MOUNTAIN AND WILDLIFE TRAIL - BULGARIA

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The trail ride takes you through the Balkan Mountains on the northern side. The first 2 days are ridden near to the small mountain villages and explore life near to the fields. You'll ride on the top of the mountains as close as possible to a protected reserve high up in the mountains which is characterized by singing rocks - a set of unique natural formations that crown the ancient beech forest. In this reserve you’ll find rare animals such as the chamois, the brown bear and the golden eagle. Also roe deer, red deer, wild boar, wild cat and a large amount of rare birds arlive in this area. The riding to the reserve is very varied as to the terrain and pace. The hilly paths and the open land on the top of the mountains are just perfect for big riding experiences. A wonderful combination of culture, nature and challenging riding await you on this riding holiday.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £789/€909/$1,219 Departure dates 2012: 9, 23 Jun; 7, 21 Jul; 4, 18 Aug; 1, 29 Sep; 13, 20 Oct Approximate riding time per day 4-7 hours Riding ability required Walk, trot and canter Group size 4-8 Meeting point (getting there) Sofia Airport Transfer 2012: Included from meeting point at set times. Other times can be arranged for a fee of €150 Euros per car, payable on site. Approx transfer time = 3 hours. Flight guide London - Sofia with Wizz Air /Hemus Air from £55 return Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: 2012: £87/€99/$135

SAMPLE ITINERARY - MOUNTAIN AND WILDLIFE TRAIL

Day 1
You'll be met in the airport and transfered to the mountains. Please book your flight to arrive no later than 18:00. Accommodation for the first two nights is at the base in a double room with shared facilities. Evening meal.

Day 2
In the morning the riders choose their horse and you ride out in the wonderful terrain types surrounding the little town. After a 10 km ride, you'll arrive at a river where you'll stop for a picnic. After lunch and a rest we ride back to our base trying our horses at different paces.

Day 3
The trail starts in the morning in easterly direction through remote villages. At a creek you’ll eat lunch and after about 5 hours in the saddle you'll reach the little village of Lakat. Accommodation is at “Villa Rositsa” in double rooms with own shower and toilet. If the weather allows dinner will be served on the terrace.

Day 4
From Lakat the ride then heads south through wood and farm land, passing 3 creeks. After lunch we enjoy in the versatile terrain which is perfect for all paces of riding. You’ll ride about 22 km in about 5 hours reaching the 1000 metre high mountain hut “Partisanska pesen” (meaning the song of the partisan). Double rooms with shower and toilet.

Day 5
From the mountain hut “Partisanska pesen” the ride heads west on the top of the Balkan range and then into the “Central Balkan National Park” eventually arriving at mountain hut “Mazalat, where lunch is eaten. After lunch you'll head in to the reserve of “The singing rocks” – and if the wind is blowing you'll hear them sing. In the reserve there are two small distances of 10-20 metres where you have to walk beside your horse. Today you’ll ride about 25 km in 7 hours making it the longest day. You'll overnight in a mountain hut about 1400 m high. The rooms are 2-3 bedded shared shower and toilet. You'll enjoy dinner watching 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 foot. Meet one of the rangers passing by who will inform you about the flora and fauna. Together with the riding guide you plan the day. How many hours, at what time – etc. You might choose to ride to the mysterious mount Maragidik (1889m). Overnight is in a mountain chalet.

Day 7
After breakfast you'll begin the 5 hour ride in a northerly direction. You'll ride down the mountains, leaving the national park behind you as you return back to base where the trial finishes. Accommodation is as nights 1 and 2.

Day 8
After breakfast you'll have free time until your departure to the airport, where you'll have the chance to say good-bye to the horses at the end of your horse riding holiday. Please book your departure flight to leave no earlier than 12 midday.

All itineraries are for guidance only and may be altered due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

NOTES - MOUNTAIN AND WILDLIFE TRAIL

It is may not possible to have a single room on this ride due to accommodation limitations and you should be prepared to share.

For the set transfer times, arrival at Sofia should be no later than 18:00 on the day of arrival and departure booked no earlier than 12:00 on the day of departure.

SOFIA
Sofia is definitely worth a visit. We recommend a few nights to explore the old churches, antique markets with Soviet and WWII relics, art and ethnic museums as well as almost Viennese coffee and cake shops. The best place to stay is the Sveta Sofia hotel which is located in the heart of Sofia on the main pedestrian road. In 2011 we can book additional nights in this hotel for £38 per person in a double/twin room, £69 per single room. These rates include bed, breakfast, free wireless internet access, free fitness facilities, VAT, insurance and city tax.

The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transfers from the meeting point at set times, accommodation in twin bedded rooms (some with shared bathroom), all meals, mineral water, tea and coffee, riding as per itinerary, horses, tack, English speaking guide, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, transfers outside set times (available for €150 each way per car payable on site), single supplement when available, alcoholic and canned drinks, items of a personal nature and gratuities.

Riders who booked this ride also considered:

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This part of Romania boasts unspoilt nature with meadows scattered with wild flowers, woods, creeks and hills with beautiful views.

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