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Bulgaria - Sredna Gora - Land of the Thracians

This beautiful new ride is the dream trail designed by Bogdan, organiser of our trails in the Rhodope Mountains. The Thracian Valley is an ideal location for riding with smooth, picturesque terrain of rose and lavender fields which allow for a faster pace. The trail combines plenty of canters and amazing scenery with ancient Thracian and Roman ruins, delicious wines and spa opportunities thanks to the healing mineral springs. Accommodations are comfortable throughout and you will often have access to a swimming pool, sauna or spa at your hotels. 

Throughout this ride you will explore many of the region's wonders. The itinerary includes visits to the fascinating towns of Plovdiv and Hisarya, riding in the Sredna Gora mountains and a look at the Thracian Cult Complex which dates back to the 4th century BC. A wine-tasting is also on the program - the Thracian Lowlands are one of the most highly recommended wine regions.

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Program

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: Aqua Thermi Spa to Zhitnitsa - Today you will ride for around four hours. Lunch will be on the shores of Lake Belovitsa before continuing your ride in the afternoon. Tonight's hotel has a large spa and swimming pool so you can have a well-deserved rest.
Riding time 4 hrs

Day 7: Zhitnitsa to Tsaratsovo - On this last day of riding you will cover the smooth terrain of vineyards and rose fields on your way back to the riding centre. Your route includes crossing a beautiful river and passing by a rose oil factory - you will experience the scent of the famous Bulgarian rose for the last time on this trip. Lunch today is from your saddlebags. The ride today lasts around four hours. Tonight you will sleep again at the same hotel as the first night, attached to the wonderful riding centre.

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. 

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation during the trail is comfortable in small hotels often with pool and spa. Single rooms are available. Most nights the rooms are en-suite. A few of the accommodations have a WiFi connection. On some of the hotels there are pool or sauna.

All meals are included during the trail and you can expect hearty local fare and the chance to try several traditional dishes. Meat and cheese are prevalent and bread is served with every meal, but vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Dinners are three courses and always start with the traditional salad of cucumber, tomatoes, onions, cheese and sometimes olives. Lunches are generally a picnic eaten from your saddlebag, including a sandwich, fruit, biscuit/cereal bar and water. A few times during the week you will eat at a bar in a small village. 
Beer and wine are commonly available and delicious. A beer cost around 2 EUR and a glass of wine around 3-5 EUR. Coffee, tea and juice are served with your breakfasts.

Horses

The horses here are forward-going, responsive and brave. A range including Trakehner, Shagya Arabian and Eastern Bulgarian breeds, between 155-165 cm at the withers. English style tack, primarily Wintec saddles and horses in snaffle bridles.
Your luggage goes with the support vehicle.

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail Ride level 2-3 >>

Included in the price: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. water, juice, coffee/tea,  set-time transfers from/to Sofia or Plovdiv airport

Not included: Flights, alcoholic drinks, wine-tasting. 

Travel: Fly into Sofia or Plovdiv.

Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore.
From: Sofia or Plovdiv airport to equestrian center.
Price: Included at set times.
Time: You should ideally arrive into Sofia no later than 16:00, in order to allow time for sightseeing in Plovdiv. On departure day your flight should not leave Sofia before 12:00. If you are coming into Plovdiv instead then please contact us for timings.

Single room: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN).

Credit card: The riding centre do not accept credit cards. In some places it is possible to pay by credit card but it is best to change to BGN at the airport.

Tipping: Not required but appreciated. 

Wifi: Yes in some accomodations. 

Group size: Minimum 2 riders, maximum 8. 

Age limit: Going on trails kids must be minimum 11 year old, accompanied by an adult.

Weight limit: 90kg

Climate

 

Feedback from our travellers

"We stayed at lovely spa hotels. Always clean, fresh, and often new. Fantastic horses and wonderful riding terrain. Loved everything! Bogdan and Yasin were fantastic guides. A great family who helped with luggage transport and transfers. Wonderful horses and incredibly beautiful landscapes. I loved everything and was overjoyed throughout the trip. Such nice spa hotels. Pure luxury and good food.  
Bogdan was an incredibly friendly and skilled guide who shared a lot about Bulgaria. We traveled in October, which had perfect temperatures. A big thank you!"  
Kicki Bjerke

"The accommodation was very good. The food suited me perfectly, just how I like it. Delicious lunch sandwiches for picnics during the rides. Dinners varied from simpler to more luxurious, but were always tasty, with super delicious starters.  
Great riding trails. Varied pace with a lot of walking, but also some trotting and long gallops. Well-cared-for and friendly horses. Everyone was hospitable and everything was very well organized.  
High comfort factor! I got a horse that really suited me and experienced some truly long and enjoyable gallops. The trail leader, Bogdan, and his family (who drove the support vehicle) were thoughtful and nice.  
Focus on horses and riding, along with a beautiful nature experience."  
Monika Rönn

"Very nice accommodations, fresh and pleasant! Some were truly luxurious! Lovely spas with pools, saunas, and jacuzzis—we felt so good, and it really added an extra touch to the whole stay! It was fantastic to be able to swim and relax after long rides. Overall, the food was very good! One evening we had a delicious buffet, and on the other days there was always a starter (salad), main course, and dessert. Good vegetarian options! Different breakfast choices, and a breakfast buffet on some days. For lunch, we had simple sandwiches a few days, and on the other days simpler lunches at a restaurant.  
This is a tour for those who love full speed! Many lovely gallops, and at times we galloped for several kilometers. It was magical!  
Fantastic horses—full of energy, yet safe and steady. Well cared for and looked after. Bogdan is an incredibly professional guide who takes excellent care of his guests and handles all situations with ease. He is also humorous and very pleasant.  
Anyone who loves fast-paced long rides with different accommodations every night and enjoys relaxing at a spa after riding should definitely come here! The horses are wonderful. The surroundings are very beautiful, and you ride in varied terrain. When we were there (in October), there were no roses left in the meadows, so if you want to see those, you should come in May or early June, as Bogdan mentioned."  
Isabella Djupström

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
22/03/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
05/04/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the Roses
Offer! 100 EUR discount on the following price. Book before 31/12-2024
EUR 1,850Book on request
19/04/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the Roses
Offer! 100 EUR discount on the following price. Book before 31/12-2024
EUR 1,850Book on request
03/05/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
17/05/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
31/05/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
14/06/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
28/06/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
23/08/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
06/09/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
20/09/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
04/10/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
18/10/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request
01/11/20258Bulgaria, Sredna Gora - Riding & Spa in the Valley of the RosesEUR 1,850Book on request

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