Description
Summary
Joining this tour you will enjoy some spectacular hikes in the Southeastern Europe’s highest mountain ranges – Rila, Olympus, Pirin. But not only the height is spectacular, these mountains are also Protected National Parks with rich flora and fauna. These rocky mountains will fascinate you with their overwhelming precipices, jagged peaks and panoramic views. The rest of the tour is about traditional food, local cultures, one monastery and a harbor!
Tour highlights
- Hike to the Balkan Winner, Mount Musala – “No Higher Than God”
- Hikes in Pirin National Park (UNESCO) – “The Marble Horse Ridge
- Hikes in Mt. Olympus National Park – “The Throne of Zeus”
- Visit to Rila Monastery Orthodox Sanctuary (UNESCO)
- Guided visits in Thessaloniki, Greece and Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour information
Price per person: 889 € (valid for a group of 6 people)
Price for private tour: 1079 € (valid for a group of 4 people)
Duration: 10 days/9 nights
Best period: mid June – mid October
Type : guided hiking trip
Level: strenuous (5-8 hours; +1000m/-1000m)
Guided: yes
Transport: transfers by a private bus
Other dates:
Other dates available upon request.
Day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Bulgaria!
Arrival in Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. From there we head to Govedartsi village, set in the Northern footsteps of Rila National Park. Traditional home-dinner in the cozy atmosphere of a family-run guesthouse.
Day 2: Mount Mussala (The Balkan Winner)
Ascent to Mount Mussala (2925m, the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula). Early transfer to Borovets resort, take Gondola lift to Yastrebets peak and from there we head to Mussala Peak. In the afternoon: transfer back to Govedartsi village.
Day 3: Sacred Seven Rila Lakes
We will start the day with a short transfer to the starting point of our climb to Malyovitsa Peak (2729m.). Following the main Ridge we will reach the Seven Lakes Glacial Circus, considered to be one the most sacred Bulgarian lands.
Day 4: Rila Monastery (UNESCO)
Our last mountain walk in Rila National Park will bring us to the Ortodox Sanctuary – Rila Monastery (UNESCO). To reach it we will have to climb to the main ridge and from there descent more than 1000 meters through meadows and forests. Late transfer to Bansko town set in the footsteps of Pirin National Park.
Traditional dinner with folklore music.
Day 5: Pirin National Park (UNESCO)
Transfer to Vihren hut (1.980 m) and ascent of the beautiful marble peak of Vihren (2914m) by a steep and demanding mountain track. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Melnik (2h30).
In the evening walk around the town and admire the unique architecture of the place.
Day 6: Melnik – Litochoro
In the morning we will have a round trip around the Melnik Pyramids Nature Phenomena. Later we will visit of Rojen monastery, 16th c. and after lunch we will have a transfer (3 hours) to the Greek village Litochoro.
Day 7: Hike to Mount Olympus
Transfer to Prionia from where we will begin our walk, at an altitude of 1000 m. We will walk through shady beech and fir forests, where we will enjoy a variety of woodland birds and flowers. Our way will continue up to an altitude of 2060m, to the refuge A where we will spend the night.
Day 8: Olympus National Park
If weather permits and there is no snow, we will ascend to Mytikas (2.917meters). It is Greece’s highest peak! (This involves some scrambling on a well-defined route. Then we hike towards refuge B for a last overnight in the mountain.
Day 9: Thessaloniki (UNESCO)
Today start your trek from Refuge B and walk down to Gortsia village. In the afterenoon we will have a transfer to Thessaloniki. Later in the evening, we will enjoy a walk along the waterfront from the port to beyond the Aspros Pirgos (White Tower).
Day 10: Derparture
Transfer to airport. Transfer to Thessaloniki airport and flight back home.
The price includes:
- accommodation in family-run 3* hotels and mountain hut
- 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- gondola-lift tickets
- professional English-speaking mountain guide
- all transfers according to the program in private minivan or minibus
The price excludes:
- meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- museum entrance fees
- personal expenses
- flights and taxes