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Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains

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Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains
From $1,295USDBook Now
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8 days from $1,295USD
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Panoramic view from Cycling Tour in Rhodope Mountains
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A bike tour in Bulgaria? Oh Yes! The Rhodope mountain region in the Bulgarian countryside is the perfect place for those looking for tranquil but active getaway. The Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains lets you explore this magical region by road bike.

From rugged mountains featuring dramatic gorges and caves to green, forested valleys, the changing landscape of this region will leave you enthralled. The enchanting lakes of the reservoir system will leave you feeling as peaceful as the glistening waters. In addition to fantastic nature, the endearing culture and fascinating history of the Rhodopes will make this adventure tour in Bulgaria live on in your memory for years to come.

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Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains

Experience mountains and peaceful countryside by bike on this 8-day guided cycling tour
4.80
(34 reviews)
8 days from $1,295USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Jun-Oct
Standard Biking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Forest cottages / hotels
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,295USD (see prices for this tour)
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Panoramic view from Cycling Tour in Rhodope Mountains
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

A bike tour in Bulgaria? Oh Yes! The Rhodope mountain region in the Bulgarian countryside is the perfect place for those looking for tranquil but active getaway. The Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains lets you explore this magical region by road bike.

From rugged mountains featuring dramatic gorges and caves to green, forested valleys, the changing landscape of this region will leave you enthralled. The enchanting lakes of the reservoir system will leave you feeling as peaceful as the glistening waters. In addition to fantastic nature, the endearing culture and fascinating history of the Rhodopes will make this adventure tour in Bulgaria live on in your memory for years to come.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Cycle between the large and spectacular lakes of the Rhodope reservoir system.

Visit and stay in quaint, historic villages for an authentic experience of Bulgarian life and culture.

Ride your bike through the tunnel-like Buynovo canyon and the steep, dramatic Trigrad gorge.

Explore the mysterious and legendary Devil’s Throat cave and Yagodina cave.

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Trip map

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Transfer to Velingrad
Welcome to Bulgaria! Arrive at the Sofia Airport where your guide will meet you. Travel deep into the Rhodope mountains to Velingrad, a lovely town known as the spa capital of the Balkans. Check into your hotel where you’ll receive a short tour briefing before enjoying dinner and a comfortable night.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Hotel St George, Velingrad
Included Meals Dinner
Day 2
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Bike to Batak
Your first cycling day will be an easy route to help you warm up and adjust to your surroundings. Ride through the western Rhodope mountains surrounded by old pine forests until you reach one of Bulgaria’s largest dams which forms the Batak reservoir. This vast, beautiful lake is surrounded by rugged peaks and vibrant green ridges. Stop here to enjoy a picnic lunch in this scenic location. Then hop back on your bike to cycle around the coastline to the nearby town of Batak. This historic town is a symbol of the historic struggle for Bulgarian freedom from the Ottoman empire. Eat dinner and spend the night in this lovely town in a family-owned hotel.
Distance 28 km
Overnight Location Hotel Herbar, Batak
Included Meals Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
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Ride to Beglika Lake
Today’s scenic ride begins from your Batak hotel after breakfast. From forests of centuries-old pines and beeches to broad meadows to sparkling mountain lakes, your route today leads you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Rhodope mountain region. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way. You’ll come to Beglika Lake (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) during the afternoon with time to enjoy the area. This lake is part of the extensive reservoir system in this area, and is widely considered to be the most impressive and picturesque. You’ll be served a traditional dinner here and spend the night in a forest cottage that’s typically used by local hunters.
Distance 28 km
Overnight Location The Hunters House near Beglika Lake (1,550 m / 5,085 ft)
Included Meals Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
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Cycle to Dospat Lake, Dospat, and Borino
Your route today is longer but rewards you with incredible scenery at every turn. You’ll continue to explore the great Rhodope reservoir system, including a visit to Dospat Lake. Dospat Lake is the largest of the lakes in the system and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Head to the town of Dospat, not far from the lake shore, to eat lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Dospat is home to the Pomatsi, a unique community of Bulgarians who converted to Islam during the time of Ottoman rule. After lunch, continue cycling through a lovely valley to the central Rhodope village of Borino. Check in to your hotel in Borino for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Distance 42 km
Overnight Location Hotel Daisy, Borino
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
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Bike through Buynovo Canyon and Trigrad Gorge to Trigra
The landscape around you changes today as you explore a breathtaking series of gorges and canyons. Start the day with a downhill ride through the rocky valley to reach the opening of the Buynovo canyon. Ride through this canyon that is just 15 m wide and 8 km long. The road feels as though it is being squeezed between the vertical rocks on each side, which meet above you and block the sky. After riding through what feels like a tunnel, you’ll reach the popular Yagodina Cave. Stop here for a picnic lunch and to visit the cave. After lunch, continue riding to reach the impressive and famous Trigrad gorge. Here you can also visit the incredible cave known as the Devil’s Throat, a mysterious and dramatic cave that has given rise to a number of myths and legends. Spend the night in a hotel in the local Trigrad village.
Distance 32 km
Overnight Location Hotel Arkan Han in Trigrad
Included Meals Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
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Cycle along the Vacha River from Trigrad to Devin
Today’s downhill ride is the easiest day of the tour. As you leave Trigrad, follow the Vacha River through the forest, passing through a series of fascinating villages that are seemingly untouched by the passing of time. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch, then continue cycling past a striking landmark rock formation known as the Elephant. End the day with dinner and a hotel stay in the town of Devin.
Distance 27 km
Overnight Location Hotel Persenk in Devin
Included Meals Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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Ride past Batashki Snejnik Peak to Batak
Begin the day with an uphill climb to reach the higher areas of the mountains. Once you have gained elevation, the road levels somewhat to wind among the Rhodope mountain ridges, eventually reaching an altitude of 1,700 m (5,577 ft). Pause for a picnic lunch, then continue riding to pass Batashki Snejnik (2,082 m / 6,831 ft), one of the tallest peaks in the massif. Descend into a village to end your tour and leave your bike. Return to the historic town of Batak and the familiar hotel you stayed in previously to celebrate the end of your tour with a traditional dinner.
Distance 41 km
Overnight Location Hotel Herbar in Batak
Included Meals Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
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Transfer to Sofia, Sofia City Tour, Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the capital city of Sofia for a short tour of the city before returning to the Sofia Airport for your departure.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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4.80 (34 reviews)
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Dates and prices

Enjoy your own private cycling tour through the Rhodope Mountains! Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Guided Groups of 2-3: $2,350USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4-5: $1,525USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 6+: $1,295USD per person
What’s included

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour. Accommodations before and after the tour in Sofia are not included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you, your luggage and your bike during the tour is included. Airport transfers to and from the Sofia airport are also included.

Also Included

  • English-speaking licensed cycling guide during the tour
  • Bike Rental
  • Biking equipment
  • Vehicle support (except the first half of day 7)

Not included

  • Flights to and from Sofia
  • Beverages during dinners
  • Tickets to museums and historical monuments
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not stated in inclusions

    Accommodation for Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains

    This tour is based in Hotels except for one night in a forest cottage. The hotels on this tour are mainly family-run and you will be accommodated in a double room unless you will choose to pay a supplement and have a single room.

    In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

    Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
    You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

    Frequently asked questions

    How hard is the Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains?

    We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will need to bike for up to 42 km per day without rest days. You should have some prior cycling experience and have completed similar distances without difficulty.

    Are there any travel restrictions for Bulgaria?

    Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

    Do I need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?

    Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

    Are meals included on the Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains?

    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners are included.

    Do I need insurance?

    Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

    How do I get to Sofia to start this tour?

    Fly to Sofia Airport (SOF). This airport has connections with several major cities in Europe, including London, Munich, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Vienna and others.

    Is the Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains tour in English?

    Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

    Where does the Cycling Tour in the Rhodope Mountains tour end?

    This tour ends where it starts – at Sofia Airport.

    Can I rent a bike?

    Mountain bike rental is included in the price of your tour.

    Can I bring my own bike?

    Yes, definitely. Please make sure it’s a road bike.

    Do I need special vaccines to travel to Bulgaria?

    Check with your family doctor.

    When is the best time to travel to Bulgaria for this tour?

    The best time to travel to the Rhodope Mountains for this cycling tour is from mid-June to mid-October.

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    Why travellers choose this tour
    At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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