Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

BULGARIA : IN THE HEART OF THE BALKANS AND THE VALLEY OF THE ROSES...

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Saturday : Sofia
Meeting with the landlord/landlady in the airport and approximately 3 hours drive to Apriltsy, in the mountains. Dinner and night in a confortable B&B, double/triple rooms with private bath room.

Day 2 - Sunday
In the morning the riders chose their horse in the riding center and ride out in the wonderful terrains around the little town of Aprilzy . After lunch picnic, taken near a creek, the "real" trail is starting and you ride up into the mountains roughly 3 hours to the first refuge for dinner and night (2 or 3-bed rooms).

Day 3 - Monday
The trail continues through the National park over the Balkan Mountains very close to Mt. Botev and from this high the Mariza plains open up the horizons. We have a well deserverd lunch break in an inn after a beautiful descent into the valley. In the afternoon we continue our ride to a small monastery where the riders and horses will find a rest for the night (after approx 6 hours riding). Possibility to walk the eco-path just next to the monastery, a guided loop following a canyon with info signs about the local fauna and flora. (double rooms with shared bathroom for two rooms)

Day 4 - Tuesday
In the morning we have time to explore the monastery and life in the small town. After lunch the trail is passing through the" Valley of Roses ” and after nearly 5 hours we are over the Sredna Gora Mountains where we will overnight in the chalet Sveschen (2 or 3 riders per room sharing facilities with the other rooms on the same floor).

Day 5 - Wednesday
The whole day is for riding in the terrains around the riding center “The Valley of Roses”. Having fun and games with the horses – a ride to the nearby village, one of the oldest in Bulgaria – relax at the edge of a small lake (depending on weather conditions). In the fantastic meadows you have all possibilities for a trot or canter or to explore the surroundings on foot. Night at the chalet.

Day 6 - Thursday
After breakfast we are heading north further on in the mountains to finally reach, after nearly 7 hours, the mountain refuge where we will spend the night. Comfort is very basic up here, but the unique scenery makes widely up for it. Double our triple rooms, with shared facilities for all.

Day 7 - Friday
We continue over the mountains to Aprilzy where it all started. After 6 hours ride you can see the stables and the loop of the trail is about to finish.
Farewell dinner and night in Aprilzy.(same B&B as first day).

Day 8 - Saturday : Sofia
Breakfast and good-bye to the horses. Free time until departure for the airport.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses First and foremost we ride the local race East Bulgarian horses and crosses between East Bulgarians and Arabian thorough breds. The East Bulgarian breed is well known as tough, thoughtful and wise, and in harmony with the famous strength and power of the Arabian it gives a combination that fully satisfies the riders and the challenges in the nature. We work with healthy horses, taking good care of them and of course they are used to the mountains and the variety of terrains the daily riding is going through. Average size is 1.60 m

Tack Western style. We have several models within the Australian and the American style. Don’t worry even if you haven’t tried to ride in a western saddle – in a few minutes you’ll feel at home. Believe us! We have seen it many times. Saddle bags provided for dry socks, your camera, your drinking jar and may be some ”sweets” for you or the horse.. Don’t bring spurs and horsewhip – you don’t need it. Required riding level You need to be at ease at all gaits and have some experience in outdoor riding (hacking). You should be fit enough to spend 5 to 7 (8) hours per day in the saddle, depending on the weather conditions in the mountains. On our rides there is a weight limit of 14,2 stone (approx. 90 kgs). If your weight is over this limit or if it has changed significantly prior to your holiday please contact us in order to make sure that we have an appropriate horse.

YOUR GUIDES

Some of them speak English others German or French. Before you ride out, the riding guides explain to all riders the commandos used during the ride.

ACCOMMODATION

Saturday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation shared double/triple room with private facilities. Sunday: Mountain chalet - 2-3 bedded with private facilities. Monday: Monastery 2 dbl.rooms sharing bathroom. Tuesday and Wednesday: Mountain chalet shared triple room (normally used as doubles depending on the group). Shared facilities on each floor. Thursday: Mountain refuge - shared double room. Shared facilities, very basic comfort. Friday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation shared double/triple room with private facilities.   Full board, lunch picnic, water, tea and coffea included (alcool beverages and soft drinks to be paid directly)

DATES AND RATES

Flights to Sofia

Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

- the trail ride as it is described, on full board basis
- transfers from and to airport
- drinks : tea, coffee, mineral water.
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval

- flights to Sofia,
- any other service,
- tips,
- extra drinks,
- visa if needed,
- optional insurance : more information.

OPTIONS:

Possibility to spend an extra night in Sofia on Saturday evening, in order to visit the city. Transfers airport/downtown (8 km) are not included.

Flights to Sofia
Please contact us.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Anne for any inquiry !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

Bulgaria.

1 - Singing Rocks National Reserve

2 - Balkans and Valley of Roses Trail

Balkan trail
From Saturday to Saturday.

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback

Arrival in Sofia airport.

Arrival on Saturday before 06.00 pm and departure on Saturday after 12.00 pm.

Pick up and drop off is arranged in the best possible way for all riders. (3 hours transfer).

Bulgaria is at crossroads of continental and mediterranean weather influences. Moderate in the South-west and at the sea side, the climate is continental in the North and the Centre, hot and dry in summer and cold in winter.

Because of its situation in southern Europe, Bulgaria gets a lot of sunshine without a particular rain period.

Average annual temperatures (night/day) vary from 16°C to 27°C in summer and -4° to 2°C in winter.

Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..

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