The riding base, where this holiday takes place, is situated on the northern side of the Balkan Mountains in the vicinity of the charming town of Apriltsi, facing the most fantastic panorama towards the range of the highest peak in the mountains – Mt. Botev (2376m a.s.l.), and Central Balkan National Park. Nowadays Apriltsi is a town, which has assembled 4 villages in the past. Many painters, musicians and writers have found the freedom to be creative in these surroundings and their houses are real workshops. But what fascinates most is the background of tempting mountains, promising unforgettable experiences and challenges, which you will be able to explore along with your riding guide.
This tour provides countless opportunities for all riders – from complete beginners to advanced riders. The program can be adjusted on spot depending on your level of experience: you can either trace the hidden trails in the woods or the green slopes of the mountains helped by our guides or make your first steps in the horseback riding. For the experienced rider there are many possibilities for challenging riding in the mountainous terrains. We ride through mountain rivers, up and down steep mountains and all other kinds of areas. And the terrain is for all types of riders. Our riding guides know what to show you if you’re experienced but also if you don’t have the experience yet. The biggest difference between the trails and a one base week is exactly here: a stay in the riding base is giving the experienced rider a lot of possibilities. For the less experienced we ride for a while near the base and when you get comfortable with horses and the equipment we ride out in the mountains – and also in all paces if you are for that.
Day by day program
(*The program below is just a sample of what you will be able to taste on spot; any changes could occur depending on unfavourable weather conditions, general level of experience in the group etc.)
Day 1. Welcome meeting at Sofia Airport. Transfer to the riding base (appr. 3 hours)
Day 2. In the morning you will meet the horses for the first time. You will be briefed by the guides about the horses, the rules, the riding and sightseeing opportunities in the area. After lunch we will make a round tour on a horseback (3 hrs) to get an impression about the area of Apriltsi.
Day 3. After breakfast we meet again the horses and leave the village towards the green meadows. Here we can ride in all paces including a real gallop for the experienced riders. Lunch will be done as a picnic by the river nearby. In a couple of hours more we eventually get back in the riding base.
Day 4. Today we will ride up in the mountains above 1000m a.s.l., where we will have lunch.
Day 5. The ride today will be over the hill top of Ostrets and Peperi – under the Black Peak (1500 m a.s.l.) to a small monastery. Lunch in the monastery garden and ride back to the riding base through lush meadows.
Day 6. The Central Balkan National Park is the target for our ride today. We pass by the Vidima Waterfalls and explore the greenery and the nature of this particularly beautiful place.
Day 7. Now that you know a lot about the areas around Apriltsi you will be able to decide along with the rest in the group whether to go for one more ride in the mountains or to investigate the low hilly terrains and the small villages scattered among them. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 8. Breakfast and free time. Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.
Departure dates for 2019: Please contact us for details!
Accommodation: When you choose a week in the riding base you will stay in the same house every day and you will have the possibility to follow the typical daily life in a small town, where the goats are still walking along the streets and the chickens live in the backyard. We have several possibilities: in our basic tour is included private accommodation. Usually you will stay in a house together with the other riders in double rooms with WC/shower on the floor. The stay is with full board and all meals are enjoyed in the house or outside in the garden. During the daily rides a picnic is organized for lunch or you bring a lunch package.
Another option is to stay in one of the small hotels (additional fee), some of them with swimming pool. We can arrange the accommodation exactly the way you want it.
Recommended items:
riding helmet, riding boots, riding pants and chaps, gloves (spurs are not needed), natural insect repellent, warm clothes, rain gear, spare clothes, sunscreen lotion, wet wipes, water bottle, passport, insurance;
Notes:
Transfer from/to Sofia Airport is organised as one transport for all arriving and departing guests. We recommend arrival not later than 18:00 and departure not earlier than 12:00. The transport is planned after latest arrival / first departure in the group; If a guest is having a stay in Sofia before/after the riding holiday the meeting/farewell point is still in the airport; All guests must be in a possession of an insurance covering your riding holiday in Bulgaria; There are more than 25 horses in the riding base – all of them in good condition and trained to ride in the mountains; Most of the horses are of the East Bulgarian breed and crossings with Arabians and local horses; The East Bulgarian breed is well known as tough, thoughtful and wise, and in harmony with the famous strength and power of the Arabian it gives a combination that fully satisfies the riders and the challenges in the nature; The average size is 160-165 cm. The saddles are Western (Australian or American). There are small saddlebags.
Price: Please contact us for details!
The price includes: transfers from/to Sofia airport, 7 nights in Apriltsi based on private accommodation in 2-3-bedded en-suite rooms, full board, fully equipped “own horse” & riding guide (English-speaking) for 6 days.
