Do you really want to explore Bulgaria – do it on a horseback. It’s simply one of the best ways to experience the country and the people. On the horseback you will gain knowledge of the nature, flora and fauna, historical sights, architecture etc. You will pass through the most fantastic landscapes and you will have the most impressious views. And at the same time you will meet the people were they are in the country side: In a harmony between nature – horses and the famous – still existing – Bulgarian hospitality.

Tour Highlights
• Apriltsi is a small town, settled at the foot of the Central Balkan Range, rich in history and incredible with its nature and  landmarks.
• Balkan Mountains (”Stara planina”) are the longest (550 km), the biggest of all mountains.  The highest peak is Mount Botev (2376 m a.s.l.).
• The Central Balkan National Park – the land of untouched wildlife and wilderness! It is characterized by deep caves, steep slopes and canyons, high waterfalls, and clear fresh water streams. The National park boasts the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, the 125-m high Raiskoto Praskalo.

Country region: Balkan Mountains

Price without flight ticket: 680.00 EUR

Trip plan:

Day 1. Arrival at the airport and transportation to the Riding base “Balkan” in Apriltsi at the foothills of the Balkan Mountains.
Days 2-7. In the morning of the first riding day you will meet “your” horse and friend for the week. After the first meeting you will be riding a leisure ride out of the town of Apriltsi in order to gain an intimate knowledge of your horse and its habits. The whole package is based on a stationary program in Riding base ”Balkan” and one-day trips towards different sights of interest. Here are some examples of riding tours: 1. – 18 km: Sightseeing riding around the town. In its full length Apriltsi is more than 12 km long and between the quarters you have the best landscape for various riding and a scenery in front of you, you didn’t knew existing. 2. – 25 km: Over the hill top of Ostrets and Peperi – under the Black Peak (1500 m a.s.l.) to a small monastery. Lunch in the monastery garden. Back to the riding base ”Balkan” through fields and meadows and along the river. 3. – 26 km: Up in the mountains to the highest placed bates for the wild in the area. You will ride in over 1100 m most of the day. 4. – 20 km: Riding over Vidima hut to the highest placed waterfall in Bulgaria “Praskaloto” (125 m), situated over 1350 m a.s.l. Another possibility is to ride up to one of the mountain chalets and have an overnight. Sunrise and sunset high in the mountains could be an experience for a lifetime.
Day 8. After breakfast we say good-bye to the horses and guides. Transfer to the airport for departure.

Accomodation and food: The stay in Riding base Balkan is based on 7 nights with full board. Mineral water is included at all meals, but other drinks are to be paid on spot in leva. We stay in local houses, situated close to the riding base itself. Accommodation in 2 or 3 bedded rooms. Single room on request only (against additional fee). You have access to a bathroom every day (on the floor).

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 100 EUR

Included in the price: Transfers to/from Sofia or Plovdiv Airport; equipped horse; accommodation and boarding in guesthouses by the base in double rooms with shared facilities (accommodation with en-suite facilities available upon additional charge – please ask); fullboard; English-speaking guide.

Excluded from the price: tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses, maps, additional daily excursions

Practical information: HORSES AND SADDLING:There are more than 25 horses in the riding base – all of them in good condition and trained to ride in the mountains. Most of the horses are of the Eastbulgarian breed and crossings with Arabians and local horses : The East Bulgarian breed is well known as tough, thoughtful and wise, and in harmony with the famous strength and power of the Arabian it gives a combination that fully satisfies the riders and the challenges in the nature. The average size is 160-165 cm. The saddles are Western (Australian or American). There are small saddlebags. EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below. LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe – http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air – http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/. in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.

Recommended travel period of the year: All year round