Walking in the Rhodope Mountains Short Break

Walking in the Rhodope Mountains Short Break

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5 Days From

$678

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Tour Overview

This five-day centre-based tour, walking in the Rhodope Mountains, follows a self-guided itinerary along trails in and around Trigrad, with three full days of hiking. Trigrad is a traditional mountain village, at en elevation of 1,240m, and from your three-star family-run hotel, you get to explore superb Rhodopian landscapes famous for their limestone gorges, caves and prolific forests. Treks along ancient trails include the 300m-high Trigrad Gorge, Devil's Throat Cave, and Orpheus Peak (1,532m). This is an easy to moderate walking holiday and It’s also very popular with solo travellers ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Rhodope Mountains

  • Devil’s Throat Cave

  • Trigrad Gorge

  • Orpheus Peak

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Trigrad

Location: Trigrad

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Arkan Han or similar

Your tour begins with a complimentary transfer from Sofia Airport to the village of Trigrad (4h), located in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains and your base for the next few days. Depending on arrival time, take the opportunity to wander around the village, taking in the dramatic scenery that surrounds the area.



Day 2 : Vodni Pad

Location: Vodni pad

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Arkan Han or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin the first day of hiking with a warm-up walk, following a shaded path towards Vodni Pad, with plenty of water fountains and opportunities to rest along the way. Formally a restricted area during the Communist period due to its proximity to the Greek border, today, the village of Vodni Pad is now becoming a very lively place for local people and visitors alike. In the afternoon, you can visit Devil’s Throat Cave and explore its vast underground caverns. The cave’s entrance resembles a devil’s head and inside, a waterfall rushes down the cave’s throat, giving rise to many legends, the most popular being that Orpheus descended through this hole to the underground kingdom of Hades to seek his lost love, Eurydice.



Walking for the day: 10km, 3h, ↑280m, ↓280m

Day 3 : Kesten

Location: Kesten

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Arkan Han or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s circular route starts with an ascent to a ridge to the east of Trigrad before descending towards the village of Kesten, close to the Greek border, with an optional detour to Zhrebevo. Both villages are largely uninhabited, leaving them relatively unspoiled and still surrounded by Rhodopian natural heritage.



Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, ↑736m, ↓733m

Day 4 : Orpheus Peak (1,532)

Location: Orpheus Peak

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Arkan Han or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s route is a shorter but steeper hike to the top of Orpheus Peak overlooking the village of Trigrad, with far-reaching views over the surrounding area. From here, you descend back into Trigrad, where you can spend the final evening relaxing in one of the local restaurants.



Walking for the day: 7km, 2-3h, ↑500m, ↓500m

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Trigrad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast and complimentary airport transfer.



What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 overnights in a three-star hotel as listed in the itinerary

  • Meals

    4 breakfasts

  • Internal ground transfers listed in the programme

  • Digital pre-departure holiday information pack

    Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and maps (Please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure. Physical documents are not able to be mailed or provided on-site)

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Airfare and connecting land transfers

  • Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Entry fees (payable locally)

  • Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

  • When to go?

    This trip is available from May to October.



    The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your holiday at any time in the season.



    The region’s climate is influenced by colder air from the north and the warmer breeze from the Mediterranean. Depending on location and altitude, temperatures vary, but high summer daytime temperatures are rarely too hot as, even though temperatures can occasionally reach 30C, the mountains and forests remain cooler, dropping at night to between 5-15C.

  • Difficulty and terrain

    This tour is rated easy-moderate and is suitable for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The trip covers an average of 11km daily and involves gradual ascents and descents with an average elevation gain of 506m each day (read more about difficulty grades).



    We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.



  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All guides are English Speaking

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can, please contact us for details

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own

    This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, international flights are not included

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends ...more ...less

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started! ...more ...less

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them ...more ...less

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again. ...more ...less

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey! ...more ...less

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!! ...more ...less

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear. ...more ...less

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question. ...more ...less

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend. ...more ...less

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Saturday

May 20, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$678

Wednesday - Sunday

May 21, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$678

Thursday - Monday

May 22, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$678

Friday - Tuesday

May 23, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$678

Saturday - Wednesday

May 24, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$678

Sunday - Thursday

May 25, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$678

Monday - Friday

May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$678

Tuesday - Saturday

May 27, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$678

Wednesday - Sunday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$678

Thursday - Monday

May 29, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$678

Friday - Tuesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$678

Saturday - Wednesday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$678

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Walking in the Rhodope Mountains Short Break

5 Days Starting in Trigrad and ending in 4825 Trigrad, Bulgaria

Visiting: Trigrad, Vodni pad, Kesten, Orpheus Peak

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

919

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $678

NB: Prices correct on 06-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

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