Bulgaria – Discover the Alps of the Balkans

Itinerary

Day 1. Sofia – Sapareva Banya

Pick up from your hotel in Sofia and transfer to the healthy hot springs town – Sapareva Banya.

We’ll have a relaxing time at the Aquaclub “Kotvata”.

DAY 2: Sapareva Banya – Seven Rila Lakes – Hut Ivan Vazov

The driver will take us to the lower station of the chair lift (1600m). We will take the lift to the hut Rilski ezera (2135м), where our 8-hour hike begins. With a steady ascent in the beginning, only getting slightly steeper at the highest point of the path , we will hike the main ridge of the mountain. Here we will be able to enjoy the view towards the 7 lakes. Then we will head to another valley where the charming hut Ivan Vazov  is located. We’ll spend the night at the hut.

* Hiking duration 7hrs;  Ascending – 1100м.

Day 3: Ivan Vazov hut – Sapareva Banya

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast at the hut and then we’ll continue with the descent on a different path enjoying the amazing views over the mountains.

Before dinner you have the option relax again at the Aquaclub “Kotvata”.

Dinner will be served at a restaurant that serves local specialties.

DAY 4: Mt. Musala – highest point on Balkan peninsula

Transfer to Borovets resort, where we will take a gondola lift to hut Yastrebets (2360m.) The last part of the tour is tricky, but our professional guide will assist you. Reaching Musala peak around noon time (2925m) During our 7-hour loop hike we will get many scenic views. We will take the gondola lift back to the starting point and then transfer to village Govedartsi.

* Hiking duration 9hrs;  Ascending-  950м.

DAY 5: Visit to the Rila Monastery and Dobrinishte.

The day will starts with 1 hour and a half drive to the most visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria – Rila monastery. Then we will have a short hike to one natural heritage – The sandstone pyramids.

On the way to Dobrinishte we will stop at the village of Dolno draglishte, where home made lunch in a local and authentic house is waiting for us.

In the evening will enjoy a pool with hot mineral water!

DAY 6: Welcome to the Bulgarian alps

Climbing Vihren Peak – 3th highest on the Balkans!

Pirin mountains are like a magnetic pole in Bulgaria, most of the local hikers come here for hiking.

For mountain hikers enthusiast, the route we are going to the highest peak, Vihren (located at 2914 m above sea level), is of moderate difficulty.  Our path passes by the impressive 300m-high northern wall of Vihren . The rock walls offer shelter to rare edelweiss flowers. Before getting our reward – the stunning view from the top -, we will have to cross a more technical part, where our professional guide will assist you.

DAY 7: Final Day

In the morning, after breakfast we’ll begin our descent to Bezbog hut and then we’ll take the chairlift. We can have lunch in Dobrinishte and then will continue back to Sofia.

*Know before you go:

• The hiking times mentioned do not include breaks and are based on the average hiker’s speed of 4 to 5 kilometers per hour on flat terrain.
• The hiking time will vary depending on the terrain and your hiking experience
• The trek is difficult to challenging for fit hikers with good hiking experience in Alpine terrains and you must come prepared with suitable hiking boots and clothes for mountain trekking.
• Your accommodation each night will either be a two-star hotel or a family home, you will be served breakfast.
• The minimum group size is 4 people and if this is not met you will receive a full refund 14 days before the intended tour date.