Bulgaria on Foot
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia
Visiting: Bulgaria
From:
$838
$800 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$38
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Rila and Pirin mountain ranges of Bulgaria are home to vast alpine meadows, glacial lakes, rare vegetation and a rich variety of fauna. In the Rila Mountains, the highest peak, Musala (2925m) is a focal point of this engaging walk on which you only need to carry a day pack. Superb mountain vistas, hidden villages brimming with traditional culture and a visit to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous monastery, are some of the many highlights of the program. Based in 3 star hotels in Govedartsi and Bansko and a mountain hut in the Pirin Range, this trip will appeal to keen walkers seeking an alternative mountain experience in a country that simply teems with history and beautiful natural landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Sofia, Transfer From Airport To Your Hotel (For Arrivals 9Am-7Pm Only)
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
Meals Included: B, D
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)
Meals Included: B, D
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)
Meals Included: B, D
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)
Meals Included: B, D
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)
Meals Included: B, D
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)
Meals Included: B
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
Meals Included: B
After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
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6 nights in standard hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, 1 night multishare dorm in mountain hut (mixed dormitory room with outside WC and no showers)
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Lift tickets as per itinerary
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English speaking mountain guide
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Transfers throughout as described in the itinerary
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Luggage transfer except days 5-6
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Arrival & departure transfers between Sofia airport and the hotel on days 1 and 8
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VAT and all local taxes
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Luggage transfer except days 5-6, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Sofia
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Lunch (allow approx €3 for lunch box or €4-€10 for 3 course lunch), dinner in Sofia on day 1 and 7 and drinks
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Entrance fees
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Items of a personal nature
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Maps (may be requested in advance when the trip is booked)
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Tips
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Transfers not listed as included
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Travel insurance
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Luggage transfer on days 5/6 where you will be required to carry your overnight requirements
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Entrance fees not listed included
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room, excluding the mountain hut
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Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
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Entrance fees not listed as 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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Book with Confidence
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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.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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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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