Description
Summary
Bulgaria will fascinate you with its endless pine forests, cosy villages and delicious cuisine. The trip takes place in two magical mountains: Rhodopi Mountains – land of Orpheus, , where we will find the biggest SPA resort in the country with hot mineral waters and Pirin National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage. At the end of this relaxing trip we will visit the Rila Monastery – 9th century colorfully painted Orthodox monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Tour highlights
- Walks through bucolic villages in the magical Rhodope Mountains
- Train-ride with the narrow –gauge train through Rhodope Mountains
- Free time to enjoy the hot mineral waters and SPA centers of Velingrad
- Visit of Rila Monastery (UNESCO)
Tour information
Price per person: 750 € (valid for a group of 4 people)
Price for private tour: 1050 € (valid for a group of 2 people)
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Best period: mid December – mid March
Type: guided walking trip
Level: easy (3-4 hours; +400m/-400m)
Transport: transfers by a private minivan/4bus
Guided: yes
Other dates:
Other dates available upon request.
Day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Bulgaria
Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria and transfer from Sofia Airport to the city center.
Next: Guided walking city tour (depending on flight times)
Transfers: 0.30 hours
Night stop: Sofia
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 2: Walk in Vitosha Mountains
The first hike of our trip will reveal us the beauty of Vitosha Nature Park. On the way we will pass through “Peat Nature Reserve” and the Rock Phenomenon “The Golden Bridges”. Lunch break in any of the many mountain huts on the way. Later we will have an afternoon transfer to the heart of Rhodopi Mountains.
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Transfers: 3.00 hours
Night stop: Velingrad town (the SPA-capital of Bulgaria)
Accommodation: 4* SPA-hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Walk in Rhodope Mountains
Beglika Lake is one of the highest dams in Bulgaria, more than 1500m above the sea level. In winter time the whole lake is covered by thick layer of ice (popular for ice fishing). We will make a circle route in the fields and peaks above the lake. The walk is in pine forests with some nice views to the lake from time to time. And back to Velingrad for a relaxing afternoon.
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Transfers: 2 hours
Night stop: Velingrad town (the SPA-capital of Bulgaria)
Accommodation: 4* SPA-hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Walk in Rila-Rhodope Mountains
The area of Yundola (1400m) is famous for its natural pine forests and wild animals. We will make a short walk on the Southern Rila slopes right there, where they meet their neighboring Rhodopi Mountains. Apart from the wild nature the area offers great variety of home-made honey/jam and rugs markets. Back to hotel: for massages/swim/relaxation.
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Transfers: 1 hour
Night stop: Velingrad town (the SPA-capital of Bulgaria)
Accommodation: 4* SPA-hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Walk in Rhodope- Pirin Mountains
Morning ride on the only narrow-gauge train in Bulgaria. The views to the surrounding mountains are astonishing. We might also have the chance to meet with the local Pomac ethnicity, the train serves as their public transport connecting their remote mountain villages. The train will leave us on the highest train station on the Balkan Peninsula – 1267m. From there will make a nice walk on the mountain ridge with spectacular views to the jugged peaks of Rila and Pirin Mountains. In the afternoon: visit of Dobarsko village and the church “St. Theodor Tiron and Theodor Stratilat” – 17th century church with unique frescoes. In the late afternoon: transfer to Bansko town, located on the Northern footsteps of Pirin Mountains.
Walking time: 3 hours
Transfers: 3.30 hours (1.30 hours by train and 2.00 hours by bus)
Night stop: Bansko
Accommodation: 4* downtown hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6: Walk in Pirin Mountains
The day will be dedicated to a hike in Pirin Mountains. We will start from Gotse Delchev Hut (1400m) to a nearby tourist center Mocharata offering nice views to the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon: visit of Bansko old town (churches, houses-museums).
Walking time: 3 hours
Transfers: 1.00 hour
Night stop: Bansko
Accommodation: 4* downtown hotel
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7: Rila Monastery/ Rila Mountains
We will start the day with a transfer to the Rila Monastery Nature Reserve. The bus will bring us to a high meadow called “Kirilova Polyana” from where we will descent to the monastery. The area reveals a very panoramic view to the high rugged ridge of Malyovtisa region. In the afternoon we visit Rila Monastery – the most important Orthodox sanctuary in Bulgaria. The monastery was founded in the the 10th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transfer to Sofia and a walking-tour of the city center (if not done on day 1).
Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Walking time: 2 hours
Transfers: 4 hours
Night stop: Sofia
Accommodation: 3* hotel in downtown
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8: Departure
In the morning: free time in Sofia (depending on departure time). Transfer to airport and departure.
The prices includes:
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
- Tickets for the mountain train-ride in day 5
- English-speaking mountain guide from Odysseia-In
- All transfers according to the program in private minivan or minibus
- All excursions
The prices excludes:
- Flights and medical insurances
- All lunches (except
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- All museum entry fees
- Personal expenses