Day 1: Sofia - Plovdiv - Hiking route in the Rhodope Mountains

We will arrive to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, we'll head from Sofia to the Sredna Gora mountain range, one of the Balkan mountain ranges. We'll continue to Plovdiv, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria: the city is spread along the Maritsa River, flowing slowly between the city's quarters. We'll stroll through the colorful streets of the old town and wander with the residents of Plovdiv in the modern and spacious pedestrian street in the heart of the city. After a pleasant lunch break, we'll head to Asen's Fortress, where an impressive Byzantine fortress from the Middle Ages is located, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the granite peaks crowning the green Rodopi Mountains. From there, we'll continue to another beautiful and picturesque viewpoint of the amazing arches, a magnificent creation of nature, marvelous karst hills nestled amidst the beech forests in the heart of the Rodopi Mountains: from there, we'll start our hiking route towards the village of Zabardo, a path that seems to be taken from fairy tales. If we're lucky, we might spot bears or wolves before we reach the village from where we'll drive to the ski resort town of Pamporovo for overnight accommodation and dinner.

Day 2: Pamporovo - Shiroka Laka - Trigrad Gorge - Yagodina - Devin

Another wonderful morning in the Rhodope Mountains chain. We'll set off on a short drive to the pastoral landscape, adorned with colorful patches of flowers. We'll visit the small village of Shiroka Laka, the village of St. Stephen, one of the important saviors of the Jewish community in Bulgaria during World War II, moments before the terrible deportations, the quiet and picturesque village situated on the banks of a river. We'll stroll among the picturesque village houses and perhaps have a heartfelt conversation with the locals. We'll continue among the green mountains to descend to hike the stunning Yagodina Canyon, from where we'll continue to the Trigrad Canyon, to visit the "Devil's Throat" cave, inside which a river flows into a high waterfall. Here, according to ancient belief, Orpheus descended into Hades. From there, we'll start the hiking route connecting the beautiful villages against the backdrop of the marvelous Trigrad Canyon and then proceed by drive to the village of Devin for overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Devin - Suhodol Peak - Kovachevitsa - Ognyanovo - Bansko

Another magnificent morning in the Rhodope Mountains chain. Today we embark on a hike along what is known as "the ecological trail of Devin", a hiking trail through the beautiful green trees. From here, we'll continue north to the picturesque natural pyramids of Stob, where we'll take a short walk to witness the unique natural phenomenon of the area and continue to the architectural reserve of the village Kovachevitsa where we'll walk among the village houses built in the classic Bulgarian style under Ottoman rule. After the tour of the village, we'll continue to another famous village, Ognyanovo, known for its hot thermal springs, where we'll soothe our muscles from the hiking trails we've traversed so far and then proceed by drive to Bansko, Bulgaria's famous ski and amusement town, where we'll stay overnight and have dinner.

Day 4: Bansko - Bezbog Peak - Bansko - Banya Village Spa - Bansko

Welcome to the Rila Mountains chain, this morning we'll set off on a drive to one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Bulgaria, the picturesque Rila Monastery nestled in the heart of the range. We'll admire the beauty of the frescoes adorning all its walls, depicting scenes from the stories of the Bible and the New Testament. We'll visit the monastery museum displaying the everyday tools of the monks' lives, alongside ancient and adorned manuscripts. From there, we'll continue north to the natural pyramids of Stob, where we'll embark on a short hiking tour amidst the unique natural phenomenon of the area and then proceed to the hotel located in the heart of the Rila Mountains in the picturesque village of Borovets for overnight accommodation and dinner.

Day 5: Borovets - Seven Rila Lakes Route - Sofia

We'll start the day with a short drive to the cable car that will take us to the Seven Rila Lakes hut located at an altitude of 2,150 meters, above the forest line. Our hiking route will start from the hut and pass through the famous Rila Lakes. It will be a breathtaking day of hiking, and at its end, we'll descend back with the cable car to the bus and travel to Sofia (two hours drive). Upon arrival, we'll head for a concluding dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay and dinner in Sofia.

Day 6: Sofia

We'll depart on a journey to the vibrant city center to get to know the beautiful city located in the center of a valley surrounded by mountain ranges. We'll pass over the Eagle Bridge, the Lions' Bridge, the University Building, visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden domes, and honorably visit the ancient Bulgarian synagogue, witness the Parliament building, and more, as much as time allows us.

Day 7: Sofia

We'll depart on a journey to the vibrant city center to get to know the beautiful city located in the center of a valley surrounded by mountain ranges. We'll pass over the Eagle Bridge, the Lions' Bridge, the University Building, visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden domes, and honorably visit the ancient Bulgarian synagogue, witness the Parliament building, and more, as much as time allows us. After the tours, we'll head to the airport for the return flight back home.