Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria

The Rhodopes, occupying the southern part of Bulgaria and part of Greece, are the homeland of the mythological singer Orpheus. This ride spends 6 days riding in this enchanting mountain - the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, unique rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The western part of the Rhodopes where our ride takes place, offers a variety of terrains in which one can experience all types of riding and paces. We visit remote villages, stay with local people enjoying their hospitality, local food and excellent wines. We spend also some time in Plovdiv - Europe's oldest inhabited city and 2019 European Capital of Culture. 

Highlights:
♦ Rhodope mountains - home to the mythological singer Orpheus.
♦ Orehovo - a magical mountain village located at a height of 950m.above sea level.
♦ The natural stone phenomenon of the Marvelous Bridges (Chudnite Mostove)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia
Arrive Sofia airport, transfer to your hotel for overnight. -/-/-

Day 2. Sofia - Brestovitsa - Plovdiv
After breakfast at the hotel, we are heading to our base in Brestovitsa at the foot of the Rhodope mountain (10 km from Plovdiv). Here we will meet our horses and do a short loop-like ride. While riding, we will pass through meadows and forests.According to the season, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the ripe fruits in the area and meet the local people, who work in the fields. Transfer to Plovdiv for overnight.  (hours in the saddle: ~3); B/L/-

Day 3. Plovdiv - Brestovitsa - Dedevo/Boikovo
After breakfast, we are heading back to our base in Brestovitsa from where we will start today's ride. Passing through green pastures and picturesque villages, we will reach the village of Dedevo for overnight. Alternatively, we can take a slightly different route and spend the night in another charming mountain village - Boikovo. (hours in the saddle: ~6-7); B/L/D

Day 4. Dedevo - Orehovo
Today we are heading to the village of Orehovo - one of the most picturesque ones in the mountain. Today's ride will take about 6 hours. On the way, we will stop for a lunch near the scenic region of Bash Mandra. (hours in the saddle: ~6); B/L/D

Day 5. Orehovo - Lyaskovo
Today we will ride through pine forests and vast meadows on our way to the village of Lyaskovo. We will take a short stop at the unique rock formation Chudnite Mostove (Miraculous Bridges). We will spend the night in Lyaskovo in a local family-run guesthouse. (hours in the saddle: ~6); B/L/D

Day 6. Lyaskovo- Vruhovruh
Today we are heading south and up in the mountains to the small resort of Varhovruh. Following the Varhovrah ridge, we will enjoy the great panorama views before reaching Persenk hut, where we will stop for lunch. (hours in the saddle: ~3-4) B/L/D

Day 7. Vruhovruh-Brestovitsa-Sofia
Time to get back. First we are heading back to our base in Brestovitsa. Then we are continuing with a transfer back to Sofia where we will spend the night. (hours in the saddle: 6); B/L/-

Day 8. Departure
After breakfast drive to Sofia airport for departure. B/-/-

Good to know:
♦ 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. There are some available ones to borrow, there are limited sizes. Hats are not mandatory in Bulgaria.
♦You are welcome to groom your horse if you like but saddling is not required as this will be done by your guide.

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