Explore the diverse Teteven Balkan, a gem among Bulgaria's mountains, blending picturesque valleys, ancient forests, rocky peaks, and charming villages. This part of Stara Planina offers an authentic experience, from tasting homemade rakiya to immersing in local life. The horseback riding tour, ranging from 400 to 1100 m, combines riding with cultural exploration. The rugged terrain allows trotting and cantering, with daily rides lasting 4 to 6 hours, adaptable to riders' abilities. Luggage is car-transported, saddling is in western or English style, and accommodations include guest houses for a closer cultural connection.
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Lyuben S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Lyuben was born in 1990 and began climbing at the age of 13. Since then nature and adventure have been his passion. Graduated with Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Master's Degree in Financial control and Auditing, he became part of the team at the beginning of 2011. He considers himself lucky to have a job that largely involves communication with highly motivated and experienced people in travelling. He finds inspiration in undiscovered destinations and customers' desires.
Tour highlights
Ride Along the Stara Planina
The longest Bulgarian mountain, stretching from Bulgaria's western border all the way to the Black Sea, dividing the country into two
Visit Saeva Dupka Cave
One of the most beautiful Bulgarian caves. It is 205 meters long and over 1 million year old.
See the Authentic Monasteries
The Glozhene Monastery that was founded in XIII century and Etropole Monastery that was founded in the XII century.
Route details
Day 1
Arrive to Sofia
Transfer to our hotel for overnight. Airport transfer is included.
No meals.
Day 2
Golyam Izvor - Glozene Monastery - Golyam Izvor
Day 3
Around the village of Golyam Izvor
Day 4
Golyam Izvor - Brusen
Day 5
Brusen - Cherni Vit
Day 6
Cherni Vit - Teteven
Day 7
Teteven - Golyam Izvor. Back to Sofia
Day 8
Departure
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments
Riders need to be fit and capable of being comfortable with trots and canters in open countryside.
Most of the horses are crossbreeds between the local East-Bulgarian and Karakachan with a mid-height of 1,50 cm, they are well known as thoughtful and tough, and are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Stara planina Mountains.
Accommodation
Comfort
Midscale
Hotel
4 nights
Guest House
3 nights
4 nights
Hotel
Two nights in Sofia and two in Teteven - rooms with private facilities.
3 nights
Guest House
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Sofia
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Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
- the forecasts for this season
- the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
- 4 hotel overnights with breakfast; 3 in guest houses incl. breakfast;
- all meals acc. itinerary;
- English speaking guide and local guide;
- saddled horses;
- luggage transport;
- airport transfers;
- entrance fees to sites if any.
Extras
- international flights;
- drinks and meals not mentioned in the program;
- tips (5 EUR per pers./per day);
- personal expenses;
- additional airport transfers (in connection with pre- and post tour accommodation in Sofia - 20 EUR per person);
- single supplement (120 euro).
Group size
up to 6 touristsDuration
8 days
7 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
We recommend bringing your own riding hat. There are some available ones to borrow, there are limited sizes.
Riding helmet is not mandatory in Bulgaria.
Cancellation of booking
Tour reviews
- AArnold23 Mar, 2024about providerThe tour was excellent, with highlights including Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and more. The itinerary was relaxed, perfect for a group tour, with no rushing. A big thank you to Bobby, our driver, for keeping us safe back in Sofia. And special thanks to our Tour Leader, Georgi, who was incredibly accommodating, helpful, and always available when needed. Highly recommended tour! Thank you!!23 Mar, 2024
- LLotte27 Jul, 2022about providerI recently enjoyed a 3-day horse riding holiday in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria and it was fantastic! The horses were well-trained and suitable for riders of all levels. The scenery was breathtaking, whether through villages, forests, or along mountain ridges. Accommodation at Guest House in Lopyan was clean and comfortable, with delicious food that accommodated my vegetarian diet. Our guide, Nikolay, was friendly, punctual, and provided excellent service. Overall, it was a wonderful short holiday in a beautiful country at a very reasonable price.27 Jul, 2022
Dates and Prices
- from26 Apr – 3 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
- from24 – 31 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
- from14 – 21 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights
- from28 Jun – 5 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
- from19 – 26 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
