THE SUMMITS AND RIDGES OF BULGARIA

Some of the highest mountains in Europe are situated in Bulgaria. This tour will give you the chance to visit all those magnificent forests, lakes and summits, that are much wilder and not crowded like the Alps. This tour will also allow you to merge in the traditional romantic atmosphere of the old towns in Bulgaria. Climb some of the highest peaks Malyovitsa and Vihren, hike through the Seven Rila lakes, overnight in a hut at 2515 m. is just a glimpse of the adventures, waiting for you.
Witness the alpine world of Rila and Pirin. The mountain beauties of Bulgaria are waiting to be discovered!

Day 1. Arriving at Sofia airport. Meeting with your tour guide and transfer to a nice family hotel deep in the forests of Rila Mountain. Accommodation and short briefing about the tour. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2. Breakfast. Ascent of mount Malyovitsa – one of the symbols of the region. The summit offers an amazing 360 degree view towards the countless peaks and glacial lakes. Lunch will be a picnic. The route further follows a ridge, which leads to the famous Seven Rila Lakes. Descent to a nice hotel in the dense pine forests. The whole trek takes 7 hours. Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

Day 3. Breakfast. Short transfer with a gondola to the higher parts of the mountain. The route for today passes nearby each of the Seven Lakes. Lunch will be a picnic. After reaching the Razdela pass (2600 m. above sea level) – one of the best viewpoints in Rila mountain, our trail leads us down towards the world famous Rila Monastery – a UNESCO listed site. Tour of the Holy monastery, hidden deep in the very heart of the mountain. The trek for today takes 6-7 hours Accommodation in a nice family hotel nearby. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Breakfast. It is an easier hike for today (6 h.). Short morning transfer (20 min.) and walk through the beautiful southern part of the mountain and “Macedonia” hut. Lunch will be a picnic. Descent to the little village of Dobarsko. Transfer to Bansko, a town of old traditional buildings and typical Bulgarian folk music, at the foot of the impressive Pirin Mountain. Accommodation in a hotel and dinner. Overnight.

Day 5. After breakfast we will take a short transfer (30 min.) to a mountain hut at 2000 m. Next is ascent to mount Vihren (2914m) – the highest peak of Pirin and the most technical part of the walking tour. About 6 hours for the ascent and descent and some incredible views of alpine peaks, marble rock walls and glacial lakes. Lunch will be a picnic. Return back to Bansko and same accommodation. Dinner at a traditional tavern, where you will be able to taste the traditional meals and hear the traditional music. Overnight.

Day 6. Breakfast. Start with a 30 minute morning transfer to Vihren hut. From there it is a walk trough the very central ridge of the Pirin Mountain. Lunch will be a picnic. During this trek we will be able to see stunning views of many lakes and the entire mountain. Reach to the little hut Tevno ezero (Dark Lake) at 2515 m., in the very heart of the mountain. The walk takes 6.30 h. in total. Accommodation in the hut at the foot of the impressive mt. Kamenitza. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7. Breakfast. It is an easy trek today. Descent from the Tevno Ezero hut through a group of glacial lakes, and pine forest to a beautiful village zone nеаrby (4 h.). Lunch will be a picnic. Short transfer from there to the town of Melnik – The smallest in Bulgaria, with it's 300 inhabitants. Melnik is a place of old traditional Bulgarian houses and red wine, famous all over the world. Accommodation in a nice hotel and dinner in a traditional tavern. Overnight.

Day 8. Breakfast. Transfer to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and departure from Sofia airport.

Price includes:

All the accommodations, mentioned in the program
All the dinners, mentioned in the program
All the breakfasts, mentioned in the program
All the lunches, mentioned in the program
All the transportations
The instant assistance of a licensed, english speaking mountain guide
All the gondola tickets

Price does not Include:

All the drinks, during dinners
Tickets for museums and historical monuments
Tips and personal expenses

Minimum/maximum participants: 2 to 18

Tour difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: People with some mountain experience in good shape; children elder than 14 y. o.