# Semkovo Activity Providers: Guides, Riding & Rafting

Canonical page: https://semkovo.org/providers/
Updated: 2026-10-19
Publisher: Matthias Zeitler

Find guides and activity providers for days out from Semkovo, with contact details for mountain activities, horse riding, rafting and regional trips.

[Semkovo](/) / Guides & activity providers

Arrange a mountain guide, a horse ride or a day on the slopes. Ask about pickup from Coliving and the return uphill.

Browse activities

[Ski hire, lessons and local transfers](https://semkovo.org/providers/#snow)[Horse riding](https://semkovo.org/providers/#riding)[Village cooking and culture](https://semkovo.org/providers/#village-visits)[Bears and forest attractions](https://semkovo.org/providers/#belitsa-outings)[Mountain guides](https://semkovo.org/providers/#mountain-guides)[Bikes, guiding and shuttles](https://semkovo.org/providers/#bikes)[Mineral pools and spas](https://semkovo.org/providers/#thermal-pools)[Narrow-gauge railway](https://semkovo.org/providers/#railway)[Rafting on the Struma](https://semkovo.org/providers/#rafting)

Arranging activities: practical advice

A guide, a horse, a village kitchen or a driver can open up a quite different day. These contacts cover local outings and longer excursions into Pirin or the Struma gorge. Tell each organiser that **Coliving Semkovo is your base**, and include pickup and return in the enquiry if you need them.

Send the useful details together: date, group size and ages, experience, equipment needs and the kind of day you want. Agree the complete price and weather-cancellation terms before paying.

## Ski hire, lessons and local transfers

### Technical University Sofia — USOB Semkovo

A good first call for **ski equipment, individual or group lessons, and university-operated lifts**. Equipment and tuition cover adults and children. Contact the social-services office on **[+359 2 965 2020](tel:+35929652020)**, **[so@tu-sofia.bg](mailto:so@tu-sofia.bg)**, and ask for Semkovo reception. Agree the teaching slope, language, boot sizes and visitor access; lift operation depends on snow and the season's arrangements. **Station transfers and transport to the Edelweiss slope** can also be arranged through the base.

[Call +359 2 965 2020](tel:+35929652020)[Email](mailto:so@tu-sofia.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=tu-semkovo)

### UASG — Semkovo sports base

For the university's local ski facilities and equipment room, contact manager **Anzhel Papazyan, [+359 889 216 720](tel:+359889216720)**, **[semkovo\_rec@uacg.bg](mailto:semkovo_rec@uacg.bg)**. Ask about instruction and hire for a visitor staying at Coliving, then agree the meeting point at the UASG base. Check winter operation before making it a ski day.

[Call +359 889 216 720](tel:+359889216720)[Email](mailto:semkovo_rec@uacg.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=uasg-semkovo)

## Horse riding

### Peri Volas — Bachevo

**Introductory lessons, hourly rides and mountain horseback outings.** New riders begin in an arena to learn balance and control before heading farther afield. Riding runs year-round, with different summer and winter bases around Bachevo. Give each rider's experience and ask for the meeting point, helmet and appropriate ride length. **[+359 888 151 966](tel:+359888151966) / [+359 885 930 188](tel:+359885930188); [perivolas@abv.bg](mailto:perivolas@abv.bg).**

[Call +359 888 151 966](tel:+359888151966)[Call +359 885 930 188](tel:+359885930188)[Email](mailto:perivolas@abv.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=perivolas)

### Dvorene — Razlog

**Riding lessons for children, beginners and returning riders**, with an indoor arena for cold or wet weather. **30 Gotse Delchev Street, Razlog; [+359 878 752 462](tel:+359878752462) / [+359 878 435 509](tel:+359878435509); [dvorene@gmail.com](mailto:dvorene@gmail.com).** Open **daily 09:00–19:00**; reserve a session and specify whether you want arena tuition or a ride outside. Give children's ages when booking.

[Call +359 878 752 462](tel:+359878752462)[Call +359 878 435 509](tel:+359878435509)[Email](mailto:dvorene@gmail.com)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=dvorene)

## Village cooking and culture

![The Transfiguration fresco in Dobarsko’s church of Saints Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates.](https://semkovo.org/images/dobarsko-fresco-960.webp)

The Transfiguration fresco in Dobarsko’s church of Saints Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates.

### Deshka's House — Gorno Draglishte

Make **village cooking and a shared meal** the day's main event. Chomlek, shupla and sui chushchi can be part of the visit, along with local stories, songs or dancing. **46 Parva Street; [+359 886 436 708](tel:+359886436708).** Agree the menu, dietary needs, language, cooking time and any demonstrations in advance. This is a hosted visit, so call rather than simply turning up for lunch.

[Call +359 886 436 708](tel:+359886436708)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=deshka)

### Saints Theodore church — Dobarsko

Book an **on-site explanation of the wall paintings** at the church on **Peta Street**. **[+359 892 234 615](tel:+359892234615); [kmetstvo\_dobarsco@abv.bg](mailto:kmetstvo_dobarsco@abv.bg).** Open daily **09:30–17:30 April–October**, **09:00–17:00 November–March**. Arrange the language and time of a talk when calling about admission. Dobarsko pairs well with lunch in Gorno Draglishte.

[Call +359 892 234 615](tel:+359892234615)[Email](mailto:kmetstvo_dobarsco@abv.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=dobarsko-church)

## Bears and forest attractions

![Brown bear in vegetation at Bear Sanctuary Belitsa.](https://semkovo.org/images/food-MF11-01-960.webp)

Brown bear in vegetation at Bear Sanctuary Belitsa.

### BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa

Guided visits in **Bulgarian and English** take **30–40 minutes**; allow about **90 minutes overall** at **Andrianov Chark above Belitsa**. **[+359 888 002 358](tel:+359888002358); [info@bearsanctuary-belitsa.org](mailto:info@bearsanctuary-belitsa.org).** Groups **larger than nine** must book. Bring cash and walking shoes; the route has steep sections and **more than 100 steps**. Seasonal hours and admission are in the Belitsa chapter. Check spring reopening, and let the bears decide how much of themselves to show.

[Call +359 888 002 358](tel:+359888002358)[Email](mailto:info@bearsanctuary-belitsa.org)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=42.031536545%2C23.58231484)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=bear-sanctuary)

### Rila Fun Park

The **1,400-metre alpine coaster** runs through the forest in **Dedovo, about 12 km above Belitsa**. Two-seat carts have rider-controlled braking. **[+359 878 901 365](tel:+359878901365); [planinskipark@abv.bg](mailto:planinskipark@abv.bg).** Children must be **over three**; ages **three to eight ride with an adult**. Call for the day's opening and full height, age and weather restrictions. The park and sanctuary are separate attractions, so allow for each.

[Call +359 878 901 365](tel:+359878901365)[Email](mailto:planinskipark@abv.bg)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=42.0219932%2C23.5785011)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=rila-fun-park)

## Mountain guides

### Bulguides

Arrange a **private Rila or Pirin walk, mountain-bike day, snowshoe trip or ski tour**. **[+359 884 297 416](tel:+359884297416); [info@bulguides.com](mailto:info@bulguides.com).** Describe your fitness, recent experience and equipment needs, and request a start and finish at Coliving if that is what you need. Settle the route, transport and inclusive price together.

[Call +359 884 297 416](tel:+359884297416)[Email](mailto:info@bulguides.com)

### Split The Mountain

![Vihren in Pirin, a demanding mountain excursion.](https://semkovo.org/images/vihren-960.webp)

Vihren in Pirin, a demanding mountain excursion.

**Private guiding, hiking, via ferrata, climbing, snowshoeing and ski or splitboard touring.** Summer outings include **Vihren and Koncheto**; winter trips need their own skills and equipment. **[+359 878 413 012](tel:+359878413012); [info@splitthemountain.com](mailto:info@splitthemountain.com).** Bansko contact points are **92A and 94 Pirin Street**; agree the actual meeting place. Discuss exposure and a weather alternative before choosing your summit.

[Call +359 878 413 012](tel:+359878413012)[Email](mailto:info@splitthemountain.com)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=split-the-mountain)

## Bikes, guiding and shuttles

![A cyclist on a forest track towards Macedonia Hut, near Semkovo.](https://semkovo.org/images/semkovo-cyclist-960.webp)

A cyclist on a forest track towards Macedonia Hut, near Semkovo.

### Sport Box Rental — Bansko excursion

A **guided e-bike day** includes a guide, full-suspension e-bike and helmet, with the route chosen to suit the group. **3 Nayden Gerov Street**, beside the gondola parking; **[+359 887 910 079](tel:+359887910079); [sportboxrent@gmail.com](mailto:sportboxrent@gmail.com)**. Reserve sizes and agree duration and terrain. Allow for the road journey from Coliving and back; arrange a transfer separately if needed.

[Call +359 887 910 079](tel:+359887910079)[Email](mailto:sportboxrent@gmail.com)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.828481%2C23.478075)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=sportbox)

### MicroXtreme — Bansko excursion

**E-MTB hire** from **94 Pirin Street, Bansko; [+359 876 588 115](tel:+359876588115)**. Collection is from **09:00**, return by **17:00**, and a helmet is included. Give your height and weight for setup. Guided tours need **at least seven days' notice**. Check the deposit and cancellation terms before paying, and choose a route that suits your riding.

[Call +359 876 588 115](tel:+359876588115)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=microxtreme)

### Bike Ventures — private bike transport

For a **bike shuttle or vehicle support**, contact **[+359 876 212 178](tel:+359876212178) / [+359 898 419 414](tel:+359898419414); [info@bike-ventures.com](mailto:info@bike-ventures.com)**. An **eight-seat van and trailer for twelve bikes** can serve destinations by arrangement. Send the pickup place, passenger and bike numbers, destination and return time; mention e-bikes and ask whether guiding is included. Semkovo transport needs a private booking.

[Call +359 876 212 178](tel:+359876212178)[Call +359 898 419 414](tel:+359898419414)[Email](mailto:info@bike-ventures.com)

## Mineral pools and spas

### Regnum Banya Thermal Complex

**Year-round day access** to outdoor thermal pools and relaxation areas at **1 Koneshitsa Street, Banya**. **[+359 877 159 060](tel:+359877159060); [info.banyathermal@regnum.bg](mailto:info.banyathermal@regnum.bg).** Ask which areas, towels and lockers are included in the day ticket, and give children's ages when booking. A soak and lunch make an easy valley day.

[Call +359 877 159 060](tel:+359877159060)[Email](mailto:info.banyathermal@regnum.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=regnum-banya)

### Pulse Therme Banya

Day tickets are sold at the entrance. Open **daily 09:00–22:00**. **[+359 898 989 898](tel:+359898989898); [info@pulsetherme.bg](mailto:info@pulsetherme.bg)** — specify **Banya** when booking. Choose the package for the pools, thermal areas, meals or treatments you want. This is principally an adult spa choice; families should obtain age-specific admission advice before paying.

[Call +359 898 989 898](tel:+359898989898)[Email](mailto:info@pulsetherme.bg)[View area](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=pulse-banya)

### Izgreva — Banya

**Year-round outdoor mineral pools**, a children's pool, small hot pools and a restaurant at **1 Parva Street, Banya**. **[+359 889 544 345](tel:+359889544345)**, telephone enquiries **09:00–19:00**. Ask for day admission, opening hours and what the entry price covers. Under-fourteens need an accompanying adult, and visitor capacity is limited.

[Call +359 889 544 345](tel:+359889544345)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.879697%2C23.528012)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=izgreva)

## Narrow-gauge railway

![The narrow-gauge train at Yakoruda station.](https://semkovo.org/images/yakoruda-train-960.webp)

The narrow-gauge train at Yakoruda station.

### BDZ — Rhodope narrow-gauge railway

Ride an ordinary passenger train from **Belitsa or Yakoruda**, with station transfers arranged at both ends. The line operates year-round; ask at the station for that day's departures and choose the return before the outward journey. Groups **over ten** should arrange travel **at least ten days ahead** with **[+359 892 288 220](tel:+359892288220); [kvaklinov@bdz.bg](mailto:kvaklinov@bdz.bg)**. Steam and heritage specials are separate events.

[Call +359 892 288 220](tel:+359892288220)[Email](mailto:kvaklinov@bdz.bg)

## Rafting on the Struma

### Reflip — Kresna Gorge

**Struma rafting**, with rafting-and-canyoning combinations available. **[+359 877 505 991](tel:+359877505991); [info@reflipteam.com](mailto:info@reflipteam.com)**; the mobile number also takes WhatsApp enquiries. Season **March–November**, usual departures **10:00 and 14:00**. Book the base meeting point and arrival time, as staff are not always there. River shuttles are included in the outing's logistics; a Semkovo transfer is separate. Final payments at the office are **cash only**.

[Call +359 877 505 991](tel:+359877505991)[Email](mailto:info@reflipteam.com)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.7843584%2C23.1540281)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=reflip)

### Adventure Net — Kresna Gorge

A **guided Struma descent** takes about **three hours**, including briefing, equipment and transport back from the finish. Meet at the **Adventure Net rafting camp at the beginning of Kresna Gorge**. **[+359 888 889 371](tel:+359888889371); [office@adventurenetbg.com](mailto:office@adventurenetbg.com).** Season **March–November**, usual departures **10:30, 13:30 and 16:30**. Family suitability depends on water conditions; give children's ages and ask about insurance and photographs. Allow the whole day from Semkovo.

[Call +359 888 889 371](tel:+359888889371)[Email](mailto:office@adventurenetbg.com)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.834583%2C23.153083)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=adventure-net)

### X-Club / Rafting BG — Poleto

**Struma rafting** from the base beside the **methane filling station near Poleto**, **[41.847986° N, 23.141863° E](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=41.847986&mlon=23.141863#map=16/41.847986/23.141863)**. **[+359 878 889 092](tel:+359878889092) / [+359 889 513 447](tel:+359889513447); [info@rafting.bg](mailto:info@rafting.bg).** Agree the descent, meeting time, equipment and duration according to river conditions. Compare the three operators on the day that suits your group, then make one clear booking.

[Call +359 878 889 092](tel:+359878889092)[Call +359 889 513 447](tel:+359889513447)[Email](mailto:info@rafting.bg)[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.847986%2C23.141863)[View on map](https://semkovo.org/map/?place=xclub)

## Find the places

[Open the highlights map](https://semkovo.org/map/?category=excursion)

Each listing links to its map marker. “View area” marks a general location; confirm the entrance or meeting point when booking.

Valley map

[![Belitsa and the valley](https://semkovo.org/maps/map-highlights-valley-960.webp)](https://semkovo.org/maps/map-highlights-valley.webp)

Belitsa and the valley · The valley below Semkovo: Belitsa, village outings, thermal pools and the road towards Bansko. [View full map](https://semkovo.org/maps/map-highlights-valley.webp)

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database Licence

![Off-road jeep in a mountain clearing.](https://semkovo.org/images/food-MF12-01-960.webp)

Off-road jeep in a mountain clearing.