prohodna cave

9-Day Adventure from the Waters of Iskar to the Spirit of Thrace

The Heart of Bulgaria: A 9-Day Adventure from the Waters of Iskar to the Spirit of Thrace

   Sofia – In the Heart of the Eternal City

   Iskar Gorge

  Prohodna Cave (“Eyes of God”)

   Zlatna Panega geo park

  Lovech town

  Devetaki Cave

  Krushuna Waterfalls

  The Valley of Roses

  Shipka, Buzludja monuments

  Veliko Tarnovo - old capital /Tsarevets Fortress

  Emen canyon

  Devetaki cave

  Prohodna cave sightseeng

  Negovanka canyon

  Stara reka reserve

  Plovdiv – The City of Seven Hills

  Hisarya - spa resort


Itinerary

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Breakfast. • Transfer back to Sofia (about 1.5 hours). • Depending on departure times, we offer an optional short walk or time for last-minute shopping in Sofia. • Transfer to Sofia Airport and Departure.
Canyoninig near Plovdiv

Rhodope Mountain canyoning

Canyoning day tour in Rodopi mountain

 
  Hidden gorge in Rodopi Mountain

  Cascade with more then 8 waterfalls


Day 1

8:00 AM – Meeting Point
Gather at the large grocery store parking lot in Plovdiv. Please arrive on time to ensure a prompt departure.

8:30 AM – Transfer to Tour Start
Board the transportation provided for a short drive to the beginning of the canyoning tour. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel to your adventure destination.

9:00 AM – Training Session
Upon arrival, participate in a comprehensive training session that will cover essential skills for canyoning. This includes instruction on climbing equipment, safety protocols, and rappelling techniques. Our experienced guides will ensure you are well-prepared for the day ahead.

10:00 AM – Hike to Canyon Entrance
After training, embark on a 40-minute hike to the entrance of the canyon. This trek will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and warm up for the adventure.

11:00 AM – Canyoning Adventure Begins
Dive into the exhilarating experience of canyoning! From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, navigate through the canyon, tackling various challenges such as rappelling down waterfalls, swimming through natural pools, and climbing over rocky terrain. Your guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring safety and providing assistance as needed.

5:00 PM – Equipment Collection
As the canyoning adventure comes to a close, gather your equipment and prepare for the return journey. Take a moment to reflect on the day’s experiences and capture any final photos.

6:00 PM – Departure
Depart from the canyon and return to the parking lot in Plovdiv. Arrive back in the city, where you can continue your evening with dinner or relaxation after an exciting day of adventure.


Video guide

Canyoning near Varna

Canyoning Balaban Gorge

Canyoning Balaban Gorge

 
  Tsonevo dam lake

  Wonderfull rock 

  Alpian trolay 

Day 1
10 30 h - Arrival in Asparuhovo village early in the morning.
10 30 – 11 00 h - Preparing the equipment and walking to the starting point.
11 00 – 12 00 h - Providing training route and conducting rappel training.
12 00 - 15 00 h - Entering in the canyon.
16 00 - 17 00 h - Moving trough some waterfalls and rocks to the lunch place and after that departure.

Canyoning Bulgaria Veselinovo

Canyoning Veselinovo

Canyoning Veselinovo

  “Big jump” waterfall

  “Small jump” waterfall

  Thracian sanctuary “Sofrata“

  “Saraya“ cave

Day 1
10 30 h – Arrival at the starting point at Veselinovo village
10 30 – 11 00 h – Assembling the equipment
11 00 – 12 00 h – Instructions and short training course (canyoning, climbing equipment, safety, rappeling)
12 00 – 12 30 h – Lunch
12 30 – Entering the canyon
13 30 – 14 00 h – Reaching the waterfall equipping for rappelling
14 00 – 16 00 h – Rappelling on the waterfall
16 00 – 17 00 h – Free time and assembling the equipment
17 00 – 18 00 h – Back to the cars
18 00 h – Departure

TRIP PROFILE

Duration: 1day
Average daily activities: 5 hours
Average paddling duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Village of Veselinovo
Activity level: EASY ACTIVE


TRIP DETAILS

Accommodation: no accommodation
Food: BBQ or sandwiches and energy blocks.
Group: Min. 2; Max. 9 participants


PRICE

pax 2-3 4-7 7-10 10-12
price 70€ 60€ 50€ 40€

Price includes:
• Instructor/ Guide
• Training
• Full canyoning equipment (helmet, seat, neoprene suit, ropes, harnesses)
• BBQ in the nature (specify before trip)
• Transportation from and to Varna


WHAT TO BRING

• Clothes to change
• Sports shoes
• Towel
• Swimming suits or Termo underwear

Trip Code: CNN • 1 day • Week days


AVAILABLE

April to September


LOCATION

Distance from:
• Varna - 120 km
• Sofia - 384 km
Start from Varna or Goledn Sands

Canyoning Negovanka

Canyoning Negovanka river

Canyoning Negovanka river

  “Momin skok“ waterfall

  12 meters rappelling

  First eco trail in Bulgaria

  Emenska cave


Day Canyoning Tour on the Negovanka River near Emen

Join us for an exhilarating day of canyoning on the stunning Negovanka River, nestled near the picturesque village of Emen, just 26 km west of Veliko Tarnovo. This adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike!

10:00 AM – Meeting at Adventure Camp Emen
Your adventure begins as we gather at the heart of Emen village. Here, you’ll meet your experienced guides and fellow adventurers, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Training Session
Before we dive into the canyoning experience, we’ll conduct a comprehensive training session near the Emen Cave. During this time, you’ll learn about canyoning techniques, familiarize yourself with climbing equipment, and receive essential safety instructions, including rappelling techniques. Our expert guides will ensure you feel confident and prepared for the adventure ahead.

12:30 PM – Refreshments
After the training, enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee to energize you for the journey. It is a time to pack food for the canyon. Take a moment to soak in the beautiful surroundings and connect with your fellow adventurers.

1:00 PM – Walk to the Canyon Start Point
We’ll embark on a scenic walk to the beginning of the canyon, where the excitement truly begins. We can either stroll through the village or take the van to reach the starting point of the canyon.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Canyoning Adventure
Once we reach the canyon, it’s time to put your training into action! Over the next three hours, you’ll navigate through the stunning canyon, experiencing the thrill of rappelling down waterfalls, traversing rocky terrain, and swimming in clear pools.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Rappelling or Jumping at “Momin Skok” Waterfall
One of the highlights of the day will be rappelling down the magnificent “Momin Skok” waterfall. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you descend this breathtaking natural feature, surrounded by the beauty of the canyon.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Equipment Collection and Return to Camp
After an exhilarating day of canyoning, we’ll gather our equipment and begin our return to the camp. Reflect on the day’s adventures and share stories with your fellow participants as we make our way back.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Departure
As our canyoning tour comes to a close, we’ll depart from Emen, filled with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment or stay and overnight in the Adventure Camp Emen. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or trying canyoning for the first time, this day tour promises excitement, camaraderie, and a deep connection with nature.

Join us for an unforgettable canyoning experience on the Negovanka River, where adventure and natural beauty await!


Video guide

Video guide