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Discover the lesser known Rhodope Mountains with beautiful trails through coniferous forests, vast meadows and local villages. Explore the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the area, which includes picturesque lakes, caves and valleys.

  • Visit the City of Seven Hills
  • Explore lakes, peaks & local villages
  • See the awe inspiring Wonderful Bridges
  • Beautiful rock formations of Yagodina Caves
  • Visit Bachovo Monastery

This exciting adventure takes you through the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, home of the legendary musician and singer Orpheus. The Rhodope, being the oldest land in the Balkans, houses magical landscapes including coniferous woods, vast meadows, high ridges, together with deep valleys and river basins. As well as various species of flora and fauna now extinct in other European countries, 70% of the world’s minerals and over 600 caves can be found here.

Your trail takes you mainly on marked paths and dirt/macadam roads, with undulating and sometimes uneven terrain. There are some more challenging parts of the route but they are short. In particular, on day 4, you will pass by Ussipa Peak at 1,830 metres. Expect to discover spectacular mountain views, unique culture and architecture, alongside intriguing cuisine, customs and local people.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Sofia & transfer to Plovdiv

    On arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be transferred to Plovdiv for your first night in Bulgaria. This afternoon, take part in a guided sightseeing tour of the city.

  2. Day 2: Bachkovo Monastery & Kosovo Village walking

    After breakfast you will transfer by road to Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest Bulgarian Monastery. This afternoon's walk will cover a loop circuit of the Kosovo area, starting on a scenic dirt road and heading in the eastern direction.

    Ascent: 640 m | Descent: 640 m

  3. Day 3: The Wonderful Bridges & Sivskovska River trail

    Take a short drive to Zornitsa Village for the start of your hike; en route visit The Wonderful Bridges, a famous landmark and natural phenomena in the Rhodope Mountains.

    Ascent: 370 m | Descent: 590 m

  4. Day 4: Walking around lakes & peaks to Shiroka Laka

    Today's walk will start from the beautiful Smolyan Lakes, known as the emerald eyes of the Rhodope Mountains. The once 20-something lakes are now only seven. The nearby Orpheus Rock (Orfeeva skala) offers spectacular views over the valley below. Your walk continues to Mechi chal peak until finally reaching Shiroka Laka.

    Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 825 m

  5. Day 5: Devil’s Throat Cave & Trigrad Village walking

    Start your day with a visit to Devil’s Throat Cave. Todays walk will be a loop circuit around the Trigrad Village area.

    Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m

  6. Day 6: Local village walks, Eagle’s Nest & Yagodia Cave

    With a short transfer back to Trigrad, your walk will start in the centre of the village. After walking uphill towards Yagodina Village, from here you will climb to the famous Eagle’s Nest viewpoint and platform for stunning 360 degree views. Next you will visit Yagodina Cave, before a short transfer takes you back to your hotel in Buinovo Village.

    Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m

  7. Day 7: Beden to Liaskovo Village

    Today's walk will start in Beden Village, where a short uphill stint on a dirt road weaving through meadows and forest brings you to Piassachnik peak. Enjoy the panoramic views before heading down to Liaskovo Village.

    Ascent: 385 m | Descent: 385 m

  8. Day 8: Morning Sofia city tour; fly back to the UK

    This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Sofia, the capital and largest city in Bulgaria. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £989 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,239 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £120
  • Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 1,830m
  • Group size: 4-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7
    • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide

Next Steps

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Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 8 Jun 15 Jun £989 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 7 Sep 14 Sep £989 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.