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A CENTRE-BASED MOUNT RHODOPE PROGRAMME

The Rhodopes are the most lyrical Bulgarian mountains, combining the relief of mild oval forms, the colorful “carpets” of nature, inspired the architecture of picturesque villages, the hospitality of the local people and the legendary songs of the mythical singer Orpheus. Along with the pleasant climate, the Rhodopes (Rodopi) Mountains are the perfect place for walking through the rolling landscapes dotted with sinister caves and deep gorges among other nature phenomena. This is probably the least know area of Bulgaria, which was closed for tourists and foreigners for decades due to its proximity to the border with Greece.
The day hikes in the mountains have difficulty complying with the physical condition of each client, but overall the features of the terrain will be of moderate difficulty.

Dates, Prices & Remarks

Price: 420 € per person in twin/dbl room
Single room supplement: 60 € (obligatory for all individual clients)

Best period: May-September
Group size: Min. 4 persons
Price includes: transfers to and from Sofia Airport (on first/last tour date only) and all other transfers in the itinerary; accommodation and catering as in the itinerary; English-speaking mountain guide; entrance fees for the caves and all local taxes.
Price does not include: other meals and drinks, mountain tourist map, medical insurance, tips, personal expenses.

Program

  • Day 1: Sofia – Lyaskovo

    Meeting at Sofia Airport and transfer to Lyaskovo village in Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains where we will spend the night in a welcoming local guesthouse, where we will try traditional local meals.

  • Day 2: Lyaskovo – Yagodina Cave – Trigrad Gorge – Trigrad (3hrs; 9,5km; +560m/-360m)

    After a hearty breakfast with our hosts they will drive us to the entrance of Yagodina Cave – one of the longest and most beautiful caves in Bulgaria, housing unique cave formations. Here we will have a cave tour, before heading further on foot to the lovely village of Yagodina, where we can take a 4WD ride to the stunning viewpoint called the Eagle’s Eye (not included; payable on spot). After that we will dip into small fields under cultivation, peculiar of these parts of the mountains and then following our trail through century old spruce woods we will reach the edge of the Trigrad Gorge. The stunning 300m high vertical cliffs hide The Devil’s Throat Cave, where the highest underground waterfall on the Balkans is located (42m high).

  • Day 3: Trigrad – Vodni Pad – Trigrad (5,30hrs; 18km; +730m/-730m)

    A very diverse circular walk expects us today as we walk through the motley landscapes to the remote village of Vodni Pad, which in the past was divided into two parts by the border line. Among the old stone houses in recent days are left to live only a few people. The colorful variety of woods, meadows, fields and rivers will accompany us on our return to Trigrad village.

  • Day 4: Trigrad – Zhrebevo – Trigrad (5,30hrs; 18km; +700m/-700m)

    Another loop-like hike today will reveal a different but again idyllic part of the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains near the village of Trigrad. Target of the route is Zhrebevo – small mountain village which has a special charm owed to the hospitality of the local people, the unspoilt nature and the traditional livelihoods – agriculture, livestock and wood processing. Leisurely walk along a small river will bring us back to Trigrad.

  • Day 5: Trigrad – Sofia

    Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.