Description
Summary
South-west Bulgaria is a land of mountains – a rolling sea of independent massifs separated from one another by deep gorges and mountain passes. Most of the towns and villages lie in the valleys or on the lower slopes, leaving the ancient forests, high alpine meadows and rugged rocks for a variety of rare and endangered wildlife to enjoy.
We walk on snowshoes in two national parks: Rila and Pirin Mountains. Walking with snow-shoes requires no previous experience and is easily mastered. It’s great fun and you get a great sense of freedom as we make our own paths through snow covered valleys.
Tour highlights
- Snowshoeing experience in two national parks: Rila and Pirin Mountains
- Round hike of the Seven Rila Lakes area –natural symbol of Bulgaria
- Visit to Rila Monastery Orthodox Sanctuary (UNESCO)
- Folklore performance by “Doburski babi”
- Traditional home-made cuisine and Family-run accommodations
Tour information
Price per person: 890 € (valid for a group of 4 – 5 people)
Price for private tour: 1099 € (valid for a group of 2 – 3 people)
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Best period: mid December – mid March
Type : guided snowshoeing trip
Level: moderate (4-5 hours; +600m/-600m)
Transport: transfers by a private car/bus
Guided: yes
More dates:
17.02.-23.02.2019 – available
11.03.-17.03.2019 – available
Day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Bulgaria
Arrival in Sofia. If time available, depending on flight details: Sofia guided city tour.
Transfer: 0.30 hours
Night stop: Sofia
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Included meals: none
Day 2: Vitosha Mountains & SPA
Full day of snowshoeing in Vitosha mountain. You will explore the higher parts of the massif and the open plateau above Aleko area, which is one of the two reserve areas of the mountain. Open wide views towards the city of Sofia, Stara planina Mountains and Rila Mountains. Optional: hike to the highest peak of Vitosha – Mt. Cherni vruh, 2290m. Transfer to the city of Sapareva banya, located at the north foothills of Rila Mountains and famous for its hot mineral waters and pools.
Transfers: 2.30 hours
Snowshoeing time: 4-5 hours; Ascent: 500; Descent: 1000m
Night stop: Sapareva banya
Accommodation: family – run hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: The Seven Rila lakes & SPA
Explore the region of the Seven Rila Lakes and Skakavitsa Waterfalls (80m high). During the winter time this is a famous ice climbing area. Today we will enjoy a round walk of the Seven Rila Lakes – the lowest at 2100m and the highest at 2700. This is one of the most emblematic natural areas of Bulgaria. At the end of the day, free time for SPA & Wellness in the hot spring mineral waters of Sapareva Banya.
Transfer time: 1.00 hour
Snowshoeing time: 4-5 hours; Ascent: 600; Descent 600m
Night stop: Sapareva banya
Accommodation: family-run hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Rila Monastery (UNESCO) & Traditional Folklore
In the morning, transfer to Rila monastery (1.30 hours). Visit of the largest and most important Christian Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria. Built in XIc, it is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Short pilgrimage walk to the cave of John from Rila (Ivan Rilski).
Later today, visit to another painted church, the 17th century Dobarsko Church and its living heritage, the Folklore Group “Dobarski Babi”, who will perform us the local folklore and traditions.
Transfers: 3.00 hours
Walking time: 1-2 hours; Ascent 200m, Descent 100m
Night stop: Gorno Draglishte village
Accommodation: guest-house “Deshka”
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Pirin Mountains / Bezbog & Popovo Glacial Lakes
Snowshoeing in the heart of Pirin mouintain. Transfer to Dobrinishte area and hike to Popovo glacial lake. In the afternoon, possibility for visit of the public hot spring mineral bath of Dobrinishte. Dinner in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.
Transfers: 1.00 hour
Snowshoeing time: 4-5 hours; Ascent 400m; Descent 400m
Night stop: Gorno Draglishte
Accommodation: guest-house “Deshka”
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6: Pirin Mountains / Mt Vihren Area & The Oldest Tree in Bulgaria
Snowshoeing in the area of Mt. Vihren. In the morning transfer to Bunderitsa area – starting point for the hike. Visit of the oldest tree on the Balkan Peninsula – 1300 years old pine tree. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of the city of Bansko – city rich of history and traditional Bulgarian architecture from XVIII – XIXc.
Farewell dinner at Deshka’s Guesthouse.
Transfers: 1.30 hours
Snowshoeing time: 4 – 5hours; Ascent 400m; Descent 400m
Night stop: Gorno Draglishte
Accommodation: guest-house “Deshka”
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Sofia/Sofia Airport/ Flight back home
Transfer to Sofia city (2.30 hours)
*If the flight times permit: guided walking sightseeing tour of the main highlights in Sofia (if not done in day 1).
Transfer to Sofia Airport.
Transfers: 2.30 hours
Included meals: breakfast
The prices include:
- Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse and 3* star hotel
- 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- 1 Folklore performance in Dobarsko
- Tickets for chairlifts (Seven Rila Lakes and Bezbog Area)
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide who will be driving as well
- Snowshoes and trekking poles rent
- Transfers and drives according to itinerary
The prices excludes:
- meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- museum entrance fees
- personal expenses
- flights and taxes
Single Room Supplement: 80 EUR