Bulgaria on Foot
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Borovets, Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery, Central Pirin, Bansko
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BOF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Bulgaria on Foot," a trekking tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bulgaria's highest mountains. Experience the untouched beauty of the Rila Mountains, including the majestic Mt Musala, and the rugged terrain of the Pirin Mountains, home to the towering Mt Vihren. Visit the historic Rila Monastery, renowned for its stunning architecture and ancient history, and explore the charming ski resort town of Bansko. With guided treks, comfortable accommodations, and all necessary transfers included, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for experienced walkers seeking a challenging and rewarding journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Sofia, Transfer From Airport To Your Hotel (For Arrivals 9Am-7Pm Only)
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sofia (for arrivals 9am to 7pm only). The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.
*arrival after 7pm - ask for our rates.
Day 2 : Transfer To Borovets And Ascend Musala Peak (2925M/6Hrs), Transfer To Govedartsi
Location: Borovets
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we will transfer to Borovets (70km/43.5mi). We take the cable car to Yastrebetz (2300m/7546ft) and climb the highest peak in the Balkans, Mt Musala (2925m/9596ft). The view from the top is truly breathtaking – you can make out the remaining peaks of the Rila Mountains, the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains, the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains, and last but not least, the Balkan range. Afterwards, we transfer to Govedartsi (1150m/3773ft), where we stay overnight (40min drive from Borovets).
Ascent: 650m/2132ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft
Day 3 : Walk To Prekorechki Lakes And Return To Hotel (6.5Hrs)
Location: Rila Mountains
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning we have a short transfer to Maliovitsa resort, our starting point for another stunning trek. We walk up along the valley to the wide circuit of Prekorechki lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m. From the lake we walk back to Maliovitsa resort, then transfer to Govedartsi where we stay overnight.
Ascent: 850m/2788ft; Descent: 850m/2789ft
Or if the weather is clear we can choose an optional hike to Maliovitsa peak, to experience 360 degree views of the Alpine part of the Rila Mountains.
Option: Ascent: 1016m/3094ft; Descent: 1016m/3094ft
Day 4 : Seven Rila Lakes And Rila Monastery (5Hrs)
Location: Rila Monastery
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we have an early transfer to Pionerska hut, from where we take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m/7220ft). From here we do a fabulous loop walk to Razdela and the stunning ridge 'Zeleni Rid', where we decend to the chairlift. We continue with a transfer (1hr) to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous landmark. Drive to Bansko for overnight.
Ascent: 400m/1320ft; Descent: 400m/1320ft
Day 5 : Trek Across The Central Pirin (6Hrs)
Location: Central Pirin
Accommodation Name: mountain hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we pack our overnight requirements in our day pack and begin our 2 day trek across the most beautiful part of the Central Pirin. We start from Bezbog hut and after 4-5 hours walking reach Tevno Ezero hut, where we stay overnight.
You will need to carry your overnight items today as it is not possible to transfer your luggage to the hut you will stay in tonight.
Ascent: 450m/1476ft; Descent: 150m/492ft
Day 6 : Continue Trek To Demyanitsa Hut, Transfer To Bansko (6Hrs)
Location: Bansko
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's walk offers stunning views over the Pirin glacial lakes, Pevalski and Valyavishki. The trek takes 5-6 hours before we reach the road under Demyanitsa Hut. Here we meet our vehicle to drive us back to Bansko. Our main luggage will be available in Bansko.
Ascent: 150m/4922ft; Descent: 650m/2132ft
Day 7 : Ascend Mt Vihren (2914M)(6-7Hrs), Transfer To Sofia (2.5Hrs)
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2914m/9560ft), the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, awaits us. On our way to the peak, there are fabulous views of most of the Pirin's peaks and the Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes. The path weaves through the Kazanite region, famous for edelweiss and other rare flowering plants. If the weather is good we'll have lunch on the peak, enjoying the amazing scenery. We descend on foot, then drive to Sofia for overnight.
Note: This route involves negotiating a steep path all the way up and down, with many sections passing over rocks. It is only recommended for walkers in good physical condition.
Ascent: 1000m/3280ft; Descent: 1000m/3280ft
Day 8 : Transfer To Sofia Airport, Trip Concludes
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
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Accommodation
6 nights in standard hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, and 1 night in a multishare dorm in a mountain hut (mixed dormitory room with outside WC and no showers).
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Guided Tours
English speaking mountain guide is included.
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Lift Tickets
Lift tickets as per itinerary are included.
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Transfers
Transfers throughout the tour as described in the itinerary are included.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included except on days 5-6. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed; a supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Airport Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers between Sofia airport and the hotel on days 1 and 8 are included.
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Taxes
VAT and all local taxes are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Sofia
Travel to and from Sofia is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Maps
Maps may be requested in advance when the trip is booked, but are not included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room, excluding the mountain hut.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers not listed as included, such as from the train station in Sofia to the joining hotel and vice versa, are not included.
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Luggage Transfer on Specific Days
Luggage transfer on days 5/6 is not included; you will be required to carry your overnight requirements.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel and are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunch and Dinner in Sofia
Lunch (allow approx €3 for a lunch box or €4-€10 for a 3-course lunch), dinner in Sofia on day 1 and 7, and drinks are not included.
Grading
The walking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily guided walks of around 5-7 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1050 metres/3445 feet. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills and descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. Day 7 is considered challenging whilst the other days are in the moderate range. On days 5 & 6 you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your daypack. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Early in the season (June departure) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
What You Carry
Except on day 5 & 6 where you need to carry overnight gear, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Transfers throughout the tour include airport transfers, cable car rides, and vehicle transfers between various locations as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in standard hotels with ensuite facilities and 1 night in a mountain hut with a mixed dormitory room, outside WC, and no showers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 6 nights in standard hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities and 1 night in a multishare dorm in a mountain hut, which has a mixed dormitory room with outside WC and no showers.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking mountain guide will be provided throughout the tour.
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Are lift tickets included in the tour package?
Yes, lift tickets as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What kind of transfers are included in the tour?
Transfers throughout the tour as described in the itinerary are included. This also includes arrival and departure transfers between Sofia airport and the hotel on days 1 and 8.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Luggage transfer is provided except on days 5 and 6, where you will need to carry your overnight requirements. There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What should I carry during the trek on days 5 and 6?
On days 5 and 6, you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your daypack as it is not possible to transfer your luggage to the hut you will stay in.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The walking is moderate to challenging with daily guided walks of around 5-7 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1050 meters. Day 7 is considered challenging, while the other days are in the moderate range. The tour is suitable for experienced walkers only.
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What kind of weather conditions should I be prepared for?
You should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds. Early in the season (June departure), you may encounter deep snow on the passes, which may alter the grading of the trip to challenging.
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What items should I carry in my daypack?
You should carry your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone in your daypack.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.