Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an exhilarating 8-day cycling adventure across the breathtaking landscapes of Bulgaria. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of physical activity and cultural immersion, taking you through charming villages, scenic mountain meadows, and stunning gorges. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Belmeken Dam, the Tsigov Chark area, and the Wonderful Bridges. Explore the fascinating Yagodina and Devil's Throat Caves and unwind in the renowned spa town of Velingrad. Visit the architectural reserve in Shiroka Luka and the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery. This tour is not just about cycling; it's about experiencing Bulgaria's rich history, culture, and natural beauty at a pace that allows you to soak it all in.
Included
5 dinners (day 2-6)
vegetarian, vegan, meat
accommodation in hotels and guest houses - rooms with private facilities and breakfast
map and road notes in English
transfer from/to the airport on day 1 + day 8
technical support
English-speaking guide/driver
Supporting vehicle
Destinations
Sofia
Velingrad
Smolyan
Batak
DospatMap
Attractions
Arapovo Monastery
Karadzhov kamak
Пещера "Дяволското Гърло" (Devil's Throat cave)
Yagodinska cave
The Red Church
Batak History MuseumDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
- Sofia - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Bulgaria! Upon your arrival at Sofia Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Sofia. Rest and recharge for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Sofia to Velingrad via Sestrimo
- Velingrad
- More
- Bekovi Skali
- Musala
- More
We kick off our cycling adventure with a short drive to the village of Sestrimo. From there, we cycle through lush coniferous forests to the Belmeken Dam, nestled above 2000m above sea level. After a brief rest, we continue our journey to the Yundola area, known for its expansive mountain meadows. We then descend to the spa town of Velingrad, where we'll spend the night. Here, you'll have free time to unwind in the mineral water pools.
Day 3 – Day 3: Velingrad to Dospat
- Batak
- Dospat
- More
- The Red Church
- Batak History Museum
- More
Our journey continues through the picturesque Tsigov Chark area and along the shores of the Batak Dam. We'll take in the stunning views of the blue-green waters of the Goliam Beglik and Shiroka Poliana dams before reaching the town of Dospat, where we'll spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Dospat to Trigrad via Borino
- Trigrad
- More
- Trigrad Gorge
- Пещера "Дяволското Гърло" (Devil's Throat cave)
- Yagodinska cave
- More
Today, we cycle towards the scenic Buinovsko Gorge, passing through the town of Borino. We'll take a break to admire the breathtaking view before continuing to the Yagodina Cave, known for its impressive cave pearls. Our journey then takes us through the narrow Trigrad Gorge to the village of Trigrad, where we'll visit the Devil's Throat Cave, home to one of Europe's highest underground waterfalls. We'll spend the night in a cozy family hotel in Trigrad.
Day 5 – Day 5: Trigrad to Smolyan via Grohotno and Shiroka Luka
- Smolyan
- More
- History Museum
- The Waterfalls Canyon
- Smolyan waterfall
- More
We start the day with a pleasant descent along the Trigradska River to the village of Grohotno, where we'll visit the natural rock phenomenon known as 'The Elephant'. We then continue cycling along the Shirokolushka River to the village of Shiroka Luka, an architectural reserve famous for its preserved 19th-century houses. After a break, we head to the beautiful Smolyan lakes before reaching the town of Smolyan, where we'll spend the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Smolyan to Borovo via Rozhen and Laki
- Smolyan
- More
- Karadzhov kamak
- Medieval bridge
- Pamporovo Ski Resort
- More
Our first stop today is the small mountain town of Rozhen, home to the National Astronomical Observatory. We then cycle uphill to a picturesque meadow situated at 1700m above sea level, marking the beginning of a gentle downhill ride to the town of Laki. Along the way, we'll pass through the scenic protected area of 'Momina Voda'. We'll also explore the picturesque village of Borovo and the famous religious site of Krastova Gora, known for its healing mineral water. We'll spend the night in Borovo.
Day 7 – Day 7: Borovo to Sofia via Wonderful Bridges and Bachkovo Monastery
Day 7: Borovo to Sofia via Wonderful Bridges and Bachkovo Monastery
- Arapovo Monastery
- Kemera Old Bridge of Zmeitsa
- More
Today, we continue our ride downhill along the Jugovska River valley. After reaching the main road between Smolyan and Plovdiv, we'll meet our driver for a short transfer to a nearby junction. From there, we'll ride uphill to the rock phenomenon known as the Wonderful Bridges. Our next stop is the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria, before we transfer back to Sofia for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Sofia
- Sofia - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Sofia Airport for your departure. As you board your flight, you'll carry with you unforgettable memories of a thrilling cycling adventure across Bulgaria.
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