Page 121 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL TOUR CODE: BOF
Explore the highest mountain ranges of the Balkan
Peninsula on foot
The Rila and Pirin mountain ranges of Bulgaria are home to vast alpine
meadows, glacial lakes, rare vegetation and a rich variety of fauna. In the
Rila Mountains, the highest peak, Musala (2925m) is a focal point of this
engaging walk on which you only need to carry a day pack. Superb mountain
vistas, hidden villages brimming with traditional culture and a visit to Rila
Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous monastery, are some of the many
highlights of the program. Based in 3 star hotels in Govedartsi and Bansko
and a mountain hut in the Pirin Range, this trip will appeal to keen walkers
seeking an alternative mountain experience in a country that simply teems
with history and beautiful natural landscapes.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Sofia, transfer from airport to your hotel
(for arrivals 9am-7pm only) 2 | Transfer to Borovets and climb Mt Musala
(2925m) for superb views (6hrs), then transfer to Govedartsi 3 | Walk to
Prekorechki Lakes and return to hotel (6.5hrs) 4 | Seven Rila Lakes and Rila
Monastery (5hrs) 5 | Trek across the Central Pirin (6hrs) 6 | Continue trek to
Demyanitsa Hut, transfer to Bansko (6hrs) 7 | Ascend the highest peak in
the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vihren (2914m) and return to Bansko (7-8hrs)
8 | Transfer to Sofia, trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners Ξ 6 nights accommodation in 3 star
hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, 1 night multishare dorm in
mountain hut Ξ English speaking mountain guide Ξ lift tickets as per itinerary
Ξ private transfer throughout as described in the itinerary
Bulgaria on Foot
4 8 DAY GUIDED WALK GRADE
Trekking in the Rila mountains | Stepan Jezek
Sofia
Govedartsi
Bansko
Bulgaria
Romania
Turkey Greece
Serbia
H OTEL TOUR CODE: UBX
Off the beaten track cycling through the unspoiled Balkan
Mountains of Bulgaria
The Balkan Mountains are famous for lush green valleys, sheer cliffs
and gentle rolling hills with sheep grazing peacefully in their pastures.
S tarting from the tiny village of Goliam Izvor there is enormous
opportunity for unique cycling. Passing through the Central Balkan
National Park, the narrow roads meander through valleys, forests and
q uaint villages that have not changed for centuries. Wooden carts
p ulled by horse or donkey are the norm and farmers still make hay
with a pitchfork. Along the route you will visit several of the country's
most significant and historic Orthodox monasteries. Many churches
with ancient icons and colourful murals are scattered throughout the
region. The final cycling stage ends in Veliko Tarnovo ‑ one of the most
charming Balkan towns and the former Bulgarian capital.
I TINERARY: DAY 1 | Transfer from Sofia Airport to Plovdiv or Sofia
2| Cycle to Ribaritsa village via Glozhene Monastery (70km) 3 | Via Bogoi
P ass (1185m) to Shipkovo with mineral springs and Troyan Monastery
( 74km) 4 | Cycle to Etura ethnographic museum (55km) 5 | Short transfer
then cycle to Bozhentsi architectural reserve via Tryavna (52km) 6 | To Elena
( 48km) 7 | Cycle to Arbanasi, visit Veliko Tarnovo and transfer to Plovdiv
( 43km) 8 | Trip ends with transfer to airport
I NCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners Ξ 7 nights 3 star hotels and
g uesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (except day 3) Ξ 24
speed mountain bike or 21 speed road touring bike with helmets & panniers
Ξ support vehicle and English speaking guide/ driver Ξ information pack
including roadbook & maps Ξ transfers described in itinerary including from/
t o Sofia airport
Balkan Mountains Cycle
4 8 DAY GUIDED CYCLE GRADE
Cycling in the B alkans
Sofia
Shipkovo
Goliam
Izvor
Elena
Bulgaria
Romania
Turkey Greece
Serbia
| 121 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
DATES | 2015
27 Jun-04 Jul
11 Jul-18 Jul
25 Jul-01 Aug
08 Aug-15 Aug
22 Aug-29 Aug
05 Sep-12 Sep
DATES | 2015
01 Apr-08 Apr
16 May-23 May
13 Jun-20 Jun
27 Jun-04 Jul
18 Jul-25 Jul
01 Aug-08 Aug
19 Sep-26 Sep
Joining Sofia Joining Sofia