Morning: Journey from Sofia to the Eastern Rodopi, with a stop at the scenic Zlato Pole Important Bird Area. Nestled along the Maritsa River, this rich wetland is home to diverse birdlife, lush riverbanks, and peaceful fish farms. Afternoon: Continue through Bulgaria’s top birdwatching hotspots—the Sakar region, a haven for Eastern Imperial Eagles and Lesser Kestrels, and the Ivaylovgrad Reservoir, where White-tailed Eagles and Ospreys soar. Arrive in the charming town of Ivaylovgrad to settle in for the evening.

Accommodation: Ivaylovgrad
Hiking: 3.2 miles, 100 feet elevation gain

Morning & Afternoon: Explore the Byala Reka Important Bird Area, a prime spot for spotting Black Vultures, Booted Eagles, and Isabelline Wheatears. Along the way, visit the fascinating Armira archaeological site, home to the remains of an ancient Roman villa. Take in the charm of remote, nearly abandoned villages near the Greek border, where time seems to stand still.

Accommodation: Ivaylovgrad
Hiking: 3.8 miles, 200 feet elevation gain/loss

Morning: Travel to the Madzharovo Important Bird Area for a full day of birdwatching on foot in the Kovankaya and Patronkaya Protected Territories. This region is a prime habitat for Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Long-legged Buzzards, Black Kites, Black Storks, and many other species. Afternoon: Continue through the Studen Kladenets and Arda Bridge Important Bird Areas, both renowned for their thriving vulture and bird of prey populations.

Accommodation: A secluded hotel on the banks of the Arda River, nestled beneath a dramatic rock outcrop that serves as a nesting site for Black Storks and raptors. The riverside is teeming with birdlife, and fascinating ancient Thracian archaeological remains are just a short walk away.
Hiking: 2 miles, 65 feet elevation gain/loss; 2 miles, 32 feet elevation gain/loss.

Morning & Afternoon: Spend the day birdwatching in the Krumovitsa Important Bird Area, a hidden gem with one of the highest concentrations of bird species found anywhere in Bulgaria! This scenic valley is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering incredible diversity in a compact area.

Accommodation: Kardzhali—the largest town in the Eastern Rodopi—home to a thriving heronry that provides a vital habitat for various heron and egret species.
Hiking: 3 miles, 65 feet elevation gain/loss.

Morning: Enjoy birdwatching in the Borovitsa River Valley, a remote and picturesque area marking the eastern edge of the Dobrostan Important Bird Area. This serene valley offers breathtaking scenery and excellent opportunities to spot a variety of bird species. Afternoon: Transfer to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s oldest city and a hub of history, culture, and charm. Stroll through its beautifully preserved Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to ancient Roman ruins, colorful 19th-century houses, and lively cafés. Take in the vibrant arts scene and enjoy the city's welcoming atmosphere.

Accommodation: Plovdiv
Hiking: 2.5 miles, 65 feet elevation gain/loss

Morning: Explore Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s vibrant second city and the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with over 8,000 years of history. Wander through its charming Old Town, admire ancient Roman ruins, and soak in the city's rich cultural heritage. Afternoon: Visit Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second-largest monastery, founded in 1083. A stunning blend of Byzantine, Caucasian, and Bulgarian influences, it is best known for its breathtaking frescoes that adorn nearly every surface. Beyond the monastery, enjoy a scenic walk through the lush valley behind it, where hidden chapels dot the forest at the edge of a botanical reserve. Evening: Transfer to Yagodina, a peaceful village nestled in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.

Accommodation: Yagodina
Hiking: 3.75 miles, 689 feet elevation gain/loss.

Morning: Visit the breathtaking Trigrad Gorge, a dramatic limestone canyon and prime habitat for the elusive Wallcreeper. Explore the legendary Devil’s Throat Cave, where a thundering underground waterfall crashes into the depths. According to myth, this is where the famed Thracian musician Orpheus emerged from the Underworld after his ill-fated attempt to rescue Eurydice. Afternoon: Hike back to Yagodina through the stunning Trigrad-Mursalitsa Important Bird Area, a karst limestone region renowned for its rich flora, including many endemic species. Enjoy birdwatching along the way as you take in the area's rugged beauty.

Accommodation: Yagodina
Hiking: 4.35 miles, 492 feet elevation gain, 820 feet elevation loss

Morning & Afternoon: Embark on a scenic circular hike to a sacred Thracian peak, once home to an ancient sanctuary and oracle. According to legend, this is where Orpheus met his tragic end. The trail winds through a tranquil, remote region known for its rich wildlife, including bears and wolves, as well as elusive forest birds like Hazel Grouse and Black Woodpecker. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sweeping views from the summit before descending back to Yagodina.

Accommodation: Yagodina
Hiking: 8.7 miles, 2,300 feet elevation gain/loss

Morning: Depart Yagodina on foot, following a scenic forest trail renowned for its vibrant orchids, as we make our way to the Yagodina Cave—a hidden gem of the region. Afternoon: After the cave visit, we drive west through the picturesque Rodopi Mountains to Leshten, a charming village steeped in tradition. After checking into our hotel, we'll explore the nearby village of Kovachevitsa, where you can wander through cobblestone streets and admire the unique stone architecture that gives the area its distinct character.

Accommodation: Leshten
Hiking: 2 miles, 330 feet elevation gain, 690 feet elevation loss.

Morning: Drive from Leshten across the stunning Pirin Mountains to Zlatolist, where you'll visit a beautiful church tied to the life of a blind prophetess. From there, take a scenic walk through the striking sandstone landscape to Melnik, Bulgaria's smallest town, known for its unique rock formations and wine-making tradition. Afternoon: Explore Rozhen Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most picturesque and tranquil sites, dating back to the Middle Ages. The monastery has largely remained intact through the centuries, offering a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation: Melnik
Hiking: 3.1 miles, 650 feet elevation gain, 490 feet elevation loss

Morning: Start the day with an early hike and birdwatching on Sveti Nikola elevation in the Melnik Pyramids Important Bird Area, a prime spot for spotting local wildlife. Afterward, we transfer to Rila Monastery and enjoy a peaceful nature reserve walk. Afternoon: Visit the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled beneath the highest peaks of the Rila Mountains. Explore the beautiful icons and stunning architecture, while learning about Rila's vital role in preserving Bulgarian culture throughout history. We will also visit the hermitage of Saint John of Rila, the monastery's founder. Afterward, we transfer to Sofia for our next adventure.

Accommodation: Sofia
Hiking: 2.5 miles, 490 feet elevation gain/loss; 2.5 miles, 330 feet elevation gain, 820 feet elevation loss.

Morning & Afternoon: Enjoy a full-day circular hike in the Vitosha Mountains, a designated Important Bird Area. Ascend Mt. Cherni Vrah (Black Peak) at 2,292 meters, where we'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sofia Valley, the Balkan and Rila Mountains. As we hike through the lush meadows and century-old forests, we'll encounter rare and endemic plant and animal species that call this area home.

Accommodation: Sofia
Hiking: 7.5 miles, 1,640 feet elevation gain/loss

Morning: We'll immerse ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Sofia on a guided walking tour through its charming streets. Wander past ancient Roman ruins, beautiful Ottoman-era architecture, and lively squares. Learn about the city’s fascinating history, from its Thracian roots to its modern-day vibrancy. Afternoon: Enjoy free time to continue exploring Sofia at your own pace- bustling markets, vibrant art scene, and historic landmarks. Evening: We’ll come together for our farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories of the incredible experiences we’ve had together.

Accommodation: Sofia
Sightseeing Walk: 3 miles

Morning: Our time together ends and we say farewell after breakfast.