Balkan Cycling Bulgaria

Description

Join us on this exciting cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. We will bike in the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We will start the trip in the tiny Goliam Izvor village. We will pass through the Central Balkan National Park and end up in Veliko Tarnovo – the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages, where traditional lifestyle has been preserved and it is not uncommon to wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way.
Highlights:
♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary” – the 3rd largest in Bulgaria, built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum – showcasing the Bulgarian customs, craftsmanship, architecture and way of life in the region during the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th-19th century).
♦ Bozhentsi village – an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period.
♦ Veliko Turnovo – the old medieval capital of Bulgaria.. Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia -/-/- Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2. Sofia- Goliam Izvor village – Ribaritsa village An early-morning transfer brings us to Golyam Izvor village where the ride starts. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. B/-/D Cycling distance: 47.5km; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m. Detour to Glozhen monastery – Distance: 16km; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.

Day 3. Ribaritsa village – Troyan monastery – Apriltsi We start today’s ride with an ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day – Bogoi pass (1185m a.s.l). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass through the village of Shipkovo, where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre, we will visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition “Oreshaka” nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We will spend the night in Apriltsii village. B/-/D Cycling distance: 77km; Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m.

Day 4. Apriltsi – Gabrovo – Etura – Gabrovo After breakfast, we start cycling along isolated village roads from Apriltsi to Gabrovo. En route, we will pass by numerous small villages, green meadows and river valleys. The cycling starts to with a moderate ascent, followed by a nice downhill ride before reaching the town of Gabrovo. After a short break in the town, we continue towards “Etura”- an open-air ethnographic museum. You can take a break here or add an additional 6km of cycling to the nearby Sokolski Monastery. B/-/- Cycling distance: 61km; Ascent: 700m; Descent: 800m.

Day 5. Gabrovo – Tryavna – Bozhentsi After breakfast, we start today’s ride from Gabrovo. We begin with a short ascent, followed by a descent towards the town of Tryavna. Here we will take a short break for lunch and explore the charming old town. Afterwards, we are heading to the final stop for today – Bozhentsi architectural reserve. B/-/D Cycling distance: 58km; Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m.

Day 6. Bozhentsi – Dryanovo monastery – Elena A transfer in the morning brings us to the Dryanovo monastery. We will explore the beautiful Orthodox monastery and visit the cave nearby. Today’s ride starts from the village of Yalovo towards the town of Elena, passing by several small villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam. B/-/D Cycling distance: 46km; Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.

Day 7. Elena – Arbanassi – Veliko Turnovo – Sofia Starting from Elena, we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi Architectural Reserve. Today’s landscape includes green meadows, vast pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally the beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. We will take a short break for lunch in Arbanassi, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo. Here we will do a sightseeing tour to learn more about the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Afternoon transfer to Sofia where we spend the last night. B/-/- Cycling distance: 42km; Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.

Day 8. Departure Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-

Price

EUR 840 / person in a double/twin room;

Single room supplement EUR 140

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotels

Location

Terms and conditions

Payment:

• 30% non-refundable deposit of the package price when the reservation is confirmed
• The remaining 70% to be paid at 7 weeks prior to departure

Cancellation:

• 65 and more days before tour start date – retention of deposit
• 54-50 days before tour start date – 50% or retention of deposit if higher
• Less than 50 days before tour start date – 100%

Included/not included

Included:

• 7 nights at family-run hotels and guest houses in rooms with private facilities
• 7 breakfast + 4 dinners
• Supporting vehicle and English-speaking guide/driver
• Map and road notes in English
• Technical bike support
• Airport transfers on days 1 and 8 and all local transfers

Not Included :

• flight tickets
• insurance
• drinks and meals not mentioned
• entrance fees
• meal and drinks not mentioned
•  additional transfers
•  bike rental – see above “Our bikes”,helmet: 5 EUR (per week)
• tips (5 EUR per pers./per day)
• personal expenses

Further information

• Hotel Adress : Bulgaria
• Duration : 8 days
• Contact details : botler@boticonline.com

Agency

Best of Tours’ Authorized Partner in Bulgaria