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Balkan Mountains Cycle

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8 days (Sofia)

Destinations visited: Bulgaria, Sofia, World

Grading:

moderate to challenging

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

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Off the beaten track cycling through the unspoiled Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria

The Balkan Mountains are famous for lush green valleys, sheer cliffs and gentle rolling hills with sheep grazing peacefully in their pastures. Starting from the tiny village of Goliam Izvor there is enormous opportunity for unique cycling. Passing through the Central Balkan National Park, the narrow roads meander through valleys, forests and quaint villages that have not changed for centuries. Wooden carts pulled by horse or donkey are the norm and farmers still make hay with a pitchfork. Along the route you will visit several of the country's most significant and historic Orthodox monasteries. Many churches with ancient icons and colourful murals are scattered throughout the region. The final cycling stage ends in Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most charming Balkan towns and the former Bulgarian capital.

Highlights

Cycling through the green landscapes of the Forebalkan and the Central Balkan National Park
Typical countryside scenery, villages and local everyday life of the Balkan mountains region
Visiting 7 of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries dating back from 13-15th century
Time in the old capital of the Second Bulgarian kingdom - Veliko Tarnovo
2 unique architectural reserves with traditional old style houses and beautifully decorated churches and open air ethnographic museum Etara

Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer from Sofia Airport to village of Goliam Izvor

There will be an arranged meeting at Sofia Airport following which you will be transferred to the village of Goliam Izvor where we stay overnight. Arrival briefing and dinner.

Day 2 Cycle to Ribaritsa village via Glozhene Monastery (70km)

Today's cycling starts in Goliam Izvor village, heading to Yablanitsa town, famous for producing different kinds of “khalva”. Next we continue to Malak Izvor village, which is a starting point for the uphill ride to Glozhene Monastery. Having visited the monastery you go downhill the same way and continue further to Ribaritsa village via the town of Teteven. We stay overnight in Ribaritsa village. Cycling distance: 70km; uphill/downhill cycling: 850/800m

Day 3 Via Bogoi Pass to Shipkovo with mineral springs and Troyan Monastery (74km)

Ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day - Bogoi pass (1185m). From this pass the road goes all the way down to the town of Troyan passing through the village of Shipkovo where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre we visit the Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We spend the night in Apriltsi village. Cycling distance: 74km; uphill/downhill cycling: 900/1000m.

Day 4 Cycle to Etura ethnographic museum (55km)

Cycling from Apriltsi to Batoshevo Nunnery, where you can have a picnic in the yard. Nearby is Batoshevo monastery. The next milestone is the town of Gabrovo. There you will meet your guide who will take you by car to the "Etura"- an open-air ethnographic museum, as well as the beautiful Sokolski Monastery. We stay overnight in Etura. Cycling distance: 55km; uphill/downhill cycling: 750/800m

Day 5 Short transfer then cycle to Bozhentsi architectural reserve via Tryavna (52km)

The cycling begins after a transfer, 10 km away from Gabrovo. After an ascent followed by a descent, you arrive in Tryavna. There you can spend some time sightseeing and enjoy lunch in the centre of this beautiful town. Ups and downs through open terrain will lead you to the final stop for today - Bozhentsi architectural reserve. Cycling distance: 52km; uphill/downhill cycling: 950/1000m

Day 6 To Elena (48km)

Having visited by car the Dryanovo monastery in the morning, you start cycling from the turning for Yalovo village. Kilifarevo Monastery is very close. We make a short stop here and continue to the town of Elena which is some 48km from the start and also a final destination for today. Cycling distance: 48km; uphill/downhill cycling: 700/600m

Day 7 Cycle to Arbanasi, visit Veliko Turnovo and transfer to Plovdiv (43km)

From Elena we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi architectural reserve. The landscape includes meadows, pastures, cultivated lands, shrubby hills and finally a beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. After some free time for rest and walks among the old houses of Arbanasi we go for a lunch and sightseeing tour in Veliko Turnovo – one of the old capitals of Bulgaria. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling distance: 43km; uphill/downhill cycling: 600/600m

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Day 8 Trip ends with transfer to airport

Transfer to airport. Trip concludes.

Additional Information

Inclusions

7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices
6 dinners – these usually consist of 2-3 courses using local ingredients. The meals may be taken at a local restaurant or in the hotel/guesthouse dining room.
7 nights accommodation in family run hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis with private facilities (except day 1)
English speaking tour leader who also drives support vehicle
Rental of 24 speed road touring or mountain bike – helmets are available for hire
Transfers described in the itinerary including from/to Sofia airport
Detailed maps and route descriptions (per room booked)

Summary

HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES

Trip Main Activities

GUIDED CYCLE

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A detailed packing list is provided on booking).

What You Carry

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USD$990

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