Bulgaria Hiking Adventure

After breakfast, we will start with an escorted sightseeing walk to the major cultural monuments in downtown Sofia. The guide will show you around the Roman ruins, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Sofia University, the National Theatre Ivan Vazov, the Mosque and the Round church St. George from the 4th century. Then, drive to Vitosha Mountain for a 2-hour walk in the forest with beautiful views of the Sofia plain and mist-shrouded mountains.

Next, we will visit the Boyana Church and admire important collection of medieval frescoes, which reflect the traditions of the Tarnovo School of Painting in the 13th century. After the visit, we continue driving 1 hour to the town of Sapareva Banya and check in at a spa hotel which is famous for its hot mineral water.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 103 Degrees Hotel & Spa (4 stars) or similar

Today’s highlight is a group of glacial lakes, often known as the Seven Rila Lakes, which is one of unmissable attractions in Bulgaria for hikers or nature lovers. We will transfer to the Panichishte region in the northern foothills of Rila Mountains. Then, catch a chairlift to “7 Rila Lakes” refuge situated at 2100m elevation above sea level. The guide will lead you to hike to the impressive lakes and the Ezerni peak where you will admire a panoramic view of beautiful glacial lakes shimmering in the sunlight. During the trek, you can take a close look at the kidney shaped lake "Babreca", the largest of the Seven Rila Lakes. Depending on your physical condition, you can choose to walk down along the trails which may take 2 hours, or catch a chairlift as an easier option to return to Panichishte area on the border of the Rila National Park. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Sapareva Banya and enjoy the spa experience in a mineral pool.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: 103 Degrees Hotel & Spa (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will drive to the Rila Monastery, listed in the UNSECO heritage, which is the largest Orthodox sanctuary in the Balkans. Your guide will elaborate its long history and show you around the main church to visit the history museum, vivid frescoes, the medieval tower, etc. The existing building is also a masterpiece of the Bulgarian Renaissance in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, go on with a short hike to the cave of St. Ivan Rilski.

In the afternoon, we will drive around 2 hours to Bansko, a ski resort with a rich history and beautiful old center. At the foot of the Pirin Mountain is a traditional town where you can stroll around and enjoy a cup of coffee. The guide will show you around the colorful streets and recommend you good places for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Wellness Hotel Bulgaria (4 stars) or similar

We will make a morning transfer by road from Bansko to the starting point of Pirin National Park to saddle up for a hiking adventure. Follow your guide from Bunderitsa hut, pass through Vihren hut, and then continue hiking to Muratovo Lake with breathtaking views. Along the way, you can spot the unique flora and fauna of Pirin. If you are lucky enough, you will find the mountain flower Edelweiss blooming in the higher parts of the mountain in July or August. The walking distance in the circuit of Bunderitsa is around 8 kilometers (5 miles), which may take you 3-4 hours. Afterwards, return the same way back to Bansko.

Friendly Tips: If you are on a winter trip in Bulgaria, we could discuss a Bansko tour focused on skiing or snowshoeing with you.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellness Hotel Bulgaria (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we will depart from Bansko. On our way to Plovdiv, stop for a winery tour at Yustina Villas located at the south edge of the Rodopi Mountain range. The guide will escort you to visit scenic vineyards and the enoteca. Later, we will enjoy lunch and excellent wines here.

In the afternoon, go on with a scenic drive to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, which is a popular tourist destination for its perfectly preserved Roman amphitheaters. We will explore the old town of Plovdiv with numerous cultural monuments from different historical periods, such as the Roman Theatre, the Roman stadium, the Ethnographical Museum, the East Gate from the 4th century, mansions from the 19th century.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and wine tasting

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Plovdiv Center (4 stars) or similar

According to your flight schedule today, we will drive around 1.5 hours from Plovdiv to Sofia Airport, where you will take your homebound flight. We hope you have had a great holiday with us!

Meals: Breakfast