Hiking along the Thracians’ Trail in Bulgaria (Rhodopes), 8 days

Join UIMLA certified mountain leader Snezhana for this extraordinary 8-days hiking the fascinating, beautiful and ancient Thracians' Trail in Bulgaria!

Group

Rhodope Mountains

8 Days

Mar - May, Sep, Oct

Intermediate

Beginner

Highlights

Come and discover the ancient and mysterious Tharacian city of Perperikon
Explore and learn about ancient Tharacian sanctuaries of Tatul and Belintash
Take your time as you wonder around the Rila and Bachkovo monasteries
Join local and experienced guides as you enjoy Plovdiv, Sofia and Koprivshtitsa

Description

If you love history and hiking then this trip combines the best of both your worlds. Come and visit the ancient sites of the Thracian culture, whilst you spend 8 days hiking through the gorgeous Rhodopes mountain range in Bulgaria!

Situated about 200km southeast of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia and about 50km north of the border with Greece, the Rhodopes mountain range present a stunning alpine/mediterranean landscape.

This region was home to the ancient Thracian civilisation, an Indo-European culture made up of about 200 tribes. They settled a vast area of south-eastern Europe including the Balkans.

You will enjoy a series of thematic tours that will reveal a mystery and magic behind the Thracian history.

Starting in Sofia, we’ll conduct a round trip to the Rhodopes, visiting amazing places on route.

You will explore the ancient city of Perperikon, where the famous temple of Dionysius (the supreme Thracian deity) is supposed to be located!

You can walk along the Rose Valley and witness the numerous tombs that lay there and the unique gold treasures that were found.

There are rock sanctuaries in the mountains of amazing construction, just waiting to be seen. This ancient Thracian culture has so much to offer and will leave you dazzled!

On our way back to Sofia we’ll stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Rila Monastery. A wonderful architectural gem, it is the largest monastery in the country.

Some previous hiking experience would be useful for this trip, although not a requirement. You should be comfortable hiking for several hours a day with a backpack.

If you love hiking and you’d like to learn about a mysterious and ancient European culture of the Balkans then sign up now because this trip is perfect for you!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia/ Koprivshtitsa

Arrival in Sofia.

Transfer to Koprivshtitsa (110 km) – a historic town with a large number of archeological monuments from the Bulgarian National Rivival (19th c) period.

Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.

Day 2: Starosel/Bachkovo monastery

Transfer to Starosel to visit the Thracian tomb.

Transfer to the history museum of Panagyurishte, where we can see a replica of the famous tracian gold treasure.

Transfer to Bachkvo monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria.

Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.

Day 3: Belantash/ Utrobata cave/Borovitsa lake

A visit to the stone plateau of Belantash, considered the second largest Thracian sanctuary after Perperikon.

Transfer to the village of Sokolite and where we’ll visit the rock formation – “The Mushroom”.

It is one of a multitude of single rock formations in the Rhodopes, dotted with cultural niches – cut by the “stone people” civilisation.

Hike to the Utrobata cave.

Accommodation in a hotel.

3-3.5 hours on trail. Ascent 400 m/ Descent 400 m

Day 4: Perperikon/ The “Stone wedding”/ Kardzhali

Transfer to the ancient city of Perperikon.

Discoverd in 2000 it is believed to be the temple of Ionysius and is the largest megalith ensemble at the Balkans.

In the afternoon we’ll hike to one of the several hills around the Studen kladenec dam.

Transfer to Kardzhali.

Accommodation in а monastery.

4-5 hours on trail. Ascent 400 m/ Descent 400 m

Day 5: Tatul/ Petrified forest/Harman kaya

Today’s hike will start from the ancient sanctuary in Tatul, where we will travel back 30 milllion years – to when the “petrified forest” was formed.

It will lead us to the rock sanctuary – Harman kaya.

Transfer back to Kardzhali.

4 hours on trail. Ascent 200 m/ Descent 200 m

Day 6: Kardzhali/Plovdiv

Transfer to Plovdiv.

Visit of the old town – the Roman theater and stadium.

The typical 19th century bulgarian houses.

Transfer and accommodation in Samokov.

Day 7: Rila monastery / Sofia

Transfer to the Rila monastery (130 km).

Founded in the 10th century, it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and is regarded as the most important cultural, architectural and historical monument.

It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transfer to Sofia.

Accommodation in a hotel.

Day 8: Sofia guided tour/Departure

About the guide

Snezhana

4.7

(7)

Mountain Leader

I was born and grew up in the town of Samokov and mountains have always been part of my life in one way or another - from surroundings they turned into passion that absorbed my free time and later determined my way of life.

I have an experience of guiding English and French groups (for Vision du monde) in the Bulgarian mountains, organizer of tailor-made travels.

I am a passionate traveller interested in photography, skiing or simply discovering new places.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

UIMLA

Request more information

What people are saying about Snezhana

Ashley

I loved my experience. Snezhana was brilliant and made me feel really confident and comfortable about the hike. Start to finish, the hike was so much fun. It was challenging at times with the high temperatures but felt like a massive achievement once I had completed it. The hike and my whole solo trip to Bulgaria has been life changing for me. I would highly recommend this hike, Snezhana as a guide, explore-share as a company and Bulgaria as an amazing country to visit.

Philip

Had 3 Amazing days hiking in the Rila mountains, where I could relax whilst my superb guide Snezhana, did all the navigating for me. Day 1 summit Malyovitza, 2729m great views. Day 2 the 7 Rila Lakes, stunning. Day 3 summit Musala 2925m, the highest mountain in the Balkans. Also beautiful views. Both 7 Rila Lake's and musala you take ski Lifts, which take you most way up. Did this trip between 11th to 13th September 2023. Would highly recommend. Thankyou Explore-share for making this trip for me.

Vanja

We loved our day hike to Mt Musala (the highest peak in Bulgaria) with Snezhana. Her communicaton was great throughout the booking process and regarding the timing and logistics. The weather wasn't great on the day but that didn't deter us having a great hike and added to the mysteries feel in the mountains. Enjoyed Snezhana's guiding and her sharing about her other experiences in the mountain. And a nice person all around!