This trail in the Balkan Mountains is going through a reserve of 1700 hectares in Bulgarian called "Peeshti Skali" and in English "Singing Rocks". The reserve is high up in the mountains and is characterized by - as the name indicates: By the singing rocks. The Singing Rocks themselves are a set of unique natural formations that crown the ancient beech forest. For centuries the place has been known under this name, but probably because the locals at exactly this place have heart sounds from the rocks as if the rocks are singing in the wind. In this reserve you'll find rare animals as the chamois, the brown bear, and the golden eagle. Also roe deer, red deer, wild boar, wild cat and a big amount of rare birds are living in this area. The riding to the reserve is very varying as to the terrain and pace. The hilly paths and the open land on the top of the mountains are just created for big riding experiences.
The air is as clean as the creek we ride through - over - along. And the view to the highest peaks in the long range is just marvellous. After a few days you will get familiar with the peaks Mt. Botev (2376m), Maragidik and Mazalat. You will experience who the Balkan range is dividing Bulgaria into a northern and a southern part and after a while you understand the Bulgarian name of the Balkan range "Stara planina" meaning "the old mountain".
Guaranteed departures for 2009:
13 June; 4 and 18 July; 8 August; 19 and 26 September; 3, 10 and 17 October
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at the airport and transportation to the Riding base "Balkan" in the Balkan mountains.
Day 2. In the morning 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. We ride about 10 km and we will have a picnic near one of the rivers. After lunch and a rest we ride back to Riding base Balkan in different paces. We overnight in Apriltsi.
Day 3. The trail starts in the morning and we ride in eastern direction through remote villages. At a creek well eat our lunch and after about 5 hours in the saddles we reach the little village of Lakat. Here we overnight in "Villa Rositsa" in double rooms with own shower and toilet. If the weather allows we will have dinner in the terrace.
Day 4. From Lakat we ride to the south through wood and farm land and we pass 3 creeks. Lunch we enjoy in the terrain and as the terrain is perfect for all paces the riding guide will lead you in the best possible way. We'll ride about 22 km in about 5 hours and in the afternoon we will reach the mountain hut "Partisanska pesen" (meaning the song of the partisan). Double rooms with shower and toilet in 1000 m.
Day 5. From the mountain hut "Partisanska pesen" we ride west on the top of the Balkan range. We ride into the "Central Balkan National Park" and after about 1? hours ride we are at mountain hut "Mazalat, where we eat the lunch. After lunch into the reserve "The singing rocks" - and if the wind is blowing we'll hear the rocks sing. Through the reserve there are two small distances of 10-20 meter where you have to stay off and lead the horse. Today you'll ride about 25 km in 7 hours. This makes it the longest day. We overnight in the mountain hut "Smesite" in 1427 m. 2-3 bedded rooms and shower/toilet on the floor. We enjoy the dinner at the fire and watch the sun going down behind the mountain peaks.
Day 6. This day is totally devoted to riding in the "Central Balkan National Park". Explore the park on a horse back or on feet. Meet one of the rangers passing by. He will inform about the flora and fauna and tell about where you can get the big nature adventure. Together with the riding guide you plan the day. How many hours, at what time - etc. You arrange on spot. Possibility to ride to the mysterious mount Maragidik (1889m).
Day 7. After breakfast we ride in the northern direction and the circle ride is closed. We ride down the mountains, leave the national park and come down in Apriltsi. The ride of the day is about 5 hours and we end in Riding base Balkan. We will overnight in the same house as the first 2 nights.
Day 8. After breakfast we say good-bye to the horses and guides. Transfer to the airport for departure.
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.
Terrain: You have more than 30.000 hectares of wild nature at your disposal! The area of the Balkan Mountains is hilly, providing opportunities for both riding through woods and dirty roads and also for galloping along the meadows and pastures. Rocky areas and steep river valleys also occur. this enourmous area provides unaltered possibilities for riding for all kinds of riders.
Accommodation: The trail is based on 7 nights. 3 nights with private accommodation in Apriltsi, 4 nights en route in the mountains. The trail is with full board as per above.
(B = breakfast; L = Lunch; LP =Lunch package; P = Picnic, D = Dinner). Mineral water is included at all meals, but other drinks are to be paid on spot in leva.
Accommodation in 2 or 3 bedded rooms. Single room on request only (against additional fee).You have access to a bathroom every day but not in the room every day.
Highlights
- Apriltsi is a small town, situated at the foot of the Central Balkan Range. The town is young at age, small at inhabitants, but with rich history and incredible with its nature and with its landmarks.
- Balkan Mountains ("Stara planina") are the longest (550 km), the biggest of all mountains. Its range extends throughout the entire length of the country - from the Bulgarian border of Serbia to the Black Sea coast. The highest peak is Mount Botev (2376 m a.s.l.).
- The Central Balkan National Park - the land of untouched wildlife and wilderness! The National park is the first PAN Park in Bulgaria (you can read about the European PAN Parks on www.panparks.org) and is characterized by deep caves, steep slopes and canyons, high waterfalls, and clear fresh water streams. In addition it is a stronghold of Bulgarian nationality and culture. The National park boasts the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, the 125-m high Raiskoto Praskalo. The highest of the Stara Planina peaks - Botev Peak 2376 m above sea level is located on the park's territory.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price includes: accommodation in guesthouse in Apriltsi with private facilities (days 1, 2, 7), a monastery with shared facilities (day 3), mountain huts with shared facilities (rest of the days) on fullboard; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport; equipped horse; English-speaking guide; luggage transfers
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
Ecotourism
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