Enduro Tour Enduro ride in the kingdom of Orpheus

Strong emotions. Getting over dirt roads leading you to natural and archaeological reserves in the oldest mountain in Europe – The Rhodopes mountain. Together we will rediscover the Thracian world. Picturesque mountain ridges and rivers, rock phenomena in strange shapes, Thracian sacred places, megalithic monuments, ancient rock observatories will take you to this mythical world.

Itinerary highlights:

* Strong emotions from riding on dirt roads;
* Rich variety of Thracian rock sanctuaries, megalithic monuments, ancient observatories; observation of rare birds (vultures), rare plants and animals;
* Visiting the Thracian complex 'Perperek'; Visiting and spending the night in the Ethnographic complex 'Zlatograd';
* The 18th century church with unique architecture and icons in the village of Dolen;
* The historical town of Melnik; the picturesque Rozhen Monastery near Melnik;
* Visiting the natural reserves 'Shabanitsa', 'Kazanite', 'Kastrakly'

Itinerary description day by day:

Route: the village of Trigrad, the Ethnographic complex 'Zlatograd', the village of Trigrad, the village of Dolen, the town of Melnik, the village of Trigrad

Day 1: Sofia - Trigrad Accommodation: family hotel

Arrival transfer from Sofia Airport to 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 – Ethnographic complex 'Zlatograd' Accommodation: Renaissance house

After breakfast ride to the protected area 'Chairsky Ezera' famous for its seven natural lakes. Head to the authentic Rhodopean villages of Mugla and Mogilitsa and the near-by architectural and historic monument 'Agushevi konatsi'. The ride back in time goes on with a visit of the Thracian complex 'Perperek' which has a rich archaelogical and historical heritage from the Thracian, Roman-Byzantine and Proto-Bulgarian civilizations. The last ride of the day is to the most southern Bulgarian town – Zlatograd. Accommodation and dinner in the Ethnographic complex 'Zlatograd'

Day 3: Ethnographic complex 'Zlatograd' – Trigrad Accommodation: family hotel

Today you will have the chance to touch the stars during the visit of the astronomical observatory Rozhen. You will enjoy the Bulgarian Rhodopean song when passing the cradle of the folklore music – the town of Shiroka Luka. Enjoy the virgin nature of the Rhodopes mountain when you cross the mountain ridge Muraslitsa up to the village of Trograd. Accommodation and dinner in the 'Sivilyak' family hotel.

Day 4: Trigrad – Dolen Accommodation: historical house

Today's route will take you to the architectural reserve – the village of Dolen where 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. Accommodation and dinner in an old authentic house.

Day 5: Dolen – Melnik Accommodation: historical house

Back on the bikes. Through the ancient woods ride down to the valley of Mesta River. In the afternoon cross the impressive Melnik natural sand pyramids and reach the smallest historical town in Bulgaria, which is a cultural and historic reserve. Accommodation in one of the emblematic old Melnik houses built on the slopes of the sand pyramids. Dinner in the nice atmosphere tavern.

Day 6: Melnik – Trigrad Accommodation: family hotel

Say good-bye to the mighty Pirin mountain and enter the ancient woods on the North-Western slopes of Slavyanka reserve. And then the hospitable Rhodopes mountain will welcome you again and take you to the village of Trigrad.

Day 7: Trigrad

Today you will discover the magic and beauty of the protected areas near the village – the nature reserves Shabanitsa, Kazanite, Kastrakly. Farewell dinner in the tavern, with lots of songs and dances.

Day 8: Trigrad – Sofia Airport

After breakfast – say goodbye to the guides. Departure from Trigrad.

2009 prices

* 5-8 riders 738 €
* 4 riders 790 €
* 3 riders 863 €
Etna Tour Ltd.
10, Tri Ushi Str., Sofia, Bulgaria
tel./fax: +359 2 987 05 82
cell: +359 886 836041, +359 886 836051
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www.etnatour.bg