Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
BULGARIA : SINGING ROCKS NATIONAL RESERVE
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
On the east side of the Balkan mountains, in Bulgaria, you'll discover an untouched 1700 hectares nature reserve called
"Peeshti Skali", and in english "Singing Rocks".
The reserve is high up in the mountains and is characterized - as the name indicates: By the singing rocks. The Singing Rocks themselves are a set of unique natural formations that crown the ancient beech forest. For centuries the place has been known under this name, probably because the locals at exactly this place heard sounds from the rocks as if they were singing in the wind. In this reserve you will find rare animals as the chamois, the brown bear, and the golden eagle. Also roe deer, red deer, wild boar, wild cat and a big amount of rare birds are living in this area. The riding to the reserve is very varying as to the terrain and pace. The hilly paths and the open land on the top of the mountains are just created for big riding experiences. |
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ITINERARY
Day 1 - Saturday : Sofia
Meeting with the landlord/landlady in the airport and drive to the mountains (3h). Private accommodation in double/triple rooms. Dinner at guesthouse.
Day 2 - Sunday In the morning the riders choose their horse in the riding center and you ride out in the wonderful terrains around the little town of Aprilzy . We ride about 10 km and we will have a picnic near one of the rivers. After lunch and a rest we ride back to Riding base Balkan in different paces. We overnight and have dinner once again in the guesthouse in Aprilzy.
Day 3 - Monday
The trail starts in the morning and we ride in eastern direction through remote villages. At a creek we’ll eat our lunch and after about 6 hours in the saddles we reach the little village of Batoshevo. Here we dinner and overnight in the 13th century monastery.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Leaving the monastery this morning, we ride south through forests, fields and rivers. After about 45 minutes we come through the picturesque mountain villages of Stokite and Kupen, where we start to go up the mountains. A picnic break for lunch somewhere on the route and as the ground is perfect today for all kinds of paces we can speed up a bit.
About 6 hours ride over the Osenikovets (1044m) mountain to reach the mountain refuge of Todorcheta in the late afternoon for dinner and night.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Today we continue uphill through very ancient forests. After approx. 18 km we come to the mountain refuge «Partisanska Pesen» (meaning «song of the Partisan», situated at 1000m high. After lunch, we have different choices: explore the surroundings on foot, relax or have a ride in the prairies. Dinner and night at the mountain refuge in double rooms.
Day 6 - Thursday
We ride into the “Central Balkan National Park” and after about 1½ hours ride we are at mountain hut “Mazalat, where we eat lunch. After lunch into the reserve “The singing rocks” – and if the wind is blowing we’ll hear the rocks sing. Through the reserve there are two small distances of 10-20 meter where you have to stay off and lead the horse. Today you’ll ride about 25 km in 7 hours. We overnight in the mountain hut in 2-3 bedded rooms and shower/toilet on the floor. We enjoy the dinner at the fire and watch the sun going down behind the mountain peaks of the Maragidik (1889) and the mount Botev (2376m), the highest peak.
Day 7 - Friday
After breakfast we ride in the northern direction and the circle ride is closed. We ride down the mountains, leave the national park and come down in Aprilzy. The ride of the day is about 5 hours and we end in Riding base Balkan. We will have a farewell dinner and overnight in the same house as the first 2 nights.
Day 8 - Saturday : Sofia
After breakfast transfer back to Sofia airport for return flights or continuation of your stay.
Meeting with the landlord/landlady in the airport and drive to the mountains (3h). Private accommodation in double/triple rooms. Dinner at guesthouse.
Day 2 - Sunday In the morning the riders choose their horse in the riding center and you ride out in the wonderful terrains around the little town of Aprilzy . We ride about 10 km and we will have a picnic near one of the rivers. After lunch and a rest we ride back to Riding base Balkan in different paces. We overnight and have dinner once again in the guesthouse in Aprilzy.
Day 3 - Monday
The trail starts in the morning and we ride in eastern direction through remote villages. At a creek we’ll eat our lunch and after about 6 hours in the saddles we reach the little village of Batoshevo. Here we dinner and overnight in the 13th century monastery.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Leaving the monastery this morning, we ride south through forests, fields and rivers. After about 45 minutes we come through the picturesque mountain villages of Stokite and Kupen, where we start to go up the mountains. A picnic break for lunch somewhere on the route and as the ground is perfect today for all kinds of paces we can speed up a bit.
About 6 hours ride over the Osenikovets (1044m) mountain to reach the mountain refuge of Todorcheta in the late afternoon for dinner and night.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Today we continue uphill through very ancient forests. After approx. 18 km we come to the mountain refuge «Partisanska Pesen» (meaning «song of the Partisan», situated at 1000m high. After lunch, we have different choices: explore the surroundings on foot, relax or have a ride in the prairies. Dinner and night at the mountain refuge in double rooms.
Day 6 - Thursday
We ride into the “Central Balkan National Park” and after about 1½ hours ride we are at mountain hut “Mazalat, where we eat lunch. After lunch into the reserve “The singing rocks” – and if the wind is blowing we’ll hear the rocks sing. Through the reserve there are two small distances of 10-20 meter where you have to stay off and lead the horse. Today you’ll ride about 25 km in 7 hours. We overnight in the mountain hut in 2-3 bedded rooms and shower/toilet on the floor. We enjoy the dinner at the fire and watch the sun going down behind the mountain peaks of the Maragidik (1889) and the mount Botev (2376m), the highest peak.
Day 7 - Friday
After breakfast we ride in the northern direction and the circle ride is closed. We ride down the mountains, leave the national park and come down in Aprilzy. The ride of the day is about 5 hours and we end in Riding base Balkan. We will have a farewell dinner and overnight in the same house as the first 2 nights.
Day 8 - Saturday : Sofia
After breakfast transfer back to Sofia airport for return flights or continuation of your stay.
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EXTEND YOUR TRIP
It is possible to extend your stay in Bulgaria if you wish.
We suggest you to spend one extra night in Sofia to discover this beautiful city.
Consult us for any enquiry..
We suggest you to spend one extra night in Sofia to discover this beautiful city.
Consult us for any enquiry..
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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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 |
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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
All our riding guides are grown up in the mountains
with horses as a natural part of their daily life. Some of them have
an agricultural education with horses as a specialty - others are
autodidact.
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.
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
The trail is based on 7 nights.
Saturday and Sunday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation, shared double/triple rooms with private facilities.
Monday: Monastery.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Different mountain chalet shared 2-3 bedded with shared facilities (basic comfort).
Friday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation shared double/triple rooms with private facilities.
The trail is with full board during stay with lunch picnic, water, tea and coffea included (alcool beverages and soft drinks have to be paid directly)
The luggage is transported in a supporting vehicle and the riding guide is accompanying the party throughout the trail.
Saturday and Sunday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation, shared double/triple rooms with private facilities.
Monday: Monastery.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Different mountain chalet shared 2-3 bedded with shared facilities (basic comfort).
Friday: Overnight in Aprilzy - private accommodation shared double/triple rooms with private facilities.
The trail is with full board during stay with lunch picnic, water, tea and coffea included (alcool beverages and soft drinks have to be paid directly)
The luggage is transported in a supporting vehicle and the riding guide is accompanying the party throughout the trail.
DATES AND RATES
| Singing Rocks Reserve Trail 2010 | ||
| July 17 to 24 | 845 € |
fully booked |
| August 07 to 14 | 845 € |
3 spaces |
| September 18 to 25 | 845 € |
6 spaces |
| September 25 to October 02 * | 845 € |
disponible |
| October 02 to 09 | 845 € |
disponible |
| October 09 to 16 * | 845 € |
disponible |
| October 16 to 23 | 845 € |
fully booked |
The departure dates marked by an * can be combined with our trail rides in Hungary "In the green corridor of Somogy to the Croatian Border". If you wish to combine 2 weeks of trail riding, you will have to go to Hungary in the first week and come to Bulgaria on the second because of the transfer times.
| 2 weeks combination of the Hungarian and Bulgarian Trail 2010 | ||
| All dates above marked with an "*" | 2290 € |
available |
RATE INCLUDING
- 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
- transfers from and to airport
- drinks : tea, coffee, mineral water.
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Sofia,
- any other service,
- tips,
- extra drinks,
- visa if needed,
- optional insurance : more information.
Flights to Sofia
Please contact us.
Option
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.
- any other service,
- tips,
- extra drinks,
- visa if needed,
- optional insurance : more information.
Flights to Sofia
Please contact us.
Option
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.
| Hôtel in Sofia 2009 (per person, breakfast included) | ||
| 1 night in 3* hotel, double room basis | 50 € |
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| 1 night in 3* hotel in single room basis | 80 € |
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| 1 night in 4* hotel in double room basis | 75 € |
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| 1 night in 4* hotel in single room basis | 100 € |
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BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Anne for any enquiry !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Bulgaria
1 - Singing Rocks National Reserve
2 - Balkans and Valley of Roses Trail
LENGTH
From saturday to saturday
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback
Possibility to spend extra nights in Sofia before or after the trail.
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback
Possibility to spend extra nights in Sofia before or after the trail.
LANGUAGE
English, german and bulgarian.
GROUP SIZE
From 1 to 8 riders.
ACCESS
Sofia Airport.
Arrival on Saturday before 18.00 and departure on Saturday after 12.00. Pick up and drop off is arranged in the best possible way for all riders. (3 hours transfer)
Arrival on Saturday before 18.00 and departure on Saturday after 12.00. Pick up and drop off is arranged in the best possible way for all riders. (3 hours transfer)
CLIMATE
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.
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..
REFERENCE :
CH08-bulgarie-reserve_en
