we know...

We love a good story here at Activities Abroad and our friends in Bulgaria have just that! In March 2007 they set off from their home here in the UK with 2 vehicles and 3 wakeboard boats full of equipment to pursue their dream of making a lifestyle from their hobbies.

They settled near the Rila National Park which offers the perfect climate for activity enthusiasts with a hot summer climate and plenty of snow in the winter months. The charming local town of Samokov is less than five minutes away by car and is definitely worth the visit to explore on your free day. Your hotel is also only a 10 minute drive from the stunning Lake Iskar (just look at the pictures!). This vast lake measures 26km x 14km and has perfectly flat and calm water, ideal for beginners to master the basics of sailing, wake boarding and the other activities based in this beautiful setting.

sunday - flights, arrival and introduction
You will be met at Sofia Airport for the transfer to your accommodation.

monday - lake day: take one
Today you will discover the reason our partners settled here – Lake Iskar. Each member of the family can choose between wakeboarding, waterskiing, ringos, wakeskating, wakesurfing and kneeboarding, before trying them out on this vast lake. It is almost as much fun watching the other members of your group putting their new skills to the test as they have their go being towed behind the boat... now it’s your turn!

tuesday - horse riding
You will be given a safety briefing before heading out into the beautiful Rila National Park for a trek into the mountains. This is one of the last uncommercialised national parks in Europe and this is very evident as you explore further on horseback. No previous experience is required for this activity and your guides will point out some of the native plant and wildlife of the area.

wednesday - mountain biking
Your guide will assess the group before choosing from one of several picturesque routes through the national park. You will use one of the many ski lifts in the area to gain access to parts of the mountain which cannot be reached by car before exploring forest paths and open trails back to the valley floor. There will be plenty of chances to stop for photo opportunities against this wonderful back drop.

thursday - free day
Today is left free for you to explore the surrounding area or book additional activities (payable locally).

friday - jeep safari
This exhilarating jeep safari will really take you off the beaten track. If you haven’t been on a jeep safari before this is the place for your first off-road experience.

There are a wide number of tracks and trails in the mountains depending on how adventurous you are feeling. A guide will teach you the off-road techniques required before you set off and explore a different side to this national park.

saturday - lake day: take two
Today you can choose between developing your skills from the first lake day or you may prefer to attempt a completely different water sport. Your instructors are experts in all sports offered and will be on hand to provide advice and guidance throughout the day.

Each towing session will last approximately 15 minutes which is enough time to try a new sport without becoming too tired to give it another shot later in the day. When you are not taking part in the water sports you can either relax on the boat or on the lake shore and enjoy the warm climate.

sunday - departure or extend your stay
Today you will leave the Rila National Park and return home with fantastic memories of your time in Bulgaria.