Unique combination of walking and biking routes, revealing the best of the Western Balkan Mountains landscapes, Karst formations, caves, gorges, waterfalls, monasteries, historical landmarks, eco-trails, rare flora and fauna, and nature reserves. We explore on foot and on a bike saddle the hidden trails in the alpine meadows of the mountains, the old Beech forests, the sinister caves with amazing stalactites and not the least the local traditions, cuisine and habits. This is a truly unforgettable adventure, varied in many ways and especially created to show you the best of this amazing part of the Balkan Mountains.
Tour highlights:
• Splendid natural landscapes of the unknown Western Balkan Mountains
• 4 Bulgarian monasteries dating back from 12-17 century
• 2 of the most beautiful and famous caves in Bulgaria
• The unique rock phenomena Belogradcishki skali and the medieval fortress Kaleto
• Beautiful small mountain towns with quiet local life
• Picturesque eco trails in stunning natural surroundings
• 2 pristine natural reserves
Departure dates:
15 May 2010 ; 19 June 2010 ; 17 July 2010 ; 07 August 2010 ; 11 September 2010 ; 2 October 2010
Itinerary
Day 1. Meeting at Sofia airport. Transfer to the city centre for overnight.
Day 2. Exploration of the majestic cliffs of Iskar Gorge in the Balkan Mountains. Hiking on the famous Vazov eko trail passing under one of the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria – Bovska Skaklia and to the edge of the cliffs of Zasele village with splendid view towards Iskar valley. We get on the bikes and start cycling on a nice isolated asphalt road for passing through Zimevitsa and Zanoge village continue on a panoramic gravel road descending to Lakatnik region. We finish at Zhitoliub karst spring and the nearby small restaurant where we can have lunch. After that we do a short hike to the splendid Lakatnik rocks. Transfer to Vratsa for overnight with a quick stop at the picturesque Cherepish Monastery on the way.
Activities specifics: hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/130m; biking: 20km, uphill/downhill: 200/600
Day 3. Hike to Skaklia waterfall (the highest impermanent waterfall in Bulgaria -141m) and to the top of the rocks to a karst field with great panoramic views. We descend on a steep path in a nice beech forest to the Vratsata rock phenomenon. Short transfer brings us to Ledenika cave for a visit and lunch. Biking on nice panoramic gravel and asphalt road from Parshevitsa place to Vrashets town via Milanovo village. Overnight in Varshets spa resort.
Activities specifics:hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/350m; biking: 35km, uphill/downhill: 150/1000
Day 4. Transfer to Petrohan pass, visiting Klisurski Monastery on the way. From the pass we ride downhill towards the town of Berkovitsa on a nice dirt road up to an altitude of 1650 m with fine panoramas to the Western Balkan Mountains massifs. Overnight in Berkovitsa.
Biking specifics: distance: 40km, uphill/downhill: 300/1200m)
Day 5. Transportation to Kopreh hut. En-route we visit the Lopushanski Monastery. Hiking on the beautiful Kopren eco-trail with numerous waterfalls, water cascades and interesting rock formations. Then we continue on bikes on a nice dirt road through picturesque meadows to the town of Chiprovtsi for overnight.
Activities specifics:hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 400/350m; biking: 12km, uphill/downhill: 100/300
Day 6. Transfer to Belogradchik. On the way we visit Chiprovski Monastery. Highlight of the day are Belogradchik fortress and Belogradchik Rocks phenomena. We explore them on a bike. In the afternoon we visit Magurata Cave. Overnight in Belogradchik.
Activities specifics: hiking: 3km, uphill/downhill: 60/70m; biking: 15km, uphill/downhill: 300/300
Day 7. Hike on an eco trail in Chuprene Reserve puts the end of the active part of the tour. Transfer to Sofia for short sightseeing tour and overnight.
Hiking specifics: distance: 7km, uphill/downhill: 200/180m
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
PRICE: 540 EUR
Included in the price: equipped bike (helmets and saddle bags are provided upon request only); English-speaking guide; driver with a supporting vehicle; transfers from/to Sofia airport and all transfers as per itinerary; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; VAT and all local taxes (entrance fees not included).
Price of extra services: single supplement: 75 euro; rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week
Accommodation: Family-run pensions and guesthouses with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is available in each of the hotels if necessary for the day tours (at the amount of 5-6 Euro).
Luggage transportation: The unnecessary luggage stays in the supporting vehicle, which makes the transfers. You can skip some of the biking or hiking parts if you decide to take a rest and go with the supporting vehicle.
Practical information:
BIKES: hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with 24 gears, 80mm front suspension fork and Sram components.
WALKING SPECIFICS: we walk on nice trekking paths or eco trails with easy to moderate level of diffuculty and rocky terrain at some stages. Walking on the eco trails includes climbing up and down wooden stairs and footpaths.
CYCLING TERRAIN: we use mainly dirt and macadam roads and some asphalt roads. Routes are with moderate level of difficulties without much uphills and mainly flat and downhill biking.
RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly reccomend you to bring a helmet and cycling gloves (helmets can be rented from us upon request).
EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below. LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA: please check: Wizz Air - http://wizzair.com/; Sky Europe - http://www1.skyeurope.com/; Easy Jet - http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings - http://www.germanwings.com/; My Air - http://www.myair.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle - http://www.norwegian.no/.
CONNECTING THE TOUR: In summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.
Recommended travel period of the year: May - October
Group size: min. 4 pax
Tour type: GT
Difficulty grade: Moderate/Difficult. Tour for experienced hikers and bikers.
Best period: May – September