Balkan Mountains Cycle

Balkan Mountains Cycle

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8 Days From

$1156

Balkan Mountains Cycle

8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria

Visiting: Sofia, Teteven, Troyan, Gabrovo, Bozhentsi, Elena, Veliko Turnovo

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UBX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1156

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Bulgaria with the "Balkan Mountains Cycle" tour. This adventure takes you through the lush landscapes of the Fore Balkan and the Central Balkan National Park, offering a unique glimpse into the region's countryside, villages, and local life. Visit stunning Bulgarian monasteries from the 13th to 15th centuries, explore the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, and discover two architectural reserves with traditional houses and beautifully decorated churches. Enjoy the open-air ethnographic museum at Etura and cycle through picturesque routes, including challenging ascents and rewarding descents. With family-run accommodations, local cuisine, and an English-speaking tour leader, this tour promises an unforgettable cycling experience.

Highlights

  • Cycling through the green landscapes of the Fore Balkan and the Central Balkan National Park

  • Typical countryside scenery, villages and local everyday life of the Balkan mountains region

  • Visiting some of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries dating from 13-15th century

  • Spending time in the old capital of the Second Bulgarian kingdom, Veliko Tarnovo

  • Visiting 2 unique architectural reserves with traditional old style houses and beautifully decorated churches

  • Time at the open air ethnographic museum, Etura

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Transfer From Sofia Airport To Hotel

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

There will be an arranged meeting at Sofia Airport followed by a transfer to Sofia to your overnight hotel. Arrival briefing and dinner.

Day 2 : Transfer To Golyam Izvor, Cycle To Ribaritsa Via Glozhene Monastery (64 Or 47Km/40 Or 30Mi)

Location: Teteven

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An early transfer brings us to Golyam Izvor village where the cycling commences. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven and take an optional detour to visit the Glozhene monastery. As we reach Teteven we can have a short stop for a walk and visit the local historic museum and church, or go for a short bike and hike to a nearby eco trail with two beautiful waterfalls. Later we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we stay for the night.
Cycling distance: 48km/30mi; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m.
Detour to Glozhen monastery - Distance: 16km/10mi; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.

Day 3 : Via Bogoi Pass To Shipkovo With Mineral Springs And Troyan Monastery (77Km/48Mi)

Location: Troyan

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today starts with a fairly challenging ascent from Ribaritsa village (630m / 2067ft) to the highest point for the day, Bogoi Pass (1185m / 3888ft). From here the road leads through the village of Shipkovo, where you can relax in the mineral water swimming pools, and on to the town of Troyan. After lunch in the town centre, visit the Oreshaka Pottery and Craft Exhibition nearby and the famous Troyan monastery, the third largest in Bulgaria and built in the Bulgarian Renaissance style. The road then weaves among the hills of the Central Fore-Balkan region to reach our accommodation for the night in Apriltsi village.
Cycling: Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m

Day 4 : Cycle To Gabrovo And The Ethnographic Museum At Etura (61Km/38Mi)

Location: Gabrovo

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we cycle from Apriltsi to Gabrovo. Enroute are numerous small villages set in green landscapes and river valleys. After an ascent followed by a pleasant downhill ride we will reach the town of Gabrovo and continue to 'Etura', an open air ethnographic museum. We stay overnight in Etura.
Cycling: Ascent: 700m; Descent: 800m.

Day 5 : Cycle To Bozhentsi Architectural Reserve Via Tryavna (58Km/37Mi)

Location: Bozhentsi

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we start cycling from Gabrovo. After an ascent followed by a descent, we arrive in the beautiful town of Tryavna, where you can have lunch and spend some time sightseeing. Ups and downs through open terrain will lead us to the final stop for today, Bozhentsi, an architectural reserve of some 100 houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period.
Cycling: Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m

Day 6 : Transfer To Dryanovo Monastery, Cycle To Elena (46Km/29M)

Location: Elena

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today starts with a transfer to the Dryanovo monastery in the morning. The cycling starts from the Yalovo village turn-off. Kilifarevo Monastery is nearby so we'll make a short stop here before continuing alongside the Iovkovtsi dam to the town of Elena, today's destination. The road today mostly passes through pastures, cultivated fields and shrubs on low-lying hills, typical of this part of the Fore-Balkan.
Cycling: Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.

Day 7 : Cycle To Arbanasi, Visit Veliko Turnovo And Transfer To Sofia (42Km/26.5Mi)

Location: Veliko Turnovo

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Elena we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi architectural reserve. The landscape includes meadows, pastures, cultivated lands, shrubby hills and finally a beautiful plateau over Veliko Turnovo. After some free time for rest and walks among the old houses of Arbanasi we have a lunch break and do a sightseeing tour in Veliko Turnovo - the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, drive to Sofia for overnight.
Cycling: Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.

Day 8 : Trip Ends With Transfer To Airport

Location: Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Group transfer to Sofia airport where the trip concludes.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights 3 star hotels and guesthouses

  • 7 breakfasts

    Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices.

  • 5 dinners

    These usually consist of 2-3 courses using local ingredients. The meals may be taken at a local restaurant or in the hotel/guesthouse dining room.

  • 7 nights accommodation

    Accommodation in family-run hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities (possible shared facilities on day 3).

  • English speaking tour leader

    An English-speaking tour leader who also drives the support vehicle.

  • Bike rental

    Rental of a 24-speed mountain bike or 21-speed road touring bike with helmet and panniers (e-bike available on request - supplement applies).

  • Transfers

    Transfers described in the itinerary including from/to Sofia airport.

  • Detailed maps and route descriptions

    Detailed maps and route descriptions (per room booked).

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Sofia

    Travel to and from Sofia is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

  • Single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you book a single room.

  • E-bike supplement

    A supplement applies for e-bike rental.

  • Entrance fees and guided tours

    Entrance fees and guided tours of monasteries and monuments enroute are not included.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers not listed as included in the itinerary are not provided.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • All lunches, beverages and dinner on days 1 & 7

    All lunches, beverages, and dinner on days 1 and 7 are not included.

Grading

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The cycling distances range from 43 to 78km/27 to 48.5mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering (the latter usually not brand new!). The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The road surface in these areas may be not very smooth at some stages. The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to excellent level of fitness. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably.
*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes transfers from/to Sofia airport, as well as support vehicle assistance during the cycling tour. Rental bikes with helmets and panniers are provided, and e-bikes are available upon request.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation in family-run hotels and guesthouses, featuring twin share rooms with private facilities, except for a possible shared facility on day 3.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is provided for the tour?

    You will be provided with a 24-speed mountain bike or a 21-speed road touring bike with a helmet and panniers. An e-bike is also available on request, but a supplement applies.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts and 5 dinners, which usually consist of 2-3 courses using local ingredients. Meals may be taken at a local restaurant or in the hotel/guesthouse dining room.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in family-run hotels and guesthouses on a twin-share basis with private facilities, although shared facilities may be possible on day 3.

  • Is there a support vehicle during the cycling tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking tour leader who also drives a support vehicle will accompany you during the tour.

  • What should I carry during the cycling day?

    During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?

    The tour is graded as moderate to challenging (Grade 4). The cycling distances range from 43 to 78 km (27 to 48.5 mi) over undulating to mountainous terrain. It is suitable for cyclists with a good to excellent level of fitness.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Additional costs include travel insurance (mandatory), meals not listed as included, drinks, tips, hotel taxes if applicable, and items of a personal nature. A supplement will also apply if you book a single room or an e-bike.

  • What kind of terrain and road conditions can I expect?

    The tour uses mostly two-way roads with an asphalt covering, which may not be brand new. The country roads are generally peaceful with minimal traffic, although some sections may have heavier traffic for a short while. The road surface may not be very smooth at some stages.

  • Is there an emergency support system in place?

    Yes, there is an emergency hotline available during the tour.

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to some of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries dating from the 13th to 15th century, two unique architectural reserves with traditional old-style houses and beautifully decorated churches, and time at the open-air ethnographic museum, Etura.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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