Conquer the highest peak between the Alps and the Caucasus
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Overview
Highlights
- Hike 6 days
- Reach the highest summit in the Balkans 2925m
- Hike and national parks Rila and Pirin
- Visit Sofia and Thessaloniki
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Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- • 7 nights bed and breakfast at 3 and 4 star hotels and other accommodation • Minibus transfers from and to airports (for the recommended flights only) • Minibus transfers to and from the starting and finishing points of the hikes or sightseeing visits, depending on the itinerary • Local English-speaking certified mountain and tourist guides for all hikes and sightseeing trips, depending on the itinerary
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Itinerary
We will meet in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, at midday. Following lunch, we will take a tour of the city centre. We will visit the Alexandar Nevski cathedral, one of the most recognizable Sofia landmarks, and we will then head straight for the mountains. We will arrive at the resort of Panichishte, where, time permitting, we can visit the gorgeous 70m (230ft) Skakavitsa Waterfall before supper.
We will go by cable car to the foot of the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque and will then trek past the lakes (each named after their most characteristic feature, e.g. the Kidney Lake, the Twin Lake and the Trefoil Lake). Passing the Malyovitsa Summit 2729m (8953ft), we descen...
Today we climb the Balkans’ highest summit: Musala, a unique experience as we ascend up stone rivers and past glacier lakes and alpine huts. We plan to stay in the Everest mountain hut for the evening at 2725m (8940ft), following our descent from Musala. Expect to do at least 7-8 hours of effective walking during this day.
After descending to Borovetz, we will be transferred to Bansko at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, where we will have a well-deserved break from hiking before exploring the mountains the next day. In the afternoon we can take a cable car to view the terrain for our hikes over the next two days.
In the morning we visit one of the most picturesque parts of the Pirin: the Banderishki Lakes Cirque. We pass some of the 16 glacial lakes, which reveal themselves one by one as we climb the terraces. We will walk through the Todorina Porta (Todora’s Gate), which take...
We’ll start early as we attempt to climb Vihren: Bulgaria’s second-highest and the Pirin’s highest summit. Breathtaking views offer themselves to us as we climb through the Golem Kazan (Giant Cauldron) area, bounded by the 400m-tall (1312ft) northern face of Vihren. T...
Today is a leisure and rest day, and we are staying in a hotel with thermal spa facilities. We will have a full day to enjoy the waters, whose temperature ranges from 42°C to 81°C. Optional short hikes are possible, as the town of Sandanski is located near beautiful forests. Bulgarian cuisine is an inventive mix of Mediterranean, Slavic and Oriental influences.
In the morning we will head towards Melnik, a town which has preserved its 19th century architecture and is located in the middle of a wine region. There are natural pyramid-like formations with hiking trails, which we could visit. Alternatively, we could have a wine-...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Hiking the Balkans.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Hiking the Balkans Reviews & Ratings
Stunning views, good hikes and great hospitality
It was my first ever trip with Hiking the Balkans, so I had no expectations. I was pleasently surprised by the professionalism, the choice of accommodation, trails a...
Other Hiking the Balkans Reviews
Stunning views, good hikes and great hospitality
It was my first ever trip with Hiking the Balkans, so I had no expectations. I was pleasently surprised by the professionalism, the choice of accommodation, trails a...
Great trail running adventure
I had been to Skopje once before, where I looked at Mt Vodno and dreamt of doing a trail run up it. Fortunately, Hiking the Balkans managed to get me in touch with D...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- • Travel/health insurance – please arrange your own in order to be able to join this trip • Flights – you need to purchase your own flights out to Sofia and back from Thessaloniki • Tickets for cable cars • Lunches and evening meals in restaurants • Personal expenses, optional activities, souvenirs
Accommodation
Breakfast and lunch packs only
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