Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1: Saturday - Arrival - You will be met at Sofia airport (16:00 latest) and transferred to Plovdiv city which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria. This afternoon you will explore Plovdiv, finding traces of civilisation much older even than the Romans. The historic centre is more than 8000 years old and here you will visit the Ethnographic Museum and the ancient theatre, one of the best-preserved still in existence, as well as Roman Forum and the King Simeon Garden.
Dinner and overnight in the biggest Show jumping stable in south Bulgaria-Frigopan
Day 2. Sunday - Sredni Livadi Protected Area- After breakfast you will be transferred to the starting point of the trail aprox, 50 min,which is located at 1700m above sea level in a picturesque area called Byala Cherkva,famous with the highest monastery on the Balkan peninsula called St Peter and Pavel dating back from 1200. Todays destination is the highest village in Bulgaria called Lilkovo, standing at 1500m.
The ride is full of panoramic sceneries today ,we will cross a protected area dating back from 1900 called Sredni Livadi.Lunch from the saddle bags in a chappel St Atanas.
Dinner and overnight in a family hotel
Riding: 5 hours
Day 3. Monday - Lilkovo - Hvoyna - Today our journey will takes us to the famous panoramic valley - Ropkata, considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Middle Rhoodopes. The valley is longer than 60km, connecting Greece with Thracians planes making it the highest one in Bulgaria.Tonight we stay in another small village ,right in the heart of the valley called Hvoyna.
Dinner and overnight in a family hotel
Riding: 5 hours
Day 4. Tuesday -Hvoyna - Orehovo - Afer a traditional Rhodopean breakfast with local Yoghurt ,you will be taken for a guided tour of an Emblematic place for southern Bulgaria,namely Bachkovo monastery-the oldest and second biggest Orthodox monastery. After this historical throwback of more than 1000year we will,head for a village called Orehovo.From here starts the longest eco-trail in Bulgaria, ending near the Aegean sea (Greece). This make Orehovo one of the best starting destinations for tours in the Rhodopes.Today and tomorrow we are following this panoramic path towards Greece famous with the breathtaking views.
Overnight family hotel
Riding: 4 hours
Day 5. Orehovo - Zabyrdo - After another hearty breakfast you will saddle up and make for the village of Zabyrdo, a small mountain village standing at 1400m above sea level which is famous for its production of traditional Rhodope cheese. Except the beautiful panoramas along the way, if we are lucky enough we will see the wild horses running freely in the area. The highlight of the trail today is the Wonderfull bridges rock phenomenon which is part of Bulgaria 1000 best sightseeings. This is a rock formation dating tousand of years, the story of the bridges is very interesting to tell, dont forget to ask Bogdan about it.
Overnight family hotel
Riding: 5 hours
Day 6. Zabyrdo - Orehovo - Today we are heading back to Orehovo will ride back towards the village , covering the same stunning route as yesterday but in reverse.
Riding: 5 hour
Day 7. Orehov- Byala Cherkva - This is the last riding day and will take you back to the starting point of this trail. You will have ridden over 150km by horseback, passing by one of the oldest Thracian fortress called "Shtut grad" which dates back to 5th century BC. The two hills of the forests, the Sun Hill and the Moon Hill held great power for the Thracian tribe called "Best". They were known through the Roman empire as the most fearless Thracians. Lunch today is in a restaurant beside the fortress.
Dinner and overnight in the biggest Show jumping stable in south Bulgaria-Frigopan
Riding: 5 hours
Day 8. After breakfast it is time to say farewell and to head to Sofia airport for your departure (approximately 3 hours in the car).