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5 Day Wild Riding Holiday in Rila National Park, Bulgaria
Hotel Rusaliite, village of Bachevo, municipality of Razlog, Blagoevgrad province, Bulgaria
Wild Bulgarian holiday on horseback
This listing has one of the 10 most popular offers available in in Bulgaria
Are you looking for a wild adventure on horseback? Join Rusaliite and escape to the hеart of the magnificent Pirin and Rila National Parks in Bulgaria's highest mountains. Each day will take you to a unique trail to explore the nature, wildlife and local history. Nothing can replace the pleasure of riding on the mountain with beautiful views, fresh air, the quiet walk of the horse or wild canter through green meadows and clear streams, discovering the secrets of the ancient forest. Savor your unforgettable horse riding holiday and make your dreams will come true!
Key Information
- Rider weight limit: 90 kilograms
- Horse Height Range: 1.45m - 1.75m
- Tack Type: English and Western
- Horse Breed: Arab, English-Arab, Eastern Bulgarian, Karakachan, and Painted
Meet the instructors
Nadia & Philip
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Highlights
- Visit historical nature sights
- Ride in Rila and Pirin National parks
- 4 days ride in nature, different trail every day
- 4 nights accommodation in cosy private room with mountain or nature view
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with organic local products
- English speaking guides
- Drinks with meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
4 days with instruction in Bulgarian
The organizer also speaks: English, Russian
Group size: Maximum of 8 participants
Airport transfer available:
Sofia Airport (US$ 115 per person)
Sofia Airport (US$ 115 per person)
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
08:00
Check-out Time:
18:00
Facilities
- Horse riding
- Barbeque facilities
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Restaurant
- Conference room
- Free parking
- Tour assistance
- Wireless internet
You will be staying at the cozy hotel “Rusaliite” which is a part of Adventure House Rusaliite resort. This is an ideal place for relaxing after the horse riding or skiing. The Adventure House Rusaliite is situated in the midst of three mountains and two national parks - Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope on a territory of 1.2 hectares, close to a crystal clear mountain stream, where starts a trail to Rusaliite peak.
The Adventure House Rusaliite is a suitable place for sport, recreation, entertainment and outdoor activities. The summer garden hosts a playground for children, a mini wildlife reserve with exotic animals and a barbeque on the riverbank. The hotel offers twin rooms, suites, family rooms, a conference hall, a large common terrace and a restaurant where traditional Bulgarian organic food is served. There is a free parking and Wi-Fi connection on the hotel territory.
Program
Bulgaria is famous for its diverse nature and big wild mountains. Enjoy riding on the colorful trails of Pirin and Rila Nature Parks in the two highest mountains of Bulgaria. This vacation is ideal for both single, couples and group bookings as the groups will be kept small and create a warm friendly atmosphere. You will meet like-minded people and have new friends by the end of your stay. Rusaliite Adventure Holidays aims to provide a value for a horse riding vacation that feels like a dream come true. All your needs will be well taken care of so that you can enjoy a stress-free holiday in the heart of the mountain.
Superb riding location
The terrain is diverse - steep hills and flat gallop meadows, twisting forest trails and wide opened landscapes that reveals the character of the magnificent hills around. You will explore the wildlife and learn about our flora and fauna and the history of the land from our guides.
The horses
Rusaliite currently has 18 well-trained horses of the breeds English-Arab, Arab, East Bulgarian, Karakachan, and Paint. The horses are kept free in large paddocks that include meadows, small forest and a creek. In winter they sleep inside their warm and cosy stable. Our horses are part of the family and their welfare is a priority. Most of the horses are born here and form a united family group.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Rusaliite offers transfer from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Bachevo Village for additional price. On your way from the airport, upon request and additional excursion price, you can visit Rila Monastery. According to your arrival time, you may have a short introducing ride around Rusaliite Adventure House area and later you will have a delicious dinner in the evening.
Day 2: Forest ride
You will meet the morning with a traditional Bulgarian breakfast and locally gathered herbal tea and/or a hot coffee. Then you will enjoy a forest ride visiting Rila National Park. Later delicious organic dinner will be served in our restaurant.
Day 3: Forest ride
You will savour breakfast, then experience a forest horse riding to St. George chapel which is resting on a Thracian sanctuary. Dinner and local beverages will be served in Rusaliite restaurant.
Day 4: Forest ride
On day four after breakfast the horse ride will take you to village of Godlevo, under Radonov Grob peak (grave of Radon). It is a very interesting area with cold water to drink and a good place for picnic. We will have lunch on the way during a break detween the tide. Later you will savor dinner with “green” homemade food produced in the organic local farms and in the garden of Rusaliite Adventure House.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast you will be taken to the bus station in Razlog or can be transferred upon request to Sofia Airport for your return flight.
During each day you will either have a prepacked lunch or a noon break at the base followed by an afternoon ride.
Non-riders
Non-riders are welcome to take part of all the non-riding activities and excursions. The area can be a good base for non-riding vacations as it has many sights and attractions available - bask at the mineral swimming pool in Banya village, visit the famous historical and cultural sites around Razlog and Bansko, visit the Dancing Bear's sanctuary in Beliza and Pirin Nature Park.
Rusaliite Adventure House can also arrange hiking for you in the pristine forests of the Rila and Pirin Mountains abundant with berries, herbs, and mushrooms. There are two chapels built in this part of the mountain, one of which is built on an ancient Thracian sanctuary. If all you want is relax in peace and quiet around nature - Rusaliite Adventure House is the place for you.
Important information
- Advanced and intermediate riders can ride without instructor only on the territory of the base.
- Advanced and intermediate riders can ride out of the base with one or more guides according to size of the group.
- Beginners receive riding lessons and ride in the base and out always accompanied by one or several instructors according to the size of the group.
- If this is your first time on horseback, you can count on calm horse and experienced instructor who is constantly by your side.
- For advanced riders, challenges are numerous: rugged terrain, open meadows, diverse forest trails, crossing rivers, hidden little paradise spots in the forest and breathtaking landscapes. You will ride along with an experienced instructor who knows the mountain like his/her own back yard.
Included excursions
For Advanced Riders, Rusaliite offers extreme and fun ride with a lot of canter, gallop, river crossing, and many diverse trails.
For Intermediate and Beginner Riders, Rusaliite offers lessons and trail ride considered with each rider's individual level.
All riders are welcome (but not required) to take part in tacking up and untacking their horses if they wish. We can teach how.
For non-riders:
- Archery lessons
- Off road safari to St. George's chapel, Karakachan huts and Rila National park, where you will meet your horse riding companion
- Visit of mineral pool and SPA centre in Banya (entrance fee included)
- Visit of Bansko old town and city centre
Instructors
Nadia Popova
Nadia is born and raised in Sofia. Did a lot of hiking and tourism in Bulgarian nature while growing up. Studied fine arts and English, and later Graphic design at university. Work with horses and riding tourism for 15 years, certified riding instructor, and an FEI Endurance judge. Experienced riding racehorses in the UK. Her biggest passion is animals and nature, also interested in sports - fencing, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc., and traveling around the world.
Philip Popov
Born in Bachevo, studied in Technical univercity of Sofia. Certified horse riding instructor and judge, professional climber, ski instructor. Has 30 years of equestrian experience. Interested in exotic birds, hiking and camping - traveled in all Bulgarian mountains. Inherited the love for animals from his mother, who is a zoo technician.
Location
This horse riding holiday will take place at Hotel Rusaliite in Bachevo Village, Razlog Municipality, Blagoevgrad District, Bulgaria. Rila national park is one of the youngest Bulgarian parks covering half of the mountain and famous with the Seven Rila Lakes. Meanwhile, Pirin national park was created in 1976 because of the unique nature of the mountain. Given its exceptional value beyond the borders of Bulgaria in 1983, UNESCO decided to declare Pirin National Park as “World Heritage” site under the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Both Parks are Natura 2000 zones according to the Bird and Habitat EU Directives.
Distances
- Ski resort of Bansko, 15 kilometers
Features
Activities
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Mountain walking
General
- Barbeque facilities
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Restaurant
Services
- Conference room
- Free parking
- Tour assistance
- Wireless internet
Food
You will be served traditional homemade meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the restaurant of Adventure House Rusaliite. The restaurant has indoors sitting area as well as a summer garden. We offer both modern and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Organic
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Hiking in the pristine forests of Rila and Pirin mountains
- Walking to nearby natural and historical sights and phenomena - natural pools carved into the rock by the river, rock climbing spots, Flower garden trail, rock of St. George, Thracian sanctuaries and many others.
Depending on the season there are many activities that can fill your time. Rusaliite provides transport to nature and cultural sights, and museums upon request and at additional cost.
- Dancing bear sanctuary of Belitsa - sanctuary for rescued brown bears created with the help of Brigitte Bardot and Four Paws.
- Baikushev's mura - the oldest pine tree in Bulgaria, it grows in Pirin mountain, close to Vihren hut under Vihren peak
- Mineral pools in the village of Bania - a close by village with inside and outside mineral swimming pools
- Church of Godlevo - ancient church with incredible history, written in paintings all over the walls
- Rafting on the Maritsa River - one of the biggest rivers in Bulgaria, perfect for calm or wild rafting
- Hiking in Rila or Pirin mountains - a private guide will take you to the best spots and peaks of the greatest mountains
- Ski and snowboard - practice winter sports in Bansko just half-hour away from Rusaliite resort! The diverse slopes allow both beginners and advanced to enjoy their favorite sport
- Mountain bike - try real mountain bike on the magnificent hills in the resort of Borovets
- Massage and Spa - you can get partial or full body massage after a ride or skiing to relax and tone up your body and spirit for the next adventure
Spa treatments
Massages upon request and additional price.
What's included
- Approximate daily riding time 4-6 hours depending on guest's ability and weather condition
- 5 days of riding in the nature of Rila National Park
- Different trail every day
- Visit historical nature sights
- English speaking guides
- Delicious daily meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared from organic local products
- Drinks included
- 4 nights accommodation in a cosy private room or shared with your companion
What's not included
- Airport transfer
- Insurances - travel and medical support
How to get there
Recommended Airports
SOF
Sofia Airport
84 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 115 per person
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Sofia Airport (SOF).
Once landed at Sofia airport there are 3 options to arrive at the ranch:
- rent a car
- take a bus
- traventuria.com shuttle
- request airport transfer from your hosts
Rent a car:
- Search in Google maps / other navigation system for "Adventure house Rusaliite".
- GPS:
- N 41° 56' 15,0''
- E 23° 25' 51,8''
Transfer from and to Sofia airport is available upon request and additional price:
- 1 - 2 passenger - 110 EUR
- 3 - 4 passengers - 150 EUR
- 5 - 8 passengers - 300 EUR
The prices are per direction.
Arrival by bus:
The cheapest way is to take a bus, ticket is 8 EUR per direction. From the airport take a taxi or underground train to Central bus station in Sofia and jump on a bus to town of Razlog. Your hosts will pick you up from there. Please note that the last bus leaves at 16:45 from Sofia.
Traventuria.com shuttle - need to book in advance. Get a ticket to Razlog. Your hosts will pick you up from there.
Airport: Sofia Airport
Airport transfer available:
Sofia Airport (US$ 115 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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