BULGARIAN BACKROADS:  HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE WESTERN RHODOPES MOUNTAIN 

(8 DAYS - 10 DAYS)

From the village of Trigrad, the town of Dospat, village of Dolen, village of Kovachevitsa, Thracian sanctuary Kozi kamuk, village of Surnitsa, village of Borino and back to village of Trigrad. During the ride you will have the possibility to experience the magic of the Western part of the Rhodopes mountain - with its untouched nature, archeological, historical, architectural and ethnographic sights. You will have the opportunity to watch rare birds and wildlife rich flora with endemic species.

First day: On the way to Trigrad the participants will pass through the thrilling Trigrad Gorge, 7 kilometers long and with rocks high up to 250 meters. 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 wend down into the kingdom of shadows, in search of his beloved Euridica.

Accommodation in the village of Trigrad.

Second day: 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 an ancient 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 lake and the mountain.

Riding - about 5 hours.

Third day: 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.

Riding - about 5 hours.

Fourth day: After Breakfast - a visit of the unique church from the 18th century in the village of Dolen. A short ride through the 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 meals and wine by the fireplace.

Accommodation in the village of Dolen.

Riding - about 3 hours.

Fifth day:  After breakfast - ride from the village of Dolen through the 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.

Riding - about 5 hours.

Sixth day: After breakfast - a ride from the village of Surnitsa alongside 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.

Seventh day: Packing the tents. A ride from the village or Borino, through the untouched forests of the Svinski Dol preserve and the Buinovo gorge to the Yagodinska cave. Lunch and a 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.

Eighth day:  After breakfast - saying goodbye 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.

Riding - about 6 hours.

Please call Airbound for pricing.  Itinerary subject to change without notice.