The Rodopi Mountains in southern Bulgaria are what many would call a mystery.
Historians believe that the Rodopi are the birthplace of the legendary musician Orpheus and his wife Eurydice, as well as the cradle of the Dionysus- cult. For most Bulgarians, it is the numerous caves from prehistoric time, the Roman roads and the beautiful medieval monasteries that account for the Rodopi’s charm. For others it is the picturesque mountains villages, their authentic lifestyle and the warm local hospitality. Or perhaps the mellow green fields and the reflection of the sun in the bright blue highland lakes.
We give you an opportunity to make up your own mind about the mesmerizing atmosphere of the Rodopi – together with our horses we get as close to the heart of the Rodopi and to the authentic life of its people as possible.
Guaranteed departure dates for 2009:
13 Jun, 20 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, 22 Aug (other days also possible upon request!)
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Devin in the heart of Rodopi Mountains.
Day 2. Ride in the woods above the town Devin. Passing through Kastrakli Reserve we end up in Borino for overnight (famous for its “pomac” Muslim population).
Day 3. The trail continues from Borino to the tiny village Chala and further to Yagodina Cave, where we make a cave tour in one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. The day ends in the nearby village of Yagodina.
Day 4. Today we ride southwards almost reaching the border with Greece. In this part of the mountains there are still villages, untouched by the western influence, housing traditional charm and tranquillity. Overnight in Trigrad by the famous Trigrad Gorge with 250m vertical cliffs.
Riding: 6 hrs
Day 5. We continue the exploration of the territories southwards from the village, making a loop-like ride along Trigradska River back to Trigrad.
Day 6. In the morning we start early as the trek today is a bit longer. It will take us to the ancient Chairski Lakes, surrounded by meadows full with orchids in summer. Passing through the picturesque village of Mougla we reach the village of Gela just above Shiroka Lyka (the latter declared architectural reserve).
Day 7. Time to get back. Following the ridges of Mursalitsa we reach the town of Devin, where the trek ends. In the afternoon we can relax at one of the mineral swimming pools in the city.
Day 8. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Accommodation: We overnight at local guesthouses and small family hotels equipped with WC/shower. Breakfast & dinner included.
Extensions: Yes, Black Sea
This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast:
- Sunny Beach - a big modern resort with hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc.
- Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns (founded by the ancient Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific atmosphere.
- Lozenets -a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains where you can go walking, biking or riding horses.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- accommodation in guesthouses and family-run pensions in en-suite rooms on halfboard
- English-speaking riding guide
- saddled horse
- luggage transfers
- pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport
- entrance fees not included
Price Excludes:
- Map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour);
- Insurance;
- Alcoholic drinks;
- Entrance and procedures in the hot springs complex;
- Tips;
- Other personal expenses.
single room supplement: 70 euro
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
Ecotourism
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