Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Bulgaria - Rila and Pirin

8 days, Guided for 2 People or more, Seasonal Weekly Departures

Bulgaria - a land of unexpected surprises, astonishingly dramatic scenery, quiet trails and traditional villages. On this delightful holiday you explore the highest mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula, Rila and Pirin, and enjoy the hospitality and local customs of the small town of Bansko. The Rila range, Bulgaria's most majestic, contains over 200 lakes, Bulgaria's highest peak, Moussala (2925 metres), over 2000 plant varieties and is rich in wildlife. It provides the perfect natural setting for Bulgaria's most famous religious site, the Rila Monastery.
Just south of Rila is the Pirin National Park (now a World Heritage site) where over 60 alpine peaks rise above 2500 metres and eternal snow glitters at the base of the cliffs. Clean mountain waters flow into numerous lakes and many varieties of rare plant, including the edelweiss and the famous Baikousheva fir, are found here. Extremely rare animal species such as the wild goat, wildcat and capercaillie have also found shelter in Pirin. If you are looking to escape busy trekking paths where the only people you are likely to meet are friendly local farmers then Bulgaria, one of Europe's last bastions of rural wilderness, can definitely offer this and more. A guide will accompany you throughout.
Day 1. Outbound
After an early flight to Sofia you transfer to the region of Maliovitza in the Rila massif. You will be accommodated in rooms in a comfortable mountain hut.
Days 2 and 3. Rila traverse
Two days walking in this delightful region, visiting some of those serene lakes, trekking along ridges and making an ascent of Maliovitsa (2929 metres). This section of the trek ends in another atmospheric mountain hut at picturesque Lake Rilski. The landscape is rugged and occasional snow covers lower paths even in the summer, but the trails are well marked and you will be given expert guidance on the region's flora, fauna and history to bring the background of this magical place alive.
Day 4. Rila Monastery and Bansko
In the morning a short drive takes you to the Rila monastery situated high in the picturesque Rila mountains. John of Rila founded the monastery in the 10th century as a colony of hermits, later it became one of the centres of early mediaeval culture. Over time it has been destroyed by fire, abandoned by the monks and pillaged, but remains a truly spectacular place. Another short transfer then takes you to Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Bansko's architecture resembles the monastery's construction - carefully jointed stone masonry and small windows framed with decorative bricks. Behind the walls however, you will discover real Bulgarian hospitality, preserved traditions and handicrafts.
Days 5 and 6. Pirin traverse
On these two days you will need to carry your personal belongings required for the night. Two full days trekking in the Pirin mountains along more secluded, peaceful trails over startling craggy hill tops and through forested valleys. A short transfer takes you to the mountain chalet of Vichren at 1950 metres, from where a six-hour walk takes you to another delightful lakeside hut at Tevno Ezero, with splendid views of Mount Kameniza (2855 metres). The following day's walk takes you past Pirin's largest lake, Popovo, and after descending to the Goze Delchec chalet a short transfer takes you back to Bansko.
Days 7 and 8. Sofia and Homeward
A three-hour transfer takes you back to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is Europe's highest capital, idyllically situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. You will be given a tour of this historical city and have time in the evening to enjoy eating out in one of the city's delightful restaurants, before flying home the following day.
Bulgaria

Fact Sheet Click here for trip dossier

To download Trip Dossier you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software, please click on link for free download. Download Acrobat

  • Tour grade: C.
  • Cost per person: From £775.
  • Single supplement: On request.
  • Co2 offset cost: £3.38
  • What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, baggage transfers, most meals, local guide.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, mountain huts.
  • Departure dates:
    Saturdays, from 14 June to 4 October.