An unforgettable experience in quiet & unspoilt terrain
Hike the Bulgarian Mountains
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
The Bulgarian mountains is one of the spots in Europe where you still have the feeling you are almost alone hiking there … Not so well known yet generally, but already quite known among hikers from all over Europe and maybe all over the world. Don’t be surprised to meet here people from countries you would not expect. The hiking experts know where to go!
In this package we will lead you into 3 different mountain ranges of Bulgaria. Starting with the Pirin Mountains in the National park with the same name. Here we have 2 fantastic hiking days, nearby Mount Vihren (2914 meters) and around Bezbog Hut and Popovo Lake. Every evening we return to our comfortable hotels.
The next hike in the Rhodope Mountains has the name the Devil’s Path and is one of the most fascinating routes you probably have ever done. Here you do not walk over meadows or climb peaks but experience full hike through a gorge over wooden stairs and narrow paths.
Finally, we move to the Rila Mountains to do two great day hikes. The first day we walk towards the famous “Seven lakes” (first we have to take a chair lift) and the last day we climb to the top of Mount Musala, - the highest mountain on the Balkan with a height of 2925 meters. The hike starts from 2369 meters where we step out of the gondola.
This week will be a week you never forget, and you will be surprised about the beautiful country and its possibilities of hiking. All of them are possible to do by people with an average + condition and you need to be in a good shape. It is not difficult, but you should not underestimate these routes. We also will visit Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids, one of the most breath-taking caves in Bulgaria named by The Devil’s Throat cave and Yagodina cave and have in between relaxing moments in mineral hot springs.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (ca. 225 km)
Sofia – Rila Monastery – Stob sandstone Pyramids - Bansko
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Meeting at Metropolitan Hotel Sofia
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After morning-introduction tour departure
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Rila Monastery
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Visit the biggest Monastery of the Balkan Peninsula.
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Walk to Stob Pyramids formation
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Amazing sandstone formation
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko
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Get the feeling with the locals & enjoy the food (incl.)
Day 2 (ca. 60 KM)
Bansko – Banderitsa Café – Hike around Banderishki Lakes – Bansko
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1st day visit Pirin Mountains National park
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Short drive to beautiful Pirin Mountains National Park.
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Banderitsa Cafe at 1820 m.
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Hiking to Vihren Hut 1915 m / Mountain-lakes with beautiful surroundings up until ca. 2400 m.
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Visit Banya Hot Springs
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Perfect spot to relax after a day of mountain hiking.
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko
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Get the feeling with the locals & enjoy the food (incl.)
Day 3 (ca. 60 KM)
Bansko – Gotse Delchev Hut – Chairlift to Bezbog Hut – Hike to Popovo lake – Chairlift to Gotse Delchev Hut – Hot Springs – Bansko
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Drive to Gotse Delchev hut, short drive from around 25 minutes
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Chairlift from Gotse Delchev hut to Bezbog hut, 26 minutes ride in 2 chairlifts to 2240 meter, start hike at Bezbog Hut/Lake with breath-taking views
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Hiking to Popovo lake between amazing peaks of Pirin Mountains
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Chairlift to Gotse Delchev hut, stop at Bezbog hut for a relaxing drink
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Visit Banya or Dobrinishte Hot Springs, perfect spot to relax after a day of mountain hiking.
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko, get the feeling with the locals
Day 4 (ca. 230 KM) Bansko – Devil’s Throat Cave – Yagodina Cave/Eagle’s Eye Point – Devin
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Drive from Pirin Mountains to Rhodope Mountains
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Devil’s Throat Cave excursion, a guided tour in an impressive short/steep cave what looks like a huge underground Amphitheater.
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Yagodina Cave or Jeep tour (optional)
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Visit and walk into one of the longest caves in Europe (or optionalJeep tour to Eagle’s Eye Point). Exciting Jeep ride and amazing viewpoint.
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Devin Spa village
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A mineral hot spring town in middle of Rhodope Mountains.
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Devin
Day 5 (ca. 260 KM)
Devin – Devil’s Path Hike – Sapareva Banya/ Borovets
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On the move to Rila Mountain Range
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Drive from Rhodope Mountains to Rila Mountains
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We will hike the Eco trail Devil’s Path
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Spectacular hike from several hours via wooden stairs build on the side of high steep rocks following a river. Very picturesque…
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Arrival in Sapareva Banya
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Relax in one of the many mineral hot water pools
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Overnight in family hotel in Sapareva Banya/ Borovets
Day 6 (ca. 45 KM)
Sapareva Banya/ Borovets – Lift and hike to the 7 lakes – Sapareva Banya/ Borovets
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Chairlift ride to Hizha Rilski Ezara(Hut)
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4-5 hours hike around the 7 Rila Lakes (between 2200 – 2500 meters)
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Beautiful hike with spectacular views on the Rila Lakes
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Stop at Hizha Rilski Ezara (Hut)
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Relaxing stop for a snack and a drink before taking the chairlift down
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Sapareva Banya
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Take the time for yourself, enjoy a mineral pool visit after the hike
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Overnight in family hotel in Sapareva Banya/ Borovets
Day 7 (ca. 110 KM)
Sapareva Banya/ Borovets – Gondola to Yastrebet – Climb to top of Musala (highest top on the Balkan Peninsula 2925 meters) – Sofia
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45 minutes’ car drive to Borovets (not when we are staying in Borovets)
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Here we will take the gondola to Yastrebet summit at 2369 meters
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Hike to the top of mount Musala is not too difficult, 3-3.5 hours to reach the peak at 2925 meters, gorgeous views around from the top, the views from here you will remember for a long time
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We take the gondola back to the car
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On our way to the last stop, Sofia
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Overnight in Metropolitan hotel in Sofia
Day 8 (Sofia) - Transfer to the airport or stay some extra days in this surprising city
DEPARTURE DATES
22nd June, 27th July, 31st Aug, 5th Oct 2024
TOUR PRICE
€1325 (Double) €1565 (Single) per person
Extra Nights in Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia
DOUBLE ROOM €108 per night
SINGLE ROOM €93 per night
RECOMMENDATION
ALL guests need to have a mountain rescue insurance included in their travel insurance. Without mountain rescue insurance all costs coming out of any situation in the mountains come for their own costs.
INCLUDED
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7 x overnights in single or double room
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7 x breakfasts
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Dinner/ Lunch on the days mentioned in the itinerary
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Guiding, transfers & parking costs
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All itinerary activities & entrances
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​During the 5 hiking days in the mountains, a professional and licensed mountain guide will be guiding us through the mountains. So, we will be in good and safe hands!
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to/from Bulgaria (or other transport)
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Optional tours/ activities/ entrances
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Dinners/ lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
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Personal expenses during the whole tour
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Tips