Rhodopes Heights

The Rhodopes – a magical mountain range that has been settled for centuries by the mystical Thracian tribes, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Small villages of stone houses are spread into an endless labyrinth of ridges and deep river canyons. Hardworking and hospitable people live in close touch with the nature, preserving the local traditions and folklore. On our tour we will cross the highest mountain ridges with fabulous views. The trails will lead us through centuries old forests, lush meadows, rivers, abandoned villages, marvelous rock formations and ancient sanctuaries.

Day 1 

Airport pick-up and transfer to Kosovo village. Check in at traditional guest house, bike check, get-together, dinner and tour discussion.

Day 2 

30-35 km, ↑ 1000 m, ↓ 1500 m

The first ride leads us on the hills next to the village. After a climb up to 1500 m we follow the paths to Asen’s Fortress, enjoying the beautiful views over the Upper Thracian Plain – marking the Northern region of the Rhodopes. After lunch time we visit the historical site of the fortress. On the way back home we can visit Bachkovo monastery.

Highlights: Asen’s Fortress – city of Asenovgrad, medieval fortress from the 9th century, Bachkovo monastery – 2nd biggest monastery in Bulgaria from the 11th century

Day 3

35 km, ↑ 1250 m, ↓ 1200 m

After a climb we head south-west. Passing by the small monastery we ride through centuries old forests and alpine meadows. Depending on the weather we stop for picnic or continue to the hut of Persenk. Hidden in the woods we find the remains of an ancient Roman road – connecting the Thrace with the Aegean see. We descend on a trail to the village of Orehovo. Check in at traditional Rhodopean guesthouse.

Highlights: The remains of the highest monastery in Bulgaria, ancient Roman road

Day 4 

38 km, ↑ 1600 m, ↓ 1450 m

Our adventures go further south, to the hut of Kabata. Forest roads and trails bring us to a rock formation called “The Marvelous bridges”. In the afternoon we climb to 1900 m height with fantastic panorama over the “endless” mountain. We rush on gravel roads and teasing tails to the village of Shiroka Laka – architectural and folklore reserve, known for its authentic buildings, culture and history.

Highlights: Karst formation “The Marvelous bridges”, village of Shiroka Laka

Day 5 

A rest day with few possible activities:

• short bike ride near the highest Rhodopean peak – Perelik (2191 m), peak of Orpheus and trails back to the village
• day trip by car or bike to the city of Devin, well known for its mineral water and healing hot springs
• sightseeing in the Trigrad Gorge, Yagodinska karst cave, hike on the artificial canyon path “Devils Bridge”

Highlights: Trigrad Gorge, Yagodinska cave (with 10.500 m is it the 3rd longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest in the Rhodopes), healing hot springs in spa resort Devin

Day 6 

41 km, ↑ 1300 m, ↓ 1800 m

After a short transfer we start our bike ride up to the peak of Snezhanka (meaning Snow White -1925 m) in the area of skiing and holiday resort Pamporovo. From the top of the TV tower on the peak we have an exceptional 360° panorama. On newly built bike trails we ride down to Smolyan – the biggest town in the Western Rhodopes. Lunch break and sightseeing. In the afternoon we pedal up to the village of Momchilovtzi, where we stay overnight.

Highlights: TV tower of Snezhanka , architectural reserve “Dolno Raykovo” in Smolyan

Day 7

38 km, ↑ 1300 m, ↓ 1400 m

Exciting day on forest roads and trails, passing by mountain huts, 2000 m high peaks, ancient spiritual places, surrounded by gorgeous views over the Eastern Rhodopes. Our next stop is the village of Zagrazhden.

Highlights: Peak of Enihan Baba – an ancient Thracian sanctuary, nowadays Muslim spiritual place.

Day 8 

40 km, ↑ 1350 m, ↓ 1150 m

We reach the geographical boarder between the Western and Eastern Rhodopes, an area of wild landscapes, colorful trails, fantastic views and ancient Thracian sanctuaries. We ride down to our last accommodation “Sabazius”, a beautifully located guesthouse with splendid views over the green hills.

Highlights: One of the most famous Thracian sanctuaries – Belintash.

Day 9 

15-20 km, ↑ 500 m, ↓ 1100 m

Last day on the bikes, mainly on trails. Transfer to Plovdiv – the 2nd biggest city in Bulgaria and European Capital of Culture in 2019. At the afternoon we do city sightseeing and shopping.

Highlights: Ancient Plovdiv Architectural Reserve and the old town of Plovdiv.

Day 10 

Transfer to Sofia and departure.