Mystery of Bulgaria Tour

This is the undiscovered Europe – far from crowded, far from expensive. It has all the old charm of Europe and more. Bulgaria is a mountainous country, diverse in stunning valleys, gorges, rushing water and beautiful riding. On this tour we encounter 3 different mountain areas--the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes. Each with unique and stunning characteristics. By avoiding the main roads as much as possible we experience the real Bulgaria. In other words, small rustic villages, monasteries (especially the amazing Rila Mountain Monastery) and Bulgaria’s wild and well-known cave systems. This country holds a lot of ancient history and you will see many remnants from the Byzantine to the most recent Ottoman rule. Rich in history and religion, we will witness a harmonious mix of Mosques and Churches. Often very unique and colorful in their festivals and ancient traditions
We avoid the Black Sea coast as it is far too busy for biking in this popular beach/summer tourist area. However, you should make time to hang there after.

Schedule

Day: 
1/2
Arriving in the ancient city of Sofia, you have some time to explore its streets, charm and architecture. A must-see is Aleksandar Nevski Church. It is built in the Byzantine/Muscovite style and beyond opulent. Another gem is the Kremikovtsi Monastery - true medieval orthodox art. May we also suggest wandering. Sofia is very laid back for a capital but is alive on summer nights with a great array of cafes and music.
Distance: 
12km.
Day: 
3
TO BARZIYA (just south of spa town of Berkovitsa) We start with a short drive out of Sofia to rid ourselves of city traffic. Avoiding main road as much as possible (road bikes may need the main road) we cut on side roads through small villages like Gradec, Svidnja, Iskerec and Breze before reconnecting with main road to go up the great Petrohan Pass. This is a great scenic climb between 2 jagged mountains with dense woods all around. For those more adventurous there is the option to take a dirt road that runs parallel and rejoins the group up top. Half way up is a small village that boasts Bulgaria’s best sheep yoghurt and local honey. Roadside vendors abound. A great zig zag downhill into the valley below follows the Barziya river to the town of Barziya. Hotel
Distance: 
24km.
Day: 
4
TO VRATSA Taking paved sideroads north right out of town we ride towards the small villages of Beli, Izvor, and Lilijace where we stop for a quick visit of the Bozhiya Most (God's Bridge). This area boasts some great rolling hillside riding. This Most is one of Bulgaria's more captivating geological curiosities. The "bridge" is a tunnel like sequence of limestone arches which bends its way above a stream. It is a short walk off the road. We continue on to Vrasta, passing by the Vrasta Gorge and its sheer ragged cliffs. If time permits, there are a few cafe/restaurants at the gorges bottom to enjoy this stupendous view before heading into town for the night. Hotel
Day: 
5
TO GARA LATANIK The day begins with a beautiful 10km twisting climb to the Ledenika Cave that sits on a goat-nibbled alpine plateau covered in wild flowers and herbs. Tranquility comes to mind. Mount Okolchitsa sits in the distance. An undulating plateau ride takes us to Ledenika Cave. A short 45 minute tour then takes us through narrow passages, stalagtites and wild rock formations. Back downhill we head to Mezdra and a stunning 20km ride through the Iskar Gorge – a narrow stretch with huge crags towering over the river and road. We end the day with a drive into Sofia. If time, there is a wild cave/Temnata Dupka here with subterranean rivers and lakes. Hotel
Day: 
6
To Jakoruda Drive out of city where we start heading to the southern part of Bulgaria. Starting at Bistrica we take paved sideroads parallel to the main road and end up near Samokov and then again cut south on side roads to Tobeli Iskar and through the Rila mountains. Those with road bikes will take the main road along with support trucks and we will meet at Jundola where we will stay for the night. This is a spectacular ride through rural and remote Bulgaria. Hotel
Day: 
7
Velingrad to DESPAT Start the day by heading due south right out of Velingrad through the Rhodopes Mountain range. Another epic ride through rural Bulgaria with remote, pristine wilderness and mountains. This ride will show the varied and unspoiled countryside that Bulgaria is known for. Finish the day riding along the remote side of Lake Despat into town. Hotel
Day: 
8
TO TRIGRADE A short 35km day into the small village of Tigrade. Tigrade is near the Macedonia border and is another area known for its spectacular caves, especially Devil’s Throat and its awe inspiring gorge which we will visit on our day off.
Day: 
9
DAY OFF Options to chill in this quiet village, visit Shiroka Laka or head to the Trigrade Gorge which hosts Bulgaria’s most spectacular vista. Its sheer walls overhanging the rushing Trigradska river is not to be missed. It is here where huge waterfalls disappear into the earth through the Devils Throat's caves stupendous mouth. You can hear the intensity and thunder of the waterfalls long before you see them. Legend has it that this is the entrance into the underworld used by Orpheus. An optional short bike ride or drive to the beautiful village of Shiroka Laka. This is a true, unspoiled Rhodope/Bulgarian village. Hotel
Day: 
10
DABNICA TO BANSKO We will drive to village of Dabnica after breakfast to start our ride. We head back north skirting the edge of Noroden Park with the wonderful Pirin Mountains as our view. A great ride crossing over many. Nice remote road with little traffic too. Bankso is now a ski resort town but quieter in the summer and still has in its centre a maze of cobbled streets lined with timber framed stone houses. Hotel
Day: 
11
BANSKO to RILA As we head toward Rila and its Mountain Monastery we hit the main roads again but will rid the parallel side roads as much as possible through the quieter villages. The last 10kms into Rila is through a beautiful flood plain and a few villages that will be swarmed with nesting storks. Nice entrance. Ending up in Rila we stop for our last night. Hotel
Day: 
12
RILA MONASTERY---SOFIA A 27 km ride into a narrowing valley of dense woods along the Riliska River to this spectacular Monastery and setting is our final ride. The monastery is famed for its architecture as well as the scenic mountain setting. Enjoy before we drive back to Sofia and enjoy our last traditional restaurant together. Hotel
Day: 
13
FLY OUT OR STAY ANOTHER DAY Cheers to another great adventure--enjoy Sofias vibe if in no rush to head home.

This is the undiscovered Europe – far from crowded, far from expensive. It has all the old charm of Europe and more. Bulgaria is a mountainous country, diverse in stunning valleys, gorges, rushing water and beautiful riding. On this tour we encounter 3 different mountain areas--the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes. Each with unique and stunning characteristics. By avoiding the main roads as much as possible we experience the real Bulgaria. In other words, small rustic villages, monasteries (especially the amazing Rila Mountain Monastery) and Bulgaria’s wild and well-known cave systems. This country holds a lot of ancient history and you will see many remnants from the Byzantine to the most recent Ottoman rule. Rich in history and religion, we will witness a harmonious mix of Mosques and Churches. Often very unique and colorful in their festivals and ancient traditions
We avoid the Black Sea coast as it is far too busy for biking in this popular beach/summer tourist area. However, you should make time to hang there after.