Summary:

Rila is the highest mountain range of Bulgaria and the Balkans, with its highest peak being Musala at 2,925 m. The name Rila is allegedly of Thracian origin and is thought to mean “well-watered mountain”, owing to Rila’s abundance of glacial lakes (about 200) and hot springs in the faulty areas. Here you will find the charming mountain resort of Borovets, established at the end of 19^th c. as a hunting area for the Bulgarian kings. Since then it has gradually developed into the friendly alpine ski resort that it is today. Situated at 1350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains among age-old pine woods, Borovets is located at the foot of Musala peak. The resort is easily accessible by road, at a distance of 73 km from Sofia and 126 km from Plovdiv. The nearest town of Samokov is only 10 km away. But Borovets is not only a famous winter resort – it attracts tourists in the summer too with the many possibilities for hiking, horseriding, trekking etc. With this program we would like to offer you the unique possibility for an equestrian holiday among the beautiful nature of Rila Mountains.

Tour Highlights:
• Rila Mountains – the highest in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala – 2925 m a.s.l.
• Borovets – the oldest international and most popular mountain resort in Bulgaria.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Sofia. Meeting with a local representative and transfer to Borovets (about 1 hour). Accommodation in 4* Hotel – this is our base for the next 3 nights as all starting points for the riders in the next days are within 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Day 2: We leave the hotel and head to the Varniko area and Hunting Well area. After we pass by Varovita Cheshma area we will stop for a break and lunch. We continue riding to Pashanitsa area, Malka Lukovitsa area and we end this tour at the hotel. /riding: 7 hours/
Day 3: After breakfast we start riding towards Black Rock area and Gvardeiska Polyana area. At Chakur hut we will have break and lunch. The riding tour continues to Sitniakovo area and Borovets and ends at our complex. /riding: 7 hours/
Day 4: Today our aims are Malka Lukovitsa area and Golyam Giol, where we will stop for lunch. After that we will ride to Borovets passing by Shumnatitsa chalet to reach our hotel. After the end of the riding tour – transfer to Sofia for onward flight or possibility for one more night at the hotel or accommodation in Sofia. /riding: 5 hours/

Departure: Every Thursday

Price without flight ticket: 360 EUR

Accommodation and food: We stay overnight at a 4* hotel. Breakfast and lunch-pack included

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 50 EUR

Included in the price: 3 nights at 4* hotel with breakfast; lunch snacks; late check out on day 4; qualified English speaking riding guide; saddled horse; pick up/drop off at Sofia airport; VAT and all local taxes.

Not included in the price: flight tickets; insurance; meals, not mentioned in the program; tips; other personal expenses; additional nights in Borovets or Sofia

Practical Information:

Horses: Shagya Arabs, East-Bulgarian breed, Anglo-Arabs and other warm blood horses – all well broken and calm. The height of the horses is from 150 to 165 cm.

Pace: 4 to 7 riding hours per day. Ranges from a walk on the steeper slopes to a faster pace on the open spaces, which are great for long canters. Usually 50 % walking, 25 % trotting and 25 % cantering.

Saddles: Western. English available upon request.

Level: (3 to 4 out of 5) Intermediate

Age: Min. 12 – Max. 75

Weight: Max 220 lbs (100 kg)

Guides: The riding guides are experienced and professional. They know all the horses and routes well. They have a sound knowledge and awareness of safety.