Walking in the Balkan Mountains Short Break
Walking in the Balkan Mountains Short Break
Walking in the Balkan Mountains Short Break
5 Days Starting and ending in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Visiting: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
918
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This centre-based tour, walking in the Balkan Mountains short break, is a quick, easy yet exquisite insight into Bulgarian mountain culture. Staying in a three-star hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, a northern Bulgarian town on the River Yantra, celebrated as the historical and cultural capital of Bulgaria thanks to its being the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Today it is also a perfect base for an easy to moderate trekking holiday, with trails to the village of Arbanasi, set on a high plateau between Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa, ancient monasteries, Derventa Gorge and Kartala Waterfalls
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Veliko Tarnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After arriving in Veliko Tarnovo, spend some time visiting Tsarevets Fortress, a former citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire or stroll through the labyrinth of small cobblestoned streets in the Old Town, visiting local workshops and galleries or just relaxing in a café.
Day 2 : Kartala Waterfalls And The Transfiguration Monastery
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first hike is up to a superb viewpoint that takes in Derventa Gorge and the Yantra River. From here, the route descends towards two waterfalls, with an opportunity for a rest stop at each. After ascending a ridge, the route continues through a forest to Transfiguration Monastery, a sacred and tranquil place, well known for its Circle of Life mural on the church’s outer wall.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, 13km, ↑707m, ↓705m
Day 3 : Arbanasi
Location: Arbanasi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today follows a quiet, shady trail to Arbanasi, located on a high plateau with views across to Tsarevets Fortress. Arbanasi reached the height of its prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries when copper, gold and silver crafts flourished in the area. Visit the impressive Church of the Nativity, decorated with frescoes depicting over 3,500 figures, before returning via the same path to Veliko Tarnovo.
Walking for the day: 3h, 8km, ↑289m, ↓289m
Day 4 : Patriarchal Monastery Of The Holy Trinity
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning heading through Asenov, a neighborhood inhabited since the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, before crossing Vladishki Bridge over the River Yantra. The route then takes you up to the Swing of Love, perched on the edge of a hill with far-reaching views over the river and surrounding areas. Continue on to Bozhur Hut, where you can stop for a quick rest before continuing onto the Patriarchal Monastery of the Holy Trinity, located at the foot of the Arbanassi Plateau.
Walking for the day: 6h, 17km, ↑645m, ↓646m
Day 5 : Departure
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 overnights in en-suite rooms
-
Meals
4 breakfasts
-
Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack
Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and maps (Please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure. Physical documents are not able to be mailed or provided on-site)
-
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
-
Airfare and connecting land transfers
-
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
-
Travel insurance
-
Personal expenses
-
Entry fees (payable locally)
-
Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
-
When to go
This trip is available from May-October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your holiday on any date during the season.
As this is mountainous terrain, temperatures vary depending on location and altitude. Even though temperatures can occasionally reach 35C in towns in summer, the mountains and forests remain cooler, dropping at night to between 15-20C. -
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms) -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
-
Difficulty and terrain
The holiday is suitable for regular walkers and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trip covers an average of 12km (5h) of hiking per day with an average daily elevation gain of 547m (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Monday
May 01, 2025 - May 05, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 02, 2025 - May 06, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 03, 2025 - May 07, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 04, 2025 - May 08, 2025Monday - Friday
May 05, 2025 - May 09, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 06, 2025 - May 10, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 07, 2025 - May 11, 2025Thursday - Monday
May 08, 2025 - May 12, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 09, 2025 - May 13, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 10, 2025 - May 14, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 11, 2025 - May 15, 2025Monday - Friday
May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 13, 2025 - May 17, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 14, 2025 - May 18, 2025Thursday - Monday
May 15, 2025 - May 19, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 16, 2025 - May 20, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 17, 2025 - May 21, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 18, 2025 - May 22, 2025Monday - Friday
May 19, 2025 - May 23, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 20, 2025 - May 24, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 21, 2025 - May 25, 2025Thursday - Monday
May 22, 2025 - May 26, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 23, 2025 - May 27, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 24, 2025 - May 28, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 25, 2025 - May 29, 2025Monday - Friday
May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 27, 2025 - May 31, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Thursday - Monday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 27, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Thursday - Monday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Thursday - Monday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Thursday - Monday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Thursday - Monday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Aug 27, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Thursday - Monday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Thursday - Monday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Thursday - Monday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Thursday - Monday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Thursday - Monday
Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Thursday - Monday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Monday - Friday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Thursday - Monday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Monday - Friday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Thursday - Monday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Monday - Friday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."