8 days, Self-Guided, Minimum 2 People, Seasonal Daily Departures

• The diverse landscapes of the Balkan Mountains
• The beech forests of the Boatin Biosphere Reserve
• Glozhene Monastery

The Balkan Mountains are one of Europe's best kept secrets for sublime and pleasant walking. Whilst most visitors to Bulgaria head for the high and challenging peaks of the Rila and Pirin Mountains, few may even notice this very attractive forested mountain range just outside of Sofia itself, with peaks rising to over 2300 metres. In actual fact the Balkan Mountains are the longest mountain range in Bulgaria, effectively slicing Bulgaria in two as they run east-west across almost the entire country. Yet here in the Balkan Mountains you can discover a unique and diverse unspoiled landscape, speckled with tiny authentic villages almost lost amongst the flowers, forests and meadows.

Culture and tradition still play an important part to the people of the Balkan Mountains. Old water mills are still at work, local women prepare homemade jams from wild berries and old farmers make the famous Balkan brine cheese from sheep and goat's milk. Look out for homes making their own 'Rakia' - firewater for sure! - prepared from grapes or plums. The walking is steady and moderate on good trails with a pleasing air of peace and tranquillity. Staying in small, family run hotels along the way you're sure to receive a friendly welcome at each and enjoy delicious home cooking prepared from fresh, locally grown produce. From Sofia it's only a short transfer to the village of Yamna from where the trek begins. A delightful walk from Yamna to Cherni Vit leads you through picturesque and vast meadows jangling to the sound of the bells on the grazing sheep and horses. Walking through the ancient beech forests of the Boatin Reserve to Ribaritsa beneath Baba peak is sheer bliss. The reserve is also home to Wild Boar, the elusive wildcat, deer and the odd bear too. A delightful circular walk from Ribaritsa follows the ridge line to the summit of Debeli Peak (1150 metres) for extensive views of the Balkans range. Even better are the remarkable views from the summit of Cherven Peak (1121 metres) on yet another super day of walking through a region rarely trekked. From the village of Glozhene a final day of walking through immaculate woodland leads to the Glozhene Monastery where you see the 1000 year-old icon of St.George before descending for your final night at the tiny village of Goliam Izor. The next morning you transfer back to Sofia Airport for your flight home, although after enjoying a week of blissful walking through this scenic and timeless landscape, the chances are you won't want to go home!

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY AND MORE INFORMATION PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE TRIP DOSSIER