The name of the Rhodope mountain was known as early as antiquity. It was mentioned by Homer , Virgil and Ovid the most legendary authors of epic poems.
          The Rhodope is a mountain which delights all senses, the cristal clean air, the untouched nukes of beauty, the incredible natural phenomenons formed thousands of years ago and of course the echoing sound of the wonderful Rhodope song
         Have you heard the legend of Orpheus? The mythical singer who enchanted everyone with his music, people beasts and birds. He was born here In the Rhodope mountain and his whole life passed in these lands              

HIGHLIGHTS:
» Sightseeing tour of Europes oldest city and cultural capital of 2019- Plovdiv.Visiting Roman forums,Antique teatres,etnographic museums and more
» Guided tour of Bulgarias second biggest Ortodoxal monastery-Bachkovo
» Riding in different protected areas and natural reserves, namely Sredni Livadi, Rozhen meadosws ,Lakes of Momchilovtsi(swiming with horses)
» Visiting the Rocky Phenomenon Chudnite Mostove (The Wonderful Bridges)
» Fast gates
» Night observation in Europe highest astronomical observatory of Rozhen


KINGDOM OF ORPHEUS PANORAMA TRAIL
 
Day 1 - Saturday - Arrival
You will be met at Sofia airport (16:00 latest) and transferred to Plovdiv city which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria. This afternoon you will explore Plovdiv, finding traces of civilisation much older even than the Romans. The historic centre is more than 8000 years old and here you will visit the Ethnographic Museum and the ancient theatre, one of the best-preserved still in existence, as well as Roman Forum and the King Simeon Garden.
Dinner and overnight in the biggest Show jumping stable in south Bulgaria-Frigopan

Day 2 - Sunday - Sredni Livadi Protected  Area
Riding: 5 hours
After breakfast you will be transferred to the starting point of the trail  aprox, 50 min,which is located at 1700m above sea level in a picturesque area called Byala Cherkva,famous with the highest monastery on the Balkan peninsula called St Peter and Pavel dating back from 1200.
Todays destination is the highest village in Bulgaria called Lilkovo, standing at 1500m.
The ride is full of panoramic sceneries today ,we will cross a protected area dating back from 1900 called Sredni Livadi.Lunch from the saddle bags in a chappel St Atanas
Dinner and overnight in a family hotel

Day 3 - Monday - Lilkovo - Hvoyna
Riding: 5 hours  
Today our journey will takes us to the famous  panoramic valley - Ropkata, considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Middle Rhoodopes. The valley is longer than 60km, connecting Greece with Thracians planes making it the highest one in Bulgaria.Tonight we stay in another small village ,right in the heart of the valley called Hvoyna.
 
Dinner and overnight in a family hotel

Day 4 - Tuesday -Hvoyna - Orehovo
Riding: 4 hours
Afer  a traditional Rhodopean breakfast with local Yoghurt ,you will be taken for a guided tour of an  Emblematic place for southern Bulgaria,namely  Bachkovo monastery-the oldest and second biggest  Orthodox monastery.
After this historical throwback of more than 1000year we will,head for a village called Orehovo.From here starts the longest eco-trail in Bulgaria, ending near the Aegean sea (Greece).  This make Orehovo one of the best starting destinations for tours in the Rhodopes.Today and tomorrow we are following this panoramic path towards Greece famous with the breathtaking views.
Overnight family hotel

Day 5 OREHOVO - ZABYRDO
Riding: 5 hours
After another hearty breakfast you will saddle up and make for the village of Zabyrdo, a small mountain village standing at 1400m above sea level which is famous for its production of traditional Rhodope cheese. Except the beautiful panoramas along the way, if we are lucky enough we will see the wild horses running freely in the area. The highlight of the trail today is the Wonderfull bridges rock phenomenon which is part of Bulgaria 1000 best sightseeings. This is a rock formation dating tousand of years, the story of the bridges is very interesting to tell, dont forget to ask Bogdan about it.
Overnight family hotel

Day 6 ZABYRDO OREHOVO
Riding: 5 hour 
Today  we are heading back to Orehovo will ride back towards the village , covering the same stunning route as yesterday but in reverse.

Day 7 Orehov- Byala Cherkva
Riding: 5 hours
This is the last riding day and will take you back to the starting point of this trail. You will have ridden over 150km by horseback, passing by one of the oldest Thracian fortress called "Shtut grad" which dates back to 5th century BC. The two hills of the forests, the Sun Hill and the Moon Hill held great power for the Thracian tribe called "Best".  They were known through the Roman empire as the most fearless Thracians. Lunch today is in a restaurant beside the fortress. 
 
Dinner and overnight in the biggest Show jumping stable in south Bulgaria-Frigopan

Day 8  Plovdiv – Sofia airport   
 
 
 



Travel Information

Guests can fly into Sofia or Plovdiv. The tour starts in Plovdiv but most guests fly to Sofia as there are a lot of flights into and out of the capital city.

Transfers are included from the two airports at set times. You should ideally arrive into Sofia no later than 16:00, in order to allow time for sightseeing in Plovdiv. On departure day your flight should not leave Sofia before 12:00.

If you are coming into Plovdiv instead then please contact us for timings.

Airport: Sofia

Alternative Airport: Plovidv