This trip is dedicated to riders who appreciate magnificent mountains and untouched wildlife. The Rila Mountains are the highest on the Balkan Peninsula with impressive peaks over 2000 m a.s.l. and over 190 gorgeous alpine lakes. The ride starts from Iskar Ranch and passes by the popular ski resort Borovets. The ride continues to climb up to 2400m a.s.l. througn several remote mountain lakes offering breathtaking views. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the biggest and most important Orthodox monastery of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery (1147 m). It was founded in the 9th century and has more than 1200 murals. Riding goes on through highlands and lowlands with traditional Bulgarian agriculture. It ends at Iskar Ranch.

Tour Highlights
• Rila Mountains – the highest in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala – 2925 m a.s.l.
• Rila Monastery – the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
• Borovets – the oldest international and most popular mountain resort in Bulgaria.
• The circus of “Seven Rila Lakes” called the pearls of the mountain.

Itinerary:

Day 1. After welcoming you at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport you will be transferred to Iskar Ranch (60 km from Sofia or 120 km from Plovdiv) for overnight.

Day 2. This day is dedicated to the acquaintance between riders and horses. Along the largest dam in Bulgaria — Iskar, the ride leads across the rolling hills of the ridges of Sredna Gora and Rila Mountains. After a short uphill we reach Borovets (1350 m a.s.l.) — a mountain ski-resort, where we stay overnight. Hours in the saddle: about 6 — 7.

Day 3. This will be an active riding day. After breakfast we start riding to the mountain hut Zavratchitza (2178 m a.s.l.). In the afternoon ride on the mountain path to Maritscheni national park. Overnight accommodation is in a mountain hut. Hours in the saddle: about 5.

Day 4. On and off you ride at elevations of 2,200 to 2,700 m — past high mountain lakes. The ride down in a northern direction to the high mountain lake “Beli Iskar”. We reach Kirilova Poliana and follow the road along the stream of Rilska River to the renowned Rila Monastery where we stay overnight. Hours in the saddle: about 7–8.

Day 5. After breakfast the ride goes after mountain paths through old beech woods to the peak parts of the Rila Mountains` plateau at a height of 2600 m a.s.l. The alpine meadows and pastures here provide magnificent views over the Urdini and the Seven Rila lakes. This is one of the most exciting places in the mountains. Overnight accommodation is in a mountain hut. Hours in the saddle: about 7.

Day 6. Today we ride down along the Djerman river valley. Along the Pravi Iskar river we reach the mountain village of Govedartsi. The destination of the day is the tiny village of Nadzhare, where the horses remain. Transfer of the riders back to the Iskar hunt reservation. Hours in the saddle: about 5–6.

Day 7. We ride to the lake of Rila. Lunch in the hunting house, overnight accommodation as the night before. Hours in the saddle: about 5–6.

Day 8. A farewell breakfast and a goodbye to the horses and the guides will put the end of this journey. Afterwards we get a transfer to Sofia/Plovdiv airport.

DEPARTURE:

8 August 2010

22 August 2010

12 September 2010

Price without flight ticket: 839 EUR

Accomodation and food: The Rila Trail is based on 7 nights on full board. Drinks are to be paid on the spot in leva. 3 nights are spent at Iskar Ranch (2 rooms share one bathroom), 1 night en route at hotel, 1 night at Rila Monastery and 2 nights in mountin huts (Shower may not be available).

Included in the price: accommodation on full board; English-speaking riding guide; luggage transfers; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport.

Excluded from the price: Tips; alcohol and extra soft drinks; personal expenses; insurance