Bulgaria: the Balkan mountains
From 747 €

Bulgaria: the Balkan mountains

Holidays package
Created: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Ref ID: 30517404
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
747 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (5)

Day 1: Golyam Izvor

Come and discover Bulgaria on horseback, among the Teteven Mountains and the Morovitsa Caves. Discover the culture at the far east of our Europe, amid fascinating natural beauties! We propose in this itinerary a combination of majestic valleys, rivers, dense forests and imposing rocky peaks. Our trek in the Balkan Mountains, also known as Stara Planina, loved by tourists for its spectacular views, will allow you to immerse yourself in an ancient culture, governed by the rhythms of nature and the seasons, to meet simple and authentic people, to taste rakia, a very tasty typical dish. The tour is varied and we will combine the pleasure of being in the saddle with visits to the main tourist attractions. We will ride for the most part through the Teteven Mountains, located in the Central Balkan National Park, keeping between 400 and 1100 metres of altitude, riding trails at times rather uneven. We will also discover the wonderful reserves of Boatin and Tsarichina, and the famous caves of “Morovitsa” and “Benkovskata”…and then again the Monastery of Glozhene and the Thracian fortress dating back to the Roman era. A complete itinerary, between nature and culture, which will leave you absolutely satisfied and eager to return to this land.
The highlights will therefore be: discovery of Stara Planina, the longest Bulgarian mountain which includes the Central Balkan National Park with areas protected by UNESCO; the Monastery of Glozhene founded in the 13th century and nestled between rock spurs; the Monastery of Etropole founded in the 12th century and collapsed after the Ottoman conquest, but revived in the 16th and now an important spiritual centre; the Saeva Dupka cave dated one million years; the Troyan Monastery, third in size in the country; the springs of Chiflik and Shipkovo.
ITALY / SOFIA / GOLYAM IZVOR, (-/L/D)
Pick‑up at 09:00 from the airport (we suggest booking a pre‑tour night and we’ll pick you up from your city hotel) and transfer (about one hour) to Golyam Izvor. Brief meeting with the horses before starting our ride. The route crosses meadows and mixed forests. We will climb the heights above the village, from where we can admire the first splendid view of the central ridge of Stara Planina and the town of Teteven, surrounded by rocky peaks. Then we will descend through an ancient beech forest, at the end of which lies the Monastery of Glozhene. Perched on a high rock, the monastery offers an even wider view over the Danube plain. We will visit the monastery and discover its history of more than 800 years. Afterwards, we will have lunch with a soup prepared by the local staff. After lunch, we’ll take a different path to return to Golyam Izvor, where we will spend the night in hotel.


Day 2: Golyam Izvor

GOLYAM IZVOR (B/L/D)
A full day in the saddle dedicated to the exploration of the surrounding territory. Return to Golyam Izvor for dinner and overnight.


Day 3: Golyam Izvor

GOLYAM IZVOR (B/L/D)
The route will take us to the other side of Golyam Izvor, along a small river that irrigates the fields, perfect for long gallops. Then we will cross the Brusen ridge, before ascending into a pine forest. There we will enjoy a pleasant packed lunch immersed in nature. After the wood, we will again cross an open field and finish on the outskirts of Brusen, where we will leave the horses and then return to Golyam Izvor. If we are not too tired, we may take a drive to the Monastery of Etropole and the nearby waterfall (30 minutes by car).


Day 4:

GOLYAM IZVOR / CHERNI VIT (B/L/D)
The beginning of the trail crosses mixed forests. Then we will reach the top of a treeless ridge, with a splendid 360‑degree view of the surrounding mountains. We continue along the ridge, immersing ourselves completely in the landscape during this beautiful excursion. Finally, we will descend to the village of Cherni Vit. In the afternoon we’ll make a car excursion to the Saeva Dupka cave, famous for its beautiful formations. Dinner and overnight in hotel.


Day 5:

CHERNI VIT / TETEVEN (B/L/D)
Today we will leave our horses in Cherni Vit and go to the reserve of Boatin, part of the Central Balkan National Park, which protects the whole area of Stara Planina. Afternoon dedicated to visiting Teteven. Dinner on your own and overnight in Hotel Cherni Vit (or similar). On request (at extra cost) it is possible to visit the Troyan Museum located about 80 km away.


Day 6:

TETEVEN / SOFIA / ITALY (B/L/-)
We start with a morning transfer to the village of Cherni Vit, where we left the horses the previous day. On this final day we will cross some forest, some hills, slopes and a splendid ridge. Then we will enjoy the last panorama of Golyam Izvor, have lunch and finally transfer back to Sofia. Evening flight envisaged.

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Level of difficulty: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hotel/guest house
EQUIPMENT: WESTERN SADDLE and MILITARY SADDLE
HORSES: Bulgarian, Karakachan horses. These are horses of about 1.50 m at the withers, bred locally for centuries, perfect for mountain terrain. Brave and tireless, they are used to their herd, therefore no problem in riding in tight groups.
PACE: 4 to 6 h a day in the saddle. We proceed at three gaits, valleys ideal for long gallops. Ability to manage the horse in open spaces is requested. Sometimes it may be necessary to lead the horse by hand in rugged sections.
WHAT TO BRING: layered clothing, including a light raincoat. Protective helmet (available to borrow on site), sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent.
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
MAXIMUM AGE: 70 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 95 kg
TYPE: itinerant trekking with overnight stays in hotel/guest house

ACCOMMODATION:
5 overnight stays in guest houses, small mountain resorts or hotels. In some structures amenities may be shared.
Lunches almost always a packed lunch, unless weather conditions don’t allow it.

Nights 1,2 & 3. Guest‑house in Golyam Izvor
Night 4. Hotel in Cherni Vit
Night 5. Hotel in Teteven

Departure dates available all year, minimum 1 person departing from Italy:
From 05/04 to 10/04
From 26/04 to 01/05
From 10/05 to 15/05
From 13/09 to 18/09
From 11/10 to 16/10
From 25/10 to 30/10
Further dates available on request from April to November with a minimum of 2 participants.

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
747 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 2
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per itinerary
Round-trip transfer from/to Sofia Airport on arrival and departure day
7 nights in hotels/guesthouses
4 ½ days on horseback (4 to 6 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Support vehicles
Mentioned visits included
Expert local guide (English and Bulgarian speaking)
Basic medical assistance insurance included
Excluded
Flights and/or other transportation to/from Sofia
€100 to be paid on site for entrance fees to points of interest
Transfers to/from the airport or city center outside of Day 1 and Day 8
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional excursions (e.g., Troyan Monastery)
Meals not included, airport taxes, beverages outside of meals, tips, personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not specifically mentioned under "The price includes"
Additional insurance or trip cancellation coverage