Land of the Thracians

8 Days | From £1670pp

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 your guide and host Bogan and his wife Lyubomira. Bogdan is a qualified vet, experienced guide and knowledgeable horseman. He has planned the routes with great care and also has a great sense of humour always going the extra mile to make sure guests are happy, which starts by personally guiding all the rides himself. He speaks perfect English and is a native Bulgarian.

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. All of the horses are calm & easy to handle but have a turn of speed when required.

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.

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Accommodation and Dining

The accommodation during the trail is in really lovely spa 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. You don’t usually need to book these in advance, just speak to your hosts once you arrive and they will make all the arrangements for you.

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 this trail offers you a great opportunity to taste the local wines.

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

Trail Booking Conditions

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Meet at Sofia Airport before 4pm for your transfer (approx. 1h30 / 125 km) to the charming village of Belashtitsa, nestled just a few kilometres from Plovdiv — Bulgaria’s vibrant cultural capital. This ancient city, over 8,000 years old, is a fascinating blend of history and art where every street whispers stories from past civilizations. Wander through its old town, visit the Ethnographic Museum (entrance fee included), and marvel at the remarkably well-preserved ancient theatre. In the evening, unwind over a delicious dinner and settle into your comfortable hotel, complete with a pool and spa — the perfect place to relax before your riding adventure begins.

Day 2: TSARATSOVO – HISAR After breakfast, a short 30-minute transfer takes you to Tsaratsovo village, where your riding adventure begins. Today’s trail offers long, exhilarating canters across wide open fields — the perfect way to get to know your horse and the Bulgarian countryside. Around midday, you’ll stop by a peaceful riverbank for a delicious BBQ lunch, paired with local wine. Your destination for the day is the renowned spa town of Hisarya, famous for its 22 natural mineral springs and soothing thermal waters. Steeped in history, Hisarya reveals layers of Thracian and Roman heritage through its ancient ruins and stone walls. Tonight, unwind in comfort at your spa hotel, complete with a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and massage centre — a well-deserved reward after a day in the saddle.

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, saddle up and leave Koprivshtitsa behind as the trail winds into the mountains. Ride through a protected beech forest with towering ancient trees before ascending to the famous Peak of the Wolves (1,243 m), offering breathtaking views over the Valley of the Roses. Descend towards the spa resort of Strelcha, nestled at the foot of the mountain, where you can unwind with a massage or spa treatment before a well-earned dinner at your 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, massages are also available.

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. A final lunch with local wine before you bid farewell to your horse 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.