3-Day Balkan Horse Ride for Intermediate Riders

Panorama views, century-old beech forests, hidden meadows and rippling brooks - these are the trademarks of Teteven Balkan - one of the most picturesque part of the Balkan range, just one hour drive from Sofia! This ride offers unique opportunity to get acquainted with the genuine rural life of the Balkan villages Golyam Izvor, Brusen, Cherni Vit and the town of Teteven. The riding is at a slower pace, some trotting and cantering is possible on some part of the trail but generally this ride is recommended for riders with limited riding experience. Another highlight of this intense itinerary is the visit to Saeva Dupka cave – a fascinating limestone cave where nature has shaped impressive formations over thousands of years.An optional tour to Etropole Monastery can be arranged after the ride on day 3

Highlights:
♦ The Glozhene Monastery “St. George” - founded in XIII century, it is situated on an extremely scenic place, perched on high cliffs from where a spectacular view is revealed. Vasil Levski - the Apostle of Freedom - found refuge in it in Turkish times.
♦ Etropole Monastery (optional) - the monastery was founded in the XII century. It declined after the conquest by the Turks but at the end of XVI century it was restored and became one of the most important spiritual centers in Bulgaria. The surrounding area of the monastery offers pleasant pastoral scenery and in immediate proximity to the monastery the Varovitets waterfall is located.
♦ Saeva Dupka cave - one of the most beautiful Bulgarian caves. It is 205 meters long and over one million year old. Its five halls and numerous galleries are full of bizarre cave formations. It is illuminated and urbanized.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia - Golyam Izvor - Glozhene Monastery
We leave Sofia and after an hour drive we reach our riding base Krivina in the village of Golyam Izvor, where we meet and get acquainted with our horses before we start our ride heading to Glozhene Monastery. The road passes through meadows and mixed forest. We will ascend the heights above the village where we will see the first beautiful view of the central ridge of Stara Planina and the town of Teteven surrounded by rocky peaks. Then, we will descend through an ancient beech forest at the end of which Glozhene Monastery is located. Perched on a high rock, it reveals an even more spacious view of the Danube plain. Back to Golyam Izvor for overnight. -/L/D.
4 hours riding

Day 2. Golyam Izvor - Cherni Vit - Teteven
The start of the trail passes through mixed forests. Then we get on top of unwooded ridge with beautiful 360 degrees view of the nearby mountains. We will continue along the ridge really soaking in the scenery in the beautiful trek. After we will finally descent to the village of Cherni Vit. In the afternoon we will have a trip by car to Saeva Dupka cave , known for its beautiful formations. Overnight hotel in Teteven. B/-/-
3-4 hours riding

Day 3. Cherni Vit - Brusen - Golyam Izvor. Back to Sofia
We start with a morning transfer to Cherni Vit village where we have left the horses the previous day. On that last day we have a little bit of forest, some hills, slopes and a beautiful ridge to go through. Then a last scenery of Goliam Izvor, lunch and a transfer back to Sofia. B/-/- 
3-4 hours riding