Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride worth booking?
Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride is a 5-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $115 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (25)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $115 per person
This small - group horse riding adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque mountain landscapes far from the crowds, just a short drive from Sofia. A key highlight is the ride al
What you get
About this experience
This small - group horse riding adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque mountain landscapes far from the crowds, just a short drive from Sofia. A key highlight is the ride along the ridges of Lisets Mountain, where expansive panoramic views unfold over the rolling green hills and deep valleys of the Balkan Mountains. Another unforgettable moment of the tour is the approach to the spectacular Glozhen Monastery. Dramatically perched on a sheer rock cliff, the monastery appears almost suspended above the valley. The tour is designed as a small group experience (maximum 6 - 7 riders), ensuring a relaxed atmosphere, personalized attention, and plenty of time to connect with both the horses and the surrounding nature. Riding: 4 - 5 hours / Note: This tour is suitable both for beginners and experienced riders.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Rent of a saddled horse and a helmet
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
What you'll see and do
Glozhene Monastery (Sveti Georgi Pobedonosets)
Itinerary: We arrive at the village of Golyam Izvor. We meet the horses and get brief instructions. We saddle the horses and head along forest paths to the Ridge of Lisets Mountain, from where a splendid panorama view to Teteven Balkan is revealed. Riding through a century-old beech forest we approach Glozhen Monastery. Its impressive silhouette perched on an inaccessible rock is one of the most impressive sights in Bulgaria. After a short walk inside we return to Golyam Izvor. Drive back to Sofia. Riding: 4-5 hours Note: This tour is suitable both for beginners and experienced riders.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Horseriding Bulgaria - Day Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Orfeus trail
We spent very nice time in 6 days trip in Rodopi mountains with our guide Lyubo. It was such a nice time with him, your nice family, horses, nature. Lyubo is a big profesional, tell nice stories about the places we visited, take care of horses. We can recomended.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
Like Yellowstone, but no drama and just views Incredibly friendly people & horses. The stop in the monastery felt like a step into a movie. We lucked out with the weather as it was a glorious day. Would 10/10 recommend for any horse enthusiasts. (You're in the saddle a while though, so prepare for a numb bum....and the occasional encounter with a tree branch). If you know the basics, you'll be great ...wouldn't recommend if it is your first time on a horse though.
via Tripadvisor
Great riding trip in Rhodopes
I spent a wonderful week of horse riding in the Rhodope Mountains with Lubo from Penguin Travel as my guide. I really enjoy discover Bulgaria by this way. The horses were perfect for this type of trip, very reliable. I loved my horse, Darko, very well-trained, funny and energetic. The landscapes are mountainous with well-preserved forests. The route is quite challenging; it's best to be in good physical shape and to be trained for horse riding to fully appreciate it. Lubo knows his horses and these mountains very well and does his best to ensure everyone has a great stay and have fun. The accommodations during the trip were very pleasants and the food was plentiful, local, and excellent. It was also really nice to have the opportunity to visit Plodiv, which is a beautiful city. My only complaint was the choice of the hotel in Sofia where we spent the nights of arrival and departure. It was far from the city center, located in a neighborhood with no particular interest, and the rooms were not very clean.
via Tripadvisor
Not a walk in the park!
Based on my experience with such tours I expected a slow lazy horse walk where you can leave the reins and chat on your phone. Nope, not really! Riding a horse in the mountains requires some attention and skill but once you get used to it you're not only enjoying the fantastic breathtaking views of the autumn hills and forest around but also feel as one with the animal that does the hard work. The monastery itself is rather small but still an interesting place to peek around (you can feed the cat too). So the main and most pleasant part of the tour was riding in fresh air and total silence except for hooves clopping and birds chirping.
via Tripadvisor
Memorable adventure
My sister and I recently embarked on a trail adventure in Bulgaria, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The horses were incredible, well-trained, and ready for the journey. Our guide deserves an A+ rating from us for their expertise and assistance throughout the trail. The natural scenery surrounding us was breathtaking, making the entire experience even more memorable. Despite the heat, which was perhaps the only downside, we highly recommend this trail to anyone who appreciates exploring beautiful landscapes on horseback. It's an adventure that shouldn't be missed.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $115 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.
How much does Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride cost?
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Prices start at $115 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.
Is Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sofia?
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On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Sofia Escape Room - Teorema Rooms. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sofia?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sofia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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