8
14 671
15 894
Du sparer NOK 1 224For those not on the group flight, we recommend that you time your arrival to join the group transfer from Sofia Airport, as the journey time is 2.5hrs and a private transfer will be costly. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome briefing and discuss the week ahead and answer any questions. Molerite Hotel or similar
Having hiked up the Demyanitsa Valley, we start a long steady climb which takes us first past the Vasilashki lakes, then two more small but beautifully formed lakes known as the 'Eyes of Todorka'. Eventually, we cross over the high pass Todorina Porta (2,500m), an outstanding viewpoint, before descending steeply via the Bunderishki lakes to the Vihren hut where we will be picked up and driven on down to our base. This evening dinner is not included, leaving you free to choose your own place to eat from the many traditional inns and restaurants in the town.Molerite Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9.3
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 1200
Altitude Loss: 650
Today we will attempt an ascent of Mt. Vihren (2,914m), the highest peak in the Pirin National Park and the second highest in Bulgaria. Beginning from the Vihren hut, our walk takes us steadily up into the dramatic Golyam Kazan cirque which lies directly beneath Vihren's towering 400-metre high north wall. Here, as well as enjoying breath-taking mountain scenery, we can also find several beautiful endemic alpine flowers such as the delicate yellow 'Pirin Poppy'. From the cirque, a long exciting scramble takes us up white marble rocks to the summit, which on a clear day offers a wonderful panorama over the entire Pirin range. There follows a steep descent back down to our bus for the return to Bansko. Once again this evening's dinner is not included, leaving you free to choose your own place to eat.Molerite Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 1000
Altitude Loss: 1000
Leaving Bansko, we transfer to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as visiting the monastery itself, we will also have a pleasant walk in the surrounding forests which have been designated a nature park. During our walk we will have the chance to visit a couple of isolated chapels and a cave which are closely associated with the intriguing life story of St. Ivan Rilski, a local hermit who was to become the patron saint of Bulgaria. Our accommodation for this night will be a hotel conveniently located in the beautiful Rilska Reka valley, just a short drive from the Monastery.Hotel Gorski Kut or similar
Distance in Km: 4
Distance in Miles: 2.5
Activity Hours: 1.5
Altitude Gain: 250
Altitude Loss: 100
Whilst our luggage is transferred round the mountains by road, we make a long demanding trek through the heart of the Rila National Park. Our route leads us up and over one of the highest and most imposing ridges in the Rila Mountains. Finally rejoining our bus on the other side of the range, we transfer to our hotel in the small village of Govedartsi, where we will be based for two nights.Family Hotel Djambazki or similar
Distance in Km: 22
Distance in Miles: 13.7
Activity Hours: 8
Altitude Gain: 1400
Altitude Loss: 1000
Today we explore the region at the head of the Malyovitsa Valley and attempt an ascent of Mt. Malyovitsa (2,729m), one of the highest and most imposing peaks in this part of the Rila Mountains. The whole walk offers stunning views, as well as an opportunity to observe an interesting variety of typical alpine birds. We then return to our hotel in Govedartsi for a second night. Family Hotel Djambazki or similar
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 1000
Altitude Loss: 1000
Having checked out of our hotel, our goal for today is Mt. Musala (2,925m), the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula. To accomplish the ascent as a day walk, we will use the cabin-lift from Borovets which will take us up to a starting altitude of about 2,300m. The route to the summit is well-graded, winding up past a succession of sparkling glacial lakes around the shores of which one can find blooming the endemic 'Rila Primrose'. We then end the day with a short 90 minute transfer to Sofia, where we will spend our final night.Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace or similar
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 600
7 nights in comfortable tourist-class hotels offering twin rooms with private
facilities 6 days walking Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 18
yrsAltitude maximum 2925m, average 2000mTravel by private minibusTrip can be
combined with Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains (TDB)
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included in this trip.Breakfast
will usually include tea or coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, yoghurt and
traditional local specialities such as thick pancakes known as 'katmi' and a
rice-based dish called 'rodopski klin'. Most days lunches will be packed.
Consisting of bread, cheese, salami, hard boiled eggs, salads, fruit and
biscuits. The evening meals will either be taken at the hotels or local
restaurants and will consist of typical Bulgarian cuisine.On two evenings
whilst in Bansko, dinners have not been included to offer you the opportunity
to choose your own place to eat from the many traditional inns and
restaurants that are available in the town.Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria
is famed for its fresh vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well
catered for. However, it is extremely difficult for vegans, as dairy produce
and eggs form the staple part of the diet in this region, and occur in the
vast majority of meals. Therefore we recommend that you bring some
supplementary items.Please note, special gluten-free products are not
available, so those clients with wheat/gluten intolerance should, if needed,
bring with them something to replace the local bread and pastries that make
up the breakfasts and picnic lunches
7 nights in comfortable tourist-class hotels offering twin rooms with private
facilities 6 days walking Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 18
yrsAltitude maximum 2925m, average 2000mTravel by private minibusTrip can be
combined with Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains (TDB)
This trek has been specifically designed to provide a strenuous walking
holiday in remote and largely untouched landscapes that offer broad vistas
and immense scenic variety. The route is Activity Level 5 as the walking is
rugged, frequently attains altitudes above 2500m and climbs some of the
highest peaks on the Balkan Peninsula.Many days are challenging, involving
steep and often sustained ascents and descents, with between 5 to 8 hours
walking. The terrain is typically rough and rocky and frequently involves
crossing moraines and boulders, with the occasional easy scramble.The trip is
ideally suited to those who relish the challenges and beauty of a wilderness
environment, yet prefer to sleep in a comfortable hotel bed at night and
experience the culture and cuisine of a fascinating area. Overnight stays
will be in hotels at the foot of the mountains and on most days a short
transfers in our own private bus will take us to the start and finish of the
walks. 6 days walking with vehicle support; altitude maximum 2,925m; average
2,000m.NB: Exodus also offers a lighter 8-day centre-based walking holiday in
the Rodopi Mountains (Trip Code: TDB). On some dates, it is possible to
combine the two trips to make a fantastic 15-day itinerary. Ask a member of
our sales team for details.
HotelsYou will spend 7 nights in comfortable tourist-class hotels offering twin
rooms with private facilities. The hotels are 2 to 3 star in the Bulgarian
system of classification, but rooms are clean and comfortable. Single
accommodation is not available on this trip.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included in this trip.Breakfast
will usually include tea or coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, yoghurt and
traditional local specialities such as thick pancakes known as 'katmi' and a
rice-based dish called 'rodopski klin'. Most days lunches will be packed.
Consisting of bread, cheese, salami, hard boiled eggs, salads, fruit and
biscuits. The evening meals will either be taken at the hotels or local
restaurants and will consist of typical Bulgarian cuisine.On two evenings
whilst in Bansko, dinners have not been included to offer you the opportunity
to choose your own place to eat from the many traditional inns and
restaurants that are available in the town.Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria
is famed for its fresh vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well
catered for. However, it is extremely difficult for vegans, as dairy produce
and eggs form the staple part of the diet in this region, and occur in the
vast majority of meals. Therefore we recommend that you bring some
supplementary items.Please note, special gluten-free products are not
available, so those clients with wheat/gluten intolerance should, if needed,
bring with them something to replace the local bread and pastries that make
up the breakfasts and picnic lunches
A private minibus will be used for all transport throughout the week. The
roads in this area are typically small and winding mountain lanes,
occasionally with rough surfaces. Journey's aren't too long and take in
wonderful mountain vistas.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysWe normally use the scheduled
services of Bulgaria Air (depending on availability). As flight timings and
schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales
staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings
may change at a later date and cannot be confirmeduntil approximately two
weeks before departure.There are alternative flight options from regional
airports (Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester…) Please ask our Sales team for
more information. Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending at Sofia
AirportThe start point for this trip is difficult to reach on your own, as
our hotel is approximately 2hrs 45mins drive from the airport and is
difficult to reach by public transport. The best option would be to order a
taxi to Hotel Molerite from the 'O.K. Supertrabs' taxi booking stand in the
airport arrivals hall. A taxi will cost approx £120. The hotel is situated
in the centre of the town, please make staff aware that you are part of the
Exodus group on arrival. With this in mind we strongly advise you to join the
groupat the airport in Sofia, please note that this must be arranged with our
office in advance.Group flights are with Bulgarian Air, they and BA fly into
Terminal 2. Low cost airlines fly into Terminal 1, if you fly with one of
these carriers you will have to transfer to the other Terminal to join the
group.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non‐group
flights should read the Travelling Land Only section above for information on
reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office.
Summer days are usually warm and sunny, with a refreshing mountain breeze
that moderates temperatures. But please note that changeable weather and cold
temperatures can be encountered at any time, especially at high altitude.
Occasionally during summer, there are sudden short violent storms, which may
force a minor amendment to the itinerary; however, these then often herald a
prolonged period of settled weather.
Day rucksack Comfortable walking boots (leather or synthetic as long as they
are waterproof and have good ankle support and soles)Waterproof jacket and
trousersWarm jacket/jumperWarm hat and glovesSunhat, sunglasses and
sunscreenInsect repellentLarge water bottleSwimming costume (one of the
hotels has a pool)
Trekking poles - optional but recommendedGaitersWater sources in the
Bulgarian mountains are generally good, and the choice of whether or not to
purify drinking water is left to the clients' discretion. Those who wish to
purify their water should bring their own supply of purification
tablets.Plastic sandwich boxes are useful for picnic lunches and are much
more environmentally responsible than simply putting food into new plastic
bags every day.Please note, bathrooms in Bulgaria are typically 'wet rooms'
without shower cabins and their floors often remain damp; it is therefore
very useful to take a pair of flip-flops with you.We believe in reducing our
negative environmental impacts wherever possible, this goes for when you need
to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no facilities are available there
may come a time when you need to go to the loo behind a tree/bush/rock. To
avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend taking biodegradable dog
poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your business you can pop the
used toilet roll in here and take it off the mountain or trail at the end of
the day and dispose of it when there are appropriate facilities available.
Typical extra expenses are likely to be the free evening meal in Bansko,
additional snacks and drinks, postcards, souvenirs and maps. The equivalent
of about £100 (approx. US$160) changed into local Bulgarian currency should
be sufficient to cover all these extras.
If you receive good service it is customary to tip staff in Bulgaria in
appreciation of their help and friendliness, although this is in no way
compulsory and is entirely at your own discretion. If you do wish to leave a
tip for the driver and leader at the end of the trip, then for the driver we
recommend you budget about 10 EUR per person for the week, and for your
leader a tip of around 30 EUR per person for the week is suggested.
Travel insuranceVisa's and VaccinationsSingle supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.