Compare Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains by Exodus Travels vs Bulgaria on Foot by UTracks
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,785 | $ 950 |
| Price Per Day | $ 223 | $ 119 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | Breakfast: Usually includes tea or coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and traditional local specialities, such as katmi (thick pancakes) and rodopski klin (a rice-based dish). Lunch: Picnic lunches will be eaten in the mountains and typically comprise of bread, cheese, salami, salad, biscuits and fruit. Dinner: Will be taken in our hotel restaurant, and will normally include three courses comprising salad or vegetarian soup, followed by a main course, and a dessert of fruit, ice cream or cake/pudding. The cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic influences. We sample many traditional local specialities including smilyanski fasul (a delicious bean soup) and patatnik (grated potatoes, onions and cheese, seasoned with mint and other herbs). Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but can be purchased. There are also several local wines you may wish to try, including an excellent red Mavrud from vineyards on the northern slopes of the Rodopi. Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria produces excellent fresh vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well catered for. However, it is extremely difficult for vegans, as dairy produce and eggs form the staple part of the diet in this region, and are central to the vast majority of meals. Please note, special gluten-free products are not available, so clients with a wheat/gluten intolerance should, if needed, bring with them something to replace the local bread and pastries that make up the breakfasts and picnic lunches. | N/A |
| Description |
The Rodopi Mountains are a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious region which, according to legend, were the home of the ancient Greek bard, Orpheus. Today they offer a refuge for many rare plants, brown bears, wolves, wild cats and a prolific number of butterflies and birds. Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of these remote peaks as we walk through a variety of landscapes, including ancient coniferous forests and rugged limestone gorges. We engage with local people who maintain their traditional rural existence, working the fields by hand and tending their livestock on the meadows and pastures.Trek spectacular mountain landscapes in beautiful Bulgaria |
Explore the highest mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula on foot |
Day 1 Start Sofia Airport; transfer to Yagodina
The adventure begins at Terminal 2 in Sofia Airport (Terminal 2), where we meet the leader, before a transfer to the remote village of Yagodina, our base for the next six nights. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Walk from Zmeitsa along an ancient Roman road to Buinovo Gorge
Setting off on foot from the village of Zmeitsa, we follow an ancient Roman road through meadows, forests and fields, where we might see local people engaged in their traditional agricultural lifestyle. Finally, having descended a broad grassy ridge spur, with spectacular views over Yagodina, we drop steeply into the Buinovo Gorge where our minibus will be waiting. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 The Trigrad Karst Plateau
After breakfast, we drive to the neighbouring Trigrad gorge, where we make a short pause to scan the towering cliffs for the elusive wallcreeper, a delightful bird that flutters around like a butterfly on the rock faces, flashing strikingly crimson wings. We then spend the rest of the day hiking through the rugged heart of the Trigrad karst plateau. Following a maze of traditional trails and tracks, we thread our way through this wonderfully picturesque wilderness, rewarded by an ever-changing succession of landscapes and vistas. The region has been designated a Prime Butterfly Area, on account of the numerous rare species that can be found here. It also boasts outstanding flora, including many endemic species. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Traverse the highest peaks of the Rodopi Mountains
After breakfast, we set off in our bus for a 90 minutes’ drive east into the highest part of the Rodopi Mountains. Having reached the end of the driveable road, we begin a wonderfully panoramic hike along the main ridge of the Rodopi Mountains. First, we skirt just below the military base on the summit of the Rodopi’s highest peak Mt. Golyam Perelik (2191m), before ascending Mt. Golyam Snezhnik (2188m), just two metres lower! Having enjoyed the expansive views from the rolling open pastures, we then start to drop down into the forest, making a long descent to the tiny, picturesquely situated village of Gela, which according to legend was the birthplace of Orpheus. Here we will be met by our bus for the drive back to Yagodina. Occasionally, during May, late-lying snow makes it impossible to traverse the flank of Mt. Golyam Perelik, so instead the leader will arrange an alternative lower-altitude walk in the mountains south of Yagodina. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 In the footsteps of Orpheus
Having finished the previous day’s walk in the village of Gela, the supposed birthplace of Orpheus, we continue with the Orphic theme today, by following in his footsteps to the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary where Orpheus is believed to have met his death. As well as being steeped in a fascinating mix of myth and mystery, todays walk also offers some lovely remote walking, where we share our trail with wolves and deer, and can often hear the eerie cries of black woodpeckers echoing through the forest, adding to the excitement and magical atmosphere. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Mt Durdaga Circuit
For our final day in Yagodina, we make a full day's circular walk starting and finishing at our hotel. Our route makes a circuit of Mt. Durdaga, a high wooded peak that rises directly above the village. During the course of our walk, we pass through a large variety of habitats with extremely rich flora and fauna. During the first half of the day, we wander through forests and meadows, that are foraging regions for brown bears and wild boars. Later, in the afternoon, we then return to Yagodina along the line of a former Roman road. This runs high above the Trigrad Gorge, offering not only offers outstanding views but a wealth of wildflowers, as this is also one of the most renowned botanic trails in the country. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Forest Walk & Riverside Nature Trail. Transfer to Sofia
Before making the long transfer back to the Bulgarian capital, we have the chance to enjoy two final short, but highly picturesque nature walks. Having had breakfast and said our farewells to the staff at the hotel, we set off on foot, picking up yet another section of former Roman road, now a beautiful forest trail that is famed for its great variety of orchids. Suddenly the path emerges at a shelter, perched high on a rocky viewpoint from which one can gaze down into the Buinovo Gorge below. From here, the trail steadily descends to the river and road where we meet our bus, for a 45 minute drive to the town of Devin. Here we start our second walk of the day, following a delightful, specially-constructed nature trail along the valley of the Devinska Reka. As well as being extremely photogenic in its own right, the trail passes through another Prime Butterfly Area, offering the chance to see yet more rare and beautiful species. After a picnic lunch by the river, we then make our way back to the bus, before completing the final transfer (3 hours 30 minutes) back to Sofia. Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace (or similar)
Day 8 End Sofia
This trip draws to a close after breakfast. If you want to spend a bit more time in the city after our walking adventures, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1 Arrive Sofia, transfer from airport to your hotel (for arrivals 9am-7pm only)
On arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sofia (for arrivals 9am to 7pm only). The remainder of the day is free to explore the city. *arrival after 7pm - ask for our rates.
Day 2 Transfer to Borovets and ascend Musala Peak (2925m/6hrs), transfer to Govedartsi
This morning we will transfer to Borovets (70km/43.5mi). We take the cable car to Yastrebetz (2300m/7546ft) and climb the highest peak in the Balkans, Mt Musala (2925m/9596ft). The view from the top is truly breathtaking – you can make out the remaining peaks of the Rila Mountains, the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains, the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains, and last but not least, the Balkan range. Afterwards, we transfer to Govedartsi (1150m/3773ft), where we stay overnight (40min drive from Borovets). Ascent: 650m/2132ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft
meals : B,D
Day 3 Walk to Prekorechki Lakes and return to hotel (6.5hrs)
In the morning we have a short transfer to Maliovitsa resort, our starting point for another stunning trek. We walk up along the valley to the wide circuit of Prekorechki lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m. From the lake we walk back to Maliovitsa resort, then transfer to Govedartsi where we stay overnight. Ascent: 850m/2788ft; Descent: 850m/2789ft Or if the weather is clear we can choose an optional hike to Maliovitsa peak, to experience 360 degree views of the Alpine part of the Rila Mountains. Option: Ascent: 1016m/3094ft; Descent: 1016m/3094ft
meals : B,D
Day 4 Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery (5hrs)
This morning we have an early transfer to Pionerska hut, from where we take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m/7220ft). From here we do a fabulous loop walk to Razdela and the stunning ridge 'Zeleni Rid', where we decend to the chairlift. We continue with a transfer (1hr) to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous landmark. Drive to Bansko for overnight. Ascent: 400m/1320ft; Descent: 400m/1320ft
meals : B,D
Day 5 Trek across the Central Pirin (6hrs)
This morning we pack our overnight requirements in our day pack and begin our 2 day trek across the most beautiful part of the Central Pirin. We start from Bezbog hut and after 4-5 hours walking reach Tevno Ezero hut, where we stay overnight. You will need to carry your overnight items today as it is not possible to transfer your luggage to the hut you will stay in tonight. Ascent: 450m/1476ft; Descent: 150m/492ft
meals : B,D
Day 6 Continue trek to Demyanitsa Hut, transfer to Bansko (6hrs)
Today's walk offers stunning views over the Pirin glacial lakes, Pevalski and Valyavishki. The trek takes 5-6 hours before we reach the road under Demyanitsa Hut. Here we meet our vehicle to drive us back to Bansko. Our main luggage will be available in Bansko. Ascent: 150m/4922ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft
meals : B,D
Day 7 Ascend Mt Vihren (2914m)(6-7hrs), transfer to Sofia (2.5hrs)
A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2914m/9560ft), the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, awaits us. On our way to the peak, there are fabulous views of most of the Pirin's peaks and the Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes. The path weaves through the Kazanite region, famous for edelweiss and other rare flowering plants. If the weather is good we'll have lunch on the peak, enjoying the amazing scenery. We descend on foot, then drive to Sofia for overnight. Note: This route involves negotiating a steep path all the way up and down, with many sections passing over rocks. It is only recommended for walkers in good physical condition. Ascent: 1000m/3280ft; Descent: 1000m/3280ft
meals : B
Day 8 Transfer to Sofia airport, trip concludes
After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport.
meals : B
