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The northern and central parts of the Balkan Mountains are famous for their unspoiled nature, lush valleys, sheer cliffs and gentle rolling hills with sheep grazing peacefully in their pastures. Starting from the small village of Goliam Izvor there is enormous opportunity for unique cycling. Passing through the Central Balkan National Park, the narrow roads meander through valleys, forests and quaint villages that have not changed for centuries. Wooden carts pulled by horse or donkey are not uncommon and farmers still make hay with a pitchfork. Along the route you will visit several significant and historic Orthodox monasteries. Many churches with ancient icons and colourful murals are scattered throughout the region. The final cycling stage ends in Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most charming Balkan towns and the former Bulgarian capital.
More info about grading system
33kg of CO2-e PP per day
(233kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Sofia
Make your way to your hotel in Sofia. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city. We can assist with a private transfer from the airport to the hotel on request - please ask for our rates.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Goliam Izvor and cycle to Ribaritsa village (47.5km/29.7mi)
This morning after breakfast (own arrangements) you will be picked up from your hotel in Sofia and drive to Golyam Izvor village, the starting point of our ride. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. Ascent 620m, Descent 510m
Meals: D
Day 3
Cycle via the Bogoi Pass and Troyan to Apriltsi (77km/48mi)
We start today's ride with an ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day - Bogoi pass (1185m a.s.l). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass through the village of Shipkovo, where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre, we will visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We will spend the night in the small town of Apriltsi. Ascent: 970m, Descent: 1060m
Meals: B,D
Day 4
A picturesque cycle via cultural landmarks to Gabrovo (67km/41.8mi)
Today's ride begins in the Ostrets district of Apriltsi and follows quiet paved roads through the picturesque foothills of the Central Balkan Mountains. We cycle through rural landscapes and forested areas on our way to Batoshevo Monastery, one of the most important spiritual and cultural landmarks in the region. Continuing towards Gabrovo, we stop for lunch before heading to the nearby Etar (Etura) Architectural-Ethnographic Complex. Here, we will spend more time exploring the open-air museum, famous for its traditional crafts, water-powered workshops, and beautifully preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture. Instead of walking in the open-air museum you can cycle an additional 6km to the nearby Sokolski Monastery. After the visit, we return to Gabrovo for the night. Ascent: approx. 900m, Descent: approx. 850m
Meals: B
Day 5
Cycle to Tryavna to the traditional mountain village of Bozhentsi (58km/36.3mi)
Today we ride east from Gabrovo through the wooded foothills of the Balkan Mountains towards the picturesque town of Tryavna. The route follows quiet paved roads with rolling terrain and scenic views. Upon arrival, we will have time to explore Tryavna's well-preserved old town, renowned for its Bulgarian Revival architecture, traditional woodcarving school, and charming central square. After lunch, we continue to the nearby village of Bozhentsi, one of Bulgaria's best-preserved architectural and historical reserves. Surrounded by forests and cobbled streets, Bozhentsi offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a traditional Bulgarian mountain village. Overnight in Bozhentsi. Ascent: 1010m, Descent: 1000m
Day 6
Visit Dryanovo monastery, cycle from Yalovo to Elena (46km/28.8mi)
A transfer in the morning brings us to the Dryanovo monastery. We will explore the beautiful Orthodox monastery and visit the cave nearby. Today's ride starts from the village of Yalovo. We continue east along quiet country roads through rolling countryside, forests, and traditional villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam. On the way, you have a possibility for an optional detour to the village of Rayuvtsi. There you will see an exclusive open-air exhibition of hundreds of sculptures of important for Bulgaria historical figures. Overnight in Elena, one of Bulgaria's most charming historic mountain towns, renowned for its preserved Revival architecture and rich cultural heritage. Ascent: 800m, Descent: 800m
Day 7
Cycle to Arbanasi, visit Veliko Tarnovo (45km/28mi), transfer to Sofia and trip concludes
Starting from Elena, we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi Architectural Reserve. Today's landscape includes green meadows, vast pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally the beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. We will take a short break for lunch in Arbanassi, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo. Here we will do a sightseeing tour to learn more about the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Afternoon transfer to Sofia, followed by drop-off at your preferred location. +760m/2493ft, -560m/1837ft The trip concludes on arrival in Sofia. We strongly recommend staying overnight in Sofia, as arrival times can be quite late depending on the cycling pace, sightseeing, traffic, and other factors along the route. For this reason, we do not recommend scheduling a flight on the same day as the tour ends. We can assist with booking extra nights in Sofia on request.
Early pick-up from your self-booked hotel in Sofia (as a guide, at approx 8.30-9.30am) and transfer to Golyam Izvor village, the starting point of our ride. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. Ascent 620m, Descent 510m
What's included
What's not included
All rental bikes are well suited to the terrain. For the standard rental bike (included) you can choose between a mountain bike (MTB) or a road bike (depending on availability). The MTB is a hardtail alloy 27 speed Drag bike. A helmet and pannier will also be provided. Please confirm your bike preference at the time of booking.
If preferred you can choose (depending on availability) a road bike. The road bike is a quality road touring bike Drag with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components. Helmet and a pannier will also be provided. Please confirm your bike preference at the time of booking.
The usual model is an aluminium hardtail 11 speed CUBE mountain bike with higher specs. A supplement applies - please request when booking.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
7 or 9 speed Bianchi or Longwise e-bikes (trekking style, unisex frame). Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
GRADE 4 - The cycling distances range from 45 to 77km/28 to 48mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. The cycling is mostly on two-way asphalt roads (one band per direction) - the road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (sometimes bumpy, some potholes, some rough asphalt at times). The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while. There is no off-road cycling. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to excellent level of fitness. We recommend familiarising yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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