Cycling across the Balkans Mountains Bulgaria Exciting cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan mountains. On this tour we bike along the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys with sheep peacefully grazing on lush grass, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We start the trip from the tiny Goliam Izvor village, passing by the Central Balkan National Park and ending up in Veliko Tarnovo – the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages that look as they have been untouched for the past 200 years. You’ll see wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way. Tour highlights: ♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, being the 3rd largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance. ♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum presenting the Bulgarian customs, craftsmanship, architecture and way of life in the the region during the Bulgarian National Revival period. ♦ Bozhentsi village - an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period. ♦ Veliko Turnovo - the old medieval capital of Bulgaria Biking Tour Meeting: Goliam Izvor Airport:   Sofia Transfer: Included from Sofia Airport Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

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

Day 2. Goliam Izvor to Ribaritsa
An early-morning transfer brings us to Golyam Izvor village where the ride starts. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church.
Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night.
Cycling distance: 57.5 km / Ascent: 620m / Descent: 510m
Detour to Glozhen monastery - Distance: 16km; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Ribaritsa

Day 3. Ribaritsa to Apriltsi
We start today's ride with an ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day: Bogoi pass (1185m a.s.l). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass through the village of Shipkovo, where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools.
After lunch in Troyan town centre, we will visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" and the famous Troyan monastery. We will spend the night in Apriltsii village.
Cycling distance: 77 km / Ascent: 970m / Descent: 1060m.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Apriltsii

Day 4. Apriltsi to Etura
After breakfast, we start cycling along isolated village roads from Apriltsi to Gabrovo. En route, we will pass by numerous small villages, green meadows and river valleys. The cycling starts to with a moderate ascent, followed by a nice downhill ride before reaching the town of Gabrovo. After a short break in the town, we continue towards "Etura"- an open-air ethnographic museum.
You can take a break here or add an additional 6km of cycling to the nearby Sokolski Monastery.
Cycling distance: 61 km / Ascent: 700m / Descent: 800m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Etura

Day 5. Gabrovo to Bozhentsi
After breakfast, we start today's ride from Gabrovo. We begin with a short ascent, followed by a descent towards the town of Tryavna. Here we will take a short break for lunch and explore the charming old town.
Afterwards, we are heading to the final stop for today - Bozhentsi architectural reserve.
Cycling distance: 58 km / Ascent: 1010m / Descent: 1000m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Bozhentsi

Day 6. Bozhentsi to Elena
A transfer in the morning brings us to the Dryanovo monastery. We will explore the beautiful Orthodox monastery and visit the cave nearby. Today's ride starts from the village of Yalovo towards the town of Elena, passing by several small villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam.
Cycling distance: 46 km / Ascent: 800m / Descent: 800m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Elena

Day 7. Elena to Veliko Turnovo
Starting from Elena, we continue cycling to Arbanasi Architectural Reserve. Today's landscape includes green meadows, vast pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally the beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. We will take a short break for lunch in Arbanassi, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo. Here we will do a sightseeing tour to learn more about the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Afternoon transfer to Sofia where we spend the last night.
Cycling distance: 42 km / Ascent: 600m / Descent: 730m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sofia

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                   Sofia area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	38	43	52	61	70	77	82	82	74	63	50	40
Average Low Temperature (°F)	23	26	32	40	48	54	58	57	51	42	33	26
Average High Temperature (°C)	3	6	11	16	21	25	28	28	23	17	10	5
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-5	-3	0	5	9	12	14	14	10	6	1	-3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	5	6	8	9	8	5	4	4	5	5	6

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.

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Accommodations
Overnights are in family hotels and guesthouses.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Guesthouse in Sofia
Night 2: Hotel in Ribaritsa
Night 3: Guesthouse in Apriltsi
Night 4: Hotel in Etura
Night 5: Guesthouse in Bozhentsi
Night 6: Hotel in Elena
Night 7: Hotel in Veliko Turnovo

Sofia - Family Hotel "Zdravets" 
This small hotel 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. There are 15 spacious rooms and apartments with TV, telephone and bathroom with toilet, shower or bath. Internet is also available at this property.

Ribaritsa – Park Hotel Ribaritza or similar
The hotel offers views of the surrounding Balkan Mountains. All rooms features a cable TV as well as a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool. WiFi is available in common areas and is free of charge.

Apriltsi – Family Hotel Tihiat Kut
The hotel is situated in the quarter Ostrets. It offers 40 beds (double, triple and quadruple rooms). Each room is equipped with a TV-set, WC/shower and a balcony. The hotel offers great views of the surrounding mountain. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas.

Etura – Hotel Strannopriemnitsa
Picturesquely situated at the foot of Stara Planina right next to the river Sivek, the hotel is a part of the Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar.
Built and furnished in unison with the entire pattern of the museum, the hotel combines the unique charm of the national architecture with modern needs.
The hotel provides 61 beds (5 single rooms, 22 double rooms and 2 family rooms). Each room has its own bathroom, TV set with satellite program and phone.

Bozhentsi - Parlapanova guest house
Built with respect to the local, traditional architecture and offering views of Stara Planina Mountain, the Guest House is immersed in the countryside. Fitted with parquet floor and satellite TV, rooms have simple furnishings and a fully equipped private bathroom. In the summer, guests have free use of the small outdoor pool and the barbecue which are located at a sister guest house, 20 m away. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

Elena – hotel Eleni palace
Offering an indoor pool, this hotel is located in the center of Elena. Free WiFi and a fitness center are available as well. The accommodation consists of 26 rooms – 19 of them double; 2 single; 2 twins; 1 triple; 1 apartment and 1 VIP room. All rooms here will provide you with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a TV with cable channels.

Veliko Tamovo – Hotel Silvestar
Enjoying a quiet location, this hotel is ideally located only 100 m away from the Tsarevets Fortress. There are 12 double rooms including and all of them are comfortably furnished. The guests have at their disposal individual bathrooms with all necessary appliances including a hairdryer, air conditioning with local thermostat, a plasma TV and a telephone set. Free internet access is available.

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
Breakfasts and dinners are included except for dinner on day 1 and 7. 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. For bikers in good physical condition. 45-80km per day.
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Moderate
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).