Bulgaria on Foot

Bulgaria on Foot

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8 Days From

$912

$884

Bulgaria on Foot

8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria

Visiting: Sofia, Borovets, Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery, Central Pirin, Bansko

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

BOF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Mountain Biking, Trekking

From: $912 $884 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$29

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Bulgaria on Foot," a trekking tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bulgaria's highest mountains. Experience the untouched beauty of the Rila Mountains, including the majestic Mt Musala, and the rugged terrain of the Pirin Mountains, home to the towering Mt Vihren. Visit the historic Rila Monastery, renowned for its stunning architecture and ancient history, and explore the charming ski resort town of Bansko. With guided treks, comfortable accommodations, and all necessary transfers included, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for experienced walkers seeking a challenging and rewarding journey.

Highlights

  • Experiencing the untouched Rila Mountains, the highest in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula, including the highest peak Mt Musala (2925m)

  • Trekking in the Pirin Mountains, the second highest in Bulgaria and third on the Balkan Peninsula, including the highest peak Mt Vihren (2914m)

  • Visiting Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most impressive monastery due to its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings, and ancient history

  • Exploring Bansko, situated at the northeastern foot of the Pirin Mountains and a major ski resort

  • Walking to the Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m

  • Hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes and the stunning ridge 'Zeleni Rid'

  • Trekking across the Central Pirin, including an overnight stay at Tevno Ezero hut

  • Enjoying breathtaking views from the top of Mt Vihren, the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Sofia, Transfer From Airport To Your Hotel (For Arrivals 9Am-7Pm Only)

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: hotel

On arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sofia (for arrivals 9am to 7pm only). The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.
*arrival after 7pm - ask for our rates.

Day 2 : Transfer To Borovets And Ascend Musala Peak (2925M/6Hrs), Transfer To Govedartsi

Location: Borovets

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will transfer to Borovets (70km/43.5mi). We take the cable car to Yastrebetz (2300m/7546ft) and climb the highest peak in the Balkans, Mt Musala (2925m/9596ft). The view from the top is truly breathtaking – you can make out the remaining peaks of the Rila Mountains, the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains, the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains, and last but not least, the Balkan range. Afterwards, we transfer to Govedartsi (1150m/3773ft), where we stay overnight (40min drive from Borovets).
Ascent: 650m/2132ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft

Day 3 : Walk To Prekorechki Lakes And Return To Hotel (6.5Hrs)

Location: Rila Mountains

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning we have a short transfer to Maliovitsa resort, our starting point for another stunning trek. We walk up along the valley to the wide circuit of Prekorechki lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m. From the lake we walk back to Maliovitsa resort, then transfer to Govedartsi where we stay overnight.
Ascent: 850m/2788ft; Descent: 850m/2789ft
Or if the weather is clear we can choose an optional hike to Maliovitsa peak, to experience 360 degree views of the Alpine part of the Rila Mountains.
Option: Ascent: 1016m/3094ft; Descent: 1016m/3094ft

Day 4 : Seven Rila Lakes And Rila Monastery (5Hrs)

Location: Rila Monastery

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we have an early transfer to Pionerska hut, from where we take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m/7220ft). From here we do a fabulous loop walk to Razdela and the stunning ridge 'Zeleni Rid', where we decend to the chairlift. We continue with a transfer (1hr) to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous landmark. Drive to Bansko for overnight.
Ascent: 400m/1320ft; Descent: 400m/1320ft

Day 5 : Trek Across The Central Pirin (6Hrs)

Location: Central Pirin

Accommodation Name: mountain hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we pack our overnight requirements in our day pack and begin our 2 day trek across the most beautiful part of the Central Pirin. We start from Bezbog hut and after 4-5 hours walking reach Tevno Ezero hut, where we stay overnight.
You will need to carry your overnight items today as it is not possible to transfer your luggage to the hut you will stay in tonight.
Ascent: 450m/1476ft; Descent: 150m/492ft

Day 6 : Continue Trek To Demyanitsa Hut, Transfer To Bansko (6Hrs)

Location: Bansko

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's walk offers stunning views over the Pirin glacial lakes, Pevalski and Valyavishki. The trek takes 5-6 hours before we reach the road under Demyanitsa Hut. Here we meet our vehicle to drive us back to Bansko. Our main luggage will be available in Bansko.
Ascent: 150m/4922ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft

Day 7 : Ascend Mt Vihren (2914M)(6-7Hrs), Transfer To Sofia (2.5Hrs)

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2914m/9560ft), the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, awaits us. On our way to the peak, there are fabulous views of most of the Pirin's peaks and the Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes. The path weaves through the Kazanite region, famous for edelweiss and other rare flowering plants. If the weather is good we'll have lunch on the peak, enjoying the amazing scenery. We descend on foot, then drive to Sofia for overnight.
Note: This route involves negotiating a steep path all the way up and down, with many sections passing over rocks. It is only recommended for walkers in good physical condition.
Ascent: 1000m/3280ft; Descent: 1000m/3280ft

Day 8 : Transfer To Sofia Airport, Trip Concludes

Location: Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.

  • Accommodation

    6 nights in standard hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, and 1 night in a multishare dorm in a mountain hut (mixed dormitory room with outside WC and no showers).

  • Guided Tours

    English speaking mountain guide is included.

  • Lift Tickets

    Lift tickets as per itinerary are included.

  • Transfers

    Transfers throughout the tour as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is included except on days 5-6. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed; a supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers between Sofia airport and the hotel on days 1 and 8 are included.

  • Taxes

    VAT and all local taxes are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Sofia

    Travel to and from Sofia is not included.

  • Meals Not Listed

    Meals not listed as included, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

  • Maps

    Maps may be requested in advance when the trip is booked, but are not included.

  • Single Room Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you book a single room, excluding the mountain hut.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Additional Transfers

    Transfers not listed as included, such as from the train station in Sofia to the joining hotel and vice versa, are not included.

  • Luggage Transfer on Specific Days

    Luggage transfer on days 5/6 is not included; you will be required to carry your overnight requirements.

  • Hotel Taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel and are not included.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Lunch and Dinner in Sofia

    Lunch (allow approx €3 for a lunch box or €4-€10 for a 3-course lunch), dinner in Sofia on day 1 and 7, and drinks are not included.

Grading

The walking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily guided walks of around 5-7 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1050 metres/3445 feet. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills and descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. Day 7 is considered challenging whilst the other days are in the moderate range. On days 5 & 6 you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your daypack. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Early in the season (June departure) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.

What You Carry

Except on day 5 & 6 where you need to carry overnight gear, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Mode of Transport

Transfers throughout the tour include airport transfers, cable car rides, and vehicle transfers between various locations as described in the itinerary.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights in standard hotels with ensuite facilities and 1 night in a mountain hut with a mixed dormitory room, outside WC, and no showers.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 6 nights in standard hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities and 1 night in a multishare dorm in a mountain hut, which has a mixed dormitory room with outside WC and no showers.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking mountain guide will be provided throughout the tour.

  • Are lift tickets included in the tour package?

    Yes, lift tickets as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • What kind of transfers are included in the tour?

    Transfers throughout the tour as described in the itinerary are included. This also includes arrival and departure transfers between Sofia airport and the hotel on days 1 and 8.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Luggage transfer is provided except on days 5 and 6, where you will need to carry your overnight requirements. There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What should I carry during the trek on days 5 and 6?

    On days 5 and 6, you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your daypack as it is not possible to transfer your luggage to the hut you will stay in.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The walking is moderate to challenging with daily guided walks of around 5-7 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1050 meters. Day 7 is considered challenging, while the other days are in the moderate range. The tour is suitable for experienced walkers only.

  • What kind of weather conditions should I be prepared for?

    You should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds. Early in the season (June departure), you may encounter deep snow on the passes, which may alter the grading of the trip to challenging.

  • What items should I carry in my daypack?

    You should carry your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone in your daypack.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Macan(Exeter, United Kingdom)  

Bulgaria on Foot

12 Sep 2023

The mountain walking in Bulgaria was fantastic and made so much better by an experienced guide Andrey. The climbs /walks were challenging but the experience was well worth it. Hotel accommodation was good and the travel arrangements very good.

G. Kirkby(Petersham, Australia)  

Bulgaria on Foot

29 Aug 2024

Awesome few days of hiking. The hiking was challenging but very rewarding with varied terrain scenery. The overnight stay in the mountain hut was a highlight. Our guide Andrey was highly knowledgeable, organised and a great hiking companion.

A. Galambos(London, United Kingdom)  

Bulgaria on Foot

2 Aug 2022

Brilliant trip - great hikes, beautiful mountain scenery (particularly loved the final day climbing Vihren), well-picked comfy hotels and a world class guide!

G. Andersson(Tasmania)  

Bulgaria on Foot

14 Aug 2017

Bulgaria is an amazing destination with a wealth of history, great food and excellent walking. For this walk, you need to be confident on rock. The scenery was varied but typical of a glaciated area. The food at all the hotels was excellent with very friendly staff.

M. Songolo(Ottawa, ON, Canada)  

Bulgaria on Foot

12 Jul 2022

A great way to see some of the most iconic peaks in Bulgaria! The trip's logistics were well organized and the guide was great!

M. Gregora(Bli, Bli, QLD)  

Bulgaria on Foot

17 Aug 2018

Well run and organised trip from the point of view of logistics. Guiding quality suboptimal. Beautiful scenery in the Rila and Pirin mountains of Bulgaria. Well chosen hikes.

G. Pattrick(Subiaco, Australia)  

Bulgaria on Foot

16 Oct 2023

The walks were challenging and the operation well coordinated. We had memorable moments in some high places. Being exposed to the history of the country was one of the main highlights. The amount of smoking in Bulgaria was disturbing. The average mortality reflects this sad state of affairs.

Read all 7 reviews

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Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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