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What you can expect

Scenery

Spectacular scenery!

Plovdiv and Sofia

Sightseeing in Plovdiv and Sofia

Walking programme

Full and Varied walking programme

About the trip

With its wildlife, high mountains, dense forests and variety of lakes and rivers, Bulgaria is an exciting destination for a walking holiday. Join us on this great value, walking-themed tour as we explore the magnificent natural, cultural and historical landmarks of this fascinating country.

Activity Level:

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What's included?

  • Return flights & transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Twin/Double room for sole use
  • Welcome drink
  • Breakfast daily at the hotel, 7 dinners and 5 lunches
  • 5 guided walks
  • Visits to Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Rojen monastery, Trigrad gorge, Shiroka Laka, The Wonderful Bridges, Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

Itinerary

  • UK-Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko-Smolyan
  • Smolyan
  • Plovdiv - Sofia
  • Sofia - UK

Extras

  • Insurance click here

What you’ll be doing

DAY 1

UK-Bansko

After landing at Sofia airport, meet your Solos Tour Leader and local guide and transfer to the beautiful old town of Bansko. Enjoy a short briefing about your holiday and dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

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DAY 2

Bansko

After breakfast we can enjoy our first day hiking in the beautiful Pirin mountain range. We commence our walk at a mountain hut at 2000m located beneath the imposing Mount Vihren – the highest peak of the range. Our hike will take us past the gorgeous Banderitsa Lakes, just some of the hundreds of glacial lakes in the area, until we reach the Todorka saddle from where you can marvel at the panoramic views.

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DAY 3

Bansko

Today we will visit Rila – the other mountain range in Bulgaria. We will start with a morning transfer through the lush forests of the “Water mountain”, where we will visit the world famous Rila monastery – a UNESCO listed site. After a picnic lunch, the hike through the picturesque valley will bring us to the so called Dry Lake, where we can enjoy the unspoiled nature of Rila, before we return back to our hotel.

  • Rila, Length approx 9km
  • Total ascent is 349 meters, same descent. . The hike takes 3.30 hours, maximum elevation is 1950 m. above sea level.
  • Overnight Bansko.
  • 4* Hotel Casa Karina
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 4

Bankso

We have a well-earned break from walking today and we can enjoy an included visit the charming village of Melnik. Set in a picturesque valley, with good sandy soil and with 350 sunny days per year it’s no wonder that this region is home to the world famous Bulgarian wine cellars! After an included wine tasting we can enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

  • Melnik, Length approx 4.5km
  • Total descent 324 m. The hike takes 1.30 hours, maximum elevation is 659 m. above sea level.
  • Overnight Bansko.
  • 4* Hotel Casa Karina
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 5

Bansko-Smolyan

After breakfast, we transfer to the village of Dolen, an amazing example of an ancient Bulgarian settlement often referred to as an ‘open air museum’. After a picnic lunch we set off on our hike through lush meadows and forests down to Trigrad, visiting the famous Trigrad gorge and the ‘Devil’s throat’ cave the largest underground waterfall in the Balkan Peninsula. Later, we continue onto the town of Smolyan nestled in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.

  • Trigrad, Length approx 9km
  • Total ascent is 388 meters, total descent is 659 meters. The hike takes 3.30 hours, maximum elevation is 1344 m. above sea level.
  • Overnight Smolyan.
  • 3* Hotel Crystal
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 6

Smolyan

This morning we can enjoy a light hike to the ‘Canyon of the Waterfalls,’ hidden deep in the highest part of the Rhodope Mountains. After a picnic lunch, we visit the village of Shiroka Luka, an amazing perfectly preserved architectural reserve.

  • Rhodope Mountains, Length approx 9km
  • Total ascent is 401 meters, same descent. The hike takes 3.30 hours, maximum elevation is 1462 m. above sea level.
  • Overnight Smolyan.
  • 3* Hotel Crystal
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 7

Plovdiv - Sofia

After Breakfast we make our way to the Medieval Asen’s Fortress with its beautiful 12th Century church and Bachkovo monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria and home of some of the finest frescoes of Orthodox Christianity. We will contiune our tour in Plovdiv ancient town. Later we transfer to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and check into our centrally located hotel. Here the guide will take us for panoramic tour of the historical centre of Sofia.

  • Overnight Sofia.
  • 4* St Sofia Hotel
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 8

Sofia - UK

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport before our return flight to the UK.

  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

Best of Bulgaria

During your holiday you stay in a selection of 3* and 4* hotels as stated in the itinerary

  • 4* Hotel Casa Karina
  • 3* Hotel Crystal
  • 4* St. Sofia

Frequently Asked Questions

Average Temperatures

Month(s) Highest temperature Lowest temperature
January 2 °C -5 °C
February 5 °C -3 °C
March 10 °C °C
April 16 °C 5 °C
May 21 °C 10 °C
June 24 °C 14 °C
July - August 27 °C 15 °C
September 23 °C 11 °C
October 16 °C 7 °C
November 9 °C 3 °C
December 4 °C -2 °C

Our Reviews

“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”

“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”

“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”

“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”

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