Riding through three ages

8 days, 7 nights, 6 days riding

During our adventure the three mountains will reveal you the magic of their nature, history and ethnography. The Rhodopes, the most ancient mountain on the Balkan peninsula, will let you have a look in its mythical world. Galloping over miles of stunning views at the bottom of Slavyanka mountain you will enjoy magnificent scenery. The mighty Pirin mountain is soaring over the smallest Bulgarian historical town – Melnik. And you will be absorbed in the authentic atmosphere of the town nestling at the foot of the mountain. There you will have the chance to have a sip of our ancestors' sacred drink – wine. You will observe rare birds, wild animals and plant and endemic species.

Itinerary highlights:

• Riding through three mountains
• Accommodation in authentic houses
• Contact with local people, their way of life and culture
• Tasting the famous Melnik wine
• Visiting the historical town of Melnik
• Visiting the Rozhen monastery and the emblematic Rila Monastery

Itinerary description day by day:
Route: the village of Trigrad, the town of Dospat, the village of Dolen, the village of Hadji Dimovo, the village of Katuntsi, the town of Melnik

Day 1: Sofia - Trigrad Family hotel
Arrival in the village of Trigrad. On the way to the village you will ride through the famous Trigrad gorge long 7km and 250m of cliffs. Accommodation in a family hotel located in the highest part of the village of Trigrad. Meet your guides and the horses.

Day 2: Trigrad – Dospat Ride 5-6 hours Family hotel
After breakfast you mount your horse and and head to Videnitsa peak (1652m), where you will look around a Thracian sacred place dating from 2500 B.C. and an ancient Roman stronghold. Up on the peak you will enjoy the stunning views of Pirin mountain, Slavyanka mountain and the Greek mountain Bozdak. After a lunch break you will ride on to the town of Dospat where you will be accommodated in a cosy hotel.
Height difference: +500/-400m

Day 3: Dospat – Dolen Ride 5-6 hours Historical house
After breakfast you will ride along the crystal clear waters of Dospat Dam and over the crest of natural reserve Dikchan. After lunch break you will ride through the small village of Pletena near the village of Dolen, which is an architectural reserve and most of the houses are more than 150 years old. There you will be absorbed in the authentic atmosphere of the Rhodopes mountain, you will experience the rich folklore and ethnographic heritage of the Bulgarian people.
Height difference: +300/-600m

Day 4: Dolen - Hadji Dimovo Ride 5-6 hours 2 star hotel
Ride from Dolen across the valley of Mesta river to the village of Hadji Dimovo. Lunch – picnick in the countryside. Accommodation in a cosy hotel. Late in the afternoon you can walk or rest. Romantic dinner by the lit fireplace will be a perfect end of the day.
Height difference: +50/-300m

Day 5: Hadji Dimovo – Katuntsi Ride 6-7 hours 2 star Family hotel
Today's ride proceeds through ancient woods on the North-Western slopes of Slavyanka reserve, along an old caravan road to the village of Katuntsi. For lunch you will stop at the foot of Ali Botush peak. Accommodation in a family hotel in the village of Katuntsi. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Height difference: +/-800m

Day 6: Katuntsi – Melnik Ride 3-4 hours Historical house
Back in the saddle you head along the valley of Zlatolisti Potok river, passing the impressive Melnik natural sand pyramids and you will get to the smallest historical town of Melnik which is a cultural and historical reserve. Accommodation in one of the emblematic old Melnik houses built on the slopes of the sand pyramids. Lunch in an authentic tavern, taste wine maturing in the cellar of the house which is cut out into the rock. Leisure time and walk round town. Dinner in the nice atmosphere tavern.
Height difference: +200/ -100m

Day 7: Melnik – Rozhen Monastery Ride 4-5 hours Historical house
Ride to the picturesque Rozhen Monastery dating from 13th century, with well-preserved wooden iconostases. On your way back to Melnik you will enjoy you last ride across the peak above the monastery with unforgettable panoramic views . Leisure time and wine tasting. Say goodbye to the horses. Farewell dinner in the tavern, lots of songs and dances.

Day 8: Melnik – Sofia
After breakfast – say goodbye to the guides and the horses. Departure from Melnik.

There is an optional offer for groups who transfer to Sofia airport after 5p.m. - visit Rila Monastery – the biggest and most picturesque monastery in Bulgaria.

Note – ArkanTours reserves the right to change the day’s itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control such as fallen trees, landslides or landslips caused by torrential rains, fenced off areas and other unexpected obstacles on the road.

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