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Bulgaria |
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Hotel to
Hotel Trek |
Bulgaria has an
ancient and rich history, the Tracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines,
Bulgarians, Slavs and Turks have all inhabited the country in their
time, all leaving
behind their mark either through buildings, language, gastronomy or
culture. The country is one of the EC’s newest additions bringing
benefits to the visitor.
The Walking
You pass through some
of the most spectacular parts of the Rodopi Mountains, namely; the
Trigrad Gorge, the Devil’s Throat Cave, the Miraculous Bridges amongst
others. The trail affords breathtaking views over high rocky cliffs,
woods, alpine meadows and the tiny villages where you can observe
Bulgaria at its best untainted by the influence of western society.
Self Guided
The walking is graded
as moderate to challenging. We provide detailed
walking notes which
give directions, ascents, descents, average walking times and distances
as well as
other helpful information. A walking map is also provided.
The Route
Day 1 Transfer from the airport to
your first accommodation in Yagodina. If you arrive early explore this
small village before dinner.
Day 2 A delightful gentle introduction to the Rodopi Mountains.
Walk to the Yagodina caves amongst the most beautiful in Europe. The
trail then winds uphill through
coniferous woods with splendid views back down to the riverbed. Continue
along a woodcutter track to the small village of Trigrad, your base for
the next three nights. This is a great area for bird watching. 10 miles
(including tour of the caves) 6 hours ascent 368m descent 284m.
Day 3 This walk combines forest tracks with an excellent river
trail back to base. Climb through a well-shaded forest passing potato
fields and crops. After admiring the views descend similar old mule
trails to the quiet ambient village of Vodni Pad. The final stretch
follows a delightful babbling stream, which meanders around the
contours. 11 miles 6 hours ascent 385m descent 342m.
Day 4 Starts with a charming gentle ascent from the village to a
forest trail leading into alpine meadows full of flowers with orchids
during the summer. The trail winds its way to the three Chairski Lakes
dropping down into the Trigrad Gorge before tracing the Livadnitsa River
and the 250m high cliffs to the Devil’s Throat Caves and onward to
Trigrad. The cave waterfall is one of the highest in Europe; some 42m, a
spectacular
underground experience. 13 miles (including tour of the caves) 7 hours
ascent 881m descent 643m.
Day 5 After a car transfer to Beden village you alight and follow
a forest trail to the ridge of the Dry Peak, weaving through coniferous
forests, picturesque hills and rolling meadows full of bright flowers in
the summer time. The views from the top at 1508m are magnificent. Then
wander gently down to the village of Liaskovo, where you stay the night,
a village untainted by the influence of western society. 13 miles 6
hours ascent 478m descent 560m.
Day 6 The last walk is the most demanding. After leaving the
village meander up into the forest walking on ancient trails,
criss-crossing streams as you ascend. You reach a meadow with an
imposing Mountain Hut. Then after a steep climb you reach the highest
point in the trek at 1890m and enjoy the panoramic views. Now descend to
the rocky phenomenon of the Miraculous Bridges, from where you are
collected and transferred to the village of Kosovo where you will stay
overnight. 10 miles 6 hours ascent 801m descent 420m.
Day 7 In the morning you can wander around this ancient village
steeped in history. Then you are taken to the The Bachkovo Monastery,
one of southern Bulgaria’s architectural
gems, then onto Plovdiv where you can explore the 15th century fortress
of Assan complete with 9th century chapel, perched high on a promontory.
You will either stay here the night or if you have an early departure
from Sofia you will be taken there for your last night.
Day 8 Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The hotels and food
On the trek the
hotels are all small family owned establishments which offer traditional
Bulgarian hospitality. They are simple establishments located in
villages, all rooms have a bath or a shower and W.C. Breakfast and
dinner is included every night. The meals will feature typical Bulgarian
cuisine, many dishes are similar to well know Greek dishes.
Baggage transfer
Your bag is transferred for you when
required to your next hotel so that you can
enjoy walking with just a day pack.
How to get there
Fly to Sofia the
countries capital non stop from either London or Manchester, also
connections available from the UK’s larger cities. The private transfer
time is 3½
hours
out and 2½
on the return. There are also nonstop charter flights to the coastal
airports of Bourgas and Varna from most UK airports, transfer time 6½
hrs from
Varna and 4 hrs from Bourgas transfer supplement will apply.
When to go
Walking is possible
from May until September, July and August can be quite hot
but early morning starts will reduce the impact.
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