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Join our multi-activity adventure as we explore this beautiful and diverse country on foot, by kayak and on two wheels! Our multi activity holiday has been specifically designed for those who seek fun, variety and action in the fresh mountain air. A melting pot of natural beauty, millennium old culture and ancient traditions, Bulgaria offers a real taste of the great outdoors!
Extras
Our first stop is Smolyan, a beautiful old town situated in the dense forests of the Rhodope Mountains. On the way we will stop off at the medieval Bachkovo Monastery. This evening we will enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and a short briefing about what we can look forward to over the next week.
After breakfast we drive to the magnificent “Canyon of the Waterfalls”, hidden deep in the highest part of the Rhodope Mountains. From here we will take a hike (3.30hours some parts are up hill) and have an included picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will return back to our hotel in Smolyan to relax before enjoying a traditional Bulgarian dinner.
Today we will visit the beautiful Smolyan lakes – one of the most stunning areas of the mountain. Our trail will follow the route between the lakes, up through the Snejanka summit with its TV tower, all the way to Pamporovo – one of the largest ski resorts in Bulgaria. We will stop for lunch at a local cafeteria. In the afternoon we will visit the village of Shiroka Luka – an amazing, perfectly preserved architectural reserve. Next is a short transfer to the village of Trigrad, situated between vertical rocks faces and where we will be staying for the night.
After breakfast we will visit the Yagodina cave network, one of the most impressive cave systems in Europe and there we can follow the path that takes you straight down in to this underground world. It is also one of the few places in the world where cave pearls and ‘leopard skin’ can be seen. We will then walk through the beautiful Rhodopes back to the village of Trigrad where we have lunch in a traditional restaurant.
This morning we travel to Devin stopping on the way to view the rock phenomena “The Elephant”. After we settle in our hotel it’s time for our three hour mountain bike adventure! (All equipment and helmets are provided). As this is a more challenging activity, you can opt for an alternative option by taking part in an easy hike in the Devin vicinity, to enjoy the fantastic green canyon, carved by the thermal spring. After our morning activity we have lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a dip in one of the Devin mineral springs and pool or take advantage of the facilities at our hotel. Dinner will be taken at out hotel this evening.
Today we travel to Beglika, a high mountain lake, where we take to the water in our kayaks! A professional instructor will give us a lesson in the calm waters before we have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we have some free time where you can practice further with the kayaks or just relax on the shores of a lake! After our day at the lake we transfer back to Devin for our overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Today we leave the mountains behind and head to Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia. Our route back will take us past more beautiful mountain landscapes with lakes and the historical town of Batak. After we arrive in Sofia we will enjoy a walking tour of the city centre where we can see the main sites including Boyana Church (UNESCO), the Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the parliament building. The evening will finish with dinner in a traditional restaurant.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport before our return flight to the UK.
During your holiday you stay in a selection of 3* and 4* hotels
Frequently Asked Questions
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Bulgaria Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Compulsory vaccinations: None
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Bulgaria
The transfer from Sofia Airport to our hotel is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, dependent on weather and traffic.
Bulgarian Lev – many places only take cash and it is not possible to pay with card.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of 40 Bulgarian Lev (equivalent to €20) per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 3 °C | -3 °C |
| March | 7 °C | °C |
| April | 10 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 8 °C |
| June | 20 °C | 12 °C |
| July - August | 21 °C | 13 °C |
| September | 18 °C | 11 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 7 °C | 1 °C |
| December | 5 °C | -1 °C |
“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!”
