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Trekking in Bulgaria
Bulgaria mountainous landscapes are a paradise for hikers, trekkers and recreational travelers.
Hiking, just like jeep, car/mini-van and minibus excursions, are adapted to the needs of the travelers, and not vice versa.
Types of tours offered:
Trekking for young people – most of the guide is by means of advice and maps. An example for a trip for younger travelers can be found in the attached link: Click here
Trekking with a guide and a jeep – Designed for more indulged hikers who prefer skipping between sites without using public transportation, without carry a huge backpack and with the final aim of enjoying an indulging hotel accommodation at the end of the day. Click here – Daily treks – a combination of short half-day / one-day treks, also for those who visit the sites on business / vacation / visit. Attached is an example in pictures of a 3-hour trek through Huitosh ridge next to Sofia:
Trek in Bulgaria - An example for a Family Summer Trek
7 days – The Rila, Pirin, Rhodope ridges 3 travelers + jeep
+ a Bulgarian trek guide
Begining our trip to Balkan capital, the crossroads between Asia and Europe. A trip to Bulgaria is a, geographic and cultural journey full with experiences to a region that takes its first steps into modern Europe. This trip offers a unique opportunity to visit picturesque villages where time has stood still, natural sceneries of mountains, lakes, caves and forests, and all within a catching atmosphere of cheerfulness, local folklore, fine food and wine that flows like water. Treks through the Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope region enable experiencing Bulgaria’s sceneries and various ridges “through your feet”. The trip encompasses further attractions and close logistical assistance.
Day 1 – Sofia – Borovetz- Rila ridge
After the arrival of the flight during morning hours we leave the airport with the local guide and the Jeep to the Borovets ski resort town located on the Rila ridge, take the cable car to the ridge and there join a trek to Mosle mountain (the higher Balkan mountain at 2925 m, about 4 hours round trip). The upright walls of the mountain accompany us along our walk along the primordial landscapes of the ridge and its views all across the horizon. We return to the Jeep and drive to a special mountain hotel at Pnishista.
Day 2 – Panashista- Trek 7 Rila ridge lakes – Rila monastery – Bansko
on the second day, after becoming accustomed to the mountain air and after having breakfast we go on trek 7 to the lakes, the most famous trek in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian guide escorts us the lakes, show the travelers the marked path to the Rila monastery and return to the jeep and wait at the endpoint (7-8 hours day of walking up the monastery and back down). After visiting the monastery we’ll drive to Bansko. We’ll spend the night in a 200-years old family hotel which was restored and have a traditional lunch to the sounds the restaurant’s musicians at Bansko.
Day 3 – Bansko- Pirin-Bansko ridge
on this day the trek goes to the Hoihern summit (2914 m), the highest summit at the Pirin ridge, with its alpine characteristics. There are many walking options from 4 to 7-8 hours, to be determined in consultation between you and the guide according to the weather and your preferences. We’ll spend the night in the same hotel at Bansko ski resort
(Additional options – the bears reserve at Belitse (can also be visited on day 4, after arranging to feed the bears with the site’s authorities, or visiting the warm baths at the town nearby Bansko, and an evening tour and entertainment at Bansko itself)
Day 4 – Bansko- Bezbog summit – Poljen Summit – Devin
After visiting the Bears Reserve, taking the cable car to the top of Bezbog and from there taking a trek through the Alpine ridge along the mountain lakes of Stragita and Poljen (2851 m). Some of the most beautiful sights in Pirin, some 17 ice lakes concentrated around nearby Alpine circuses. And again – plenty of 4-8 hour routes. Returning to the jeep and driving east toward the Rhodope ridge. We’ll spend the night in a spa hotel at the town of Devin, Bulgaria main source of mineral water.
Day 5 Devin – Rhodope ridge – Canyons – Devin/Pamporovo
the Rhodope range is suitable for the last leg of our trip. It is a different type of ridge than the previous ridges, offering a combination of nature: forests, rivers, lakes, special karstic phenomena and interesting towns. On this day we visit the karstic portion of the Rhodope, which hosts the Trigard canyon with its unique “Devil’s Mouth” cave, a short drive and walk on the heights toward the Jagodina canyon (with an option to visit the a stalactites cave). On our way to Pamporovo we shall spend some time at the unique town of Shiroka Leka, and learn of its close relationship with Jews and Israel.
Day 6 Devin/Pamporovo – Smolian- Plovdiv- Sofia
On this day at Rhodope we will visit the Pamporovo ski resort next to Smolian, that offers ecological hiking trails through the forest, a route with many waterfalls (the Waterfalls Canyon) and again, many options for tours around the summit of Mount Senjenka. On our way to the beautiful Plovdiv it is recommended to consider visiting a unique natural phenomenon known as “The Magnificent bridges”. If there is time we will visit Plovdiv, the beautiful second largest city after Sofia, we’ll get to Sofia late in the evening and have dinner either in Plovdiv or at a folk club in Sofia, according to the time left and our and decisions in the field.
Day 7 Sofia
Our last day will be spend in Sofia’s picturesque markets, we will tour its main streets and visit its beautiful sites of Alexander Nievski Cathedral, the Russian Church, the National Theatre, the presidential building, Turkish bath, the synagogue. Free time will be granted for everyone to spend as they like on shopping and/and visiting museums and/or resting, swimming at the pool and/or getting treatments at the hotel. During the evening we’ll go to the airport and fly back home to Israel.
Note: There might be some changes in our route due to changes in flights or due to weather conditions, field considerations and guide decisions.
Terms and costs:
Accommodation:
Accommodation in all 6 nights will be in hotels of 3*, 4* and 5* (3 nights each) ranking, some are Spa hotels, total of 4 rooms = one double room + 2 single rooms (for son and guide)
Transportation:
Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, or similar, 5 doors, relatively new for – 4 people driven by the Bulgarian guide (you are also welcome to drive it in the field). The jeeps are leased from a local rental agency and are covered by local insurance as customary in local rental companies, it is required to for the Jeep as in the case of private rental agreements.
It is required to carry an Israeli driver’s license (plastic) and an international credit card.
Economy:
Dinner and breakfast at the accommodations facilities, the hotels or at a restaurant, lunch at a restaurant or at the field (on the last day in Sofia, each traveler in his free time).
Price without flight:
Price: 400 euros per traveler.
Price includes:
6 jeep-days
Transfer to and from the airport and to the club in Sofia
Economy – Half board
Bulgarian Folklore Club.
Local guide/driver/escort including hotels
Airport taxes and security surcharges
Rescue equipment for the jeep
picnic equipment including stove and cooking kit
Water and toilet for the Jeep
Price excludes:
regular flights Tel-Aviv>Sofia>Tel-Aviv
Entrance to site along the route
Changes in taxation or charges and alike
Lunches
Fuel for the jeeps
Personal expenses
Medical Insurance
Cargo and Passenger insurance
Tips to local service providers
Tips to the local guid
* Red asterisk – required to fill in the details