Bulgaria on Foot
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Borovets, Yastrebetz, Musala Peak, Govedartsi, Maliovitsa, Prekorechki Lakes, Maliovitsa Peak, Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Monastery, Bansko, Central Pirin, Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BOF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Bulgaria on Foot," a trekking tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bulgaria's Rila and Pirin Mountains. Experience the awe-inspiring heights of Mt Musala and Mt Vihren, the tallest peaks in the Balkan Peninsula, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. Explore the serene beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes and the majestic Rila Monastery, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Wander through the picturesque town of Bansko, nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, and enjoy an overnight stay at the remote Tevno Ezero hut. With the guidance of an English-speaking mountain guide, this tour promises a perfect blend of trekking, nature, and adventure. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including six nights in standard hotels and one night in a mountain hut, with meals and transfers included. This tour is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging and breathtaking journey through Bulgaria's untouched landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Sofia, transfer from airport to the group hotel
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: 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, Yastrebetz, Musala Peak, Govedartsi
Accommodation: 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: Maliovitsa, Prekorechki Lakes, Maliovitsa Peak, Govedartsi
Accommodation: 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: Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Monastery, Bansko
Accommodation: 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: Pirin National Park, Bansko
Accommodation: 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. Your 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: Mount Vihren, Sofia
Accommodation: 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. Or if you'd like to stay longer we can assist with booking extra nights.
What's Included
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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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English speaking mountain guide
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Sofia
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Maps (as this is a guided walk)
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room, excluding the mountain hut
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Tips
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Entrance fees not listed as included
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Transfers not listed as included, eg train station or a central hotel in Sofia to the group hotel & v.v - we can assist with a transfer (additional cost applies) or take a taxi
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Luggage transfer on days 5/6 where you will be required to carry your overnight requirements
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Items of a personal nature
Grading
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 days 5 & 6 when you need to carry your overnight gear, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, sun protection, 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
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 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.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, arrival and departure transfers between Sofia airport and the group hotel are included on days 1 and 8.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, often consisting of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking mountain guide is included in the tour.
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What should I carry during the trek?
Except on days 5 and 6 when you need to carry your overnight gear, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, sun protection, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as level 4, with daily guided walks of around 5-7 hours and a maximum ascent and descent of 1050m/3445ft. There are some challenging stages with steep ascents and descents, and many sections of the trail require care. Day 7 is considered challenging, while the other days are in the moderate range. A good level of fitness is required, and it is suitable for experienced walkers only.
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Are there any luggage transfer restrictions during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided except on days 5 and 6, where you will be required 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.
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What kind of views can I expect during the trek?
You can expect breathtaking views from the top of Mt Musala, including the Rila Mountains, Pirin Mountains, Mount Vitosha, Sredna Gora Mountains, Rodopi Mountains, and the Balkan range. The trek also offers stunning views over the Pirin glacial lakes, Pevalski and Valyavishki, and the Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
