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The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria

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The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria
From $1,175USDBook Now
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8 days from $1,175USD
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The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria
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This is one of the finest guided hiking tours in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin mountain ranges are a wonderland of rugged peaks, brilliant glacial lakes, and enchanting forests. The best trails and most magnificent views of this region await you on the spectacular Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria guided hiking tour.

Explore the Rila mountain range, including the Seven Rila Lakes, the world-renowned Rila Monastery, and the summit of Mount Malyovitsa. Then transfer to the Pirin range, where you’ll discover traditional towns and villages such as Bansko, Dobarsko, and Melnik. Climb to the summit of Mount Vihren and spend a night beside Dark Lake at the Tevno Ezero mountain hut.

This tour seamlessly combines the best of this region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage into an experience you won’t soon forget. Book your Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria tour today!

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The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria

Trek through the beautiful Rila and Pirin mountain ranges in Bulgaria
4.80
(34 reviews)
8 days from $1,175USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Jun-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels, hut
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,175USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

This is one of the finest guided hiking tours in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin mountain ranges are a wonderland of rugged peaks, brilliant glacial lakes, and enchanting forests. The best trails and most magnificent views of this region await you on the spectacular Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria guided hiking tour.

Explore the Rila mountain range, including the Seven Rila Lakes, the world-renowned Rila Monastery, and the summit of Mount Malyovitsa. Then transfer to the Pirin range, where you’ll discover traditional towns and villages such as Bansko, Dobarsko, and Melnik. Climb to the summit of Mount Vihren and spend a night beside Dark Lake at the Tevno Ezero mountain hut.

This tour seamlessly combines the best of this region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage into an experience you won’t soon forget. Book your Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria tour today!

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Trip highlights

Witness the majesty of the Rila and Pirin ranges from the summits of Mount Malyovitsa and Mount Vihren.

Take a tour of the Rila Monastery, in the heart of the Rila mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay at the beautiful Tevno Ezero mountain hut beside Dark Lake, surrounded by stunning Pirin mountain views.

Encounter the traditional culture of Bulgaria, including food, music, and architecture.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Transfer to Rila Mountains
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.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel St. George, Govedartsi
Included Meals Dinner
Day 2
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Hike to the Summit of Mount Malyovitsa and Seven Rila Lakes
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.
Distance 7 hours
Overnight Location Hotel Magnolia, Panichiste
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
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Hike to Razdela Pass and the Rila Monastery
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.
Distance 6-7 hours
Overnight Location Gorski Kut, Rila
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
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Hike to Dobarsko, Transfer to Bansko
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.
Distance 6 hours
Overnight Location Yatse Guesthouse, Bansko
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
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Hike to the Summit of Mount Vihren
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.
Distance 6 hours
Overnight Location Yatse Guesthouse, Bansko
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
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Hike from Vihren Hut to Tevno Ezero Hut
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.
Distance 6-7 hours
Overnight Location Tevno Ezero Hut
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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Hike from Tevno Ezero Hut to a Village, Transfer to Melnik
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.
Distance 4 hours
Overnight Location Despot Slav, Melnik
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
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Departure Day
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!
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 guided hiking tour in Bulgarian Mountains! Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Guided Groups of 2-3: $2,295USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4-5: $1,295USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 6+: $1,175USD per person
What’s included

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour are included

Transportation during the Tour

All the transfers during the tour for you and your luggage are included. Transfers to and from the airport are included too.

Also Included

  • English-speaking guide during the tour
  • Gondola tickets

Not included

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

    Accommodation for The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria

    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 choose to pay a supplement and have a single room.

    In some cases, 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 to match up single travelers when possible.

    Frequently asked questions

    How hard is the Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria Tour?

    We rate this tour as a 3 / 5, though it is the border of being a 4/5. The reason for this rating is that you hike 6+ hours for most days on the tour. In addition, some hikes are on steeper terrain and reach elevations of up to 2,925m (9,596 ft).

    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 Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria Tour?

    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 Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria Tour in English?

    Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

    Where does The Summits and Ridges of Bulgaria Tour end?

    This tour ends where it starts – at Sofia Airport.

    Do I need special vaccines to travel to Bulgaria?

    Check with your family doctor.

    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.

    When is the best time to travel to Bulgaria for this hiking 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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