Many and varied are the mountains in Bulgaria, but Teteven Balkan combines the best of them all - picturesque valleys with sparkling rivers and ancient forests with hidden meadows, high ridges and tops, crowned with rocky peaks revealing spectacular views, and villages scattered at the foothills, where life is lived with an old rhythm. This part of Stara Planina is loved by tourists for the preserved nature and for the pleasure of touching the authentic life of the local people: tasting homemade rakiya with homemade appetizers is an integral part of the experience. The horseback riding tour is diverse and combines horseback riding with seeing cultural sights and immersing in the atmosphere of this beautiful Bulgarian area. The trek runs in the relatively low part of Stara Planina - between 400 and 1100 m asl. You will ride along dirt roads and trails. The terrain is rugged and rocky in places, with an option to trot and canter. We spend between 4 and 6 hours in the saddle every day, and the duration of each ride in most days can be changed according to the abilities and will of the riders. Luggage is transported by car and the saddling is western or English. Apart from the overnight at a hotel in Teteven, all other nights we will stay at guest houses where the food is cooked by the hosts or in small rural restaurants. Thus, the contact with local culture is closer, and the impressions - are more vivid and immediate. Highlights: ♦ Stara Planina is the longest Bulgarian mountain, stretching from Bulgaria's western border to the Black Sea, dividing the country into two. Its old name is “the Balkans” from where the name of the Balkan Peninsula originates. Great part of Bulgaria's history is related to it. Fighters against the Ottoman rule hid in its forests. The Bulgarian spirit revived in its towns in the XVIII and XIX centuries. ♦ Central Balkan National Park covers the high central part of Stara Planina. On an area of 70,000 hectares ancient forests and many animals, including representatives of endangered species, find tranquility from the aggressive human impact. The best-preserved beech forest on the Balkan Peninsula is in the Boatin Reserve. The average age of the trees is 130 years. The reserve is protected under the UNESCO “Man and Biosphere” Program. ♦ The Glozhene Monastery „St. George“ was founded in the XIII century. It is situated on an extremely scenic place, perched on high cliffs from where a spectacular view is revealed. Vasil Levski - the Apostle of Freedom - found refuge in it in Turkish times. ♦ Etropole Monastery was founded in the XII century. It declined after the conquest by the Turks but at the end of the XVI century, it was restored and became one of the most important spiritual centers in the Bulgarian lands. The surrounding area of the monastery offers pleasant pastoral scenery and in immediate proximity to the monastery, the Varovitets waterfall is located. (optional) ♦ Saeva Dupka cave is one of the most beautiful Bulgarian caves. It is 205 meters long and over 1 million years old. Its five halls and numerous galleries are full of bizarre cave formations. It is illuminated and urbanized. Price includes: 4 hotel overnights with breakfast (two in Sofia and two in Teteven) rooms with private facilities; 3 in guest houses incl. breakfast (2 rooms sharing one toilet/bathroom) all meals acc. itinerary English-speaking guide and local guide saddled horses luggage transport airport transfers entrance fees to sites if any Not included: International flights drinks and meals not mentioned in the program tips (5 EUR per pers./per day) personal expenses