At a Glance
Journey to the mysterious home of Orpheus as you walk in the rich cultural and natural heritage of remote peaks and encounter unique widlife in Bulgaria’s Rodopi Mountains. Traverse awe-inspiring mountain terrains, coniferous forests, craggy gorges, and spectacular caves and engage with friendly locals on this 8-day walking adventure.
Your journey begins in the capital of Bulgaria in Sofia where you will journey to the village of Yagodina. Explore the town of Zmeitsa, observing the locals as they go on with their daily lives, and walk along an acient Romaan road to the stunning Buinovo Gorge. From one gorge to another, hike the rugged Trigrad karst plateau traversing picturesque wilderness and marvel at a prime butterfly area. Your adventure culminates as you conquer the highest peaks of the Rodopi Mountains, hiking ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All breakfast, 6x lunch, 7x dinner
- 7 nights accommodation in a traditional rural settlement and 1 night in a comfortable hotel on a twin share basis
Itinerary
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Your adventure begins at remote village of Yagodina where your hotel is a 3.5hrs. You’ll make your own way there or airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. The Yagodina village, situated in a mountain area in West Rhodope mountain, houses nearly 500 inhabitants and is well-developed, featuring a town hall, community centre and primary school. For the next 6 nights, our home will be the Yagodina Family Hotel. Situated 242 m from the centre of Yagodina and run by a local family. this hotel has proximity to all major local sights. Unwind in your cosy room and soak in the serene views from your private balcony or laze by its lush gardens. Come evening, savour a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant featuring a menu filled with top delights reflecting a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic touches made from fresh, locally sourced produce. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, Yagodina
Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 4 hours walking, Elevation gain: 450 m (1476 ft), Elevation loss: 600 m (1969 ft) Leaving the village of Zmeitsa on foot, we follow an ancient Roman road trail through meadows, forests and fields, where we get chances to observe the local people busy with their traditional agricultural lifestyle. Finally, we descend from a broad grassy ridge spur, taking in gorgeous vistas towards Yagodina and drop steeply into the Buinovo Gorge, a scenic limestone gorge and the longest one in Bulgaria, where our minibus awaits us. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, YagodinaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400 m (1312 ft), Elevation loss: 400 (1312 ft) After indulging in some delicious breakfast this morning, we head to the neighbouring Trigrad gorge, where we make a short stop to scour the majestic cliffs for the elusive wallcreeper, a unique bird that flutters around like a butterfly on the rock faces, flashing strikingly crimson wings. We then spend the rest of the day hiking through the rugged heart of the Trigrad Karst plateau. Following a maze of traditional trails and tracks, we make our way through this magnificently endowed wilderness, enriched by an ever-changing succession of landscapes and vistas. Because of the wide variety of rare butterfly species that wander about here, this region has been designed as a Prime Butterfly Area. It also boasts an outstanding flora, including many endemic species. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, Yagodina Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 350 m (1148 ft), Elevation loss: 800 m (2625 ft) After a delicious breakfast, we go east for a 90 minute ride in our bus to the highest part of the Rodopi Mountains. Arriving at the end of the drivable road, we begin an exciting hike along the main ridge of the Rodopi Mountains. First, we move just below the military base on the peak of Rodopi's highest cliff Mt. Golyam Perelik (2191 m), before climbing Mt. Golyam Snezhnik (2188m), just two metres lower! We soak in sweeping views from the rolling open pastures before going down into the forest and eventually making our way down to the tiny, gorgeously situated village of Gela, which according to legend, was the birthplace of Orpheus. Here, we get on our bus back to Yagodina. Occasionally, during May, late-lying snow makes it impossible to take the flank of Mt. Golyam Perelik, so instead, we will attempt a direct ascent of Mt. Golyam Sneznik from the village of Gela, hiking as high as the snowline. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, YagodinaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 700 m (2297 ft), Elevation loss: 700 m (2297 ft) Enjoy a delightful breakfast this morning, in preparation for the adventure ahead. Picking up from where we left off yesterday, we resume our walk in the village of Gela, the legendary birthplace of Orpheus. We are continuing the Orphic theme today. Following his footsteps, we make our way to the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary where Orpheus was believed to have died. The walk for today not only offers a thrilling mix of myth and mystery but also a lovely remote route, where we get to share our trail with wolves and deer, and can often hear the distinct eerie cries of black woodpeckers echoing through the forest, completing the magical aura and adding excitement. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, YagodinaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 17 km (10.6 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 650 m (2133 ft), Elevation loss: 650 m (2133 ft) Today is dedicated to a full-day circular walk starting and ending at Yagodina. Our path allows explores Mt. Durdaga, a high wooded cliff that rises directly above the village. During our walk, we navigate various habitats with vibrant flora and fauna. During the day's first half and our wandering through ancient forests home to bear, boar and deer, we cross many flower-decorated pastures typically animated by a lovely assortment of butterflies. Later in the day, we head back to Yagodina along the line of a former Roman road that runs high above the Trigrad Gorge, which offers breathtaking views, and is the most renowned botanical trail in the country. |
Yagodina Family Hotel, YagodinaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles), 3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 200 m (656 ft), Elevation loss: 300 m (984 ft) Today, before transferring back to the Bulgarian capital, we venture on two short but spectacular nature walks; our last one in Bulgaria. Savour a refreshing breakfast before setting out on foot and pick up another section of the Roman road, now a picturesque forest trail famous for the great variety of orchids. Suddenly, the path is revealed at a shelter seated high on a rocky viewpoint from which we can look down into the Buinovo Gorge below. From here, the trail steadily descends to meet the river and road, where we meet our bus for a 45 minute drive to the town of Devin. In Devin, begin your second walk of the day, traversing through a delightful, specially- constructed nature trail along the valley of Devinska Reka. Get your cameras ready to immortalise moments in this photography haven; it is extremely photogenic. Adding to the scene is yet another trail that passes through another Prime Butterfly Area, presenting the chance to see more beautiful and rare species. After refueling with a picnic by the river, we make our way back to bus for a long and final scenic transfer back to Sofia (3 hours 30 minutes) Our home for the night is the 4-star Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace, located in downtown Sofia close to popular institutions and cultural sights including the Doctor's Garden and the National Museum of Cultural History. Settle into one of the elegantly furnished, spacious and well equipped rooms. Come evening, tantalise on gourmet dishes with a touch of Mediterranean accompanied by fine wines at the hotel’s cosy restaurant. |
Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace, SofiaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Sofia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Sofia. The closest major airport is Sofia Airport and is 13 km from the center of Sofia.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Yagodina making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Spring and summer days are usually warm and sunny, with a refreshing mountain breeze that moderates temperatures; please note, changeable weather and cold temperatures can be encountered at any time in the mountains. Occasionally during spring and summer, there are sudden short storms, which means suitable waterproof clothing should be carried on all walks, and which may force minor amendments to the itinerary; however, there is often a prolonged period of settled weather after such storms. Later in autumn, overnight frosts and misty dawns typically give way to beautiful sunny days, but it is always worth keeping a pair of gloves and a spare warm layer in the pack for shadier paths or when picnicking on breezy rock outcrops.
Seasonal wildlife
During late spring and early summer, wildflowers in the Rodopi Mountains reach their peak, the meadows a patchwork of colour, and the edges of forest paths often sprout a selection of rare and beautiful orchids. As summer advances, the variety of butterflies becomes particularly striking. Come autumn, the deciduous trees change colour and the mountain landscapes are at their most photogenic, especially after a frosty night and with the typically golden morning sun. The forests and scrubs are full of wild fruits and nuts at this time of year, with many of the forest birds becoming more conspicuous as they actively feed up before the winter. If you’re lucky, autumn is also the time to see an unusual raptor migrating south along one of the gorges. Many attractive fungi also appear on the forest floor and are harvested, not just by the locals, but by roe deer, Balkan chamois, wild boars, red squirrels and many other smaller rodents.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
There are walks between four and five hours, along traditional mountain trails, forest tracks and ancient Roman roads. Our varied programme of daily walks takes us through a mixture of silent forests and flower-filled meadows, and over some rocky karst terrain.
Although the pace is relatively leisurely, allowing time to enjoy the landscape and nature, take photographs and talk to the local people, the trip does involve moderately strenuous walking in mountainous terrain. Trails are rarely flat, and often rough and stony. To maximise your experience, come prepared for steep daily ascents as we climb over ridges; you should also be confident in descending steep paths over stones and tree roots as we drop into deep valleys and gorges.
A private minibus will be used for all transport throughout the week. The roads in the Rodopi are typically small and winding mountain lanes, occasionally with rough surfaces. Most of the journeys are very picturesque and interesting. Average journeys are 30 minutes to 45 minutes, with a 90-minute drive when climbing Golyam Snezhnik on Day 5.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 6 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
