Riding and SPA in Bulgaria

Land of Gods and Emperors - Riding and SPA in Bulgaria
2009 prices
• 5-8 riders 1177 €
• 4 riders 1 345 €
• 3 riders 1 643 €

Sredna Gora mountain
8 days, 7 nights, 6 days riding

You will embark on an experience beyond comparison! You will combine the pleasure of riding through one of the most picturesque Bulgarian mountains – Sredna Gora with the healing power of the mineral water that springs out of its womb. You will ride back in time to the mystical world of the Thracians and the great Roman Empire, the heroism in Bulgarian history and the Renaissance spirit. You will ride past the aromatic fields of oil-bearing rose and lavender, past Thracian mound temples and Roman ruins. All this is combined with spa procedures and relax treatment.

Itinerary highlights:
Smooth and picturesque terrain allowing faster pace
Visitn the biggest mound temple on the Balkan peninsula dating from VI – IV century B.C.
SPA procedures with healing, warm mineral water
Becoming familiar with the Bulgarian history and culture

About the horses:
They are an excellent and extremely suitable for the riding terrain selection of Shagya Arabian and Eastern Bulgarian breed. They are friendly and well trained. Height between 1,50 and 1,60 metres. The saddles are cavalry and Western type, the weight limit for the horse riders is 100kg.

Itinerary description day by day:
Route: the town of Hisar, the village of Byalo Kamane, the town of Koprivshtitsa, the town of Strelcha, the town of Hisar

Day 1: Sofia - Hisar 4-star spa hotel
Transfer from Sofia airport to the ancient town of Hisar famous for its warm mineral springs and historical monuments from the time of the Roman Empire. Accommodation in a spa hotel with running mineral water in the rooms and spa centre. Meet your guides and the horses. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2: Hisar – Byalo Kamane Ride 4-5 hours 2-star hotel
After breakfast you mount your horse and your journey begins with a visit of a Thracian sacred complex near the village of Starosel. Look around the temples and lunch beside them. After lunch ride to the hotel „Byalo Kamane“. Accommodation and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: Byalo Kamane - Koprivshtitsa Ride 3-4 hours 3-star hotel
Today's ride will take you to the Renaissance historical town of Koprivshtitsa located in the picturesque valley along the Topolnitsa River, in the heart of Sashtinska Sredna Gora. You will be absorbed in the authentic atmosphere, going back in time walking the paved streets and visiting the Renaissance museum houses. Accommodation in a hotel from which you can enjoy a view of the whole town and the mountain. Dinner in the tavern of the hotel.

Day 4: Koprivshtitsa - Strelcha Ride 5-6 hours 2-star spa hotel
After breakfast – ride on the mountain crest with fantastic views of the oil-bearing rose valley. In the foot of the mountain the resort town of Strelcha awaits you. Accommodation in a spa hotel where you can enjoy spa procedures in mineral water and massages. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: Strelcha Ride 3-4 hours 2-star spa hotel
Today's ride will take back in time visiting Thracian ritual temples near the town, dating from 4-6century B.C. After a short lunch break outdoors you will go back to the hotel for a thorough rest and spa procedures. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 6: Strelcha - Hisar Ride 5-6 hours 4-star spa hotel
After breakfast you will mount you horse again to enjoy the smooth terrain which allows faster pace. Lunch will be in a wine cellar in the village of Starosel where you can sip our ancestor's sacred drink – wine. After a rest you will ride on to the town of Hisar. Accommodation in a spa hotel and dinner.

Day 7: Hisar Ride 3-4 hours 4-star spa hotel
Full of museums and archaeological finds from the time of the Thracians and the Roman Empire, the town calls you for a walk which will take you back in time amidst Roman baths, aqueducts, strongholds and fortification walls. In the afternoon you will have the chance to dip in the healing mineral waters. Farewell dinner in the hotel.

Day 8: Hisar – Sofia
After breakfast – say goodbye to the guides and the horses. Transfer to Sofia airport.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Etna Tour Ltd.
10, Tri Ushi Str., Sofia, Bulgaria
tel./fax: +359 2 987 05 82
cell: +359 886 836041, +359 886 836051
[Email hidden]
www.etnatour.bg