Arrival at Zdravets Horse Riding Centre at 9:00. Until 9:15 – briefing and getting to know the horses. Next comes a visit to St. Nikolay Monastery, where a 528-year-old tree grows in the courtyard, and an introduction to the history of the area, which dates back to Thracian times (excavations by Daniela Agre). At 10:15 we set off towards Urvich Fortress. After about an hour of riding uphill, the route passes below Gradishteto Fortress. Dry-stone masonry was found in its foundations – the way the Thracians built before the Common Era. The skilful use of the natural slope, typical of these tribes’ construction, is striking. This fortress is part of a defensive system of the Thracians, unique for its time, made up of 10 fortresses built this way. From it you can see the whole Botevgrad valley spread out like the palm of your hand, and it has a line of sight to the other fortresses. After reaching the foot of the fortress, the descent begins. After about 40 minutes of riding we stop for a short rest in the cool of the forest. After the break we pass the house of Busko the dwarf, who lives in the forest and keeps goats. Around 12:30 we reach the foot of the fortress at Urvichka Polyana and stop for a rest and a delicious lunch. At 13:30 the climb begins, and after about 20 minutes of riding we reach the fortress. After exploring it, we head back across the mountain. We return to the centre at around 17:30.
Approximate riding time: about four and a half hours
Route difficulty: moderate
Arrival at Zdravets Horse Riding Centre at 9:00. Until 9:15 – briefing and getting to know the horses. Next comes a visit to St. Nikolay Monastery, one of the 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria, where a 528-year-old tree grows in the courtyard, and an introduction to the history of the area, which dates back to Thracian times. At 10:30 we set off towards the Brusen hunting estate. Around 12:00 we arrive at the estate for a rest and lunch. From 13:00 to 14:30 we meet the animals on the estate and take souvenir photos. The trek continues, arriving at RIU Pravets at around 17:30.
Approximate riding time: about four and a half hours
The route is not demanding – both experienced and beginner riders can enjoy it
Meeting point at 9:00 at RIU Pravets hotel. Until 9:15 – briefing and getting to know the horses, then we set off towards the eco trail, which we reach after about an hour and twenty minutes of riding. A short rest follows, then a walk along the trail through the beautiful forest with well-kept resting spots. Around 12:30 we arrive at Pravets Monastery, a wonderful place with a beautiful view, where a delicious lunch awaits the group. After the lunch break we explore the monastery, and then, blessed by the remarkable Grandfather Yoan and full of positive energy, the group returns to RIU Pravets hotel at around 17:00.
Approximate riding time: about four and a half hours. The route is not demanding – both experienced and beginner riders can enjoy it
Arrival at Zdravets Horse Riding Centre at 9:00. Until 9:15 – briefing and getting to know the horses. From 9:15 to 10:30 – riding lesson. Then a break for a cup of forest tea by the hearth where it has just been brewed, with pleasant stories about the history, customs and way of life of the Bulgarians of that time. We continue with archery. We will shoot a Proto-Bulgarian reflex bow from the ground. Its size and shape are completely different from the English bows we know. It is made so that it can be shot from horseback. To travel back to the time of the ancient Bulgarians, our lunch menu will come from traditional Bulgarian cuisine. In the afternoon we continue riding, and after a short break with homemade banitsa, we bring together everything we have learned by shooting the bow from the horse, until 17:00.
After arriving in Sofia, transfer to Zdravets centre to settle in and rest briefly. Getting to know each other on the eve of the exciting experience ahead, a few guidelines and the first outlines of the fairy tale that is about to come true. Dinner features dishes from delicious traditional local cuisine to the sound of authentic horse music in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast with hot, fragrant tea, and the group heads to the stables to meet the horses and enjoy a short ride in the arena. We leave the centre and visit St. Nikolay Monastery, dating from the 2nd century, when the area was built up with many Roman villas. A hearty lunch gives strength for the first more serious trek in terms of time and terrain. A three-hour ride to the foot of the area with the historic Urvich Fortress and check-in at a hotel for the night. Dinner at the original hotel complex, which charms with its cosiness in this remote, secluded spot in nature.
After a tasty breakfast we tour the old landmarks – the rock church, the partly restored fortress walls and the 10-metre water cistern. The historic pride of the area, however, is Urvich Fortress, dating from the 6th century BC, which played an important role during the Second Bulgarian Empire. The rock inscription of sebastos Ognyan records the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule. From Urvich Fortress an old Roman road leads to an authentic monastery school, also preserved from the time of the Second Bulgarian State. Then it is time to head back – but not before a unique picnic on the bank of the picturesque local river. The afternoon ride to the hotel follows mountain trails over beautiful hills and lovely Balkan valleys with meadows full of wildflowers. Dinner and time to relax before the next full day.
A mountain trek to a centuries-old reserve protected by UNESCO. Its flora and fauna make for a truly memorable ride. Another original picnic by the campfire. In the early afternoon the group rides on to the ancient Chekotina Monastery. Set in a secluded spot, it immediately captivates with its biblical, old and gentle atmosphere. Check-in at the guest quarters and a tour of the monastery, whose peace and harmony soon pass on to its visitors. An unforgettable dinner with a fragrant monastery stew.
In a light canter along the mountain ridge, alternating with a walk to rest and enjoy the natural gifts of the magnificent forest we ride through, we reach the resort of Pravets. A visit to the birthplace museum of Todor Zhivkov, a long-time leader in modern Bulgarian history, is planned. The overnight stay is at the well-known Pravets Monastery, set in a beautiful mountain area.
A delicious breakfast, and the group sets off on the way back to the centre, with the beautiful panoramic views adding to the emotions. The varied terrain on this route offers a last chance to show different riding skills during a lively canter, a steady trot or an elegant walk. Dinner is at the centre, where this thrilling experience began a week earlier. A farewell party crowns the programme.
After packing and breakfast, the group is taken to Sofia, from where everyone heads home with a touch of nostalgia, but also with the uplifting hope that these unforgettable days were not a dream, but real experiences that can come true again and again…
After arriving in Sofia, the group is transferred to Zdravets centre to settle in. The hours until evening are free for rest and a walk around the area. There is time for the participants to get to know each other before the shared experience, and for the necessary short briefing. As for the details of the journey – they are part of the surprise in the adventure ahead. Dinner features traditional local dishes accompanied by national folk music.
Early in the morning, refreshed after a hearty breakfast and hot herbal tea, the riders head together to the stables to meet the horses and take an active part in preparing them for the trek. After a short ride in the arena, the group leaves the centre. The first landmark on this route is the Monastery of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, dating from the 2nd century, when the area was built up with many Roman villas. Lunch is here, before the serious three-hour ride to the historic Urvich area. Dinner and the overnight stay are at the hotel built at the foot of the hill – an original hotel complex that, like an oasis, appears unexpectedly before the riders in the middle of the forest.
After a tasty breakfast we explore the remarkable antiquities – preserved fortress walls, a unique 10-metre water cistern and a rock church. Without doubt the greatest historic interest lies in Urvich Fortress, dating from the 6th century BC, which played an important role during the Second Bulgarian Empire. The inscription on the rock of sebastos Ognyan records the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule at the end of the 14th century. From Urvich Fortress the group heads to a nature reserve protected by UNESCO. Riding through the reserve is something special – beneath silent centuries-old trees, watched by all kinds of wildlife. Lunch is an improvised picnic in this charming place. The afternoon ride continues to the ancient Chekotina Monastery. Overnight stay in the monastery’s guest quarters, a tour of the monastery and dinner with a delicious monastery stew.
Riding along the river, which winds through lovely level terrain and offers a tempting chance to canter, accompanied by cheerful birdsong and the murmur of the water. This day is devoted entirely to riding through beautiful nature. The day ends with the group arriving and settling into a pleasant, cosy mountain hut above the river.
Riding through rugged terrain. The varied ground gives a chance to practise and show different riding skills. And before we know it, we reach the next unique site – a fully preserved monastery school from the time of the Second Bulgarian State. Tonight we sleep under the open sky, in tents around a campfire.
This day offers mountain riding along old Roman roads, past clear streams and over the ridges of lush, flowering hills. This is the way back to the centre. The remarkable blend of past and present adds the final emotional touches to the memories of the days gone by. Dinner and a hearty party.
After packing and breakfast, the group is taken to Sofia, from where everyone heads home with a touch of nostalgia, but also with the uplifting hope that these unforgettable days were not a dream, but real experiences that can come true again and again…
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