Land of the Thracians

8 Days | From £1390pp

Bulgaria ( Best airport: Sofia)

This fun ride is run by experienced tour guide and vet Bogdan Syarov. The Thracian Valley is an ideal location for riding with smooth, picturesque terrain of rose and lavender fields which allow for a faster pace. The trail combines plenty of canters and amazing scenery with ancient Thracian and Roman ruins along the way, delicious wines and spa opportunities thanks to the healing mineral springs. Accommodation is comfortable and you will often have access to a swimming pool, sauna or spa at your hotels.

The Riding

This trail offers fun, fast and safe riding in the scenic Bulgarian countryside. Enjoy long canters across open fields and vast meadows and ride through the famous vineyards of the Thracian Valley. Expect a fast pace combined with magnificient mountain scenery.

You will ride in all paces each day. Most days offer smooth riding terrain so there are plenty of opportunities for long canters. There are some steep climbs on mountain terrain but the horses are calm, sure-footed and well mannered even at speed.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for riders from confident intermediate riders upwards. All participants should be in control at all paces out in the open and over varied terrain. You will be spending between 4 and 5.5 hours in the saddle each day so a good level of current riding fitness is required. The weight limit is 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

This trail is organised by a friendly, family-run equestrian centre. Your guide and host Bogan is a qualified vet, experienced guide and a very knowledgeable horseman.

The maximum number of riders in a group is 8, and the trail is confirmed with 3 riders.

Any questions?

The Horses

The horses are the pride and joy of our partners in Bulgaria. They are much loved and well looked after. Their horses are Trakehners, Shagya Arabs and Eastern Bulgarian horses, ranging from 14.3hh to 16.1hh. They are responsive, willing and surefooted on difficult terrain.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The tack used on this trail is English style, mostly made by Wintec, and in good condition. Saddle bags are provided for carrying a bottle of water, camera and other small essentials during the day.

64408218_10157376485686683_3702621731706372096_n

Accommodation and Dining

The accommodation during the trail is in comfortable hotels. Most hotels will have access to a swimming pool, sauna and spa treatments with healing, warm mineral water. All spa treatments are at additional cost and payable locally.

During the trail riders can enjoy the fresh, local cuisine. Breakfasts and dinners are served in overnight accommodations and lunches are on route picnics or alternatively a packed lunch carried in your saddle bags. The Thracian lowlands come highly recommended as a wine region and the Kingdom of Thracians trail offers you a great opportunity to taste the local wines.

Get a free Land of the Thracians mini-brochure in PDF format.

Get Trail Brochure

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Reception at the airport at 14:00 and transfer about 1h30 (125 km) by minibus to Belashtitsa, a village located only a few kilometers from Plovdiv, considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Here you will find traces of civilizations much older than the Romans. We visited the historic city of more than 8000 years, including the Ethnographic Museum and the ancient theater, one of the best preserved still existing. Dinner and overnight in a very comfortable hotel with a pool and spa.

Day 2: TSARATSOVO – HISAR After breakfast, transfer to Tsaratsovo village (approx 30 min) where you start your journey. The day’s ride offers lovely long canters across flat, open fields and a picnic lunch by a river with BBQ and local wine. Your destination is the thermal centre of Hisarya, the most famous spa centre in Bulgaria with its 22 healing mineral springs. Hisarya is also rich in history, full of archaeological finds from the Thracian times and the Roman Empire. Overnight at a spa hotel with swimming pool, sauna, massage centre and jacuzzi.

Day 3: HISAR – STAROSEL Today the trail passes by fields, vineyards, beautiful meadows on the side of the hills and oak forests. Visit the tombs of ancient Thracians kings and learn about the mysteries, amazing cultural heritage and historic significance of the Thracians. End the day at Starosel where you’ll be spoiled with wine tasting and optional spa treatments.

Day 4: STAROSEL – KOPRIVSHTITSA Today, the five-hour long hike takes you to the historic city of Koprivshtitsa, dating back to the Renaissance. It is located in a picturesque valley along the Topolnitsa River, in the heart of Sashtinska Sredna Gora. The authentic atmosphere of its cobblestone streets takes you back in time. You’ll have a guided tour around this amazing village.

Day 5: KOPRIVSHTITSA – STRELCHA After breakfast, spring on to the saddle and leave Koprivshtitsa behind. The terrain today is more mountainous as you climb up towards the ridge of a mountain with fantastic views over the Valley of Roses. The resort of Strelcha awaits at the other side at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy another massage or spa treatment before having dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: STRELCHA – BELOVITSA VILLAGE After breakfast you’ll visit the Thracian ritual temples around the city, from the IV to the VI century BC. Lunch is on the shores of Lake Belovitsa, before leaving for an afternoon in the saddle. Your hotel has a large spa and swimming pool for a well deserved rest.

Day 7: BELOVITSA –TSARATSOVO The last day of riding once again offers fantastic canters across flat fields. Ride through vineyards and rose fields and take in the wonderful smell of roses before returning to Tsaratsovo. Bid farewell to your trusty steed and enjoy one last dinner with your fellow riders in a 4* spa hotel.

Day 8: Departure After breakfast, transfer to Sofia ready for your onward flight.