The pre-Balkan area of the Balkan mountains in Bulgaria is unique with its varied landscape and the small villages lost among green fields and flowers, and offers tranquillity and peace, as well as the chance to feel the atmosphere of the Bulgarian village life.

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The pre-Balkan area of the Balkan mountains in Bulgaria is unique with its varied landscape and the small villages lost among green fields and flowers, and offers tranquillity and peace, as well as the chance to feel the atmosphere of the Bulgarian village life.

In this area, the tradition is still alive today. The mills are still at work, the locals still wash colorful carpets, the famous "rakia" (brandy) is prepared before your eyes in huge copper pots, housewives prepare unforgettable housemade jams with the sweetest fruits from the woods and the old farmers still produce the well-known pickled Balkan cheese from sheep or goat's milk. All this takes place in the wild nature of the Central Balkan National Park and one of its nine green gems, Boatin Biosphere Reserve, hosting one of the largest beech forests.

During this tailormade tour and vacation in Bulgaria, focused on trekking and nature, you'll have the chance to visit:

  • The Central Balkan National Park (716 sqkm), established to preserve the unique natural landscape of the Central Balkan mountains. A third of the territory of the park includes nine reserves and four of them, Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto and Dzhendema are part of the world network of biosphere reserves included in the Unesco's "man and biosphere" program
  • Ribaritsa village, a nice mountain area with plenty of houses and villas, which, according to the latest measurements, has the greatest concentration of oxygen in the air in Bulgaria
  • Glozhene monastery, built in the 13th century by the Ukrainian prince Glozh where an icon which is about 1000 years old is hosted
  • "Sueva dupka" cave, probably regarded as the most beautiful in Bulgaria, whose name comes from Seyuo and Sayuo brothers, who used to hide in here to escape the Turks during the Ottoman rule

(For accommodation 3-4 star hotels have been selected, the names will be communicated one week before departure).

Tag :
Richard
Trip offered by Richard - Virtual Travel Spoken languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish Travel expert in Bulgaria

Trip summary

  • Travel style Group departure
  • Departure Sofia
  • End Sofia
  • Countries
    • Bulgaria
  • City
    • Sofia
  • Theme Adventure and trekking
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Sofia - Yamna
    Day 1

    Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Yamna village in the Balkan mountains (1 hour and a half).

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 2
    Yamna - Divchovoto
    Day 2

    Yamna is a typical village of this part of the mountain, set among small valleys and hills. The excursions allows you to see several typical picturesque landscapes, vast prairies with old apple- tree gardens, sounds of bells of brazing sheep and horses and much else. The path follows the ridge over the village and descends to the outskirts of Cherni Vit village. Transfers by car to the hotel in Divchovoto village.

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 3
    Divchovoto - Ribaritsa
    Day 3

    Time for exploring Boatin Reserve. The route passes through ancient Boatin beech woodlands (over 800 m a.s.l.) and descends along the slopes of the hill to Kostina region, where one of the Bulgarian heroes was killed by the Turks. From here you will take a walk among the gardens, the fields, the villas and the houses of the local population, till reaching Ribaritsa village. Overnight (at 545 a.s.l.).

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 4
    Ribaritsa
    Day 4

    Walk along "Debeli Dial", the ridge sorrounding Ribaritsa from the north. The path continues to Vasiliov chalet, but first you must turn right and descend along the upper part of Ribaritsa, which is actually the longest hamlet in Bulgaria (12 kn length). On the way back to the hotel, you will be able to see how local people live and contemplate the typical idyllic atmosphere of a village in the Balkan mountains. (14 km climb; 400 m descent on foot).

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 5
    Ribaritsa - Teteven
    Day 5

    Short transfer to the nearby town of Teteven (415 m a.s.l.). Check in to the hotel and free time for sightseeing and shopping (possible to visit the historic museum, Vsiah Svetii church and chapel, San Ilia monastery built in the 14th century, the art gallery in the town center, etc.). Optional afternoon walk to the local waterfall with a hike to the peak "Haidushka poliana" (955  m a.s.l.). (13 km, 540 m climb, 540 m descent on foot). 

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 6
    Teteven - Mount Cherven - Teteven
    Day 6

    Mount Cherven (1221 m a.s.l.) is the easternmost of the three peaks rising above the northern side of Teteven. The path departing from Teteven crosses broadleaf forests and vast prairies till reaching the rocks of Mount Cherven and offers a superb panoramic view on the town of Teteven and the valley of Beli Vit river. Here you'll take the new eco-route to Babintsi village and then Teteven. (13 km climb; 700 m descent on foot). 

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 7
    Teteven - Goliam Izvor
    Day 7

    After a short transfer to Glozhene village, enjoy a pleasant walk through old beech forests to Glozhene monastery, where you can still see St.George's icon dating back to over 1000 years ago. 

    From the monastery you will take a dirt road leading to the pass between Goliam Izvor and Teteven and then following an easy route you'll reach Goliam Izvor (450 m a.s.l.). (13 km climb; 400 m descent on foot). 

    Visited places:
    • Sofia
  • 8
    Goliam Izvor - Sofia
    Day 8

    Transfer to Sofia airport for departure. 

    Visited places:
    • Sofia

Photogallery

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  • Prices and conditions
    Price includes
    • Treatment and accommodation as per program
    • Local assistance
    • Medical-baggage-cancellation insurance
    Price does not include
    • Tips
    • Extras
    • Optional excursions
    • Everything not shown under "The price includes"
    • Flights