MELNIK CULTURE AND WINE TRAIL - BULGARIA
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This is a one way point to point trip along the Greek border covering three distinct mountains and ethnographic Bulgarian areas: the Rhodopes, Slavyanka and Pirin mountains. As well as having the opportunity to see many rare birds, wild animals and endemic plants, you can feel the magic of the smallest Bulgarian Town museum of Melnik, famous for its fine red wines and visit the Rojen Monastery and the emblematic Rila Monastery.
The riding is excellent with fit horses and ever changing scenery and pace. Accommodation is in nice guest houses en-route.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - MELNIK CULTURE AND WINE TRAIL
Day 1
Arrival and transfer. On the way to Trigrad you will pass through the thrilling Trigrad Gorge, 7 Kilometers long, enclosed with rock walls as high as 250 meters.
Upon arrival there is an option to visit the Devil’s Throat cave. This cave is over 300,000 year old with 350 m. long route which passes through “Buchashtata Zala “(the Roaming Hall). According to the legend, this is where Orpheus went down to the Kingdom of Underworld, in search of his beloved Eurydice. While climbing almost 60 m long stairs inside the cave curving among the waterfall, you can see one of the highest underground waterfalls in the Balkan Peninsula (60m high).
Accommodation is in afamily operated hotel, located on a hillside with a view toward the valley surrounded by tall mountain peaks, and an ancient curving Roman road.
Day 2
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Trigrad through a beautiful pine forest to the Videnitsa peak (1652 m). On the very top of the peak the riders will see a Thracian sanctuary and the ruins of an ancient Roman stronghold. A ride through the village of Zmeitsa to the town of Dospat. Accommodation in the town of Dospat, at a cozy hotel with a very picturesque location, overlooking the Dospat Lake and the mountain. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. A ride from the town of Dospat past the crystal waters of the Dospat Lake, along the ridge of the Rhodopean part,called Zvezden Balkan (Star Mountain) to the Hissar gulch.
Break and lunch in a wooden shelter, beautifully situated among the pine-trees. A ride via the small village of Pletena to the village of Dolen, which is a unique architectural preserve. Accommodation in the village of Dolen: in about 250 year old house with the preserved simplicity and coziness of the authentic architecture and atmosphere of past time's. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 4
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Dolen through a valley of Mesta river to the village of Sadovo. Picnic lunch and a short break. Possibility for camping or accommodation at the hotel in the village of Marchevo. In the afternoon - free time for rest and sightseeing till dinner. Dinner and wine served by the campfire, you could hardly dream of a better end of the day. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 5
After breakfast - a ride from village of Sadovo along the north-western slopes of Slavianka mountain, near the village of Nova Lovcha to the village of Katunci. Accommodation in the village of Katunci. In the afternoon - free time for rest and sightseeing. Dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere by the fireplace. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 6
After breakfast - a ride from the village of Katunci along the beautiful Katunci's pass formed from Pirin and Slavyanka mountains ridge through the village of Katunci to the town-museum of Melnik. Accommodation in the town of Melnik. Dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 7
After breakfast - a ride the from town of Melnik to the famous Rojen monastery and after that to the town of Melnik. Lunch and a short break - in the vicinity of Rojen monastery. Accommodation in Melnik - in a typical old house. Wine tasting and free time. Dinner in wine-celler. Riding - about 5 hours.
Day 8
After breakfast tranfer to the airport. If the earliest flight departure time of the group is past 5:00 pm (17:00h), riders will have the opportunity of visiting and taking a tour of one of the ancient, most remarkable and the largest monasteries in Bulgaria – The Rila Monastery. Established in the 9th century, this architectural and cultural monument has rich heritage of mediaeval and revival art: icons, church plate, prints and embossed gospels and embroidered vestments. The Rila Monastery is a national monument of culture and an invaluable national treasure.
Please note: Itineraries are for guidance only and we reserve the right to make changes in the daily riding schedule and route, considering the safety of our riders, current conditions of the trail, weather factors, or other unforeseen and local circumstances.
NOTES - MELNIK CULTURE AND WINE TRAIL
Prices for groups smaller than 6 at the time of booking:
2 riders + 25%
3 riders + 17%
4 riders + 9%
SOFIA
Sofia is definitely worth a visit. We recommend a few nights to explore the old churches, antique markets with Soviet and WWII relics, art and ethnic museums as well as almost Viennese coffee and cake shops. The best place to stay is the Sveta Sofia hotel which is located in the heart of Sofia on the main pedestrian road. We can book additional nights in this hotel for £77 per double room, £68 per single room.
GETTING TO Sofia Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation and meals starting with dinner the first night and ending with breakfast the last day, mineral water with meals, transfers, all riding as described, English speaking guide, back up vehicle.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Drinks including wine-tasting (€3 per session), entrance fees for caves, museums, and other sightseeing, tips and items of a personal nature.
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