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| Bulgaria |
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| Europe: RhodopeMountain Rides |
| What: |
Three different 8 day/7-night inn-to-inn rides in Bulgaria are ideal for all but beginning riders willing to ride 4 to 6 hours daily. The tours explore mountains and villages of Western Rhodope Mountains and Strandja Mountains with a ride to the Black Sea, a third trip goes to historic destination of Melnik on a trip featuring the tasting of wines. |
| Dates and Rates: |
Saturday to Saturday rides from April 1 and running to end of Oct.
Ride 1:
Orpheus ride WESTERN RHODOPES MOUNTAIN RIDE :
Dates: May 10- 17, 24 – 31, June 7 – 14, 21 – 28, July 5 – 12, August 2 – 9, Aug 30 – Sept 6, Sept 13 – 20, Oct. 11 – 18.
Rates: Three riders minimum: $ 1285 US/ 4 person $1175 US/5 person $1100 US per person.
Ride 2:
DESTINATION MELNIK: Wine Tasting
Dates: July 12 – 19, 19 – 26, August 9 – 16, 16 – 23, Rates: $1360 US minimum of three/four riders $1244 US/$1164 for five or more riders..
Ride 3:
SUN, SEA AND MOUTAINS –BLACK SEA- STRANDJA MOUNTAINS:
Dates: April 12 - 19; April 19 – 26; May 3 - 10; 10 –17; 24 – 31
May 31 – June 7 August 30 – September 6, September: 6 – 13; 20 –27
September 27 – October 4, October 11 –18; 18 –25, 25 – Nov 1.,
Rates: $1670 US for four/$1525 US for five/$1425 for groups of six or more. |
| Horsesense: |
Weight limits at 220 pounds (100 kilos) per rider. Average daily riding times 4 to 6 hours. English and Western saddles are used, with English style riding. Horses will be a mix of sturdy local Bulgarian breeds, Thoroughbreds and Arabs. The pace of the ride will be determined both by the terrain and the riders experience. Riders need to be fit and capable of being comfortable with trots and canters for limited runs. The horse operation is guided by one of Bulgaria's most well respected equestrian expert and competitor. |
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| The rides begin and end on Saturday. For first timers it will be difficult to distinguish the advantage of one ride over another. All rides rely on the use of multiple accommodations and are therefore inn-to-inn type ride and vehicle supported. The Black Sea ride offers the opportunity for nice beach gallops. All of the rides will try to immerse you in the long history and many cultures of Bulgaria, a rural, untouched country that provide the type of riding background that Western Europe may have provided two centuries past. Airport to airport transfers, vehicle support, clean basic accommodations, healthy meals. |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT: |
| Getting There : |
| Transfer costs and arrangements from Sofia Airport to ride center are part of the package. The Black Sea Ride uses Burgas Airport, a relatively inexpensive flight from Sofia. Some European cities have direct access to Burgas Airport. Transfer costs are part of package. |
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| Room and Board : |
| Riders sleep in authentic houses with unique atmosphere or in two star family hotels. Breakfast and dinners are offered in the hotels and houses we stay, offering traditional local dishes. Midday meals are normally served outside, and include warm foods, wine and cocktails. The food is attractively presented. |
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| Weather: |
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| Bulgaria has a continental climate that is characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Summer in the mountain regions the temperatures are usually 30 Cº (80 Fº). The humidity is low, so even higher temperatures are not unpleasant. Chances for short thunderstorms and rain are greater during the spring and fall season. The smell of the rain, the beauty of the rainbow and the refreshed colors of the landscape, would be another unforgettable memory for those who experienced it. |
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| ITINERARY |
Ride 1: Orpheus ride WESTERN RHODOPES MOUNTAIN RIDE : From the village of Trigrad, the town of Dospat, village of Dolen, Thracian sanctuary Kozi kamuk, village of Surnitsa, village of Borino and back to village of Trigrad.
Meeting place: Sofia Airport Group size: 2 to 8.
Dates: May 10- 17, 24 – 31, June 7 – 14, 21 – 28, July 5 – 12, August 2– 9, Aug 30 – Sept 6,
Sept 13 – 20, Oct. 11 – 18.
Rates: Three riders minimum: $ 1285 US/ 4 person $1175 US/5 person $1100 US per person. |
| Day1: |
Arriving in the village of Trigrad. On the way to Trigrad The participants will pass through the thrilling Trigrad Gorge, 7 Kilometers long and with rocks high up to 250 metres. After the arrival in Trigrad The riders will meet the guides and the horses and will visit The Devil's Gorge cave, which is 300 000 years old. According to the legend this is the Place where Orpheus went down into the kingdom of shadows, in search of his beloved Euridica. Accommodation in the village of Trigrad. |
| Day2: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Trigrad through a beautiful pine forest to the Videnitsa peak (1652m). On the very top of the peak the riders will examine a Thracian sanctuary and the ruins of anancient Roman stronghold. From the peak you can enjoy the magnificent view toward Pirin and Slavyanka mountains and the Greek mountain of Bozdak. Lunch in a wooden shelter under the peak. A ride through the village of Zmeitsa to the town of Dospat. Accommodation in Dospat, at a cozy hotel with a very picturesque location, overlooking the dam and the mountain. Riding -about 5 hours. |
| Day3: |
Breakfast in the hotel. A ride from the town of Dospat past The crystal waters of the Dospat lake, along the ridge of the Rhodopean part, called Zvezden Balkan (Star Mountain) to the Hissar gulch. Break and lunch in a wooden shelter, beautifully situated among the pine-trees. A ride via the small village of Pletena to the village of Dolen, which is a unique architectural preserve. Accommodation in the village of Dolen. Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day4: |
After breakfast - a visit of the unique church from the 18 th century in the village of Dolen. A short ride through centuries-old pine forests, riders will examine a Thracian sanctuary and the ruins. In the afternoon - free time for rest and sightseeing till dinner. Dinner with local dishes and wine by the fireplace, you could hardly dream of a better end of the day. Accommodation in the village of Dolen. Riding - about 3 hours. |
| Day5: |
After breakfast - a ride from village of Dolen through centuries-old pine forests, limpid mountain brooks and picturesque Rhodopean meadows to the village of Surnitsa. Lunch in a cozy atmosphere, tasting traditional dishes. You will have the possibility to taste a great variety of Bulgarian gourmet specialties and high-quality drinks. Dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere by the fireplace. Accommodation in the village of Surnitsa, situated at the shore of the Dospat Lake. Riding - about 5 hours.
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| Day6: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Surnitsa alongside of the Dospat Lake. The riders and the horses will have lunch and break in a wooden shelter, near the preserve. A ride via the meadows, the rivers and the woods of the picturesque preserve Derezli to the village of Borino. Accommodation in Borino, at a family hotel. Dinner and rest. Riding - about 6 hours. |
| Day7: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Borino through the untouched forests of the Svinski Dol preserve and Buinovo gorge to the Yagodinska cave. Lunch and break by the cool entrance of the cave. A ride through the village of Yagodina and the vast Yagodina meadows Over the Trigrad gorge to the village of Trigrad. You will have time to say good-bye to the horses and will be accommodated in the village of Trigrad. Dinner by the fireplace, sharing impressions about the ride and the visited places. Riding - about 4,5 hours. |
| Day8: |
After breakfast - saying good-bye to the guides and Departure from the village of Trigrad. On the way to the city of Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria - you will visit the Bachkovo monastery "The Assumption" - the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the most remarkable Bulgarian cultural monuments.
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Ride 2:
DESTINATION MELNIK: Wine Tasting :From the village of Trigrad, the town of Dospat, village of Dolen, village of Hadji Dimovo, village of Paril, village of Petrovo, the town of Melnik.
Meeting place: Sofia Airport
Group size: 2 to 8.
Dates: July 12 – 19, 19 – 26, August 9 – 16, 16 – 23,
Rates: $1360 US minimum of three/four riders $1244 US/$1164 for five or more riders.
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| Day1: |
Arriving in the village of Trigrad. Accommodation at the family hotel "Silivryak". After the arrival the riders will meet the guides and the horses. |
| Day2: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Trigrad through a beautiful pine forest to the Videnitsa peak (1652 m). On the very top of the peak the riders will see a Thracian sanctuary and the ruins of an ancient Roman stronghold. A ride through the village of Zmeitsa to the town of Dospat. Accommodation in the town of Dospat, at a cozy hotel with a very Picturesque location, overlooking the Dospat Lake and the mountain. Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day3: |
Breakfast in the hotel. A ride from the town of Dospat past The crystal waters of the Dospat Lake, along the ridge of the Rhodopean part, called Zvezden Balkan (Star Mountain) to the Hissar gulch.
Break and lunch in a wooden shelter, beautifully situated among the pine-trees. A ride via the small village of Pletena to the village of Dolen, which is a unique architectural preserve. Accommodation in the village of Dolen: in about 250 years old house which has preserved the simplicity and coziness of the authentic architecture and past time's atmosphere. Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day4: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Dolen through A valley of Mesta river to the village of Hadji Dimovo. Picnic lunch and a short break. Accommodation in the village of Hadji Dimovo.
The afternoon - free Time for rest and sightseeing till dinner. Dinner with local meals and wine By the fireplace, you could hardly dream of a better end of the day. Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day5: |
After breakfast - a ride from village of Hadji Dimovo along the north-western slopes of Slavianka mountain, near the village of Nova Lovcha to the village of Paril. Accommodation in the village of Paril.
In the afternoon - free time for rest and sightseeing. Dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere by the fireplace. Riding - about 5 hours.
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| Day6: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Paril along the beautiful Paril's pass formed from Pirin and Slavyanka mountains ridge through the village of Petrovo to the village of Kalimantsi. Accommodation in the village of Kalimantsi. Dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Riding - about 5 hours.
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| Day7: |
After breakfast - a ride the from village of Kalimantsi to the famous Rojen monastery and after that to the town of Melnik. Lunch and a short break - in the vicinity of Rojen monastery. Accommodation in Melnik - in a typical old house - Lumparov's house. Wine tasting and free time. Dinner in wine-celler. Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day8: |
After breakfast - saying good-bye to the guides and Departure from the town of Melnik to the Sofia Airport. |
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Ride 3: THE BLACK SEA RIDE: Sun, Sea and Forest Ride : Horse riding along the Black Sea coast and Strandja mountain. From the village of Lozenets, the village of Varvara, village of Sinemorets, village of Brodilovo, village of Kosti, Saint Trinity Chapel and back to village of Lozenets.
Time Period:
Meeting place: Burgas Airport Group size: 4 to 8.
Dates: April 7 - 14, 14 - 21, 21 – 28, 28 -May 5, 19 - 26, June 2 - 9, Sept 1 - 8, 8 - 15, 15 -22
Oct. 6 - 13, 13 - 20, 20 -27,27 - Nov.3.
Rates: 1590 US/843 GBP/1250 E. |
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| Day1: |
Arriving in the village of Lozenets. Accommodation at a family hotel. After the arrival in Lozenets the riders will meet the guides and the horses.
Free time till dinner |
| Day2: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Lozenets to village of Varvara. A ride along the Black Sea coast.
The riders will enjoy the unique emotion of galloping along the boundless beaches of Black See.
Afternoon rest and picnic lunch - in the neighborhood of the town of Tcarevo. The ride in the afternoon continues through the virgin forest of the Strandja Mountain and the picturesque site of the Black Sea coast to the village of Varvara. At the end of the day riders and horses will have the chance to enjoy the warm water of the Black Sea.
Accommodation: in the village of Varvara in two-star family hotel.
Riding - about 4 hours. |
| Day3: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Varvara to the village of Sinemorets.
You will have the possibility to ride through different types of terrain and enjoy varied scenes - Black See coast and the virgin forest of Strandja Mountain. The terrain is suitable for trot and gallop.
Lunch - in the neighborhood of village of Ahtopol.
The ride in the afternoon continues through the village of Ahtopol to the village of Sinemorets.
The day will end with riding across the beautiful mouth of Veleka River .
Accommodation - in the village of Sinemorets.
Riding - about 4 hours |
| Day4: |
Breakfast in the hotel. A ride from the village of Sinemorets across the crystal waters of the Veleka River to the picturesque place, named Tcarskoto kladenche (King's Well).
Afternoon rest and a short lunch-break - on the verandah of summerhouse, beautifully situated among the centuries-old woods. In the afternoon the ride continues along the gorge of the Veleka River to the village of Brodilovo.
Accommodation - in the village of Brodilovo, in a cozy house of typical local architecture.
Riding - about 4 hours. |
| Day5: |
After breakfast - ride from the village of Brodilovo past the village of Kosti to the village of Bulgari.
A ride along the gorge of the Veleka River trouth village of Kosti. The riders will visit the Middle Age Basilica. Break and picnic lunch.
A 2-hour ride in the afternoon via the the Silkosia preserve to the village of Bulgari.
At Bulgari village the riders will get in touch with the millenary Bulgarian tradition - nastinarstvoto (this is a ritual dance onto a fire), the ritual is ancient, magnetic and mystic.
Accommodation - in the village of Bulgari.
Riding - about 5 hours. |
| Day6: |
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Bulgari to the village of Lozenets.
A ride through the picturesque place to the Saint Trinity Chapel.
The ride continues along the gorge of the Davil's River. Break and lunch in a wooden shelter.
A 3-hour ride to the village of Lozenets.
Accommodation - in the village of Lozenets.
Riding - about 6 hours. |
| Day7: |
After breakfast - a ride along the Black Sea coast and in the neighborhood of Lozenets.
Riding - about 3,5 -4 hours.
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| Day8: |
After breakfast - saying good-bye to the guides and departure from the village of Lozenets. |
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