6 Horses Tours in Bulgaria Worth a Whole Day

1.Balkan Horse Riding – Glozhene Monastery Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $138Our pick

Leave Sofia at 9:00 am for Golyam Izvor, where you meet your saddled horse and guide before a 4 to 5-hour ride through forest paths and across Lisets Mountain. Expect big views toward Teteven Balkan, a short guided visit to Glozhene Monastery, and a private return transfer. Beginners can join, but uneven trails make some riding experience useful.

“This was an awesome tour. The scenery was so beautiful and seeing it from horseback made it even more special. The guide was really good and the horses were very well trained. I had only moderate horse riding experience, and I think it's good to have at least a bit of experience before undertaking this tour.”

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2.Private Horse Riding in the Balkan from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $239Top rated

Travel from Sofia into the Teteven Balkan for a private horseback ride through forests and hills. Your guide adjusts the route to your riding level and may include Teteven, Skoka Falls, Vitosha Mountain, Glozhene Monastery, or Morovitsa Cave. Transport, riding equipment, and a professional local guide are included.

“This is a definite MUST if you want to experience the beauty of Vitosha mountain as well as experience horse riding in the wild. They took exception care of me during the entire ride. The horses are so good. Happy and fit! They know their job and look after you. I was lucky enough to experience the ride in snow all the way up and back down the mountain. A dream come true for me. If I ever get the opportunity to visit Bulgaria again this would be my first stop to ride and say hi to Vento - the horse I got to ride. This experience was a real…”

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3.Rila Trail Riding for Experienced Riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $171

Leave Sofia at 8:00 am for a guided ride in the Rila Mountains. You’ll use English tack and ride an Arab Dunav crossbreed for roughly five to six hours through gentle terrain, with chances to walk, trot, and canter. Groups are limited to six, pickup is offered, and private or beginner options may be arranged.

“We booked this 8days trip with Penguin travel and had an amazing time. Everything was very well organised and the horses well taken care of. The guide, Lubo, went above and beyond all expectations and did an amazing job at explaining Read more”

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4.Private Horseback Riding the Rila Range

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Escape Sofia for a half-day horseback ride through the Rila Range, around Samokov, Iskar Reservoir, and Vitosha Mountain. You’ll ride a saddled East Bulgarian or Shagya Arabian horse, wear a helmet, and receive guidance suited to your level. Choose private transport and hotel pickup, or arrange your own way to the meeting point.

“Wow, such an amazing experience. The mountain trails were so beautiful and peaceful. The views were breathtaking. My horse was perfectly paired for me. My guide was awesome and we enjoyed a lovely day together. Definitely would do this again and highly recommend it. Thank you for an outstanding experience.”

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5.Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $179

Ride a saddled horse through Yustina’s vineyards, fields, forests, and Rhodope foothills with guide Lubo or Lubomir. Pause for a packed riverside lunch, visit Red Church, then taste wines made from the vines you passed. Pickup from Plovdiv, a small group of up to six, and a four-hour schedule make this a personal countryside outing.

“It was just a stunning experience! Riding in the Rhodope Mountains cannot be described in words. I have only seen such view in movies. It was very beautiful and worthwhile for someone who enjoys nature. Lyubo was an excellent guide. He taRead more”

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6.Private Cascades Waterfall Horseback Riding Tour from Smolyan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $129Best value

Ride into the Rhodope Mountains from Smolyan on a private two-hour horseback tour. Your local guide, Jivko, provides instruction, a trained horse, riding gear, and photos. The route leads toward Waterfalls Canyon, with views toward Smolyan and the Pamporovo area. English-language support and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure make booking simple.

“Jivko was a kind and confident teacher. He gave great instruction and support throughout the ride and is extremely knowledgeable about horses and the area. The horse riding experience was truly unforgettable and we will definitely return. Thank you for the beautiful ride, waterfalls and photos you took of us.”

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