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 - Villa Yustina - Plovdiv
After breakfast at the hotel in Sofia, we are heading to meet our horses (15 km from Plovdiv) 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. Sightseeing in Plovdiv in the afternoon. Overnight in Plovdiv.  (hours in the saddle: ~3); B/L/-

Day 3. Villa Yustina - Leshtensko - Bryanovshtitsa Hut
After breakfast, we will start today's ride.We start climbing, with an option for trotting and cantering. An hour's riding later we reach the Leshtensko area, where we will enjoying the beautiful views on both sides of the trail. We will do 20 minutes to rest and water the horses in the beautiful canyon in the area. Then we head out through the forest to climb a small trail to the endpoint – Bryanovshtitsa hut. The ride lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with the option of extending one or two hours to the St. George area, which reveals a beautiful view over Plovdiv and the surrounding small towns and villages. Overnight in Bryanovshtitsa hunting lodge, rooms with shared faciliies. (hours in the saddle: ~3-5); B/L/D

Day 4. Bryanovshtitsa Hut - 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: ~3-5); B/L/D

Day 5. Orehovo - Orehovo
Today we will ride through pine forests and vast meadows. Today's ride will take about 3 hours.  We will spend a second night in Orehovo in a local family-run guesthouse. (hours in the saddle: ~3); B/L/D

Day 6. Orehovo  - 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: 5-6) B/L/D

Day 7. Vruhovruh - Villa Yustina -Sofia
Time to get back. First we are heading back to our base in Villa Yustina. Then we are continuing with a transfer back to Sofia where we will spend the night. (hours in the saddle:~3); B/L/-

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

Good to know:
♦ Recommended travel period of the year: May - 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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