Rila Mountains walking break
Rila Mountains walking break
Rila Mountains walking break
5 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Rila Mountains, Seven Rila Lakes, Mount Musala
Tour operator:
Tour code:
737
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable walking adventure through Bulgaria's stunning Rila Mountains. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exhilarating hikes, starting with a transfer from Sofia to the charming village of Govedartsi. Over four days, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Rila National Park, including the majestic Malyovitsa Valley and the iconic Seven Rila Lakes, each with its unique charm. Conquer Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Malyovitsa. Stay in a cozy family-run guesthouse, savoring delicious breakfasts and dinners. With all transportation and detailed route notes provided, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Rila Mountains walking break promises an inspiring journey through one of Bulgaria's most picturesque regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Govedartsi
Meals Included: Dinner
Once you arrive in Sofia, a transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to the village of Govedartsi (approx. 1.5h), located at the foothills of the Rila Mountains, where you will be based for the next three days.
Day 2 : Mount Malyovitsa (2,729M)
Location: Rila Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Govedartsi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A short transfer (30mins) takes you to the start of your walk, Malyovitsa Ski and Mountaineering Centre. Initially, you follow a river which takes you to the Malyovitsa Valley. Walk for about one hour through coniferous forest to reach Malyovitsa Hut. Climb gradually to the summit, via the main ridge of the Rila mountains, with views across to the looking south to the famous Rila Monastery. The way back is along the same trail. When you reach the ski resort, you are picked up and transferred to Govedartsi village. Walking for the day: 14km, ?? 1,000m, 7-8h.
Day 3 : Seven Rila Lakes (2,600M)
Location: Seven Rila Lakes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Govedartsi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning you are transferred (1h 15mins) to the Panichishte area. From here you get on a chairlift which takes you to an altitude of 2,100m and the Seven Rila Lakes Hut. Your circular walk around the glacial lakes starts from here. Each of the lakes is named after its shape and characteristics: Lower, Fish Lake, Trefoil, Twin, Kidney, Eye and Tear, the highest one at almost 2,600m. The trail leads you past five of them, with an option to take fairly steep treks to the other two. The return path is to Vada hut, where you are collected and transferred back to your guesthouse. Walking for the day: 13km, ? 610m ? 1,220m, 7-8h.
Day 4 : Mount Musala (2,925M)
Location: Mount Musala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Govedartsi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early morning transfer (approx. 30mins) takes you to Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, where you take a 40mins gondola ride to the Yastrebets area. You arrive above the tree line at an altitude of 2,369m, where you see your goal for the day: Mount Musala. Walk on a flat dirt road leading to Musala Hut, located next to Musala Lakes. After the hut, start hiking on a rocky trail which passes by a couple of glacial lakes, the most famous of which is Ledeno Ezero. From the top of the mountain (2,925m) in good weather, you can see as far as Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north. The way back is on the same trail, taking the gondola down to Borovets. A transfer takes you back to your guesthouse in Govedartsi. Walking for the day: 14km, ?? 700m, 6h.
Day 5 : Departure
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer will take you back to Sofia airport or city centre, and your Rila Mountains walking break will come to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 overnights in a small family hotel/guesthouse are included.
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Meals
4 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
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Transportation
All transportation as described in the itinerary is included.
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Airport Transfer
Transfer from Sofia Airport/city centre to Govedartsi and back is included.
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Route Notes and Maps
Detailed route notes and maps (a digital copy, provided before the tour) are included.
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GPS Tracks
GPS tracks are included.
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24/7 Phone Assistance
24/7 phone assistance by our local office representative is included.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Insurance is not included.
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Airfare
Airfare and connecting land transfers are not included.
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Additional Meals
Meals not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Gondola Tickets
Tickets for the gondola in Borovets on day two (BGN15/€8 per person) are not included.
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Chairlift Tickets
Tickets for the chairlift to the Rila Lakes on day four (BGN12/€6 per person) are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
, are not included. -
Unspecified Items
Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme are not included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is included as described in the itinerary, with transfers from Sofia Airport to Govedartsi and back, as well as local transfers to hiking starting points, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout your walking adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 overnights in a cozy small family hotel or guesthouse, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your stay in the picturesque village of Govedartsi, nestled in the foothills of the Rila Mountains.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 overnights in a cozy small family hotel or guesthouse in the village of Govedartsi, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all transportation as described in the itinerary is included, including transfers from Sofia Airport to Govedartsi and back, as well as local transfers to hiking starting points.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour provides 24/7 phone assistance by a local office representative.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, the tour package does not include insurance, airfare, additional meals not listed in the itinerary, gondola and chairlift tickets, and personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, and tips.
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What is the main activity of this tour?
The main activity of this tour is walking and hiking through the Rila Mountains, including visits to the Seven Rila Lakes and climbing Mount Musala.
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What is the highest point reached during the tour?
The highest point reached during the tour is Mount Musala, which is the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula at 2,925 meters.
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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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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.