Mystic Rhodope Mountains - Road Cycling Mountains Bulgaria The Rhodope Mountains are situated in the oldest part of the Balkans and boast some of the loveliest coniferous woods in the country. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys with gorges intermingling with river basins and valleys. Here one can also find 70% of the world minerals, as well as some 600 caves. Flora and fauna contain species that have become extinct in other European countries. In contrast with our tour of the Balkan Mountains, this tour will take you even higher, to around 2,000 m, or 6561 ft. Most of the mileage is done on asphalt main roads, with relatively little traffic, that are well-suited for biking. Along them cyclists can see some old-style means of transportation: wooden carts pulled by horses, donkeys or cows. You may also meet some nomadic gypsies, picking mushrooms and berries in the woods, as well as some local Muslim inhabitants growing tobacco and potatoes, or herds of sheep or goats coming down from the mountain at the end of the day. Special highlights: ♦ Velingrad is the largest Bulgarian spa resort famous for its healing hot mineral waters. ♦ Yagodina cave is among the longest caves in Bulgaria (more than 10 000m mapped so far), considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls in them. ♦ Shiroka Luka - numerous houses preserving the typical Rodopean architecture, speech, songs and customs of local people have given the village the status of an architectural, ethnographic and folklore reserve. ♦ The Miraculous bridges are 2 unique natural rock arches (about 40 m. high). ♦ Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest Bulgarian monastery. Biking Tour Meeting: Plovdiv Airport:   Plovdiv / Sofia Transfer: Included from Plovdiv or Sofia Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Sofia airport and transfer to our hotel.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Sofia

Day 2. Belmeken dam to Velingrad
Drive to Sestrimo. The cycling starts few kilometers before the village of Sestrimo and up to Belmeken dam (2000 m) through old coniferous woods. In the afternoon the road passes the Iundola's mountain meadows before descending to the spa town of Velingrad, where we stay overnight in a hotel with mineral water swimming pool.
Cycling specifics:
Distance: 42 km; time: 3.5 hrs; uphill cycling: 140m (459ft); downhill cycling: 1,440m (4,724 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Velingrad

Day 3. Velingrad to Dospat
We begin few kilometers from Velingrad, passing through the picturesque landscape of Tsigov Chark countryside by Batak dam to the town of Dospat. On the way we go round the blue-green waters of Goliam Beglik and Shiroka poliana dams before reaching the town of Dospat and its dam, where we stay overnight in a hotel.
Cycling specifics:
Distance: 71 km; time: 6-7 hrs; uphill cycling: 1300m (42,65 ft); downhill cycling: 810m (2,657ft)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Dospat

Day 4. Dospat to Trigrad
The biking starts from Dospat via Borino town to the Buinovsko Gorge, which is also a gate to the next stop - the Yagodina Cave. Here we make a cave tour before going further to Trigrad village, passing among the 250 m high cliffs of the Trigrad Gorge. Here another sinister cave is expecting us - The Devil's Throat Cave, housing one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe.
Cycling specifics:
Distance: 48 km; time: 5 hrs; uphill cycling: 1200 m (3,937 ft); downhill cycling: 1250m (4,101 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Trigrad

Day 5. Trigrad to Smolyan
A pleasant descent along Trigradska River brings you to the village of Grohotno and the natural rock phenomenon "The Elephant". Then we continue upstream Shirokolushka River to the village of Shiroka Luka. We stop here to savor the spirit of this architectural reserve, famous for its preserved houses dating back from the Bulgarian Revival Period. We pass by the beautiful Smolyan lakes and finish cycling in Smolyan town, where we stay overnight.
Cycling specifics:
Distance: 66 km; time: 6-7 hrs; uphill cycling: 1260 m (4134 ft); downhill cycling: 1510m (24954 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Smolyan

Day 6. Smolyan yo Rozhen
Cycling from Smolyan to the historic place Rozhen. After a short rest you go uphill to a big picturesque meadow at 1700m which marks the beginning of a gentle downhill ride in direction to Laki town through “Momina voda” protected area. Nearby is the picturesque village of Borovo and the famous religious place with chapels and healing springs – Krastova Gora.
Cycling specifics:
Distance: 58 km; time: around 5 hrs; uphill cycling: 1480m (4856 ft); downhill cycling: 1420m (4659 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Borovo

Day 7. The Miraculous bridges & Bachkovo monastery
The downhill ride continues along Jugovska River valley to the main road Smolyan-Plovdiv. Short transfer brings you to the Miraculous bridges rock phenomenon for short  walk and sightseeing. The next stop is Bachkovo Monastery (the second largest in Bulgaria). Transfer to Sofia.
Distance: 56 km; time: about 5 hrs; uphill cycling: 1310m (4298ft); downhill cycling: 860m (2822ft)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sofia

Day 8. Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for departure.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Plovdiv area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	41	47	56	65	75	83	87	87	79	67	53	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	27	30	36	43	52	59	63	62	55	46	37	29
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	8	13	19	24	28	31	30	26	19	12	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-3	-1	2	6	11	15	17	17	13	8	3	-1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Temperatures expected during the time we operate our trips are mild to warm. Rainfalls can happen, but they are usually short. However, heavy showers are possible and can be more prolonged during spring and late autumn.

Spring (March to May)
During this season, it is warm but can be rainy.

Summer (June to August)
These months  are usually pleasant and can get quite hot. August can also be a month of high rainfall.

Autumn (September to November)
This time of the year is mostly dry with mild temperatures.

Winter (December to February)
Winter is chilly with temperatures around the freezing point, and snow is common.

The most pleasant months to visit are May, June and September. At that time, it is usually warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and most tourists are gone.

Equipment and clothing:
Cycling gloves, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, cycling shoes/trainers. No other special equipment needed for this tour (for full list with recommended items see “General”).
Biking without helmet is not advisable. We strongly recommend you to bring your own helmet or use one of ours.

Recommended items:
good quality padded cycling shorts (baggy style); cycling helmet; cycling shoes; fleece headband; fingerless biking gloves; lightweight windproof biking jacket; waterproof trousers; fleece windstopper jacket; sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion and lip balm.

NOTE: men are not allowed to enter churches or monasteries in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
We stay in family-run hotels and guesthouses with private facilities.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Sofia
Night 2: Hotel in Velingrad
Night 3: Hotel in Dospat
Night 4: Guesthouse in Trigrad
Night 5: Hotel in Smolyan
Night 6: Hotel in Borovo
Night 7: Hotel in Sofia

Sofia - Family Hotel "Zdravets"  
Family hotel Zdravetz is run since 1995 by friendly hosts. The hotel has a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, a reception and a small restaurant with a veranda. The hotel has 15 spacious rooms and apartments with TV, telephone and bathroom with toilet, shower or bath. Internet is also available at this property.

Velingrad – Spa Hotel Elbrus or similar
Offering mineral water indoor and outdoor pools, Spa Hotel Elbrus is sited in a quite location in Velingrad. The rooms have a cable TV as well as a private bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries. Free WiFi access is available.

Dospat – Family Hotel Tihiqt Kat
Set in Dospat, Tihiqt Kat offers a garden as well as free WiFi. The units are all fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and private washrooms.

Trigrad – Guest House Zdravec
Nestled in the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, this guesthouse offers you a beautiful panoramic view of Trigrad. The house has 6 rooms with private bathrooms, TV and internet access.

Smolyan – Hotel Uzunski
This 3 star Hotel offers a traditional accommodation with 23 rooms. Rooms at all feature complimentary wireless internet, heating, a balcony, and a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and bathrobes. Guests also have free access to the indoor swimming pool.

Borovo – Hotel Varnentsi
This Hotel is located at the entrance of the village of Borovo, at an altitude of 1,000m above sea level. The hotel was opened in June 2009 and offers all amenities for a pleasant stay. The hotel has double and triple rooms, each with private bathroom, cable TV and wireless internet.

Triple and single occupancy
In case you are willing to share but we are unable to find another person of the same sex willing to share a room with you, a single supplement fee will apply.
Triple occupancy might be possible depending on the time of the year, please inquire.


Meals:
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Lunches are to be paid extra.
The food is usually composed of home-cooked dishes and Bulgarian specialties.

Special diets and dietary restrictions
We can cater to special diets and dietary restrictions - please, let us know at the time of booking.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		--
Horses:		-
Pace:		Moderate/Difficult. Tour for experienced bikers in good physical condition. 30-80km per day. ~5.5 hours per day.
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Moderate with Difficult
Riders:		Min 4	Max 12

BIKES:

Drag - Grand Canyon TE 2017
Suitable for	Road cycling
FORK	SR Suntour NEX 60mm with hydraulic lockout
FRONT HUB	Front Alloy QR Loose Bearings
RIMS	Aluminum double wall 32H
FRONT DERAILLEUR	Shimano FD-M310
CRANKSET	Shimano Altus FC-M371
BOTTOM BRACKET	VP-73 sealed cartridge bearings
CHAIN	KMC
STEM	COX 6061 Stem
GRIPS	Cox Dual Comp
SEAT POST	Cox QR
FRAME	A6+ Alloy Hydro formed Double butted
TIRES	Schwalbe Delta Cruiser 37-622
REAR HUB	Rear Alloy QR Loose Bearings
SHIFTERS	Shimano Altus SL-M370 3×9
REAR DERAILLEUR	Shimano Alivio RT-T4000
CASSETTE	Shimano CS-HG300 11/32T
PEDALS	Alloy Platform
HANDLEBAR	COX 6061 630mm Rise: 25mm
BRAKES	Promax Hydraulic Disk
SADDLE                              Cox StrikePro     Drag - Grand Canyon TE
Suitable for	Road cycling
FORK	SR Suntour CR-8 60mm
FRONT HUB	Front Alloy QR Loose Bearings
RIMS	Aluminium double wall 32H
FRONT DERAILLEUR	Shimano TX-FD51
CRANKSET	Shimano FC-M131 48/38/28
BOTTOM BRACKET	Thun GO sealed cartridge bearings
CHAIN	KMC
STEM	Alloy +25 Degree
GRIPS	Cox Dual Comp
SEAT POST	Cox 6061 27.2
FRAME	Lightweight A6+ Alloy
TIRES	Kenda 622×37
REAR HUB	Rear Alloy QR Loose Bearings
SHIFTERS	Shimano ST-EF41 3×7 speed
REAR DERAILLEUR	Shimano Altus RD-M310
CASSETTE	Shimano CS-HG20 11/28T 8
PEDALS	Alloy Platform
HANDLEBAR	600mm Rise: 30mm
BRAKES	Aluminium V-brake
SADDLE	Cox Speed
SEAT POST CLAMP	Cox QR
Drag - Grand canyon Lady
Suitable for	Road cycling
FORK	SR Suntour CR-8 60mm
FRONT HUB	Front Alloy QR Loose Bearings
RIMS	Aluminium double wall 32H
FRONT DERAILLEUR	Shimano TX-FD51
CRANKSET	Shimano FC-M131 48/38/28
BOTTOM BRACKET	Thun GO sealed cartridge bearings
CHAIN	KMC
STEM	Alloy +25 Degree
GRIPS	Cox Dual Comp
SEAT POST	Cox 6061 27.2
FRAME	Lightweight A6+ Alloy
TIRES	Kenda 622×37
REAR HUB	Rear Alloy QR Loose Bearings
SHIFTERS	Shimano ST-EF41 3×7 speed
REAR DERAILLEUR	Shimano Altus RD-M310
CASSETTE	Shimano CS-HG20 11/28T 8
PEDALS	Alloy Platform
HANDLEBAR	600mm Rise: 30mm
BRAKES	Aluminum V-brake
SADDLE	Cox Speed
SEAT POST CLAMP	Cox QR

♦ Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or hybrid bike
♦ Roads: we use mainly isolated village asphalt roads with little traffic, road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (bumpy sections, potholes, rough asphalt), we do not go off road
♦ Guide/driver: The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route
♦ Dress code in monasteries and churches - men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.
♦ Extension at the Black Sea coast - relax at the seaside - more information upon request

Luggage transportation:
Luggage is taken care of throughout the whole trip.

Additional tour info:
All bikers receive a detailed road book and map. The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route. The guide is also responsible for the technical support of the bikes. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU member state. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Please note that validity of the documents -  EU passport and/or ID card issued from one of the EU countries, should be at least three months on the day they leave Bulgaria. Possession of a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit is required.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following lengths of visit:

(a) nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days; for stays longer than 90 days nationals will need to register with the local police and obtain the appropriate permit;

(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Canada and USA for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).