!TEST - [Bulgaria] Rhodope Mountains Explorer
!TEST - [Bulgaria] Rhodope Mountains Explorer
!TEST - [Bulgaria] Rhodope Mountains Explorer
8 Days Starting and ending in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Visiting: Plovdiv, Yagodina, Trigrad, Shiroka Laka, Smolyan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
733
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Bulgaria's enchanting Rhodope Mountains with the Rhodope Mountains Explorer tour. Begin your journey in the historic city of Plovdiv, exploring its ancient Roman amphitheatre and charming Old Town. Venture into the heart of the Rhodopes, visiting the quaint village of Yagodina and hiking to the breathtaking Eagle’s Eye platform. Discover the mystical Devil’s Throat cave in Trigrad, and enjoy a scenic circular walk through Trigrad Cliffs and Chaira Lakes. Experience the serene beauty of Shiroka Laka, Gela, and Lednitsata Cave, and hike to Orpheus Rocks from Smolyan Lakes. Conclude your adventure with a walk along the Canyon of Waterfalls eco-trail, crossing picturesque cascades and bridges. Enjoy comfortable accommodations with spa facilities, and seamless transfers between locations, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience in Bulgaria's natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Plovdiv (accommodation upgrade available)
Arrive in the charming city of Plovdiv, visit the ancient Roman amphitheatre and stroll around the beautiful streets of the Old Town.
Day 2 : Yagodina / Eagle’S Eye 7Km
Location: Yagodina
Accommodation Name: Accommodation near Yagodina
Morning transfer to Yagodina (115km / 2.5h) – a small village in Buinovo Gorge in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Option to visit Yagodina Cave. Afternoon hike to Eagle’s Eye platform, offering impressive views to the mountains (some sections are relatively steep but no scrambling required). During good weather, the entire Rhodope range and even parts of Greece are visible from the platform. Walking for the day: 7km, 3-4h, ?410m ?410m
Day 3 : Trigrad 11Km
Location: Trigrad
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Trigrad
Walk from Yagodina to Trigrad and then to your hotel. Once you arrive in the village, you will also be able to visit Devil’s Throat cave. The cave’s entrance resembles a devil’s head, and inside a massive waterfall rushes down its 'throat' creating, not surprisingly, many legends. The most popular of these is that Orpheus descended this hole to the subterranean kingdom of Hades, to seek his lost love Eurydice. Walking for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ?640m ?620m
Day 4 : Chaira Lakes / Trigrad Cliffs
Location: Trigrad
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Trigrad
A fine day of walking through some of the Rhodopes’ most wonderful sites, following a circular walk from the hotel to Trigrad Cliffs, then to Chaira Lakes and back to the hotel through the Trigrad Gorge. Overnight in Trigrad.
Walking for the day: 23km, 8h, ?640m ?620m (shorter options available)
Day 5 : Shiroka Laka
Location: Shiroka Laka
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Shiroka Laka
Morning transfer to the hotel in Shiroka Laka (40km/1h. Walk from Shiroka Laka to Gela, a small village in the Oreshica River valley. Walk through Gela to Lednistata Lodge and Lednitsata Cave, then descend using another route from Gela to Shiroka Laka through one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhodope Mountains.
Walking for the day: 24km, 8h, ?700m ?700m (shorter options available)
Day 6 : Smolyan Lakes
Location: Smolyan
Accommodation Name: Accommodation near Smolyan Lakes
Morning transfer to Smolyan Lakes (20km/30mins). After check-in, walk from the hotel to Orpheus Rocks and back. After (or before) the walk, you may have the chance to explore Smolyan town.
Hiking for the day: 5km, 2-3h, ?150m ?150m
Day 7 : Canyon Of Waterfalls / Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Plovdiv (accommodation upgrade available)
Morning transfer to the starting point of Canyon of Waterfalls eco-trail (5km). The trail leads you up river and crosses several water cascades, forming a system of small and medium waterfalls. The trail then crosses a series of metal and wooden bridges built over the Elenska River, which are also perfect picnic spots. Walk back to starting point. Transfer back to the hotel (5km/5mins). Transfer to Plovdiv after lunch (95km/2h). Overnight in Plovdiv.
Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ?400m ?400m
Day 8 : Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure (unless you have booked an additional overnight or transfer) after breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in three-star hotels with spa facilities and optional upgrades to four-star hotels.
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Transfers
Transfers between locations as specified in the itinerary, including transfers to hiking starting points and back to hotels.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and hikes to various attractions such as the Eagle’s Eye platform, Devil’s Throat cave, and Canyon of Waterfalls.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visits to Yagodina Cave and other attractions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional hotel services, and other personal purchases are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes convenient transfers between locations, such as a 115km drive to Yagodina, a 40km transfer to Shiroka Laka, and a 95km journey back to Plovdiv. Shorter transfers, like the 20km trip to Smolyan Lakes, ensure a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in three-star hotels with spa facilities, including options like Ego Hotel in Plovdiv, Mursal in Yagodina, and Mountain Lake in Smolyan. Upgrade to DoubleTree by Hilton in Plovdiv or relax at the four-star Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel with a thermal pool.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in three-star hotels with spa facilities, with options to upgrade to four-star hotels. Some of the hotels include Ego Hotel in Plovdiv, Mursal in Yagodina, and Mountain Lake in Smolyan. There is also an option to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Plovdiv or the four-star Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel with a thermal pool.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are not included in the tour package unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes convenient transfers between locations, such as a 115km drive to Yagodina, a 40km transfer to Shiroka Laka, and a 95km journey back to Plovdiv. Shorter transfers, like the 20km trip to Smolyan Lakes, are also provided to ensure a seamless travel experience.
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What activities are included in the guided tours?
The guided tours include hikes to various attractions such as the Eagle’s Eye platform, Devil’s Throat cave, and the Canyon of Waterfalls.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as visits to Yagodina Cave and other attractions, which are not included in the tour package.
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What is the walking distance and duration for the hike to Eagle’s Eye platform?
The hike to Eagle’s Eye platform covers a distance of 7km and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete, with an elevation gain and loss of 410 meters.
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What is the significance of Devil’s Throat cave?
Devil’s Throat cave is significant due to its entrance resembling a devil’s head and the massive waterfall inside that rushes down its 'throat'. It is associated with legends, the most popular being that Orpheus descended this hole to the subterranean kingdom of Hades to seek his lost love Eurydice.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.