Bansko is a three-hour drive from Sofia and Plovdiv and is located on the outskirts of the Pirin National Park – the largest protected area in Bulgaria. It will be your base camp on this walking holiday. With its special architecture of Ottoman and Greek origin, Bansko offers visitors a wealth of experience. The stone houses, many of which look like miniature monasteries, exist side by side with the modern structures of this little town, which boasts only 12,000 inhabitants. Bansko boasts a multitude of restaurants and local eateries as well as a lively cafe scene.
Special highlights:
Pirin Mountains
are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.). Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is one of the biggest winter resorts in the country.
Ognianovo (540 m a.s.l.) is a SPA resort close to the Greek border with average temperature of the water + 43oC.
Melnik (380 m a.s.l.) is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria famous for its sandy pyramids and local brand of red wine.
Kovachevitsa (1050 m a.s.l.) If you wish to be overwhelmed by long-forgotten feelings, or to be immersed in the enchanting glamour of bygone days, this is a must-visit place
Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to Bansko for overnight accommodation (about 3 hrs).
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Day 2-7. Three trekking days (the first three) with a local guide are included in the program. These are:
1. In June, July and August it is well worth going on an Edelweiss tour. You will find this excursion on our schedule because we believe the chance to see these unique flowers in their natural environment is not to be missed! After breakfast we transfer to the Bunderitsa hut (20 min; 1,810 m, or 5,938 ft). This is a starting point for the next walk to the region of Kazanite. This area is located into the marble region of the Pirin Mountains. It may lack rivers or lakes, but it is home to the Edelweiss and many other flowers, which trail across the steep gorges and
rocky cliffs. The track itself is quite short, but it covers steep ground all the way that takes time to be walked. After completing the trek, we head back to the Bunderitsa hut and transfer by bus to the hotel in Bansko. In the afternoon after short rest in the hotel we will make a short stroll along the streets of Bansko. Although Bansko is quite small, there are several places of interest to visit: the old part of the town; the Holy Trinity Church; the Neofit Rilski museum; the monument dedicated to Father Paisii, the author of Istoria Slavyanobulgarska (the first written history of Bulgaria); the crafts and folk style exhibition and many more.
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,938 ft); downhill walk: 600 m (1,938 ft); walking time: 6 hrs.
2. In the morning we have a transfer to the area called Todorova Ornitsa. The walk follows the Demyanitsa River, which affords a view of the Julenski Skokove waterfalls. The path crosses through meadows, which display beautiful flowers throughout June and the first half of July. The tour continues through the old Mura forests and fragrant alpine meadows towards the circus of Vasilashki Lakes above Demianitsa hut itself, finishing at a place called Karantiyata. The bus will then take us back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); walking time: appr. 6-7 hrs.
3. A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2,914 m, or 9,560 ft) awaits us. In the morning we go by bus to the Guaranteed departure dates for 2008: Every Saturday from June to September
Vihren hut (30 minutes; 1,950 m, or 6,397 ft). En route there will be various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin’s peaks and also the Vlahini and Bunderishki lakes. If the weather is good we have lunch on the peak itself, enjoying the amazing scenery. After that we return to the Vihren hut, and by bus, to the hotel in Bansko for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours.
(Please 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 tourists in good physical condition. Otherwise, please consider the alternative programme for Day 3, which includes walk in the circus of Bunderishki Lakes: There we visit Muratovo, Ribnoto (The Fish), Dulgoto (The Long), Zhabeshkoto (The Frog) and Okoto (The Eye) lakes. On the way we enjoy beautiful breathtaking panoramic views, flowers and the crystal waters of the rivers and the lakes. It takes about 4-5 hrs to complete this tour, which returns to the Vihren hut before heading back to the hotel in Bansko by bus.
Uphill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); downhill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); walking time: appr. 4 hrs)
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* There are several options for spending the rest days of your stay (please note that guidance and arranged program is not included for them in the package price and they are to be paid additionally in advance or to the guide on the spot depending on the services requested):
- Additional hiking tours in the mountains (to be desided on the spot; payable to the guide)
- Sightseeing Sofia or excursion to Rila Monastery, Melnik or Kovachevitsa (to be desided on the spot; payable to the guide)
- Birding tour around Melnik & Rupite area (for Levant Sparrowhawk, Short-toed Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Rock Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow, Woodchat Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Calandra Lark, Alpine Warbler etc.) (to be purchased at least 2 weeks in advance; payable in advance prior departure). During the daily tours you will be able to spot Nutcrackers, Ring Ouzels, Alpine Accentors, Alpine Chough, Pallid Swifts etc.
Provisional prices (subject of negotiation with the guides): excursion to Melnik or Rila Monastery (incl. transfer & guide; no entrance fees included) – 80 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); swimming in the mineral pools of Ognianovo (incl. transfer & guide; no entrance fees included) – 80 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); visit to Sofia (incl. transfer & guide) – 110 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); birdwatching around Melnik & Rupite –150 Euro/car (up to 3 pax); excursion to Rila Monastery – 100 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax)
Day 8. Early transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
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Accommodation:
You will stay 7 nights in a family run hotel (3 stars), with rooms with private bath/toilet on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included). In case you decide to stay in a mountain hut as a part of a customized tour, which can be requested directly through your guide, please note that you may have to stay in a dorm where shower/toilet are shared with few other rooms. Blankets and linen are provided in the huts – no need to bring such with you.
Tour type: IT+
Difficulty grade (trekking days only): B (stages 1, 2), C (stage 3)
Best period: June – September
Weather:
Temperatures expected for this period are between +10 and +25oC. Temperatures above 2000 m a.s.l. may drop to -5C after the end of August. Rainfalls or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit prolonged during spring and late autumn.
Equipment and clothing:
Necessary items: daypack (35 l) or larger one (60 l) if you deside to stay overnight in a mountain hut; 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion; trekking sticks.
For the full list with recommended items see “General”.
Group size: Min. 2 persons
The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above, transfers to/from Sofia and Plovdiv airport; English-speaking guide for 3 trekking days; transfers for the 3 trekking days; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), guidance and transfers for the rest days outside the program; tips, entrance fees, lunches/lunchpacks, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.

Special highlights:
Balkan Mountains
(highest peak: Mount Botev 2376 m a.s.l.) are the longest (550 km) and the biggest of all mountains in Bulgaria.
Cherni Osam is a village, perched on both banks of the Cherni Osam River
and an excellent base to explore the National Park Central Balkan.
Chiflik is a village located at the upper stream of the Beli Osam River.
Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, being the 3-th largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
Beklemeto Pass (1320 m a.s.l.) is a mountain resort very popular for summer and winter mountain marches in the high part of the mountains. Plovdiv (160 m a.s.l.) ranks as the second Bulgarian city in population and size. The old town of Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv airport and transfer to the Beklemeto pass in the Balkan Mountains where we stay overnight (2 hrs from Plovdiv; 2,5 hrs from Sofia).
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Day 2. In the morning we start off from Beklemeto (1,320 m, or 4,330 ft) heading towards the peak sections of the mountains leading to the Troyan Pass (1,525 m, or 5,003 ft), before continuing westwards. From here the path follows the summit of the Balkan ridge, passing along the southern slopes of Kozyata Stena Reserve. The northern slopes of Kozyata Stena (1,562 m, or 5,124 ft) house an impressive population of Edelweiss, which flower during the summer. This trek takes around three hours from Beklemeto. At the foot of Baba Peak (1707 m or 5,599 ft) we turn northwards. En route we pass a rocky gully famous for its avalanches in winter.
We now have about 2,5 hrs more to go before we reach the village of Chiflik (600 m, or 1,968 ft). Then we transfer to our hotel in Beklemeto (about 30min).
Uphill walk: 250 m, or 820 ft; downhill walk: 950 m, or 3,116 ft; walking time: about 5-6 hours
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Day 3. After breakfast we head off from Beklemeto to the Dermenka hut (1,504 m, or 4,934 ft). This route features a strenuous but rewarding descent along the Cherni Osam River, where the Steneto Reserve (included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere reserves on account of its virgin nature) awaits us. Then it’s on to the village of Cherni Osam itself. Steneto is also a recognised bird zone. The number of birds registered here is higher than in any other reserve in the Central Balkan region. From Cherni Osam we take the transfer to Troyan Monastery, where we will take a short stroll along the monastery walls. Later in the afternoon we leave for Apriltsi (the transfer takes about 30min), where we will stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: around 7-8 hours
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Day 4. Pack and leave your luggage at the reception – it will be picked up on day 7 and transferred to Plovdiv. In the morning we will embark on a short sightseeing trip around Apriltsi (506 m, or 1660 ft), which affords you a good insight into the local way of living. At around noon after short transfer we take a walk along one of the new local eco-Guaranteed departure dates for 2008: 21/6, 12/7, 02/8, 16/8, 30/8, 13/9
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft); downhill walk: 100 m (328 ft); walking time: 1-4 hours (depending on the extensions in the afternoon)
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Day 5. Today we will head towards the Balkan Mountains’ giant – Mount Botev (2,376 m, or 7,795 ft). Some 30 min after Pleven hut the path goes along the edge of the Northern Dzhendem Reserve. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy for an hour the inaccessible pinnacles of probably the most picturesque part of the mountains. In case of clear skies we may see the ridges of Pirin and Rodopi mountains. Some 3 hrs from Pleven hut we reach the Botev refuge, where we can leave our luggage before the ascent. Then we continue to the top, where we get in 1 hr more before going back to the refuge. During the development of what are now the Balkan Mountains, the granite basis of the peak was broken up by river erosion. As a result, the terrifying rock faces of the Northern Dzhendem and the Heavenly rocks to the south were shaped. As the weather on the top is famous for its inconstancy we will not spend much time there. Three hours more and we end up in Vasil Levski hut (1450 m a.s.l. or 4, 756 ft), where we stay overnight. En-route we pass through Stara Reka Reserve, protected many rear species of plants, inhabiting the meadows by the spring of several rivers that start from this area.
Uphill walk: 1100 m (3,608 ft); downhill walk: 1040 m (3,411 ft); walking time: 6-7 hours
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Day 6. Walking through the mixed forest by the Vasil Levski hut we reach in an hour a flat place where many mountains paths cross each other. From this point signposted track leads to Rai hut – our last stop for today. Along the trail we pass through several springs, lying at the foots of the vertical cliffs, surrounding Mount Botev from the south. Here we can enjoy the Southern Dzhendem Reserve. Highlights of the area are also the Heavenly Rocks and the Heavens Waterfall (”Raiskoto pruskalo”). At a height of 124.5 m (408 ft), it is not just the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, but on the entire Balkan Peninsula. We spend the night in the Rai hut (1,560 m, or 5,118 ft).
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); walking time: about 4-5 hrs
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Day 7. The route begins with a steep descent along the stream of Biala Reka River to a monastery above the town of Kalofer. From there we take the transfer to Plovdiv (taking about 1,5 hrs), where the rest of the afternoon can be spent on a self-guided sightseeing trip or shopping along the paved streets of the old quarter of Plovdiv.
Uphill walk: 20 m; downhill walk: 800 m (2,624 ft); walking time: 4 hrs
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Day 8. After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure (transfer time: 20 min to Plovdiv Airport or 2 h to Sofia Airport)
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Accommodation:
We stay in 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and in mountain huts (days 4, 5 & 6) with shared facilities on HB (breakfast & dinner included). Lunchpacks are included for the mountain treks during the days 5, 6 & 7.
Luggage transportation:
Unnecessary luggage will be transferred as follows:
Day 3: from Beklemeto Pass to Apriltsi
Day 7: from Apriltsi to Plovdiv
Tour type: GT
Difficulty grade: B (days 2& 4) / C (days 3, 5, 6 & 7)

Special highlights:
Rila Mountains
are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala – 2925 m a.s.l.
Pirin Mountains are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is situated at the northeastern foot of Pirin Mountains beneath the highest and the most beautiful Karst part of the mountains. It is recently one of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria.
Melnik (380 m a.s.l.) is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria famous for its sandy pyramids and local brand of red wine.
Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its
size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
Rozhen Monastery is one of the few medieval monasteries, which has preserved its original appearance, authentic architecture and monumental pictorial art.
Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv airport and transfer to the hotel in the Rila Mountains (1,600 m, or 5,429 ft), where we stay overnight (1,20 hrs from Sofia; 2,30 hrs from Plovdiv). This will be also the starting point for the trek.
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Day 2. Our hotel is situated in the Zeleni Preslap region. This day will be dedicated to both high altitude adaptation and the demands of the forthcoming trek. In the morning we will take a leisurely through the spruce forest to the Skakavitsa hut (1,876 m, or 6,154 ft) and the Skakavitsa waterfalls. The path then travels uphill to the Seven Rila Lakes hut (2,100 m, some 6,889 ft) where we will stay overnight. Here we take a stroll around the “blue mountain pearls” of the glacial Rila Lakes.
Uphill walk: 900 m (2,952 ft); downhill walk: 200 m (656 ft); walking time: around 4-5 hours
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Day 3. After breakfast, breathtaking scenery awaits us as we head towards our next target – the revered Rila Monastery (situated at 1,147 m, or 3,763 ft). From the Seven Rila Lakes we head to the area called Razdela (2,600 m, or 8,530 ft). The views from this point are superb, so we will enjoy a short coffee break here and
take in the neighbouring peaks and river gorges. After a 3,5 hour walk along the foothills of the Maliovitsa peak we reach the Rila Monastery. Please note: there are steep and rather long descents to the monastery, which will be hard on the knees. We stay overnight in a hotel by the monastery walls.
Uphill walk: 500 m (1,640 ft); downhill walk: 1,500 (4,921 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours
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Day 4. A short hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski (2-3 hrs) and sightseeing of the Rila Monastery are planned till noon. After about 1hr uphill walk through old Beech woods we will reach the hermitage. Then we go back to the monastery for a transfer to Bansko (taking about 1,5 hrs), which will be the starting point for our treks in Pirin Mounatins. In Bansko (925 m, or 3,034 ft) we will have lunch followed by a short rest in the hotel. In the afternoon we will make a sightseeing trip in the old quarters of the town – a relaxed program before the most difficult day of the tour.
Uphill walk: 150 m; downhill walk: 150 m; walking time between 2-3 hours
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Day 5. This is maybe the hardest day in the program but also quite rewarding for sure. In the morning the bus will deposit us a distance above the town of Bansko, ensuring a better starting point for the day’s trek. We begin our walk from the Vihren hut (1,950 m, or 6,397 ft). Close to this structure you will see the marble peak of the giant of the Pirin Mountains – Mount Vihren (2,914 m, or 9,560 ft). Guaranteed departure dates for 2008: 05/7, 12/7, 26/7, 02/8, 30/8, 06/9
From the hut the path passes by the glacial Bunderishki Lakes and along the highest parts of the Julen Reserve until it reaches the Tevno Lake hut (2,512 m, or 8,241 ft) where we stay overnight. As there is no other alternative along the route we have been forced to use this refuge, where the conditions are rather primitive. Many people prefer to stay in their own sleeping bags although blankets and sheets are provided by the refuge – we also advise you to bring your own sleeping bag (compact summer type). Several peaks over 2,500 m (8,202 ft), lakes and tiny alpine meadows will feature on the trek.
Uphill walk: 900 m (2,952 ft); downhill walk: 300 m (984 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours
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Day 6. Today’s walk is a real delight. Our track descends towards the valley of the Zheleznishka River and follows its riverbed all the way on to the Pirin hut (1,640 m, or 5,380 ft), our next overnight stop. Picturesque alpine pastures surround the foothills of the Debeli Ridge, preceded by the Kamenitsa Peak (2,822 m, some 9,258 ft).
Uphill walk: 100 m (328 ft); downhill walk: 950 m (3,116 ft); walking time: 4-5 hours
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Day 7. In the morning we head towards the final stop on the Rila-Pirin trek, the Rozhen village, housing a monastery of the same place some 15min walk after it. The route follows the so-called “Vlashki pat” over the summit of the Sugarevska River, right in to the village of Rozhen. From the village we have a short transfer through the sandy pyramids of the area (10 min) to the smallest and one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria – Melnik, famous for its local brand of red wine. You will be able to buy some bottles if you wish so. After a short stroll along the main street of the town we will transfer from Melnik to Sofia (3hrs) or Plovdiv (5hrs)(depending on your departure flight) where we stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 100 m (328 ft); downhill walk: 1,100 m (4,429 ft); walking time: 5 hours
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Day 8. Transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv airport for departure.
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Accommodation:
We stay overnight in 3-star hotels (days 1, 3 & 4) with rooms with en-suite facilities.
Days 2 & 6 we spend in mountain huts with shared facilities (double rooms are available in The Seven Rila Lakes hut, while in Pirin hut we stay in a dorm). Day 5 we stay in mountain refuge (Tevno Lake) in a dorm with rather primitive conditions – there are no bathrooms available and the WC is outside the building (bringing your own compact sleeping bag is advisable). Day 7 we stay in a guesthouse with en-suite facilities. The mealplan is based on fullboard all days (breakfast, lunch pack and dinner included). Lunch is only available during day 4, while for the rest days we have lunchpacks arranged.
Luggage transportation:
Unnecessary luggage will be taken on day 1 (some 15min after arrival at the hotel in the afternoon by the driver), and will be waiting for you at your hotel on day 3. Again you could leave it on day 5 (in the hotel in Bansko before starting the trek to Pirin Mountains) and will receive it again on day 7 (upon pick up in Melnik; the driver will bring it there).
Tour type: GT
Difficulty grade: B (day 4) / C (days 2, 3, 6 & 7) / D (day 5)
Best period: June – September
Weather:
Temperatures expected for this period are between +10 and +25oC. Temperatures above 2000 m a.s.l. may drop to -5oC after the end of August. Rainfalls or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit prolonged during spring and late autumn.
Equipment and clothing:
Necessary items: rucksack (60 l); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion.
For the full list with recommended items see “General”.
Group size: Min 4 persons
The price includes: accommodation, boarding and luggage transfers as mentioned above; transfer to/from Sofia or Plovdiv airport; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.

Introduction:
This tour is a lighter version of the Pirin-Rila trek, which combines the high and challenging Pirin Mountains’ beauty with the serenity of the Rodopi Mountains range, the latter known as of the legendary musician Orpehus. During the trek, you will get to explore some of Bulgaria’s more remote and forgotten regions. Mountain border villages, which were closed to foreign visitors not so long ago, enable the tourists to experience some elements of authentic Bulgarian culture and country life. On the tour we also visit caves and the second biggest Bulgarian monastery.
Special highlights:
Pirin Mountains
are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.). Rodopi Mountains: The Rodopi Mountains (highest peak: Golyam Perelik (2191m a.s.l.) are the oldest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula.
Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is one of the biggest winter resorts in the country.
Shiroka Luka (1060 m a.s.l.) Numerous houses preserving the typical Rodopean architecture, speech, songs and customs of local people have given the village the status of an architectural, ethnographic and folklore reserve.
Plovdiv (160 m a.s.l.) ranks as the second Bulgarian city in population and size. The old town of Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.
Yagodina Cave is among the longest caves in Bulgaria (more than 10 000m mapped so far), considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls in them.
The Devil’s Throat Cave has its name from the fact that if you let something flow in the cave river it never comes out again. There is a cave waterfall – one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe, 42 m high.
Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest Bulgarian monastery.
Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to Bansko for overnight accommodation (about 3 hrs).
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Day 2. After breakfast we head for the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, above the Vihren hut (1,950 m, 6,397 ft). We reach the latter by bus (a 20-minute ride) and continue on foot to the glacial lakes close to the Bunderitsa River. There we visit the Muratovo, Ribnoto (The Fish), Dulgoto (The Long), Zhabeshkoto (The Frog) and Okoto (The Eye) lakes. The superb view to the neighbouring peaks (most of them higher than 2,500 m, 8,202 ft) is complemented by the aroma of mountain herbs and the cries of Nutcrackers and Ring Ouzels. This walk will take about 3-5 hours depending on the weather conditions. After that we go back to Bansko by bus, with a short stop to the oldest tree in Bulgaria (more than 1,300 years old!). Later in the afternoon we will embark on a short sightseeing trip along
the streets of Bansko, visiting the Holy Trinity church, some traditional crafts
shops and enjoying the unique architecture of the houses there.
Uphill walk: 300 m (984 ft); downhill walk: 300 m (984 ft)
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Day 3. In the morning we have a transfer to the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, but this time to Dobrinishte (a 15 minute drive). Dobrinishte is a balneological resort, east of Bansko, famous for its mineral springs since ancient times. From there the bus travels on to the Gotse Delchev hut (about 20 min drive; 1,450 m, 4,757 ft). Here we take the chairlift to the Bezbog hut (2,236 m, 7,335 ft.) – the start of today’s trek, which is a 30 minute ride. The target of the day is Mount Polezhan (2,851 m, or 9,353 ft). There are incredible views on the way to the top and from the summit itself. One can count 17 glacial lakes from a single point, including the biggest lake in Pirin – Popovo Lake. These are probably the most beautiful panoramic views available from these mountains. It takes approximately 5 hrs to complete the walk. We return to the Gotse Delchev hut via the same lift. Our next meeting with traditional Bulgarian architecture will take place in Leshten village and further to the village of Kovachevitsa (1,050 m, or 3,444 ft) (some 70 km (43 miles) from Dobrinishte). The overnight in Kovachevitsa will be preceded by a short walk along the paved streets and the stony walls of the ancient houses of both villages.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft) Guaranteed departure dates for 2008: 07/6, 28/6, 19/7, 09/8, 23/8, 20/9
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Day 4. After breakfast we make a short stroll to the chapel of St.George above Kovachevitsa. The return hike takes about 2-3 hrs. Walking on Dabrash Ridge we will meet remains of old houses and pens, scattered among meadows, woods and interesting rock formations. Once reached, the view from the peak is superb, revealing the valley of Mesta River, Slavianka Mountains and the southern slopes of Pirin Mountains. After this, our bus will take us some 90 km (55 miles) further on to Trigrad village (3 hrs drive; 1,250 m, or 4,101 ft) where we stay for the next two nights. We will pause for lunch by the blue waters of the Dospat dam.
Uphill walk: 350 m (1,148 ft); downhill walk: 350 m (1,148 ft)
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Day 5. In the morning we continue southeast to the peak of the ridge by Trigrad village and then further on to Vodni Pad village. The walk there will take around 3-4 hrs, with the route back along the Trigradska River’s stream taking another two. The path is a pleasant one, passing through coniferous woods all the time. After gentle ascent to the summit of the mountains the track follows its highest points, affording views of potato fields and green meadows on the right-hand side. In Vodni Pad we will stop for lunch and a siesta. The return journey is a real delight, tracing the Trigradska River all the way to Trigrad village before continuing on to the Trigrad Gorge (1,450 m, or 4,757 ft) for another 30 minutes. This trek highlights the stark contrast between the 250 m (820 ft) high cliffs of the gorge and the dark, cold and sinister “mouth” of the “Devil’s Throat” Cave. A cave tour is optional, but must be performed within its working time (before 4.30 pm). Uphill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft)
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Day 6. After breakfast we leave the hotel in Trigrad on foot. A good dirt track, following the upper edge of Trigrad Gorge, leads to the village of Yagodina (850 m, or 2,788 ft). It goes through pine forests, agricultural land (especially popular for traditional potato growing), pastures and meadows. We will reach Yagodina in 2,5 hrs. From the village the track ascends a little into the nearby coniferous woods, before flattening out. Before reaching the Yagodina Cave the path becomes steep, descending all the time to the riverbed of the Vucha River. It takes about an hour hike from Yagodina village to the cave. There a 45-minute cave tour will await us – please be prepared for the temperature inside the cave (6oC). The bus will be waiting by the entrance to the cave, and will transport us to Shiroka Luka (1,060 m, or 3,477 ft), where we will stay overnight. Later that afternoon we have some time for sightseeing in Shiroka Luka before dinner.
Uphill walk: 250 m (820 ft); downhill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft)
/breakfast, dinner/

Day 7. In the morning we will be transferred about 65 km north of Shiroka Luka for a final 2,5 hrs trek among the dense Beech woods of The Red Wall reserve. We start the walk just few turns before Bachkovo Monastery heading uphill along a crystal clear river. On our way we will find the wonderful Slivodolsko Padalo waterfalls. Further up the river has created a natural Japanese garden of mossy riverbed and cave-like rock formations. At the top we will reach the beginning of the river where the water springs out of the ground by the rocks. Then we head back for lunch and sightseeing to Bachkovo Monastery. The biggest part of the afternoon will be spent in Plovdiv, where we will continue the sightseeing trip along the paved streets of the Old Town of Plovdiv. We stay overnight in Plovdiv.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
/breakfast, dinner/

Day 8. Early transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
/breakfast/

Accommodation:
We stay in 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 6), family-run hotel (days 4 & 5) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and in a traditional old-fashion house (day 3) with shared facilities on HB (breakfast & dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is available in each of the hotels if necessary for the daily walks (at the amount of 5-6 Euro).