Day 1: Golyam Izvor
ITALY / SOFIA (-/-/-)
Come and discover Bulgaria on horseback, through the Teteven Mountains and the Morovitsa Caves. Explore the easternmost culture of Europe, surrounded by fascinating natural beauty! This itinerary offers a combination of majestic valleys, rivers, dense forests, and towering rocky peaks. Our trek through the Balkan Mountains—also known as Stara Planina, beloved by tourists for their breathtaking views—will immerse you in an ancient culture shaped by the rhythm of nature and the seasons. Meet authentic and welcoming locals, and taste rakiya, a flavorful traditional dish.
The tour is varied and combines the joy of riding with visits to key tourist attractions. We will mostly ride through the Teteven Mountains, located within the Central Balkan National Park, staying between 400 and 1100 meters in altitude along trails that can at times be quite rugged.
We'll explore the beautiful Boatin and Tsarichina nature reserves, the famous “Morovitsa” and “Benkovskata” caves, the Glozhene Monastery, and the Thracian Fortress dating back to Roman times. A complete itinerary of nature and culture that will leave you fulfilled and eager to return.
Highlights include:
Discovering Stara Planina, Bulgaria’s longest mountain range, part of the Central Balkan National Park (UNESCO-protected areas)
The 13th-century Glozhene Monastery nestled among rocky cliffs
The 12th-century Etropole Monastery, restored in the 16th century and now a major spiritual center
Saeva Dupka cave, estimated to be one million years old
Troyan Monastery, the third largest in the country
The thermal springs of Chiflik and Shipkovo
Arrival at Sofia International Airport (SOF) and transfer to a centrally located guesthouse. Meals on your own. Overnight stay.
Day 2:
SOFIA / GOLYAM IZVOR (B/-/D)
After breakfast, transfer by car (approx. 1.5 hours) to the village of Golyam Izvor in the Teteven Mountains, where our horses await. Free time for lunch, followed by a half-day ride to explore the surrounding area. Overnight stay at Rossi Guesthouse (or similar).
Day 3:
GOLYAM IZVOR (B/L/D)
Breakfast and departure on horseback toward a beautiful viewpoint over the Stara Planina range and the town of Teteven, surrounded by rocky peaks. We then reach the Glozhene Monastery, built in an inaccessible spot atop a rocky outcrop, offering incredible views over the Danube Valley. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Perfect (or similar).
Day 4:
GOLYAM IZVOR / LOPIAN (B/L/D)
The day begins along old trails, passing through the village of Brusen. We then continue southeast toward the village of Lopian, arriving in the early afternoon. Lunch, free time to relax, dinner, and overnight stay at Momina Polyana Hut guesthouse (or similar).
Optional visit (extra cost) to the Etropole Monastery and nearby waterfalls (approx. 30 minutes).
Day 5:
LOPIAN / CHERNI VIT (B/L/D)
We’ll ride through lush forests to reach the town of Cherni Vit. In the afternoon, we let the horses rest and visit the Saeva Dupka caves by vehicle—famous for their stunning rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay at Benkovski Hut guesthouse (or similar) in Cherni Vit.
Day 6:
CHERNI VIT / TETEVEN (B/L/-)
Today we say goodbye to our horses in Cherni Vit and head to the Boatin Nature Reserve, part of the Central Balkan National Park that protects the Stara Planina region. Afternoon visit of Teteven. Free time for dinner. Overnight stay at Hotel Cherni Vit (or similar).
Optional visit (extra cost) to the Troyan Museum, about 80 km away.
Day 7:
TETEVEN / SOFIA (B/L/-)
After breakfast, a short transfer to retrieve the horses in Cherni Vit. Our final day on horseback offers more spectacular mountain scenery. In the afternoon, we say farewell to our horses and transfer to Sofia. Free time for dinner. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8:
SOFIA / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to Sofia International Airport in time for your return flight to Italy.
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Additional Info
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: ° to °°°°°
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Hotels / guesthouses
Saddles: Western and military saddles
Horses: Bulgarian Karakachan horses, approx. 1.50 m at the withers, locally bred for centuries. Perfect for mountainous terrain—courageous, tireless, and accustomed to traveling in close groups.
Pace: 4 to 6 hours per day in the saddle. All three gaits are used. Valleys are ideal for long gallops. Riders should be able to handle a horse in open terrain. In rougher sections, walking beside the horse may be required.
What to bring: Layered clothing, including a light rain jacket. Protective helmet (available to borrow), sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Minimum age: 12 years
Maximum age: 70 years
Maximum weight: 95 kg
Type: Itinerant trekking with overnight stays in hotels/guesthouses
Accommodation:
7 nights in guesthouses, small mountain lodges, or hotels. In some locations, shared bathroom facilities may be present.
Lunches are generally packed unless weather conditions require otherwise.
Night 1: Hotel in Sofia
Nights 2 & 3: Guesthouse in Golyam Izvor
Night 4: Guesthouse in Lopyan
Night 5: Hotel in Cherni Vit
Night 6: Hotel in Teteven
Night 7: Hotel in Sofia
Departure Dates (from Italy, min. 1 person):
April 5 – April 12
April 19 – April 26
May 10 – May 17
May 31 – June 7
June 14 – June 21
October 4 – October 11
October 18 – October 25
Additional dates available upon request from April to November with a minimum of 2 participants.
