Rila Mountains walking break

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~~$636~~

$604

Rila Mountains walking break

5 Days Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria and ending in Sofia

Visiting: Sofia, Govedartsi, Musala, Malyovitsa, Seven Rila Lakes

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

737

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, High, Moderate to Strenous

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$636

$604 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$32

Tour Overview

This five day self-guided Rila Mountains walking holiday is a deep dive into the dramatic peaks of the highest range on the Balkan Peninsula. On your trek to its highest peak, Mount Musala (2,925m) you can even see across the border into Greece. Although this is a short break, because you are centre-based, you have plenty of time each day to take on different walks, such as to the region’s spectacular Seven Rila Lakes, Zeleni Rid ridge and through the glacial wonders and pine forests of the Malyovitsa Valley. As well as to Mount Malyovitsa at 2,729m

Highlights

Rila National Park
Malyovitsa Valley
Seven Rila Lakes
Mount Musala, the highest on the Balkan Peninsula (2,925m)

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival And Transfer To Govedartsi

Location: Sofia, Govedartsi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Once you arrive in Sofia, a transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to the village of Govedartsi (approx. 1.5h), located in the foothills of the Rila Mountains, where you will be based for the next three days.

Day 2 : Mount Musala (2,925M)

Location: Musala, Govedartsi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An early morning transfer will take you to Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, from where you will get on a gondola to the Yastrebets area (the drive to Borovets takes about 30mins, and the gondola ride 30-40mins). Once you get off, you will be already above the treeline at an altitude of 2,369m, and you will see your goal for the day: Mount Musala 2,925m). Initially, you walk on a flat dirt road leading to Musala hut, located next to the Musala Lakes. After the hut, you start hiking on a rocky trail which passes by a couple of glacial lakes only to reach the most famous one, Ledeno Ezero. From the top of the mountain, in good weather, you can see as far as Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north. The way back is on the same trail. Take the gondola down to Borovets. A transfer will take you back to your guesthouse in Govedartsi.

Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 700m, 6h

Day 3 : Mount Malyovitsa (2729M)

Location: Malyovitsa, Govedartsi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A short transfer (30mins) will take you to the start of your walk, Malyovitsa ski and mountaineering centre. Initially, you follow a river which will take you to the Malyovitsa Valley. You walk for about one hour through coniferous forest to reach Malyovitsa hut. Having passed the treeline, you head to the peak, ascending gradually. In 20-30mins you reach the main ridge of Rila Mountain and, looking south you will be able to spot the famous Rila Monastery (which you will visit on day five of your holiday). Continue on the main ridge, and very soon you reach Mount Malyovitsa. The way back is on the same trail. When you reach the ski resort, you will be picked up and transferred to Govedartsi village.

Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 1,000m, 7-8h

Day 4 : Seven Rila Lakes (2600M)

Location: Seven Rila Lakes, Govedartsi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, a transfer (1h 15mins) will take you to the Panichishte area. From here, you get on a chairlift which takes you to 2100m and the Seven Rila Lakes hut. Your circular walk around the glacial lakes starts from here. Each of the lakes is named after its own shape and characteristics: Lower, Fish, Trefoil, Twin, Kidney, Eye and Tear, the highest one being at an elevation of almost 2,600m. The trail will lead you past at least five of them, with the last two being a steeper trek if you choose to add them to your itinerary. From Vada hut, a transfer will take you back to your guesthouse.

Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 1,000m, 7-8h

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, a transfer will take you back to Sofia airport or the city centre, and your Rila Mountain walking break will come to an end.

What's Included

Accommodation

4 overnights in a small family hotel/guesthouse
Meals

(4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
All transportation as described in the itinerary
Transfer Sofia Airport/city centre – Govedartsi
Transfer Govedartsi – Sofia Airport/city centre
Detailed route notes and maps (a digital copy, provided before the tour)
GPS tracks
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Insurance
Airfare and connecting land transfers
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tickets for the gondola in Borovets on day two (BGN15/ €8 person)
Tickets for the chairlift to the Rila Lakes on day four (BGN12 / €6 per person)
Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme

Check out our Q&As

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No they aren't
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As detailed in the itinerary
Are flights included in this tour?

No they aren't
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

This tour is appropriate for experienced walkers in good physical shape. The walks take an average of 7-8h per day with approximately 800-1,000m ascent/descent (read more about difficulty grades). None of the routes involves scrambling, and there are no sheer drops; still, most of the paths are steep and rocky, requiring sure-footedness. Most of the routes can be shortened in case you find them too difficult.

Most of the trails on the tour are well-marked and signposted, and we will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPX tracks and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

No they aren't
When to go?

Our Rila Mountains walking break is available from late June until the end of September. The best time to go walking in Bulgaria is July and August. The trip departs each Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, although departures on other days are also possible (upon request), with some itinerary amendments.

The climate in Bulgaria is temperate continental, with an average of 200 days of sunshine a year. It is influenced both by the colder air coming from the north and the warmer breeze from the Mediterranean. Depending on location and altitude, temperatures vary but between June-September, the daily averages are 15-25C. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with cold nights and occasional rain and thunderstorms. High summer daytime temperatures are rarely too hot as even though temperatures can occasionally reach 30C, the mountains and forests remain cooler, dropping at night to 5-15C.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

No they aren't
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this Operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

Lorraine McHugh (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful cycling...

12-Jan-2024

We had a wonderful cycling trip through Puglia. The scenery was so beautiful. The accommodations we had were ideal! Luggage transfer was always prompt and a small adjustment was made to my bike, upon request, midway through the trip. The bike technician was extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip and this company!

Dates & Availability

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Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024

~~$636~~ $604 (USD)