What our customers say....
Just to say this was a fabulous trail ride - through a beautiful diverse landscape including fast riding on plains, winding through shady forest and some stunning vistas/climbs. Can easily compete with better known European destinations and in my view far surpasses them as is less spoiled by intensive tourism.There was plenty of fast riding and excellent logistics with care and attention to detail throughout. The standards of the hotels and spa facilities were much higher than my expectations of Bulgaria. This was an exhiliarating ride with luxurious recovery available just when needed. I would definitely go back for the national park ride. Helen
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv airport (not later than 16 o clock) and transfer to Boutique complex Trakiec, which is situated in the countryside close to the Village of Zhitnisa. The transfer is aprox 90min .
The stable is situated in the central part of southern Bulgaria in the Thracian valley. This region is considered the sunniest one of the country with an average annual duration of sunshine reaching up to 1,750 hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities throught the whole year
Before dinner you can either enjoy the luxurious SPA area of the place ,take a walk around the equestrian facilities includeing a riding lesson or just enjoy the beautiful nature in the area.
DAY 2
After breakfast (Buffet),which is usually at 8.00 or 8.30 ,you will be transferred to the starting point of the trail, For this itinerary ,the horses are specially trucked early in the morning before your arrival .The starting point is a small stable situated aprox 35 min from your Equestrian hotel.
The riding day is around 4 hours and 30 min or 30km.The first half of the day is flatter with a lot of canter.We will be following Stryama river, until lunch where we will have a picnic beside the river bed.
The second half of the day is hilly with nice views towards the balakns,passing through a few beautiful lakes and some Thracians tombs dating back more than 2000 years.
DAY 3
Today we return the horses from where we started from a bit of different route,lunch would be at the same spot ,organized from the supporting vehicle with BBQ, inludeing wine ,beer .etc.4 hours and 30 min of riding
After the ride you would be taken back to the Boutique stable for your last night.A visit of the old town of Plovdiv is possible
DAY 4
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport, have in mind that your flight should be early than 12 oclock.
Prices
2 days riding and 3 nights accommodation plus all meals from £1095pp
Single room supplement £55 per night
2026 Dates
15 - 18 February
22 - 25 February
1 - 4 March
8 - 11 March
15 - 18 March
15 - 18 November
22 - 25 November
29 November - 01st December
6 - 9 December
13 - 16 December
20 - 24 December
27 - 31 December
If these dates don't suit you try our other Bulgarian trail rides: Rhodope Mountain Trail
For larger groups bespoke dates can be arranged.
Horses
We use an excellent selection of horse breeds: Trakehner, Shagya Arabian, english Thoroughbred and East Bulgarian horses. Horses are 15hh to 17hh and have been selected for all abilities of rider. Our horses are friendly, good tempered, not afraid of vehicles and are comfortable in populated areas. We use professional English type of tack.
For most nights of the trail the horses are tethered or corralled in fields nearby to your accommodation - they are used to this and it allows them to graze and to have some freedom of movement.
Riding Ability
Riders should be confident intermediate and above, happy to ride at walk, trot and canter in open country and for long distances. Some of the terrain is rough (and they sometimes trot over difficult ground) with trots and canters sometimes being fairly long. With this in mind, we only recommend the trail for riders who are confident and quite fit. You will be expected to brush and tack up your horses. We always recommend that you bring your own fitted hat.
Weight Limit
95kg / 210lbs / 15st
Minimum group size: 2
Maximum group size: 4
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation during the trail is clean and comfortable, primarily in hotels where rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Single rooms are available.
Single rooms are available at a supplement of £55 per night for the trail.
The accommodations have a WiFi connection.
Accommodation and itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and availability.
All meals are included during the trail and you can expect hearty local fare and the chance to try several traditional dishes. Meat and cheese are prevalent and bread is served with every meal, but vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Dinners are three courses and always start with the traditional salad of cucumber, tomatoes, onions, cheese and sometimes olives. Lunches are generally a picnic eaten from your saddlebag, including a sandwich, fruit, biscuit/cereal bar and water.
Travel Information
Guests can fly into Sofia or Plovdiv. The tour starts in Plovdiv but most guests fly to Sofia as there are a lot of flights into and out of the capital city.
Transfers are included from the two airports at set times. You should ideally arrive into Sofia no later than 16:00, in order to allow time for sightseeing in Plovdiv. On departure day your flight should not leave Sofia before 12:00. If you are coming into Plovdiv instead then please contact us for timings.
If you fancy a trail ride closer to home we have UK trail rides in the Brecon Beacons and a Castle Trail Ride in Scotland.
For special offers and up to date news please go to our home page.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.