The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria

Welcome to Bulgaria! When you arrive at the Sofia airport, your guide will meet you and you’ll start your tour by traveling to the Rila mountains. Journey deep into the forest to your first hotel, where you’ll receive a short tour briefing.

After breakfast, your first hiking day takes you to the summit of Mount Malyovitsa. This mountain has become a symbol of the region and the view from the top is an incredible panoramic vista including dozens of peaks and beautiful glacial lakes. After a picnic lunch, your route continues along the ridge leading to the Seven Rila Lakes. Descend again into the dense pine forest where you’ll spend the night in a hotel. Total hiking time is approximately 7 hours.

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your hotel to higher altitudes via gondola ride. Today’s trail leads you closer to each of the Seven Lakes and you’ll stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful location. Climb to the top of the Razdela pass (2,600 m / 8,530 ft) where you’ll find one of the Rila mountain range’s best viewpoints. Cross the pass then descend again toward the renowned Rila Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After trekking for about 6-7 hours today, you’ll reach the monastery which is nestled in the heart of the Rila mountains. After a tour of the monastery, continue to a nearby hotel to eat dinner and spend the night.

Today’s hike is easier and somewhat shorter (about 6 hours). After a short, 20-minute transfer, you’ll explore the southern side of the Rila mountains, passing the Macedonia Hut from 1933. Stop for a picnic lunch, then descend into a small village called Dobarsko. Transfer from here to Bansko, a popular skiing town at the foot of the Pirin mountain range, full of beautiful old buildings. Listen for traditional Bulgarian folk music floating on the breeze. Spend the night here in Bansko.

Explore the Pirin mountains today, beginning with a 30-minute transfer up to a mountain hut at 2,000 m (6,562 ft). From here, climb to the summit of Mount Vihren (2,914 m / 9,560 ft), the tallest peak of the Pirin range. This hike is the most technically difficult segment of your tour and hiking up and down again will take about 6 hours. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way, and pause often to appreciate the spectacular views all around you. Return to Bansko and head to a traditional local tavern, where you can experience the traditional food and music of the region.

After breakfast, transfer to the Vihren Hut (about 30 minutes) to begin the next leg of your hike. Walk along the central ridge of the Pirin mountain range, surrounded by incredible views of lakes and mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way. After about 6.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Tevno Ezero mountain hut (2,515 m / 8,251 ft) nestled in the heart of the Pirin mountains at the foot of Mount Kamenitsa. Tevno Ezero means “dark lake” and the hut is beautifully situated on the eastern shore of the lake surrounded by mountains. Spend the night in this picturesque location.

Your last hiking day is an easy descent for about 4 hours from the Tevno Ezero Hut to a nearby village. Enjoy your last views of the lovely pine forests and striking glacial lakes as you complete your wonderful hiking tour. From the village, a short transfer brings you to Bulgaria’s smallest town called Melnik. A town of only 300 inhabitants who live in very traditional Bulgarian houses, Melnik is world-famous for its red wine. Spend your last night in a hotel in Melnik and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local tavern.

Sadly, your Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria hiking tour has come to an end. After breakfast, transfer from Melnik back to the capital city of Sofia for departure from the Sofia Airport. Have a pleasant journey!