A trail through the Thracian Valley combining excellent riding with historical and cultural sightseeing, beautiful views, quality wines, fresh produce and spa opportunities. The terrain on this trail is easy-going so there are plenty of chances to canter as you explore the region.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1: Plovdiv - Arrival (no later than 4 PM) and transfer from Sofia airport to the cultural capital of Bulgaria, Plovdiv. You explore this city and find historical traces that date from before the Roman era. The historic center is even older than 8000 years. Here you will find the Ethnographic Museum and the ancient theatre, one of the best preserved in existence. You will also see the Roman Forum and a very well-preserved antique theater that was built in the early 2nd century.
Dinner and overnight at the largest stable complex for show jumpers in southern Bulgaria
Day 2: Hisarya - After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the trek. The horses have already completed their transfer. Once everyone has been assigned the correct horse, the first ride begins towards the historical city of Hisarya.Hisarya is famous for its healing mineral waters: 16 natural mineral springs and 6 drilled mineral water wells. The town is one of the oldest and most popular balneological and spa centres in Bulgaria.On your way to this fascinating place, you'll make great gallops on easy terrain.Lunch from the saddle bags right beside the bank of a beautiful river.
After the ride you will be able to relax in the mineral SPA center of a 4* hotel
Riding time 5 hrs
Day 3: Wine & Spa Complex Starosel
Today's ride takes you over hilly terrain towards Bulgarias most famou Wine Complex , but before that HIsarya will also offer us some historical sightseeings like the best preserved Roman city wall in Bulgaria as well as the city emblematic gate known as "The Camels",,dating back more than 2000y and standing 20 m high.Today ride takes us along vineyards, meadows, numerous lakes and oak forests. The landscape today has change entirely from the precious as we go ascending for Sredna gora mountain.Lunch from the saddle bags close to an beautiful lake. After the ride you can again enjoy the mineral SPA center of the complex. Before dinner you will have a wine tasing tour at 18 o clock. A walk in the cellar with tasting of 7 types of specially selected bottled wines of STAROSEL, served with special bites and mineral water in the "WINE TEMPLE" ( 15 eur).
Riding time 3h and 30 min
Day 4: Starosel to Koprivshtitsa - Today's five hour ride takes you to the historic town of Koprivshtitsa which dates back to the Renaissance period. It is located in a picturesque valley alongside the Topolnitsa River, in the heart of Sashtinska Sredna Gora. You will eat lunch in a restaurant on your way to the village. On arrival to Koprivshtitsa the authentic atmosphere of its cobblestone streets will take you back in time.
Tonight you'll sleep in a park hotel with spa, about 3km outside of the village.
Riding time 5 hrs
Day 5: Valley of the Roses - Todays destinations is the famous Valley of Roses and another mineral SPA center called Aqua Termi. Along the way we will ride in a protected Beech Forest with amazing trees.
We will also climb the famous "peak of the Wolves",on top of which we will admire a breathtaking view over the 'Valley of the Roses'. We will have a beautiful canters with the lovely smell of Roses.
Again after the ride you will be able to relax in the mineral SPA ceter of the hotel.
Riding time 4 hrs
Day 6: Lake Pyasachnik and Boutique Complex Trakiets - Today is the favourite day of the guide Bogdan,we ride along the biggest lake in the Thracians plains and if the temperatures are suitable,depending on the season you are coming we could take a swim with our lovely companingns. Except all this the day is full of lovely canters along beautiful meadows. We are heading for the Boutique Complex Trakiets, which combine both an amazing SPA center and Bulgaria's most renowned jumping stable.
Riding time 4 hrs
Day 7: Tsaratsovo - Today's route goes through vineyards and fields, back to the stables. Along the way you will cross a river and of course you will gallop a few more times. At the beginning of the afternoon you return to the jumping stable of the first night. Unfortunately, your last riding day has come to an end and you say goodbye to your horse. After lunch you can take a walk or watch the training sessions. During dinner you can look back on the highlights of the week with your travel companions!
Day 8 (Saturday) - Departure - After breakfast there will be a transfer to Sofia for your trip home. The journey takes around 90 minutes (120km) by minibus.
NB. The itinerary may be modified for reasons of safety, weather or unforeseen circumstances.
