A member state of the European Union since 2007 Bulgaria has an ancient and rich history. ... journey with the Argonauts
EUROPEAN WALKING HOLIDAYS 2015
BULGARIA: THE LAND OF ORPHEUS
GREAT VALUE
8-day / 7-night self-guided inn-to-inn walking holiday in the spectacular Rodopi Mountains
A member state of the European Union since 2007 Bulgaria has an ancient and rich history. Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is a rapidly changing city with a history dating back some 7000 years. The Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs and Turks have all conquered this country leaving their distinctive traces on the architecture, language, gastronomy and culture. The Rodopi Mountains are believed to be the birthplace of the mythical hero Orpheus, who with his lyre made animals and beasts docile, and trees dance. Most famously he took part in the journey with the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece. Our self-guided walking holiday takes you through these ancient lands, known as the 'green heart of Europe' where you will discover vast pinewoods, reputedly the largest in the Balkans. The people of these mountains, make their living by working on the land. They are very hospitable although English is not widely spoken or understood. The walking paths will show you through some of the most spectacular parts of the Rodopi Mountains including the Trigrad Gorge, the Devil’s Throat Cave and Miraculous Bridges. You will discover unspoiled nature at its best. In the villages of Sitovo and Shiroka Laka there is a chance to meet the locals and to eat delicious meals prepared with organic food. Visit one of the country's largest monasteries at Bachkovo, and in Plovdiv's old town you will find a melting pot of the many different cultures. Departs:
Daily on demand May to October
Cost:
$795 per person twin share
Single Room Supplement: $195
Included: 7-nights of accommodation in small family-run hotels with half board basis except in Plovdiv (breakfast only), return airport transfers, transport to/from walks, walking maps and route notes, luggage transfers Not Included: Flights, lunches, dinner in Plovdiv on days 1 and 7, tips, personal expenses, drinks, entrance fees Getting there: There are flights into Sofia’s airport from many international destinations by many airlines including Bulgaria Air and Easyjet. Sofia is linked by train to Vienna (via Budapest and Belgrade) and Istanbul. When to go: May and September are the best months to go. July and August can be quite hot but early morning starts will reduce the impact of the heat. Singles: This tour is not available for single travellers.
Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on 1800 331 582 for details or reservations
Suggested itinerary: The itinerary may change due to local conditions or changes necessary for operational reasons. You will be given full details when you collect your final documents & will receive maps on arrival. Day 1: Arrive in Plovdiv Arrive into Sofia or Plovdiv Airport where we have arranged a transfer to your first accommodation (included in the cost). Plan to arrive early enough to explore this small village before dinner. Day 2: Plovdiv - Yagodina cave - Trigrad An easy introduction to the Rodopi Mountains today with a transfer to the Yagodina caves, among the most beautiful in Europe. From here the walk winds uphill through conifer woods with views down to the river valley. Following a woodcutters track you reach the small village of Trigrad, your base for the next two nights. This peaceful location is a great area for bird watching. 4-hours walking @ 15km - ascent @ 650m descent 250m. Day 3: Trigrad - Chairski Lakes - Trigrad gorge - Trigrad Today’s walk starts with a charming gentle ascent from the village by forest trail leading into alpine meadows full of wildflowers with orchids during the summer. The trail winds its way to the three Chairski Lakes dropping down into the Trigrad Gorge before tracing the Livadnitsa River and the 250m high cliffs to the Devil’s Throat Caves and onward to Trigrad. The spectacular waterfall inside the caves here is one of the highest in Europe, some 42m - a spectacular underground experience. 6-hours walking @ 21km ascent @ 900m descent 700m. Day 4: Trigrad - Beden - Liaskovo Transfer to Beden village and follow a forest trail to Dry Peak ridge weaving through forests, picturesque hills and lush green alpine meadows full of wildflowers in early summer. The views from the top at 1508m can be magnificent if the weather is clear. The trail goes gently down to Liaskovo, a village relatively unspoiled by the influence of modern times, to stay the night. 6½ hours walking @ 21km; ascent @ 550m descent 650m Day 5: Liaskovo - Miraculous Bridges - Orehovo A challenging walk through forests along ancient trails criss-crossing streams to reach an Alpine meadow, then a steep climb to the highest point in the trek (at 1890m) with panoramic views across the mountains. Then a descent to the Miraculous Bridges rock formations where a transfer will take you to the village of Orehovo to stay overnight. 5 hours walking @ 16km; ascent @ 900m descent 500m. Day 6: Circular walk from Orehovo A circular hike in the area of Orehovo, the route leads you to a beautiful river gorge, waterfalls and rock formations. Stay another night in Orehovo. 4 hours walking @ 12km; ascent @ 350m descent 350m. Day 7: Orehovo - Kosovo - Bachkovo Monastery - Plovdiv In the morning walk to Kosovo village and traditional style houses. Then transfer to the Bachkovo Monastery, one of southern Bulgaria’s architectural gems, then onto Plovdiv where you can explore the 15 th Century fortress of Assan complete with 9th Century chapel perched high on a rock promontory. There is also the ruin of a Roman amphitheatre. Your last night is in Plovdiv. 5 hours walking @ 14km; ascent 450m descent 600m. Day 8: Tour ends after breakfast in Plovdiv. Transfer to either Plovdiv airport to Sofia.
Outdoor Travel offers walking holidays in the Tatra Mountains in Poland; the Lycian Coast in Turkey; the Dachstein Alps and Oetz Valley of Austria; in France the Dordogne, Provence, in Spain walks in Andalucia, Catalonia and Picos de Europa; in Italy the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Tuscany or Umbria. Contact Outdoor Travel or your travel agent for more itinerary details and reservations: Call Toll free 1800 331 582 or (03) 57551743 Fax (03) 57501020 Email:
[email protected] Web: http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/ Mail: Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, PO Box 286, Bright VIC 3741, Australia
