Horseriding Bulgaria - Day Tours
Horseriding Bulgaria - Day Tours
4.8
About
Over the past 15 years we have specialized in providing quality products in the f.i.t. travel area. We are running two riding centers - in Teteven Balkan(SOFIA) and Rodopi(Plovdiv) with 20-22 horses and we have developed numerous 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-days circulаr progressive and central based trails.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.8
119 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
6
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Poor
2
Terrible
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loucarrig
Sofia, Bulgaria12 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Went on Penguin Travel's "Orpheus Trail Ride," a 6-day ride in the Rhodopes with guide Lubomir Gatev who is just as wonderful as all the other reviews say: generous, kind, funny and fun, responsible, knowledgeable, and very present with the group and the horses the entire time. Lubo's love of nature and knowledge of the Rhodope mountains make the trip far beyond five stars, as it is an immense privilege to be taken into his world, shown his favorite mountain vistas and fresh water springs, explore secret trails full of blueberries and rest in meadows full of wildflowers while eating his grandmother's homemade lutenitsa. You'll visit both his home village and his family's mountain house, meet his wife, children, and many friends along the way - it is seriously a special honor.
Accommodations are a wonderful variety of authentic Bulgarian experiences, including village guest houses and mountain huts with wonderfully generous hosts who are happy to accommodate dietary needs. But most of the time is spent in the forest -- as it should be!
The horses are sturdy, safe, and responsive, but not overly-trail broke, which is a plus as it allows for adventuring and bushwhacking as you explore the mountain terrain. Tack is American western saddles and bridles (one-piece reins) which may take some getting used to for English riders, but was perfect for me coming from Montana ranch riding (note: don't expect Bulgarian horses to neck-rein!).
This trip is definitely not for the faint of heart, nor for the beginner. Days in the saddle are long and hot, and you need to come prepared with basic horsemanship, riding experience, and a good attitude. Bring adequate clothing for narrow paths through brambles, know how to brush and tack up your own horse, and most importantly, come with team spirit - you'll be on a trip with an international crew who will be your family for the week, led by a guide who is working harder than you'll ever know - so be gracious, generous, and take care of each other, and you'll surely have the time of your life.
Accommodations are a wonderful variety of authentic Bulgarian experiences, including village guest houses and mountain huts with wonderfully generous hosts who are happy to accommodate dietary needs. But most of the time is spent in the forest -- as it should be!
The horses are sturdy, safe, and responsive, but not overly-trail broke, which is a plus as it allows for adventuring and bushwhacking as you explore the mountain terrain. Tack is American western saddles and bridles (one-piece reins) which may take some getting used to for English riders, but was perfect for me coming from Montana ranch riding (note: don't expect Bulgarian horses to neck-rein!).
This trip is definitely not for the faint of heart, nor for the beginner. Days in the saddle are long and hot, and you need to come prepared with basic horsemanship, riding experience, and a good attitude. Bring adequate clothing for narrow paths through brambles, know how to brush and tack up your own horse, and most importantly, come with team spirit - you'll be on a trip with an international crew who will be your family for the week, led by a guide who is working harder than you'll ever know - so be gracious, generous, and take care of each other, and you'll surely have the time of your life.
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antaria
7 contributions
Aug 2020
I spent a week with Penguin Travel in the Rhodope Mountains. Our guide was Lubo. We were very lucky because the company and Lubo agreed to organise a tour for just the two of us.
The tour was the first such a long one I had, with 5-6 hours on horseback per day. The horses were very well maintained, calm and made me feel completely safe and relaxed all the time.
Lubo, our guide, was super friendly, took great care of the horses and told us interesting stories and details about the places we visited. I can't think of a better guide for the trip!
The views were spectacular and diverse - from plains to high mountains, through meadows and forests, passing cosy villages and picturesque rivers.
I had a chance to meet and talk to local people, who are very friendly, and try local cuisine, which I enjoyed very much. There was also a chance to visit Sofia and Plovdiv, with the latter being a complete surprise for me - it's a beautiful city definitely worth a walk around!
I can definitely recommend this tour to anyone who loves horses, nature and amazing people!
The tour was the first such a long one I had, with 5-6 hours on horseback per day. The horses were very well maintained, calm and made me feel completely safe and relaxed all the time.
Lubo, our guide, was super friendly, took great care of the horses and told us interesting stories and details about the places we visited. I can't think of a better guide for the trip!
The views were spectacular and diverse - from plains to high mountains, through meadows and forests, passing cosy villages and picturesque rivers.
I had a chance to meet and talk to local people, who are very friendly, and try local cuisine, which I enjoyed very much. There was also a chance to visit Sofia and Plovdiv, with the latter being a complete surprise for me - it's a beautiful city definitely worth a walk around!
I can definitely recommend this tour to anyone who loves horses, nature and amazing people!
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolas G
Sint-Pauwels, Belgium1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
I did this trip with my girlfriend mid september. I recommend this tour to everyone who enjoys horses and nature. The horses are very strong and brave, they'll walk any path without hesitation. The local people are warm and friendly and the country is very beautiful. The silence in these mountains is magical.
Our tour guide lubo was amazing. He carefully listens to everything you tell him and will make your vacation better even if you don't ask him. Tell him you like bigger coffees and next time the restaurant ask you if you want an extra coffee. Don't like tomatoes? You won't be served tomatoes anymore. He will make sure every traveler will be safe and happy.
Hands down the best vacation we ever had.
Our tour guide lubo was amazing. He carefully listens to everything you tell him and will make your vacation better even if you don't ask him. Tell him you like bigger coffees and next time the restaurant ask you if you want an extra coffee. Don't like tomatoes? You won't be served tomatoes anymore. He will make sure every traveler will be safe and happy.
Hands down the best vacation we ever had.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Egle V
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
Lubomir did an absolutely wonderful job of introducing us to Bulgaria—its people, life, nature, and horses—and was the perfect guide for the week. I feel very privileged to have been able to take a peek into the richness of its life, the ways of its people, and its culture, which you wouldn't be able to witness otherwise.
The horses were wonderful, true professionals that you can trust with your eyes closed. They live and work together as a herd, which is both lovely and reassuring.
We covered many kilometers, spent long hours in the saddle (in a good way!), and the adventures were absolutely worth it. Thank you!
The horses were wonderful, true professionals that you can trust with your eyes closed. They live and work together as a herd, which is both lovely and reassuring.
We covered many kilometers, spent long hours in the saddle (in a good way!), and the adventures were absolutely worth it. Thank you!
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asia R
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Wonderfull guide and horses. A lot of ride, horses are safe and brave, views at the mouintainswere beautiful. Guide was lovable and funny, he paid attention to the riders how they are doing. Also very hospitable hosts at places where we slept. I recommend :)
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasper
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We did the 5 day trail in the Rodopi mountains with guide Lubo from Penguin Travel and it was amazing. Would recommend the tour to everyone. I didn’t have any horseback riding experience and Lubo did a great job of learning me everything about it at a very fast pace. It highly exceeded our expectations.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michal
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Friends
It was a real pleasure to spend vacations in Stara Planina with Lubo, Marian & their horses. Mountains give amazing views. Horses are brave and calm. Lubo is a very nice and helpful guide. His English was better than expected. We spent many unforgettable moments e.g. singing karaoke at Janko's place. Will miss traditional Bulgarian cousine served by Panka. All in all I really enjoyed stay there and hope will come back there again.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C. H.
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Solo
I highly recommend this place! Both Travelfinders and PenguinTravel were very thoughtful in providing all the right information and answering my questions beforehand. The people of the places we visited during the trip were very warm and friendly and showed us great hospitality. The views during the trip where amazing once we overcame some challenges alone the way like climbing some rocks (this trip was not for novice riders). Lubo, our tourguide, was the cherry on the cake. Such a great guy and his humor was contagious. Joining this trip was such a pleasure and one to never forget.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freja Leonore U... W
4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
My Mother and I went on a 4 days trip in the Rhodopian Mountains with guide Lubomirr. Everything was nicely planned for us, and Lubo did a great job and was easy to speak with all the time. We had a great time. The horses looked great and well fed, and it seemed like Lubo was taking very good care of them.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karolina D
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
I took part in horseback riding trip in The Rhodopian Mountains with guide Lubo. It was an amazing experience! Everything was organised perfectly, the horses were great, very calm. The trail was beautiful and our guide made sure we had the best time. Strongly recommended!!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
שלום אני מחפש אטרקציות באזור סופיה או ורנה מדובר ב4 חברה בגיל צבא 18 שרוצים לכיף אנחנו מחפשים רכיבת סוסים פינטבול וכדו אם יש לך נסיון עם רכיבת סוסים או משהו נשמח אם תעזור לנו (אנו רוצים ליום אחד בלבד)
Written June 13, 2019
Hi we would like to book a one day or two day tour starting tomorrow for two people. What is the price? is there pick up from our hotel in sofia?
Written April 23, 2017
Yes they pic you up but this answer is to late I think...
Written June 3, 2017
marvelstationery
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
how much would it cost for a family of 4 for 1 day horse riding from Sofia or from Plovdiv.
we are coming there in first week of July
Written June 10, 2016
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