9-Days Epic Adventure in the heart of Bulgaria

Day 1: Sofia – In the Heart of the Eternal City

• Arrival at Sofia Airport. Meet our expert guide. • Discover Sofia: We begin with an interactive walking tour that unveils the 7000-year history of the city. We will touch on: o Roman roots: The ruins of ancient Serdica under the glass dome of the square. o Medieval gem: The Church of St. George (Rotunda) – the oldest building in the city. o Revival symbol: The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky – the stunning patriarchate of the Balkans. o The city's name: The modest, yet symbolic church of St. Sofia. • Welcome dinner at an authentic "mehana" in the center, where you will taste the first Bulgarian delicacies and local wine. A brief presentation about the upcoming adventure will follow. • Overnight stay in a stylish hotel in downtown Sofia.

Day 2: Iskar Gorge – On the Path of Eagles and Adrenaline

• Breakfast. • We travel north: Our route takes us through the picturesque Iskar Gorge – the longest river canyon in the Balkans. • Adventure #1 – Vazov Eco-Trail: A short but stunning walk along the rocky ledge above the Iskar River. The views are epic, and the feeling of freedom is unmatched. (Light difficulty, suitable for all). • Adventure #2 – Rafting on Iskar: Dressed in the necessary gear, we navigate rubber boats along the turbulent waters of the Iskar River. We will experience fun rapids and enjoy calm stretches to admire the sheer cliffs. (Suitable for beginners, with experienced instructors). • Relaxation: In the evening, we arrive at the small village of Opletinya, hidden in the mountains. • Dinner with local flavor and overnight stay in a family guesthouse or eco-hotel, where the only sounds are the whisper of the wind and the song of the crickets.

Day 3: Secrets of the Pre-Balkans

• Breakfast with fresh milk and homemade jam. • Art Journey: Transfer to Karlukovo, world-renowned for its woodcarving school and St. Nicholas Monastery. Walk to the Prohodna Cave (“Eyes of God”) – a natural rock arch with two openings resembling the eyes of God, where the wind sings its mysterious song. • Boating on Blue Waters: We stop in Zlatna Panega to ride a boat on the quiet waters of the karst river, accompanied by the local guide's stories. • We’ll devote some time to the rock phenomenon in the village of Uglan, where water has split the rock forming a natural arch. • Transfer to Lovech. • Evening walk across the covered Bridge of Lovers over the Osam River and through the bustling pedestrian zone of the city. • Dinner in a traditional restaurant famous for its Lovech grill and dishes. • Overnight stay in a hotel in Lovech.

Day 4: Caves and Waterfalls

• Breakfast. • Day of Nature Phenomena: o Devetaki Cave: We enter this megalithic cave, used by humans since the Stone Age. The grandeur and effect of light filtering through the openings in the ceiling are breathtaking. o Krushuna Waterfalls: A short walk to the Krushuna Waterfalls, which have formed wondrous karst lakes with turquoise color. o Choice of Adventure: Depending on the weather and the group's energy, we choose between:  The “Waterfall” Cave (for the more adventurous).  The mysterious karst spring “Urushka Maar” (a walk in the cave with swimming and climbing). • Dinner and overnight stay in the village of Emen.

Day 5: Canyoning and Medieval Fortresses

• Breakfast. • Choice of Morning Adventure: o For the extremists: Canyoning in the Emen Gorge! With equipment and instructors, we will descend rocks, swim in icy waters, and slide down natural water stairs in this wild and untouched canyon. o For the calmer: A hike to the waterfall in the gorge along a marked path to enjoy the beauty from the side. • Afternoon: Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo – the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian State. • Free time to explore the charming little shops and cafes in the Old Town. • Dinner with a view of the illuminated Tsarevets Fortress. • Overnight stay in a hotel with a view of the legendary Tarnovo meanders.

Day 6: Balkan Passes and Thracian Secrets

• Breakfast. • We travel through history: Our route takes us through the Balkan passes. o Gabrovo: A quick glance at "the city of humor and crafts" or the Ethnographic Complex Etar. o Shipka Peak: A tribute at the National Memorial Museum on Shipka Peak, a symbol of freedom. o Buzludzha: A stop for photographs in front of the iconic but abandoned monument of socialism on Buzludzha Peak. • We descend to the valley of the Thracians, where we will visit the tomb of Seft 3 and hear the captivating story of his sunken city. • In Kalofer, we stop to take a look at the highest permanently flowing waterfall in the Balkans, the Raikoto Praskalo. • We make a brief detour to visit another lesser-known but exceptionally beautiful waterfall. In the area, we will also take a short walk to feel the wild Balkans. • Dinner and overnight stay in the romantic Revival town of Karlovo, birthplace of Vasil Levski.

Day 7: Hiking in the Heart of the Stara Planina

• Breakfast. • Morning Energy: We will breathe fresh mountain air and enjoy the views (we will choose a route based on the season and the physical fitness of the group). • Relaxation: After the mountain adventure, transfer to the spa resort of Hisarya, known since Roman times for its healing mineral springs. • Free time to stroll along the fortress walls or explore independently. • Evening immersion: Visit to the warm mineral pools of the hotel or a local bath to relax the muscles. • Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Hisarya.

Day 8: Plovdiv – The City of Seven Hills

• Breakfast. • Transfer to Plovdiv (European Capital of Culture 2019). • City tour with a guide through the Old Town (UNESCO): o The Roman amphitheater o Renaissance house-museums with characteristic bay windows. o The Church of St. Constantine and Helena. o Nebet Tepe Hill with a panoramic view of the city. • Free time for shopping for handcrafted items or coffee in a charming venue. • Dinner in a restaurant in the Old Town with a folklore program (optional). • Overnight stay in a hotel in downtown Plovdiv.

Day 9: Back to Sofia and Departure

PERIOD

by request May to September

TOUR PROFILE

Duration: 9 days/8 overnights

Avarige activities : 7-8h per day

Meeting point: Sofia Airport

Activity Level: D Moderate to strenuous difficulty

Type: Guided tour

DETAILS

Accommodation: 8 nights in family hotels/guesthouses;

Food :8 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 1 dinners

Group size: Мин. 3; Мах. 10 участници

Transportation: Private van

PRICE

by request - depending of the season

Includes:

8 nights in family hotels/guesthouses (2 or 3 stars - Bulgarian classification);
Rafting tour;
Canyoning tour
Mountain Guide
Canyoning and Caving instructor
Kayaking Guide
Mountains insurance
All transfers between destinations
8 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 1 dinners
All needed equipment

Excludes: