How did the concept of Bronco Surprise Tours come to be?
The Bulgarian countryside holds a special place in my heart, and for years, I've journeyed in pursuit of forgotten places. I firmly believe that it's there where the very essence of our roots and history resides. Through these specialized tours, my aspiration is to construct a vital bridge of communication between the younger generations thriving in bustling cities and the older ones dwelling in the serene hamlets of Bulgaria. It is our responsibility to preserve, narrate, and pass forward their rich stories and wisdom. It's a quest to reconnect with our past, to embrace our authenticity, to liberate ourselves from the 'control' dictating our daily existence, and, even if only once, surrender entirely to the present moment. Unveiling the essence of what unfolds here and now, and truly discovering who we are in this moment—this embodies the core mission of Bronco.
Why Bronco?
The sheer delight in the eyes of those who entrust us and the shared moments of joy during our travels serve as my ultimate inspiration. I am driven to constantly seek out novel destinations and unconventional avenues for exploration. What could be more fulfilling than realizing that through my work, I offer people reasons to smile, a sense of purpose, and cherished memories?
My message to you is simple: keep traveling, keep embracing that innate spirit of exploration that resides within each and every one of you!"
Gabriela Terzieva
Founder of Bronco
"As an ardent traveller and adventure seeker, all my worldwide exploits have been provoked by one simple desire – to search for the hidden beneath the visible and expand the limits of my abilities. The only way to do so is through complete immersion with the local culture."
Who am I?
An art historian with a profound passion for Arab culture and architecture, a qualified tour guide, horseback riding instructor, off-road enthusiast, and former professional dancer! Beneath this multifaceted persona lies a constant craving—an insatiable need for adventures and exploring uncharted paths and destinations.
Paolo Rezza
Product Manager
„A traveler by nature... My first flight to Italy was just a few months old. Perhaps that very experience ignited a spark within me—a constant desire to discover new places, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and eagerly anticipate every upcoming adventure"
Who am I?
Armed with a degree in Business Administration and Tourism from the New Bulgarian University in Sofia, my journey into travel organization began long before my formal education. Those early years witnessed me spearheading family trips and later meticulously orchestrating them myself. As time unfolded, I explored over 40 countries worldwide. In the past 5 years, I've wholeheartedly devoted my expertise and knowledge to the tourism realm. In a remarkably brief period, I shifted gears from being a mere trip organizer to crafting unique, tailor-made programs both within and outside Bulgaria. Amidst these pursuits, I've also embarked on a venture in Greece, focusing on the creation of distinctive accommodations.
The horses
Many of you may know me for my work with horses
At the age of 20, I made a daring decision: to cross my first desert on horseback—alone. Amidst the company of local Bedouin tribes, sharing their lifestyle, each evening I closed my eyes enveloped by the vast embrace of the star-studded night sky. This experience became a defining chapter in my life. There's an ineffable allure about deserts that seizes my soul - whether it's the seclusion, the boundless remoteness, or the profound journey of self-discovery—I cannot say. Yet, it's only there, amid the raw expanse of wilderness, that I truly hear my own essence.
Why with horses?
Each time I returned home, I grappled with the toughest task: articulating my journeys to everyone. Finding the precise words to encapsulate what I'd witnessed, to evoke the emotions I'd felt proved daunting. How could I possibly convey the sheer privilege of immersing oneself in the lifestyles of some of the world's oldest civilizations!? I resolved that mere storytelling wasn't enough—I wanted people to encounter firsthand the ineffable emotions still resonating within me. I yearned for them to partake in these extraordinary escapades, to witness a world that unfolds solely from the vantage point of a horse's back.
Gabriela Terzieva
Founder of Bronco
"As an ardent traveller and adventure seeker, all my worldwide exploits have been provoked by one simple desire – to search for the hidden beneath the visible and expand the limits of my abilities. The only way to do so is through complete immersion with the local culture."
An art historian with a profound passion for Arab culture and architecture, a qualified tour guide, horseback riding instructor, off-road enthusiast, and former professional dancer! Beneath this multifaceted persona lies a constant craving—an insatiable need for adventures and exploring uncharted paths and destinations.
Who am I?
Many of you may know me for my work with horses, but at the age of 20, I made a pivotal decision—to embark on a solitary desert expedition on horseback. A journey that redefined my existence. Riding alongside Bedouin tribes, absorbing their timeless lifestyle, and surrendering to the embrace of the celestial canopy at night—a symphony of experiences that resonated within my core.
However, upon returning home, I faced a challenge. Words fell short in conveying the magnitude of what I had witnessed. How does one articulate the sheer privilege of immersing in the lives of ancient cultures? It dawned on me—I no longer wished to be a mere storyteller; I yearned for others to encounter the profound emotions stirring in my soul. I wanted them to be not just listeners but active participants in these extraordinary adventures, to witness the world from the vantage point only a horseback journey could offer.
Horses
How did the concept of Bronco Surprise Tours come to be?
The Bulgarian countryside holds a special place in my heart, and for years, I've journeyed in pursuit of forgotten places. I firmly believe that it's there where the very essence of our roots and history resides. Through these specialized tours, my aspiration is to construct a vital bridge of communication between the younger generations thriving in bustling cities and the older ones dwelling in the serene hamlets of Bulgaria. It is our responsibility to preserve, narrate, and pass forward their rich stories and wisdom. It's a quest to reconnect with our past, to embrace our authenticity, to liberate ourselves from the 'control' dictating our daily existence, and, even if only once, surrender entirely to the present moment. Unveiling the essence of what unfolds here and now, and truly discovering who we are in this moment—this embodies the core mission of Bronco.
Paolo Rezza
Product Manager
„A traveler by nature... My first flight to Italy was just a few months old. Perhaps that very experience ignited a spark within me—a constant desire to discover new places, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and eagerly anticipate every upcoming adventure"
Armed with a degree in Business Administration and Tourism from the New Bulgarian University in Sofia, my journey into travel organization began long before my formal education. Those early years witnessed me spearheading family trips and later meticulously orchestrating them myself. As time unfolded, I explored over 40 countries worldwide. In the past 5 years, I've wholeheartedly devoted my expertise and knowledge to the tourism realm. In a remarkably brief period, I shifted gears from being a mere trip organizer to crafting unique, tailor-made programs both within and outside Bulgaria. Amidst these pursuits, I've also embarked on a venture in Greece, focusing on the creation of distinctive accommodations.
Who am I?
Why Bronco?
The sheer delight in the eyes of those who entrust us and the shared moments of joy during our travels serve as my ultimate inspiration. I am driven to constantly seek out novel destinations and unconventional avenues for exploration. What could be more fulfilling than realizing that through my work, I offer people reasons to smile, a sense of purpose, and cherished memories? My message to you is simple: keep traveling, keep embracing that innate spirit of exploration that resides within each and every one of you!"
Our mission:
Travel with us and support life in remote villages
We take immense pride in presenting our initiative dedicated to supporting Bulgarian villages and traditional craftsmanship. Our aim is to actively engage in preserving the richness of Bulgarian culture while lending a supportive hand to local communities and their unique craftsmanship.
Why are these tours so important?
The modern world is advancing at a rapid pace, but this progress often leads to forgetting the values and traditions of our ancestors, which are an integral part of our heritage. Bulgaria stands as a breathtaking nation, captivating visitors with its abundant nature and idyllic villages—the last remaining guardians preserving our authenticity and essence. The rustic Bulgarian culture, intertwined with centuries-old practices still upheld in certain regions, transforms our land into a treasure trove of history. Regrettably, the Bulgarian countryside is fading. Statistics grimly illustrate that by 2020, 171 Bulgarian villages had lost their final inhabitants, fading into obscurity from our maps. To put it into perspective, in 2017, the count of abandoned villages was 157. It's concerning – we're slowly losing grip on our cultural identity and distinctiveness. This, undoubtedly, is a global concern, not confined solely to Bulgaria. Yet, I firmly believe that each of us holds the power to effect change, commencing from that which is closest to his heart!
What is our initiative?
We organise unique journeys that not only unveil Bulgaria's beauty but also encourage the preservation of age-old crafts in neglected or underprivileged villages. Every participant embarking on our expeditions receives a surprise gift, each holding profound significance. These treasures are handcrafted by local people, masters of traditional crafts and their names and villages are inscribed on every package. By being part of our secret travels, you're directly supporting these artisans, empowering the heritage they represent.
We aim to spark not just interest but genuine admiration for artisans and their craft, fostering an environment that nurtures their continual skill development.
Our vision is to witness these remarkable crafts revered and seamlessly integrated into modern life, concurrently empowering local communities to flourish and evolve.
Your invaluable support and active engagement have empowered us to enact substantial change within local communities and safeguard Bulgaria's priceless heritage for generations to come.
Since the inception of this initiative, we've successfully raised over 10,000 BGN, a testament to your travels—a direct contribution that has profoundly impacted the lives of local elders, nurturing their crafts and skills.