The riddles of the Rila Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all transfers included)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a thrilling multi-day tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bulgaria. This tour is designed for the adventurous at heart, offering a unique blend of panoramic walking routes, challenging hiking treks, and awe-inspiring natural attractions. From the crest of Mount Vitosha to the highest summit of the Balkans, Musala, every day brings a new adventure. Along the way, you'll explore the picturesque Rila Mountains, the enchanting Seven Rila Lakes, and the charming village of Govedartsi. The tour also includes a visit to the royal hunting residence in Borovets and an optional extension to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Bulgaria's natural wonders.
Included
Accommodation and luggage transfers: three-star and family hotels; en-suite rooms; breakfast every day; dinners in Govedartsi village; people transfers as per program
Arrival and departure airport transfers, and all local transfers as per program. Luggage is transported between accommodations.
Supper on Days 2 to Day 4 incl. (options to have supper outside your hotel in Sofia and Borovets resort are numerous).
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
transfers to and from Sofia Airport (on first/last tour date only) and all other transfers in the itinerary; accommodation and catering as in the itinerary; luggage transport; detailed English descriptions of routes; temergency hotline
Map
Attractions
Malyovitsa
Seven Rila Lakes
Rila National Park
National Museum of Natural History
Skakavitsa waterfallDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
- Sofia - Arrival day
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Welcome to Bulgaria! We'll greet you at Sofia Airport and escort you to your hotel in the city center. Settle in and rest up for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Sofia to Govedartsi via Mount Vitosha
- Sofia
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- Malyovitsa
- Zahari Zograf
- National Museum of Natural History
- Черни връх
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Today, we embark on a panoramic walking route across the crest of Mount Vitosha, climbing the local high point of Cherni Vrah. We'll traverse the alpine meadows of the Torfeno Branishte Nature Reserve, explore old spruce groves, and follow a path to the stone rivers of the Zlatni Mostove. From here, we'll transfer to the Rila Mountains and the village of Govedartsi, where we'll stay for the next three nights.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Rila from Govedartsi to Borovets
Day 3: Exploring Rila from Govedartsi to Borovets
- Malyovitsa
- Seven Rila Lakes
- Skakavitsa waterfall
- More
Today, we have a choice of three routes. The first is a circular route through the low parts of the Rila above Govedartsi, offering stunning panoramas of rocky peaks and deep valleys. The second option takes us through the Rila's ancient spruce forests to the alpine parts of the mountain and the Cirque of the Seven Rila Lakes. The third option leads us to the beautiful Malyovitsa Valley and the secretive Strashno Ezero Lake. At the end of the day, we'll transfer to the Borovets ski resort for a three-night stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Borovets
Day 4: Exploring Borovets
- Rila National Park
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Today, you can choose between a brisk morning walk and a longer hiking trek to a less-visited part of the Rila. The route passes through ancient coniferous woods and continues along the Maritsa River valley, gently climbing to the Royal hunting lodge at Saragiol. From there, we return to Borovets along a different route or use the chairlift to cut the mileage down.
Day 5 – Day 5: Conquering Musala
Day 5: Conquering Musala
- Musala
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The ultimate day of our adventure is reserved for an attempt on the Balkans' highest summit, Musala. The hike is not particularly arduous, yet it is incredibly panoramic, with the rocky face of Musala visible the whole time. We'll transit a number of Cirques, glacier lakes, and mountain shelters, and the view from the peak is simply breathtaking.
Day 6 – Day 6: Departure from Borovets
- Sofia - Departure day
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Today, we'll transfer you from Borovets to Sofia Airport for your departure. If you wish, you can extend your stay with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, followed by one last night in Sofia. Please check the details with us.
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