Six days of riding in the Rodopes –the land of high peaks and deep river gorges, weird rock formations, lush meadows and dense forests. The region has a wealth of traditional architecture and folklore: en route we visit remote villages, old churches and one of Bulgaria’s finest monasteries Bachkovo. According to mythology, this is the homeland of Dionysus, the God of wine. Today this is the area where a native grape variety Mavrud is cultivated. The robust Mavrud red wine can be sampled at the well-known wine cellar Villa Vinifera, included in our itinerary.
Beautiful landscapes, picturesque small villages, exotic sites, great wines – come join us for an unforgettable holiday!

Country region: Southern Bulgaria

Price without flight ticket: 590 EUR

Trip plan:
Day 1. Our guide welcomes you at Sofia / Plovdiv Airport. Transfer to Plovdiv – the second biggest city in the country.
Day 2. A short transfer takes us to Brestovitsa, where we meet the horses. Today we make a loop-like ride, passing along the small town of Perushtitsa and back to Brestovitsa, to visit a local winery, where we have lunch and taste local wines. In the afternoon we head back to Plovdiv for a short stroll in the old quarters of the town and dinner.
/hours in the saddle: 3/
Day 3. We start in Brestovitsa again, this time heading south and up in the mountains, to reach Varhovrah resort, where we stay overnight.
/hours in the saddle: 4-5/
Day 4. We continue the ride, passing through several tiny villages, following Varhovrah ridge with great panorama views, to reach Persenk hut, where we stay overnight.
/hours in the saddle: 5/
Day 5. The ride today takes us to Chudnite Mostove – a unique rock formation in the heart of the mountain. After lunch we take the bus to visit Batchkovo Monastery. The horses will be waiting for us at Orehovo village, where we stay overnight.
/hours in the saddle: 4/
Day 6. We head up towards Chernatitsa ridge, pass through deep woods and vast meadows, along Biala Cherkva and down to Studenets area where we stay overnight.
/hours in the saddle: 5-6/
Day 7. On our last ride we reach the meadows of Leshten, where we say goodbye to the horses, and have transfer to Plovdiv for a farewell dinner.
/hours in the saddle: 4/
Day 8. After breakfast we get a transfer to the airport in Sofia/ Plovdiv for departure.

Accomodation and food: We stay overnight at local guesthouses and small family-run hotels in rooms with private facilities. Breakfast, lunch pack & dinner included (first meal dinner on day 1, last meal breakfast on day

Price of extra services:   Single room supplement: 85 EUR

Included in the price:   7 overnights in guesthouses and family-run pensions in en-suite rooms on fullboard; riding guide; English-speaking interpreter; saddled horse; luggage transfers from point to point; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport; VAT and all local taxes.

Excluded from the price:   Alcoholic drinks; tips; other personal expenses.

Practical information:   HORSES: Most of the horses belong to the local East-Bulgarian breed with a mid-height of 1,50 cm, they are well known as thoughtful and tough, and are thus extremely well-adapted to the mountainous region of the Rodopi Mountains. The maximum weight limit of the riders is 95 kg.
Saddles: Western as standard and English saddles on request. Riding helmet is not mandatory.

EXTENSIONS:
You  can combine your horseriding holiday with an extra week at the Black Sea coast  in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc.
The beaches of Northern Greece (Halkidiki and Thassos) are even closer after the new check points in the Rhodope mountains were opened recently.

LOW_COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe – http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air – http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/.
In summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself).

Recommended travel period of the year:   June - October

Tour Highlights:
• Diverse landscape – the jagged alpine peaks of Pirin Mountains and the peaceful green meadows and thick forests of Rodopi Mountains
• Small mountain villages, providing close look at the typical way of living – history, traditions, cuisine
• Yagodina Cave – considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe and The Devil’s Throat Cave having one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe (42 m).
• Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest Bulgarian monastery.
• Plovdiv old town - one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.

Country region: Pirin and Rodopi mountains

Price without flight ticket: 520 EUR

Trip plan:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the town of Bansko at the foots of Pirin Mountains for overnight (2,30hrs drive).
Day 2. Morning hike above Vihren hut (1950 m a.s.l.). There we visit Muratovo, Ribnoto, Dulgoto, Zhabeshkoto and Okoto lakes. Sighseeing trip along the streets of Bansko is planned in the afternoon.
Walking time: 5hrs; uphill walk: 300 m (984 ft); downhill walk: 300 m (984 ft)
Day 3. Today we head to Mount Polezhan (2851 m a.s.l.). This trip offers probably the most beautiful panoramic views in the mountains where one can count 17 glacial lakes from a single point, including the biggest lake in Pirin Mountains – Popovo Lake.Then we continue to Leshten village and further to the village of Kovachevitsa for overnight.
Walking time: 6hrs; Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
Day 4. Sightseeing tour in Kovachevitsa (declared an architectural reserve) and the adjacent area. Transfer further to Trigrad village where we stay overnight for the next 2 nights. En-route we stop for lunch by the blue water of Dospat dam.
Day 5. In the morning we continue southeast to the peak of the ridge by Trigrad village and further to Vodni Pad village. The return journey is a real delight going after Trigradska River all the way to Trigrad and Trigrad Gorge.
Walking time: 5hrs; uphill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft)
Day 6. After breakfast we leave the hotel in Trigrad on foot. A nice dirt road, following the upper edge of Trigrad Gorge leads to the village of Yagodina (850 m a.s.l.) and Yagodina Cave where we have about 45 min cave tour. The bus is waiting by the entrance of the cave to take us to the town of Devin, where we stay overnight.
Walking time: 3-4hrs; uphill walk: 250 m (820 ft); downhill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft)
Day 7. We walk along the Devin eco-path, offering some fine views of the Valley of Devin River. At noon we continue with a transfer to Shiroka Lyka for short sightseeing and continue on to Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest in Bulgaria. We end up in Plovdiv, where you will have some free time in the late afternoon for sightseeing and shopping.
Walking time: 3hrs; uphill walk: 200 m; downhill walk: 200 m
Day 8. Early transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.

Accomodation and food: We stay in 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 6), family-run hotel (days 4 & 5), guesthouse (day 7), and in a tradional oldfashion house (day 3) with private facilities on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is available in each of the hotels if necessary for the day walks (at the amount of 5-6 Euro).

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 75 EURO

Included in the price: accommodation and meals as specified; all ground transfers; lift tickets; entrance fees for caves; English-speaking guide; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport; VAT and all local taxes.

Excluded from the price: maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), lunches/lunchpacks, tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Practical information: EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below. LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe – http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air – http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/. in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.

Recommended travel period of the year: June – September

On this tour we bike along the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys with sheep peacefully grazing on lush grass, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We start the trip from the tiny Goliam Izvor village, passing by the Central Balkan National Park and ending up in Veliko Tarnovo – the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages that look as they have been untouched for the past 200 years. You’ll see wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way. During the trip you will visit several of Bulgaria’s most important Orthodox monasteries, situated in the dales or woods. Churches with centuries-old icons and colourful murals are spread across a wide range of villages and small towns.

Tour highlights:

• Beautiful green landscapes of the Forebalkan and National park “Central Balkan
• Typical countryside sceneries, villages and local everyday life of the Balkan mountains region
• 7 of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries dating back from 13-15th century
• 2 unique architectural reserves with traditional old style houses and beautifully decorated churches and the marvelous open air ethnographic museum Etara
• The old capital of the Second Bulgarian kingdom – Veliko Tarnovo

Country region: Balkan Mountains

Price without flight ticket: 600 EUR

Additional price information: Included in the price: road or mountain bike; English-speaking guide/driver with a supporting vehicle; map; roadbook; transfers from/to Sofia airport; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; VAT and all local taxes. Excluded from the price: flights, travel insurance, tips, entrance fees, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses. Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 80 euro; rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week;rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week;rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week.

Trip plan:

Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to the village of Goliam Izvor where we stay overnight.

Day 2. Today’s cycling starts in Goliam Izvor village, heading to Yablanitsa town (famous for producing different kinds of “khalva”) and then continue to Malak Izvor village, which is a starting point for the uphill ride to Glozhene Monastery. Having visited the monastery you go downhill the same way and continue further to Ribaritsa village via the town of Teteven. We stay overnight in Ribaritsa village. Cycling distance: 70 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 850/800m

Day 3. Ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day – Bogoi pass (1185m). From this pass the road goes all the way down to the town of Troyan passing through the village of Shipkovo where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre we visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition “Oreshaka” nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We spend the night in Aprilci village. Cycling distance: 74 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 900/1000m.

Day 4. Cycling from Apriltsi to Batoshevo Nunnery, where you can have a picnic in the yard. Nearby is Batoshevo monastery. The next milestone is the town of Gabrovo. There you will meet your guide who will take you by car to the “Etura”- an open-air ethnographic museum, as well as the beautiful Sokolski Monastery. We stay overnight in Etura. Cycling distance: 55 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 750/800m

Day 5. You get on the supporting vehicle and start cycling some 10 km away from Gabrovo. After an ascent followed by a descent, you arrive in Tryavna. There you can spend some time on sightseeing and lunch in the centre of this beautiful town. Ups and downs through open terrain will lead you to the final stop for today – Bozhentsi architectural reserve. Cycling distance: 52 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 950/1000m

Day 6. Having visited by car the Dryanovo monastery in the morning, you start cycling from the turning for Yalovo village. Kilifarevo Monastery is very close. We make a short stop here and continue to the town of Elena which is some 48 km from the start and also a final destination for today. Cycling distance: 48 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 700/600m

Day 7. From Elena we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi architectural reserve. The landscape includes meadows, pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally a beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. After some free time for rest and walks among the old houses of Arbanasi we go for a lunch and sightseeing tour in Veliko Turnovo – one of the old capitals of Bulgaria. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling distance: 43 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 600/600m

Day 8. After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.

Accomodation and food: family hotels (day 2, 4, 6)  guesthouses (days  5, 7) with private facilities and pensions and guesthouses (days 1 and 3) with shared facilities, 7 days on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included).

Practical information:
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1. Hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork; 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.

TOUR INFO: All bikers receive a detailed roadbook and map. The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route. The guide is also responsible for the technical support of the bikes. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle.

ROAD CONDITIONS: We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering (the latter usually not brand new!). The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The road surface in these areas may be not very smooth at some stages. The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while.

RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable .

EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below.

The Rodopi Mountains are situated in the oldest part of the Balkans and boast some of the loveliest coniferous woods in the country. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys with gorges intermingling with river basins and valleys. Here one can also find 70% of the world minerals, as well as some 600 caves. Flora and fauna contain species that have become extinct in other European countries. In contrast with our tour of the Balkan Mountains, this tour will take you even higher, to around 2,000 m, or 6561 ft. Most of the mileage is done on asphalt main roads, with relatively little traffic, that are well-suited for biking. Along them cyclists can see some old-style means of transportation: wooden carts pulled by horses, donkeys or cows. You may also meet some nomadic gypsies, picking mushrooms and berries in the woods, as well as some local Muslim inhabitants growing tobacco and potatoes, or herds of sheep or goats coming down from the mountain at the end of the day.

Tour highlights:

• The mystic Rodopi mountains – the oldest mountain on the Balkans
• Peaceful mountain sceneries and rich biodiversity
• Typical mountain villages architecture and vivid local life
• 5 of the biggest and most beautiful mountain dams in Bulgaria
• Stunning natural phenomenas – gorges, caves, rock bridges, lakes
• The second biggest and famous Bulgarian monastery – Bachkovo monastery
• The old town of Plovdiv city – one of the oldest European cities

Country region: Rodopi Mountains

Price without flight ticket: 630 EUR

Additional price information: Included in the price: road or mountain bike; English-speaking guide/driver with a supporting vehicle; map; roadbook; transfers from/to Sofia airport; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; VAT and all local taxes. Excluded from the price: flights, travel insurance,tips, entrance fees, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 80 euro; rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week; rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week; rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week;

Trip plan:

Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and accommodation in Sofia or Plovdiv depending on your arrival time.

Day 2. The cycling starts few kilometers before the village of Sestrimo and up to Belmeken dam (2000 m) through old coniferous woods. In the afternoon the road passes the Iundola’s mountain meadows before descending to the town of Velingrad, where we stay overnight in a hotel with hot mineral swimming pool. Cycling distance: 76 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 1400/1300m

Day 3. We begin few kilometers from Velingrad, passing through the picturesque landscape of Tsigov Chark countryside by Batak dam to the town of Dospat. On the way we go round the blue-green waters of Goliam Beglik and Shiroka poliana dams before reaching the town of Dospat and its dam, where we stay overnight in a hotel. Cycling distance: 71 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 600/700m

Day 4. The biking starts from Dospat via Borino town to the Buinovsko Gorge, which is also a gate to the next stop – the Yagodina Cave. Here we make a cave tour before going further to Trigrad village, passing among the 250 m high cliffs of the Trigrad Gorge. Here another sinister cave is expecting us – The Devil’s Throat Cave, housing one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe. Overnight in Trigrad in a family hotel. Cycling distance: 50 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 700/800m

Day 5. A pleasant descent along Trigradska River brings you to the village of Grohotno and the natural rock phenomenon “The Elephant”. Then we continue upstream Shirokolushka River to the village of Shiroka Luka. We stop here to savour the spirit of this architectural reserve, famous for its preserved houses dating back from the Bulgarian Revival Period. We pass by the beautiful Smolyan lakes and finsh cycling in Smolyan town. Cycling distance: 66 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 950/800m

Day 6. Cycling from Smolyan to the historic place Rozhen. After a short rest you go uphill to a big picturesque meadow at 1700m which marks the beginning of a gentle downhill ride in direction to Laki town through “Momina voda” protected area. Nerby is the picturesque village of Borovo and the famous religious place with chapels and healing springs – Krastova Gora. Overnight in Borovo. Cycling distance: 39 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 400/1300m

Day 7. The downhill ride continues along Jugovska River valley to the main road Smolyan-Plovdiv. Short transfer brings you to the Wonderfull Bridges rocky phenomenon for short sightseeing. The next stop is Bachkovo Monastery (the second largest in Bulgaria). Transfer to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling distance: 80km; uphill/downhill cycling: 100/1250m

Day 8. After breakfast you will be transferred to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.

Accomodation and food: We stay in family-run hotels/guesthouses with private facilities; 7 days on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included).

Practical information:
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1 hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork and 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.

TOUR INFO: All bikers receive a detailed roadbook and map. The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route. The guide is also responsible for the technical support of the bikes. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle.

ROAD CONDITIONS: We use two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering (the latter usually not brand new!). The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The road surface in these areas may be not very smooth at some stages. The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while.

RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable.

EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below.

Tour Highlights
• Balkan Mountains (highest peak: Mount Botev 2376 m a.s.l.) are the longest (550 km) and the biggest of all mountains in Bulgaria.
• Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, being the 3-th largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
• Plovdiv (160 m a.s.l.) ranks as the second Bulgarian city in population and size. The old town of Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.

Country region: Balkan Mountains, Cental Balkan National Park

Trip plan:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Beklemeto Pass in the Balkan Mountains where we stay overnight (2,30hrs drive).
Day 2. A loop-like hike to Troyan pass continuing west after that to Kozyata Stena reserve and further to Haidushka pesen hut. From now on we have about 7 km to reach the village of Chiflik famous for its hot mineral springs and swimming pools. Transfer to the hotel on Beklemeto.
Uphill walk: 250 m, or 820 ft; downhill walk: 950 m, or 3,116 ft; walking time: about 5-6 hours
Day 3. After breakfast we head to Dermenka hut (1500m). Nice descent along the stream of Cherni Osam River through the Steneto Reserve is expecting us to the village of Cherni Osam. We will visit Troyan Monastery and the nearby museum of local crafts “Oreshaka”.
Uphill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: around 7-8 hours
Day 4. Walk along one of the new local eco-paths will bring us to Pleven hut (1504 m a.s.l.) where we stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 700 m (2,296 ft); downhill walk: 100 m (328 ft); walking time: 2-4 hours (depending on the extensions in the afternoon)
Day 5. From Pleven hut the path goes through a beech forest, reaching a place, called “Murgata”. Then it continues by the foothills of the “Milk Peak” to “Hristo Botev” refuge with great views to the majestic rocks of Northern Dzendem reserve (Dzendem means Hell) . From there we start climbing the highest peak of the Balkan Mountains – Mount Botev (2376 m a.s.l.). From the peak the track weaves among the rocky slopes of the mount (The Tarzan’s path), providing excellent view to the precipice of the Southern “Dzhendem”. Then we continue to “Rai hut” passing by the Heavens Waterfall (“Raiskoto pruskalo”).
Uphill walk: 1000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 900 m (2952 ft); walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 6. We start on a nice panoramic trail through the rocky slopes of the Southern “Dzhendem” passing through many small streams and rock formation, followed by a walk through alpine meadows to “Vasil Levski” hut, where we stay overnight. Possible 20 minutes walk to the beautiful Karlovo praskalo waterfall.
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); walking time: about 5 hrs
Day 7. Today we walk downstream the picturesque valley of Stara river proclaimed for a natural reserve. We pass by two other huts enroute and end the trek in Karlovo town (birthpalce of Vasil Levski – the most famous Bulgarian  revolotionery during the Ottoman rule). Option for a swim in the river under the beautiful Suchurum waterfall near Karlovo. Transfer to the city of Plovdiv, where we stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 0 m; downhill walk: 1000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 4 hrs
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv airport for departure (2hrs drive).

Accomodation and food: 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and mountain huts (days 4, 5 & 6) with shared facilities on HB (breakfast & dinner included). Lunchpacks are included for the mountain treks during the days 5, 6 & 7.

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 75 EURO; single room is only available on days 1,2,3, and 7!

Included in the price: accommodation in 3*** hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and mountain huts (days 4, 5 & 6) with shared facilities on halfboard; lunchpacks for the mountain treks during the days 5, 6 & 7; all ground transfers and luggage transfers as follows Unnecessary luggage will be transferred as follows:Day 3: from Beklemeto Pass to Apriltsi, Day 7: from Apriltsi to Plovdiv; English-speaking guide; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport, VAT and all local taxes.

Excluded from the price: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Practical information: EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below. LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe – http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air – http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/. in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.

Recommended travel period of the year: June – October

Tour Highlights
• Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala – 2925 m a.s.l.
• Pirin Mountains are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
• Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.

Country region: Rila and Pirin Mountains

Price without flight ticket: 510 EUR

Brief itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1150 m a.s.l.), where we stay overnight (1hr drive).
Day 2. Loop hike from Vada Hut to the most eminent area in Rila Mountains – The Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m a.s.l.). The path follows the summit between the rivers Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, offering fine views towards both Vitosha and Verila mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); walking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 3. Another stunning trek from Maliovitsa resort, going up along the valley to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m.
Uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 4. Today we climb the highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 5. Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. Sightseeing and leisure hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski. We will then stop by the impressive Stob Pyramids and continue on to the foots of Pirin Mountains and the town of Bansko.
Uphill walk: 150 m (492 ft); downhill walk: 150 m (492 ft); walking time between 2-3 hours
Day 6. A fairly difficult ascent to highest peak in Pirin Mountains – Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.), awaits us. On our way to the peak we have various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin’s peaks, Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes as well as Edelweiss and many other rare plants flowering in the Karst parts of the mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 7. We head towards the biggest and deepest glacial lake in the mountains – Popovo Lake. Then we continue on to Dzhengalska Porta saddle, which surprises with the magnificent panoramic view. Going past Valiavishki Lakes we reach the valley of Demianishka River, where the bus waits to take us back to Bansko.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure (2,30hrs drive).

Accomodation and food: We stay overnight in 3-star hotels with rooms with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Luggage is transferred from point to point.

Included in the price: 7 nights in 3 *** hotels on halfboard; all ground transfers; English-speaking guide; lift tickets; pick up/drop off at Plovdiv or Sofia airport; VAT and all local taxes.

Excluded from the price: maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Practical information: EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check “Vacation extensions” below. LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe – http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air – http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/. in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.

Recommended travel period of the year: June – September