3-Day horse riding in the heights of Vitosha and Verila

3-Day horse riding in the heights of Vitosha and Verila

We offer you a 3-day horse trek, fulfilled with views of Vitosha and Verila mountains in the very vicinity of Sofia(Our starting point). We will cross the highest peaks of Vitosha (Cherni Vrah 2290 meters) and Verila (Golyam Debelets 1414 meters). Plunging into the vast forests of Verilla, you will feel the freedom of the free riders. As an option, we can combine riding with the pleasure of the mineral pool in the village of Belchin Banya. We will try homemade food from ecologically clean products and specialties prepared by our own hands on a charcoal grill at our hosts guesthouse.

Highlights:
♦ Cherni Vrah
♦ Golyam Debelets


Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia - Cherni vrah - Damyan peak - Bukapreslansky pass - Bosniek
Departure 08:00 in the morning from the Nova Zvezda base. In the beginning, we ride slowly, changing sometimes to a trot, until we reach the area of Tihiat kat. Following the paths we pass through the Golden Bridges. The ascent continues through forest paths until we reach the Opheliite hut area. Riding along the road we reach the Kumata hut. Crossing mountain streams  we head to the foot of Konyarnika. A steep ascent follows through the Stramninata area, we get off the horses and climb ten minutes on foot. We find ourselves on the Selimishko plateau, the view is incredible, you can see Verila, Rila and Osogovska mountain. From there to Cherni vrah peak, which is the highest point of our route, it is an hour's ride. A short rest at the top of the mountain and we continue passing from the south side of Cherni vrah past the area of Skoparnika. At Yarlovski kupen we descend towards Chuipetlovo. From there at a gallop to Mount Damian. A short rest and at a trot we enter Verila, heading for Bukapreslanski Pass. After about 2 hours of riding through the forests of Verilla, we arrive at the end point for today. Bai Georgi's guesthouse in Yarevkovitsa - Terziyska mahala. We can unsaddle and take care of our horses, then enjoy our dinner by the campfire. Time - 10 hours, unevenness +1500m. -/Lp/D

Day 2. Bosniek - Golyam Debelets peak and vice versa
After breakfast, we have two riding options: 1. In the forests of Verila, we will go around the hamlets of the village of Yarebkovitsa and climb the highest peak (Golyam Debelets 1414 meters) or 2. We will let the horses rest and go to the mineral pool in the village of Belchin Banya, where we will indulge in a well-deserved rest and the pleasure of the warm mineral water. In the evening, of course, the campfire and local specialties from Bulgaria will be our company. Time - 4 hours, unevenness +/- 1000 B/L/D

Day 3. Bosniek - Bukapreslansky pass - Damyan peak - Cherni vrah - Sofia
After breakfast, saying goodbye to our hosts early in the morning, we take the return route. Riding along the smooth curves of the Verila mountain, we pass the village of Yarlovo. The southern slopes of Vitosha are extremely beautiful, we will see the spring of the Struma River. In the early afternoon we will climb again to Cherni vrah and from there we will decrease to the starting point of this exciting experience. Time - 10 hours, unevenness +1500m. B/Lp/-

Good to know:
♦ This tour is for experienced riders.
♦ Recommended travel period of the year: April - October
♦ Riders need to be fit and capable of being comfortable with trots and canters in open countryside.
♦ There is a minimum age of 12 for children on this trail.
♦ Maximum weight limit is 90 kilos.
♦ We recommend bringing your own riding hat/helmet. There are some available ones to borrow, there are limited sizes. Helmets are not mandatory in Bulgaria.


Price Includes:
transfers from/to Sofia
2 overnights in a local guesthouse in a room with private facilities
Meals according the itinerary(B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; Lp= Lunch packs; D=Dinner)
lunch packs
English-speaking guide
saddled horses
luggage transport

Not Included:
International flight tickets
drinks and meals not mentioned
tips (EUR 5 per person / per day)
entrance fees
insurance
personal expenses


Gallery


3-Day horse riding in the heights of Vitosha and Verila (Rated 4.77 / 5 Based on 19 Reviews.)

These tours include trekking which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted that you are in good condition and fit. You should be physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max 3000m).

These tours include trekking which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted that you are in good condition and fit. You should be physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max 3000m).

Group Size
2-6
Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia 990 , 10 Days

Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia

A cultural trip that will show you both modern Iran and ancient Persia. This is a roundtrip...
Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan 1220 , 11 Days

Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

The Caucasus - the region where Europe meets Asia, where dramatic nature landscapes meet...
Syria Roundtrip 1530 , 8 Days

Syria Roundtrip

Damascus is welcoming you again! Syria has seen some turbulent last years with a war raging the...

View all» What people say about us

Christie

Tour: Balkan Kaleidoscope
★★★★★
I just returned from a 2 week tour of the Balkans and thoroughly enjoyed the experience offered by Penguin. Communication leading up to the tour was exceptional. Our itinerary was fast paced and comprehensive and the sights were spectacular. Accommodations were were clean and amenities sufficient for the price paid for the tour. The tour leader, bus driver and the local guides were efficient friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Penguin travel, especially for off the beaten path destinations.


Mauricio

Tour: Iraqi Kurdistan
★★★★★
My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.


Peter

Tour: Socotra Island Adventures (Yemen)
★★★★★
Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.


View all»

Blog

04.12.2023 11:00

Almaty Unveiled: Where Tradition Meets Modern Marvels

Nestled amidst the undulating majesty of the formidable Tian Shan mountains, Almaty stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, presenting an expeditionary sojourn that etches itself indelibly into the traveler's consciousness. Markets pulsating with vitality and parks exuding an air of tranquility, Almaty unfolds its multifaceted allure, catering to every...


02.12.2023 09:40

Vranov Castle: A Timeless Journey through Moravian Splendor

Nestled within the undulating tapestry of Moravia's landscape, Vranov Castle emerges as an awe-inspiring testament to the relentless march of centuries. Perched atop a defiant rocky outcrop, this medieval gem stoically bears witness to the ceaseless ebb and flow of time, encapsulating tales of nobility, epic battles, and an architectural grandeur that resonates through the ages. Our expedition...


30.11.2023 09:20

Hoi An Vietnam: Timeless Charm and Culinary Wonders

Nestled amid the meandering Thu Bon River, Hoi An, a beguiling ancient town ensconced in the tapestry of Vietnam, extends an invitation laden with historical opulence, cultural vibrancy, and a beauty that ensnares the senses. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a siren call for those in pursuit of a harmonious amalgamation of antiquity's allure and the modern era's enchantment, beckons enthusiasts...


28.11.2023 08:00

Palawan Paradise: Unveiling the Jewel of the Philippines

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Palawan beckons with promises of pristine landscapes, turquoise waters, and a tapestry of cultures waiting to be explored. Aptly dubbed the "Last Frontier" of the country, Palawan is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those in pursuit of a genuine tropical escape. Natural Wonders: El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa Begin...