Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria
Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria
Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Lyaskovo, Borino, Trigrad, Gela, Dedovo, Plovdiv
Tour operator:
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 6
Physical rating:
MediumHigh
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Budget, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$949
$902 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$47
Tour Overview
The Rhodopes, occupying the southern part of Bulgaria and part of Greece, are the homeland of the mythological singer Orpheus. This ride spends 6 days of riding in this enchanting mountain – the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, unique rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The western part of the Rhodopes where our ride takes place, offers a variety of terrains in which one can experience of all types of riding and paces. We visit remote villages, stay with local people enjoying their hospitality, local food and excellent wines. We spend also some time in Plovdiv - Europe's oldest inhabited city and 2019 European Capital of Culture
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Transfer to our hotel in Sofia for overnight.
Day 2 : Lyaskovo
Location: Lyaskovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drive to Lyaskovo in the Rodopi mountains (2,5 hours) where we meet the horses. Afternoon ride in the vicinity of Lyaskovo. Stay overnight with a local family in their guest house enjoying local Rodopean specialties and bagpipe music.(hours in the saddle: 3)
Day 3 : Lyaskovo - Borino
Location: Borino
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we start our trail heading South-West and reaching the SPA town and municipality center Devin for lunch. The ride in the afternoon continues to the small village of Borino, where we spend the night in a family guest house. (hours in the saddle: 6-7)
Day 4 : Borino - Trigrad
Location: Trigrad
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The journey continues on into the heart of "Mursalitsa" National Park. . We ride towards the village of Trigrad. The trail offers stunning views over Trigrad Gorge - a canyon made of vertical marble rocks. In the afternoon we visit Devil's Throat Cave, a spectacular sight and a popular attraction. (hours in the saddle: 6)
Day 5 : Trigrad - Gela
Location: Gela
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we start early as the trek today is a bit longer. It will take us to the ancient Chairski Lakes, surrounded by meadows full with orchids in summer. Passing through the picturesque village of Mougla we end the ride above the village of Gela. (hours in the saddle: 6);
Day 6 : Gela
Location: Dedovo
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The village of Gela is located at approximately 1500 m above the sea level just at the foot of the most impressive peaks of the Rhodope Mountains - Grand Perelik (2191 m), Orpheus (2188 m) and Tourlata (1825 m). Scattered among 7 different hamlets, the village of Gela seems to have changed little over the last few hundred years. A legend associated with the history of the area says that it is the birthplace of Orpheus who came to search for Eurydice in the nearby Devil's Throat cave. Every summer the village hosts a National Bagpipe Festival.
Here we spend two nights in a family run guest house. The terrain is perfect for long trots and canters and we ride to the nearby villages Solishta and Stikul. Free afternoon to relax or take a short tour to the famous village Shiroka Luka, visiting the local museum and school for folk music. (hours in the saddle:3-4)
Day 7 : Gela - Lyaskovo - Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Time to get back. Following the ridges of Mursalitsa we reach the quarters of Devin, then continue to Lyaskovo, where the trek ends. We say good bye to our horses and drive back to Plovdiv (1.5 hours) where we spend the night at a hotel in the old town. (hours in the saddle: 6);
Day 8. Departure
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: No Meals
Transfer to Sofia airport for departure. B/-/-
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
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Saddled Horses
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Luggage transport
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Entrance Fees
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Riders need to be fit and capable of being comfortable with trots and canters in open countryside.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
There is a minimum age of 12 for children on this trail.
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Can I bring my riding hat?
We recommend bringing your own riding hat. There are some available ones to borrow, there are limited sizes. Hats are not mandatory in Bulgaria.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, on request
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.
Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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