Walking in the Balkan Mountains
Walking in the Balkan Mountains
Walking in the Balkan Mountains
8 Days Starting and ending in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Visiting: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Dryanovo, Tryavna, Shipka Peak
Tour operator:
Tour code:
917
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
An eight day Bulgarian self-guided adventure holiday, walking in the Balkan Mountains, which stretch across the country from west to east. Staying in hotels, the first four nights are in Veliko Tarnovo, a northern Bulgarian town on the River Yantra, celebrated as the historical and cultural capital of Bulgaria thanks to its being the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It’s also the perfect place to get your Balkans Mountains adventures off to a great start, where every day brings ancient monasteries, gorges, waterfalls, as well as a stay in Bojentsi Architectural Reserve
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Veliko Tarnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After arriving in Veliko Tarnovo, spend some time visiting Tsarevets Fortress, a former citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire or stroll through the labyrinth of small cobblestoned streets in the Old Town, visiting local workshops and galleries or just relaxing in a café.
Day 2 : Kartala Waterfalls And The Transfiguration Monastery 13Km
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first hike is up to a superb viewpoint that takes in Derventa Gorge and the Yantra River. From here, the route descends towards two waterfalls, with an opportunity for a rest stop at each. After ascending a ridge, the route continues through a forest to Transfiguration Monastery, a sacred and tranquil place, well known for its Circle of Life mural on the church’s outer wall.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, 13km, ?707m, ?705m
Day 3 : Arbanasi 8Km
Location: Arbanasi
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today follows a quiet, shady trail to Arbanasi, located on a high plateau with views across to Tsarevets Fortress. Arbanasi reached the height of its prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries when copper, gold and silver crafts flourished in the area. Visit the impressive Church of the Nativity, decorated with frescoes depicting over 3,500 figures, before returning via the same path to Veliko Tarnovo.
Walking for the day: 3h, 8km, ?289m, ?289m
Day 4 : Patriarchal Monastery Of The Holy Trinity 17Km
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning heading through Asenov, a village inhabited since the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, before crossing Vladishki Bridge over the River Yantra. The route then takes you up to the Swing of Love, perched on the edge of a hill with far-reaching views over the river and surrounding areas. Continue on to Bozhur Hut, where you can stop for a quick rest before continuing onto the Patriarchal Monastery of the Holy Trinity, located at the foot of the Arbanassi Plateau.
Walking for the day: 6h, 17km, ?645m, ?646m
Day 5 : Dryanovo Monastery – Bojentsi Architectural Reserve 13Km
Location: Dryanovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stranopriemnitsa, Bojentsi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
You are transferred to Dryanovo monastery (40mins), where you can spend some time visiting this historic site, founded during the rule of King Kaloyan, before continuing past Bacho Kiro Cave towards Bozhentsi Architectural and Historical Reserve. This village, with almost 600 years of history, has preserved the authentic architecture of the Bulgarian Revival Period and was declared a Reserve in 1964. This architecture features high stone walls, oak doors, narrow cobbled streets, stone fountains and bridges. Spend some time wandering around the village before heading to tonight’s traditional accommodation.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, 13km, ?684m, ?430m
Day 6 : Bojentsi Architectural Reserve – Tryavna 8Km
Location: Tryavna
Accommodation Name: Hotel Compliment , Tryavna or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
A shady forest walk brings you to Tryavna, known for its woodcarving traditions. Spend the afternoon wandering around the cobbled stone streets or visit the town’s church museum and numerous old houses before heading to the central square.
Hiking for the day: 3h, 8km, ?213m, ?327m
Day 7 : Tryavna – Shipka Peak 10Km
Location: Shipka Peak
Accommodation Name: Hotel Studio, Veliko Tarnovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
You are transferred to Etara (40mins) to visit its Open-air Ethnographic Museum, showcasing traditional Bulgarian houses, workshops, woodwork and other crafts such as bell-making and baking. After exploring the museum, begin the walk towards Sokolski Monastery, following a forest trail up through the beech forests of Bulgarka Natural Park. From the monastery, the route climbs 500 steps to the Liberty Memorial at Shipka Peak, offering far-reaching views over the surrounding area. The monument commemorates Bulgarian and Russian defenders of the pass, who resisted Turkish troops on their way to the siege of Pleven in 1877. The day comes to a close with an afternoon transfer back to Veliko Tarnovo (1h 30mins).
Walking for the day: 4-5h, 10km,?1041m, ?243m
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Hotel Studio in Veliko Tarnovo or similar, Hotel Stranopriemnitsa in Bojentsi or similar, and Hotel Compliment in Tryavna or similar.
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Meals
Breakfast is included each day of the tour.
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Transfers
Transfers are provided to Dryanovo Monastery and Etara, and an afternoon transfer back to Veliko Tarnovo on Day 7.
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Transportation
Transportation includes transfers to key locations such as Dryanovo Monastery and Etara, ensuring convenient access to the starting points of your hikes and cultural explorations in the Balkan Mountains.
What's Not Included
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Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes transfers to key locations such as Dryanovo Monastery and Etara, ensuring convenient access to the starting points of your hikes and cultural explorations in the Balkan Mountains.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Hotel Studio in Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Stranopriemnitsa in Bojentsi, and Hotel Compliment in Tryavna, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere throughout your journey in the Balkan Mountains.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable accommodations such as Hotel Studio in Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Stranopriemnitsa in Bojentsi, and Hotel Compliment in Tryavna, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere throughout your journey in the Balkan Mountains.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Breakfast is included each day of the tour, but lunch and dinner are not included in the tour package.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation includes transfers to key locations such as Dryanovo Monastery and Etara, ensuring convenient access to the starting points of your hikes and cultural explorations in the Balkan Mountains. An afternoon transfer back to Veliko Tarnovo is also provided on Day 7.
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What is the main focus of the tour activities?
The tour focuses on cultural and historical exploration, as well as nature tours, with activities including hiking to scenic viewpoints, visiting historic monasteries and architectural reserves, and exploring traditional Bulgarian villages.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include visiting the historic Tsarevets Fortress, hiking to the Kartala Waterfalls, exploring the Transfiguration Monastery, discovering the village of Arbanasi and its Church of the Nativity, experiencing panoramic views from the Swing of Love, and exploring the Dryanovo Monastery and Bojentsi Architectural Reserve.
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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.