Bulgarian Monasteries History Cycling Tour Mountains Bulgaria This tour is not just a circuit of some of the most interesting Bulgarian monasteries. It is also a journey through Bulgaria s history, since all of the featured religious buildings are monuments to everything that happened in Bulgaria over the last 700 years or so. Along with the rich history you will submerge in the green hug of the mountains (“Balkana”) and admire its outstanding nature - beautiful waterfalls, caves, rock cliffs, forests, vast meadows, rivers and valleys combined with pastoral agriculture lands. We bike along the Central part of the Balkan mountains exploring many scattered villages nestled among quiet valleys and beautiful green mountain landscapes. It seems that time has stopped here and life is quiet and peaceful - people still use the horse driven cart, look after their small herds of sheep, goats and cattle, cut the grass in the old fashion way, take care of their small vegetable gardens or just sit in front of their houses and have a chat with smiles on their faces. You will also admire at the artistic imagination and masterpieces of local woodcarvers, icon painters and house builders while exploring well preserved National Revival houses, churches, craft shops from 18 – 19c. The Balkan mountains along with the monasteries and the people living here played a big and memorable role in the Bulgarian Revolutionary movement and struggle against the Ottoman empire. It is an area that has been a stronghold of Bulgarian spirit and culture through the years and still keeps the pride and traditions of Bulgarian people. Tour highlights: ♦ Arbanasi village is famous for its massive houses that resemble minor fortresses, several monasteries and old churches ♦ Dryanovo Monastery “St Archangel Michael” is situated in the gorge of Dryanovska River where limestone rocks rise high on all sides of the gorge as unapproachable forest walls. ♦ Tryavna has preserved its old town square, the only one left in the country, which has been proclaimed as a Monument of Architecture. ♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum Master craftsmen fashion beautiful gold, silver, copper, leather and wooden articles right before your eyes from early morning until late at the night. ♦ Shipka monastery - built in the traditional style of 17th-century Russian cathedrals the monastery stands to the living memory of Russian soldiers and Bulgarian revolutionaries who died during the Russian-Turkish Liberation War. Biking Tour Meeting: Plovdiv Airport:   Plovdiv / Sofia Transfer: Included from Plovdiv or Sofia Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

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

Day 2. Arnabasi to Veliko Tarnovo
Transfer to the architectural reserve of Arbanasi village and St. Virgin Mary monastery where we start cycling. Today we start with a visit of the picturesque Transfiguration monastery near Veliko Tarnovo. Then we reach the beautiful Hotnitsa waterfall and eco trail. After a short walk we continue biking near Hotnista gorge until you reach the main road to Sofia. You get on the car for short transfer and start biking again to Buria (Storm) village among beautiful hilly landscapes with nice views to Dryanovo rock cliffs. You finish cycling near Dryanovo town. Then we go for sightseeing in Veliko Tarnovo.
Cycling distance: 34 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo

Day 3. Merdanski monastery & Kapinovo monastery
Transfer to Dragizhevo village where you start biking. Enroute you pass by Merdanski Monastery and continue in direction to Plakovo and Kapinovo monastery.
Transfer back to Veliko Tarnovo for overnight.
Cycling distance: 33 km (or 53km with possible extension) 
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo

Day 4. Kilifarevo monastery & Dryanovo monastery
After short transfer you start cycling through the villages Plakovo, Golemanite and Natsovtsi to Kilifarevo monastery. After lunch and a visit of the monastery you continue with a short but challenging ascent to Ialovo village. Then you cycle along Dryanovska River to Dryanovo town. From there you are transferred to Dryanovo monastery where we stay overnight. Optional visit of the nearby Bacho Kiro cave.
Cycling distance: 34 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Dryanovo monastery

Day 5. Bojentsi architectural reserve to Tryavna
In the morning we have a short transfer and then start cycling up and down to Bojentsi village where we spend some time for sightseeing. After a short transfer back, you start cycling near Tsareva livada village on isolated village roads to National revival town of Tryavna, where we stay overnight.
Cycling distance: 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Tryavna

Day 6. Tryavna to Etura
Cycling from Tryavna up to a mountain pass and then downhill to Gabrovo. The next stop is the open-air ethnographic museum of Etura. Its 18-th-19-th century water driven machinery, crafts and lifestyle come alive before the eyes of the visitors. From here you have four more kilometers to the picturesque Sokolski Monastery and cycling back to Etura where we stay overnight.
Cycling distance: 28 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Etura

Day 7. Shipka monument & monastery
After breakfast we go for a transfer to the historic Shipka pass and memorial. You get on the bikes for a 10 km up/down ride in beautiful beech forest to the historic Buzludza area. A supreme downhill ride on the Southern slopes of the mountains awaits us. You continue biking to Shipka town where we visit the richly decorated Shipka monastery and church. Transfer to Sofia, where we stay for the last night.
Cycling distance: 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sofia

Day 8. Departure
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for departure
Meals included: Breakfast


Tour info:
All bikers receive a detailed roadbook 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.

Arbanasi village is famous for its massive houses that resemble minor fortresses on the outside, with high, solid walls and heavy
gates and secret hiding-places, but which are spacious and comfortable, richly decorated and furnished on the inside.
Veliko Turnovo (210 m a.s.l.), being the former Bulgarian capital, is regally situated along the historical hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora on the two banks of Yantra River.

Petropavlovski Monastery “St. St. Peter and Paul” was founded in 10th century on the site of a Roman fort.
Merdanski Monastery The Merdanski Monastery of “St. 40 Martyrs” is a part of the Veliko Turnovo eparchy. The monastery was built in 13 century during the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and was renovated in 19 century.

Kapinovo Monastery was recently restored with a lovely yard the monastery was founded in 1228 by Tsar Ivan Assen II

Kilifarevo Monastery "St Birth of Virgin Mary", built between 1348 and 1350, lies in the valley of the Belitsa River.

Dryanovo Monastery “St Archangel Michael” is situated in the gorge of Dryanovska River where limestone rocks rise high on all sides of the gorge as unapproachable forest walls.

Bozhentsi - is an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period.

Tryavna has preserved its old town square, the only one left in the country, which has been proclaimed as a Monument of Architecture.

Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum Master craftsmen fashion beautiful gold, silver, copper, leather and wooden articles right before your eyes from early morning until late at the night.

Sokolski Monastery During Ottoman times the monks offered succour to Bulgarian outlaws and used to provide the local rebels with an assembly point during the Rising of 1876.

Shipka memorial - built on the main ridge of the Balkan mountains honors those who died
for the Liberation of Bulgaria during the Battles of Shipka Pass in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78.

Shipka monastery - built in the traditional style of 17th-century Russian cathedrals the monastery stands to the living memory of Russian soldiers and Bulgarian revolutionaries who died during the Russian-Turkish Liberation War.

Plovdiv - the second Bulgarian city in population and size after the capital, Plovdiv is famous for the Old Town with charming houses decorated with colourful ornaments.

                                        Veliko Tarnovo area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	41	45	54	63	73	80	84	85	76	65	53	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	25	27	34	43	51	58	61	60	53	44	35	27
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	7	12	17	23	27	29	29	24	18	11	6
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-3	1	6	10	14	16	16	12	7	2	-3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Marked by 4 distinct seasons, Bulgaria enjoys a generally favorable climate. Although located at the same latitude as southern New England, Bulgaria's climate is noticeably more temperate.

Summer
Summers are typically hot and dry, but rarely oppressive, with moderate relative humidity. Always lit by the sun Bulgaria has between 2200 and 2500 hours of sunlight per year. Along the Black Sea Coast the climate is maritime, the Mediterranean Sea cooling summer temperatures compared to the interior of the country.

Winter
Winters are cold but not bitterly so. In the south and Black Sea coastal regions, Mediterranean influences temper the harsher continental climate of the interior. The country's half-dozen mountain groups also play a significant part in determining regional variances. 

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 monasteries and hotel. Hotels and guesthouses all offer private facilities but facilities might be shared in monasteries.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Sofia
Night 2 & 3: Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo
Night 4: Dryanovo monastery
Night 5: Hotel in Tryavna
Night 6: Hotel in Etura
Night 7: Hotel in Sofia

Family Hotel "Zdravets"  in Sofia
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.

Dryanovo Monastery
The Dryanovo monastery offers accommodation in cozy double and triple rooms.

Family Hotel Zograf in Tryavna
The hotel offers 21 comfortably furnished rooms with 45 beds. All rooms are equipped with telephones, satellite TV, central heating and private bathroom.

Hotel Strannopriemnitsa in Etura
Picturesquely situated at the foot of Stara Planina right next to the river Sivek, hotel Strannopriemnitsa 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 achievements from our time.
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.


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 are always included. Dinners and Lunches are to be paid extra (except for dinner on day 4 - included).
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:		Light / Moderate. Tour for bikers in good phisycal condition. ~30km per day
Level:		(1.5 to 3 out of 5)    Easy to 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).