Summary
This tour is designed for nature lovers and those who would like to discover Bulgaria in a different way. We have divided the itinerary into 2 parts – starting with bear-watching around Devin (West Rhodope Mountains) and then continue with bird-watching in the area of Madjarovo (East Rhodope Mountains) and Topolovgrad (Sakar Mountains).
The best possible time for this tour is from end April to beginning June. You will be accompanied by professionals and learn a lot about the brown bear and bird life of Bulgaria. There are some 550-600 brown bears still living here in the wild. And nearly 75% of all European species of birds can be seen in Bulgaria. This tour involves some walking in order to reach the best observation points. Binoculars and good cameras are essential – so don’t forget your equipment, whatever you do!
Tour highlights
Tour information
Price per person: 1470 € (valid for a group of 6 people)
Price for private tour: 3180 € (valid for a group of 2 people)
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Best period: April-May and October-November
Type : guided nature-observation trip
Level: easy (2-3 hours; +400m/-400m)
Guided: yes
Transport: transfers by a private vehicle
Day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Bulgaria!
Arrive in Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. From the airport we make a transfer to Devin. The town is in the vast Rhodopi Mountains and is famous for its healing mineral waters. Of course, it is also famous due to the population of brown bears. The bears live in the wild and usually can be seen at nighttime. Enjoy a traditional meal for dinner and discuss the tour with your guide.
Night stop: Devin
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Bear-watching and bird watching in Western Rhodope Mountains
Activities during the day, bear watching tour at the end of the day
During the day we could observe the bird biodiversity of the region, consisting of 141 nesting species, 68 of which are endangered. We will go after the Corn Crake, the Saker Falcon and the Lesser Kestrel (SPEC 1). Furthermore this territory is of great importance for the conservation of the Goldcrest, Black Woodpecker, Hazel Hen, the Western Capercaillie, Grey-headed Woodpecker, the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle, etc.
If we have enough time we can also visit the Trigrad Gorge and the Devil’s Throat Cave (famous with its high underground waterfall). There are some walking routes in the vicinity of Devin too. Just ask your guide!
At sunset we make a short transfer with 4×4 jeeps and then a walk in the forest to reach the best observation point. In order to observe bears in their natural habitat we will stay in a special hideout. Return back to Trigrad for overnight – this can be very late and it depends on you how long we stay in the hideouts.
Night stop: Trigrad village
Accommodation: Family-run Hotel “Arkan Han”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Bear-watching and adventure activity
Optional activities during the day, bear watching tour at the end of the day
Optional daily activities:
In the evening we once again travel to our hideouts for another bear watching tour. Return back to Trigrad for dinner and overnight.
Night stop: Trigrad village
Accommodation: Family-run Hotel “Arkan Han”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Bird watching in the East Rodopi Mountains
Transfer from Devin to the Eastern Rhodope Mountains. This will be a long transfer, which will show us much of Bulgaria’s nature. On the way we stop for some bird watching at Studen Kladenets Dam. In the afternoon we visit the nature information and conservation center in Madjarovo. This is Bulgaria’s realm for birds of prey. On spot we will learn more about the conservation projects of the local people and their work for preserving the vultures. Enjoy a traditional meal for dinner at a family-run guesthouse in The Wild Farm.
Night stop: Gorno Pole Village
Accommodation: Family-run farm “The Wild Farm
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Bird watching in Madjarovo area
Today we spend time in Madjarovo area, which is a true paradise for nature lovers. A large part of it is declared a nature reserve which provides good living conditions for its inhabitants. You can observe the following bird species: Griffon Vultures, Black Storks, Black and Egyptian Vultures, Long-legged Buzzards, Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons. Bird watching can be combined with hiking.
Night stop: Gorno Pole Village
Accommodation: Family-run farm “The Wild Farm
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Bird watching in Sakar Mountains
Transfer to Topolovgrad and birdwatching in Sakar Mountains. During the breeding season in Sakar you will have the chance to see Black Stork, Goshawk, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Woodchat, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Wheatear, Black-headed Bunting, etc.
Night stop: Topolovgrad
Accommodation: Family-run hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Birdwatching and transfer to Sofia
Spend some time in Sakar Mountains for more birdwatching there. In the early afternoon, we make a long transfer back to Sofia. This evening your guide will show you around and suggest places for dinner.
Night stop: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Sofia Guided City Tour
Tour ends in Sofia
This is the last day of this tour. We make a sightseeing tour of Sofia and see the main cultural highlights like the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
Transfer to Sofia Airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
The price includes:
The price excludes:
*Operator Remarks: This tour can be easily tailored depending on your preferences and can be organized for individual tours of 1-2 persons.
