• Enjoying absolutely spectacular and challenging mountain hiking
  
• Experiencing the culture and cuisine of a fascinating and little-known region of Europe
  
• Visits to the Rozhen and Rila Monasteries
• Beautiful mountain landscapes with deep gorges, spectacular caves, ancient forests and flowery meadows
• A final traditional celebratory dinner in the home of a Bulgarian "granny"

Tucked away and lying almost forgotten behind the Iron Curtain in the far south-eastern corner of Europe, Bulgaria remains one of the continent's best kept secrets. Although only a small country in terms of size, it has been richly endowed with a unique natural and cultural heritage and some of the best hiking to be found anywhere. During our nine-day trip we will be introduced to the delights of the Rila and Pirin Mountains, the highest and wildest ranges in Bulgaria. Situated in the southwestern corner of the country, these mountains are a sea of bristling peaks, rising up from a cloak of ancient coniferous forests that are rich with flora and rare wildlife such as wolves, wildcats and bears. We will hike through beautiful rugged landscapes, crossing a succession of high passes and climbing several of the highest peaks in the Balkans. We will also explore the rich history and culture of Bulgaria with visits to some of its most beautiful monasteries and picturesque towns.

women in very good physical condition who enjoy the challenges and beauty of a wilderness environment, yet prefer to sleep in a bed at night and experience the culture and cuisine of a fascinating and little-known region of Europe. On most days we will be out in the mountains all day, hiking for 5 to 7 hours in demanding terrain, with sustained ascents and/or descents. A few paths are narrow but without real exposure. Rating:  1  2  3  4  [5]

comfortable tourist-class hotels that are classified two to three star by the Bulgarian classification system. These hotels offer twin rooms with private facilities. Where possible, we try to use smaller more atmospheric hotels.

• a Bulgarian English-speaking mountain (woman) guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide,
• eight nights lodging in twin/double rooms with private toilet and shower
• all meals from dinner on July 3 to breakfast on July 11 except for one dinner (dinners are arranged in advance and vegetarian preferences are easily accommodated)
• all transport within Bulgaria including a private bus and lifts
• entrance fees to sites that are included in the itinerary
• tips for the bus driver and restaurant staff

at the Sofia airport (SOF) the afternoon of July 3 (most flights arrive between 1 and 2:30 pm)

at the Sofia airport the afternoon of July 11

you can download the complete trip information here

If you are traveling from the United States, you will need to leave July 2.

July 3: We will meet at the airport in Sofia in early afternoon  (plan to arrive by 2pm) and transfer to Bansko at the foot of the Pirin Range. Bansko is a picturesque mountain town that is somehow managing to maintain its traditional old-world charm despite developing into a popular resort. There will be some time to explore the older part of the town where our hotel is located  before gathering for our first introduction to the wonderfully fresh cuisine that Bulgaria is known for. With all its fruits and vegetables organically grown, you do not have to worry about going without your veggies on this trip. D

July 4: After a short drive and chair-lift ride, we set off on a beautiful 6 hour hike through the heart of Pirin National Park. Having crossed Samodivska Pass (8,200 feet), we then make a long, rugged descent over rocks and moraines as we drop steeply down into the Demyanitsa valley. Overnight at the same hotel. You are free this evening to select your own restaurant or traditional inn or you can join your guides at a nearby restaurant. Ascent: 985 feet, Descent: 3600 feet. B,L

July 5: Today is a challenging ascent of Mt Vihren (9,500 feet), the highest peak in the Pirin. Beginning from the Vhiren hut, our 4 to 5 hour hike takes us steadily up through the dramatic Kazanite cirques, before starting a steep scramble up white marble rocks to the summit. On a clear day we enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire Pirin National Park. There follows a steep descent back to our bus for the return to Bansko.  Overnight at the same hotel. Ascent: 3100 feet, Descent: 3100 feet. B, L, D

July 6: Returning by bus to the Vihren hut, we begin a 4 hour hike across the main backbone of the Pirin. Having ascended a high pass, we drop steadily down the south-western flank of the mountains to a roadhead where we are picked up by our bus and transferred to the picturesque town of Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria. Located amidst dramatic sandstone pyramids  and close to the Greek border, the town is world-renowned for its unique fruity dry red wine. Ascent: 1650 feet, Descent: 3900 feet. B, L, D

July 7: Today is a full day spent exploring the Melnik region on foot. First we make our way to the village of Kurlanovo, from where we climb up to the remote Chapel of Sveti Iliya, built by a man whose conviction of the necessity of building the chapel eventually convinced his neighbors to pitch in. We then drop down to the village of Rozhen for lunch, before making our way on to the nearby Rozhen Monastery. This monastery, one of the most picturesque and tranquil in Bulgaria and one of the few Bulgarian monasteries from the Middle Ages, has survived relatively intact up to present days. Having looked round the monastery, we then complete our walk back to Melnik by following a spectacular trail through a labyrinth of sandstone pinnacles, ridges and gorges. Walking time: 4 hours; ascent and descent is about 1350 ft.

July 8: Boarding our bus this morning we travel north up the Struma Valley, and then cut back east into the heart of the Rila mountains. Here we will visit the Rila Monastery, breathtakingly situated beneath a backdrop of jagged peaks. We start with a visit to the hermitage of St John of Rila and have the opportunity to purify ourselves as we climb out a tunnel from his cave (this is optional). We will then take a short walk in the surrounding Rila Monastery Nature Park to the monastery itself. We take time to look at the many icons and soak up the atmosphere of the monastery itself. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the other side of the range and our hotel at Borovets, the Rila Mountains most famous resort that was built in the 1950s. Walking time: 1 hour; ascent is 260 ft; descent is 590 ft. B, L, D

July 9: After a short drive this morning we spend 5 to 6 hours exploring the region at the head of the Malyovitsa valley, and hope to have the chance to ascend Mt. Malyovitsa (8,950 feet), one of the highest and most imposing peaks in this part of the Rila National Park. We stay overnight at the same hotel in Borovets. Ascent: 3280 feet, Descent: 3280 feet.  B, L, D

July 10: Given good weather, we will attempt an ascent of Mt Musala (9600 ft), the highest peak on the Balkan peninsula. Although we end at a higher elevation it is actually a bit easier than the previous day as we make use of a cabin-lift from Borovets and begin our ascent at 7,600 feet. The trail starts on a fairly flat traverse of the mountain before switchbacking up to the peak. There is a warm hut for those who prefer not to go to the top and another hut at the top for those who do. We will return to Borovets on the same chairlift, making a total hike of 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at the same hotel, with a celebratory meal at a house in a nearby village. Ascent: 1970 feet, Descent: 1970 feet. B, L, D

July 11: Leaving the Rila Mountains we head north to Sofia, the capital city. After a short guided tour, there is some free time to explore the sights on your own. If you have the time, we highly recommend spending the night here so you can visit the Womens Market, the mosque and synagogue, and eat at one of the Downtown restaurants. But if time is an issue, we will get you to the airport by 1pm for your travel home or on to your next adventure.