the route leads to the Boatin Reserve which is part of the Central Balkan National Park. The afternoon will be spent sightseeing Teteven.
We can also make an optional trip to Troyan Monastery (80 km) by car and Chiflik Spa. Overnight in a Hotel in Teteven.
Includes: B/L
Duration of ride: 4-5 hours
Day 7: Return from Teteven to Golyam Izvor and then back to Sofia.
Transfer to Cherni Vit village. On this last day of the ride, we will climb one of the many ridges from where we will have a last look at the breathtaking scenery of the Balkans. Transfer back to Sofia for overnight at a hotel.
Includes: B/L
Duration of ride: 5-6 hours
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
Includes: B
About the guide: Penguin
About the guide: Penguin
Penguin
Tour Operator
We are a tour operator founded in Denmark in 1989. We have established ourselves as leaders on the Scandinavian and Bulgarian adventure tours field. With offices in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria and Russia, our company offers trekking, cycling, cultural, equestrian, fishing and photo tours in more than 50 countries, across Europe and in some of the world’s remotest locations.
Our focus has always been on taking our clients to remote and unexplored destinations for unique and exciting adventures. Our trips always include the maximum interaction posible with local communities, as we believe that discovering completely different cultures and places is an absolutely enriching experience for every traveler.
We have a team of adventurous and highly experienced guides, with a deep knowledge of the routes and logistics of each of our trips. We are mainly focused on organizig trips for small groups, looking to offer a personalized experience and the most flexible itineraries possible.
Languages
English
What people are saying about Explore-Share
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Kumari
5.00
I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!
Niklas
5.00
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Greg
5.00
I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.
Colin
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Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!
Lesley
4.00
Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.
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