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Bulgarian Mountains, Caves and Monasteries
Mountains
Bulgaria
This tour is a lighter version of the 'Across the Mountains to Rila' trek, which combines the high and challenging Pirin Mountains' beauty with the serenity of the Rodopi Mountains range, the latter known as of the legendary musician Orpehus. During this special trek you will get to explore some of Bulgaria's more remote and forgotten regions. Mountain border villages which were closed to foreign visitors not so long ago, now allow travelers to truly experience some elements of authentic Bulgarian culture and country life. On the tour we also visit stunning caves and the second biggest Bulgarian monastery.
Tour Highlights:
♦ Small mountain villages, providing close look at the typical way of living – history, traditions, cuisine
♦ Yagodina Cave - considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe and The Devil's Throat Cave having one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe (42 m).
♦ Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest Bulgarian monastery.
♦ Plovdiv old town - one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.
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Walking Tour
Meeting:
Plovdiv
Airport:
Plovdiv / Sofia
Transfer:
Included from Sofia or Plovdiv Airport
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodation with private facilities (Day 5 shared bath), meals (except lunches) English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; entrance fees for the caves and the lifts; All local taxes.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, MAP | 8d / 7n | €520 | $680 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Sofia or Plovdiv airport is included at set times
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, Maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), lunches/lunch packs, tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses. Gratuities
Day 1. Arrival
Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to Bansko for overnight accommodation (about 3 hrs). /dinner/
Day 2. Bansko - Vihren hut – Banderishki Lakes - Bansko
After breakfast we head for the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, above the Vihren hut (1,950 m, 6,397 ft). We reach the latter by bus (a 20-minute ride) and continue on foot to the glacial lakes close to the Bunderitsa River. There we visit the Muratovo, Ribnoto (The Fish), Dulgoto (The Long), Zhabeshkoto (The Frog) and Okoto (The Eye) lakes. The superb view to the neighbouring peaks (most of them higher than 2,500 m, 8,202 ft) is complemented by the aroma of mountain herbs and the cries of Nutcrackers and Ring Ouzels. This walk will take about 3-5 hours depending on the weather conditions. After that we go back to Bansko by bus, with a short stop to the oldest tree in Bulgaria (more than 1,300 years old!). Later in the afternoon we will embark on a short sightseeing trip along
the streets of Bansko, visiting the Holy Trinity church, some traditional crafts shops and enjoying the unique architecture of the houses there.
/breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 5hrs ; Uphill walk: 300 m (984 ft); downhill walk: 300 m (984 ft)
Day 3. Bansko – Dobrinishte – Mount Polezhan – Leshten - Kovachevitsa
In the morning we have a transfer to the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, but this time to Dobrinishte (a 15 minute drive). Dobrinishte is a balneological resort, east of Bansko, famous for its mineral springs since ancient times. From there the bus travels on to the Gotse Delchev hut (about 20 min drive; 1,450 m, 4,757 ft). Here we take the chairlift to the Bezbog hut (2,236 m, 7,335 ft.) - the start of today's trek, which is a 30 minute ride. The target of the day is Mount Polezhan (2,851 m, or 9,353 ft). There are incredible views on the way to the top and from the summit itself. One can count 17 glacial lakes from a single point, including the biggest lake in Pirin – Popovo Lake. These are probably the most beautiful panoramic views available from these mountains. It takes approximately 5 hrs to complete the walk. We return to the Gotse Delchev hut via the same lift. Our next meeting with traditional Bulgarian architecture will take place in Leshten village and further to the village of Kovachevitsa (1,050 m, or 3,444 ft) (some 70 km (43 miles) from Dobrinishte). The overnight in Kovachevitsa will be preceded by a short walk along the paved streets and the stony walls of the ancient houses of both villages. /breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 6hrs; Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
Day 4. Kovachevitsa – Dospat Dam – Trigrad
After breakfast we make a short stroll to the chapel of St.George above Kovachevitsa. The return hike takes about 2-3 hrs. Walking on Dabrash Ridge we will meet remains of old houses and pens, scattered among meadows, woods and interesting rock formations. Once reached, the view from the peak is superb, revealing the valley of Mesta River, Slavianka Mountains and the southern slopes of Pirin Mountains. After this, our bus will take us some 90 km (55 miles) further on to Trigrad village (3 hrs drive; 1,250 m, or 4,101 ft) where we stay for the next two nights. We will pause for lunch by the blue waters of the Dospat dam. /breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 5hrs; Uphill walk: 350 m (1,148 ft); downhill walk: 350 m (1,148 ft)
Day 5. Trigrad – Vodni Pad – Trigrad
In the morning we continue southeast to the peak of the ridge by Trigrad village and then further on to Vodni Pad village. The walk there will take around 3-4 hrs, with the route back along the Trigradska River's stream taking another two. The path is a pleasant one, passing through coniferous woods all the time. After gentle ascent to the summit of the mountains the track follows its highest points, affording views of potato fields and green meadows on the right-hand side. In Vodni Pad we will stop for lunch and a siesta. The return journey is a real delight, tracing the Trigradska River all the way to Trigrad village before continuing on to the Trigrad Gorge (1,450 m, or 4,757 ft) for another 30 minutes. This trek highlights the stark contrast between the 250 m (820 ft) high cliffs of the gorge and the dark, cold and sinister "mouth" of the "Devil's Throat" Cave. A cave tour is optional, but must be performed within its working time (before 4.30 pm). /breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 5hrs; Uphill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft)
Day 6. Trigrad – Yagodina – Devin
After breakfast we leave the hotel in Trigrad on foot. A good dirt track, following the upper edge of Trigrad Gorge, leads to the village of Yagodina (850 m, or 2,788 ft). It goes through pine forests, agricultural land (especially popular for traditional potato growing), pastures and meadows. We will reach Yagodina in 2,5 hrs. From the village the track ascends a little into the nearby coniferous woods, before flattening out. Before reaching the Yagodina Cave the path becomes steep, descending all the time to the riverbed of the Vucha River. It takes about an hour hike from Yagodina village to the cave. There a 45-minute cave tour will await us – please be prepared for the temperature inside the cave (6oC). The bus will be waiting by the entrance to the cave, and will transport us to Devin, where we will stay overnight. /breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 3-4hrs; Uphill walk: 250 m (820 ft); downhill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft)
Day 7. Devin - Shiroka Lyka - Bachkovo Monastery - Plovdiv
This morning we start with a short transfer (3 km) to the picturesque site Struilitsa, where we will walk along the Devin eco-path, offering some fine views of the Valley of Devin River. At noon we continue with a transfer to Shiroka Lyka for short sightseeing and continue on to Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest in Bulgaria. We end up in Plovdiv, where you will have some free time in the late afternoon for sightseeing and shopping. /breakfast, dinner/
Walking time: 3 hrs; uphill walk: 200 m; downhill walk: 200 m).
Day 8. Departure
Early transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure. /breakfast/
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Meeting:
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Plovdiv
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Airport:
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Plovdiv / Sofia
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Transfer:
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Included from Sofia or Plovdiv Airport
There is a guide accompanying you throughout the whole trip, meeting you at the airport upon arrival and leaving you at the airport again for departure. We use well-trained and experienced local people with good knowledge of English.
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Level:
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 Easy to Moderate
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Successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. You are free to skip some walks and have a rest.
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
12
participants
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There is a guide accompanying you throughout the whole trip, meeting you at the airport upon arrival and leaving you at the airport again for departure. We use well-trained and experienced local people with good knowledge of English. The group size is normally 6-12 people, if not specially mentioned.
Diffuculy: Moderate
Most of you, who are used to walking during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in good health condition and not too bad physical condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. You are free to skip some walks and have a rest.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 on. more
Temperatures expected for this period are between +10 and +30oC. Temperatures above 2000 m a.s.l. may drop to -5C after the end of August. Rainfalls or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit prolonged during spring and late autumn.
Necessary items: daypack (35 l); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion; bottle of water.
You should always remember that you must try to keep the weight of your hiking equipment down to a minimum. Your packed daypack should weigh no more than 10-15 kilograms.
Recommended items: waterproof rucksack (60 l) & daypack (35 l); walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; light casual shoes/sandals for walking and/or for travelling; gaiters; loose, casual trousers for trekking; waterproof trousers; fleece windstopper jacket; windproof, waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); hat for sun protection; sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion and lip balm; water bottle; torch (headlamp); mobile phone; underwear (not cotton); mosquito repellent; trekking sticks.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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We stay in excellent family-run hotels, rooms with private facilities (days 1,2,4,6 & 7), guesthouse in Kovachevitsa (Day 3) rooms with shared facilities.
Ordering lunch packs is available in each of the hotels if necessary for the daily walks (at the amount of 5-6 Euro).
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. You are free to skip some walks and have a rest.
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
12
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There is a guide accompanying you throughout the whole trip, meeting you at the airport upon arrival and leaving you at the airport again for departure. We use well-trained and experienced local people with good knowledge of English. The group size is normally 6-12 people, if not specially mentioned.
Diffuculy: Moderate
Most of you, who are used to walking during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in good health condition and not too bad physical condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. You are free to skip some walks and have a rest.
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).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
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Bulgarian Mountains, Caves and Monasteries
Tour Code:
ZZ-BGHK02
8 days /
7 nights
~$680.00
Dates: June to Oct
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Plovdiv / Sofia
Activities:
Hiking, sightseeing
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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