On this tour we bike along the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys with sheep peacefully grazing on lush grass, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We start the trip from the tiny Goliam Izvor village, passing by the Central Balkan National Park and ending up in Veliko Tarnovo – the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages that look as they have been untouched for the past 200 years. You’ll see wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way. During the trip you will visit several of Bulgaria's most important Orthodox monasteries, situated in the dales or woods. Churches with centuries-old icons and colourful murals are spread across a wide range of villages and small towns.
Departure dates for 2010: April - October - every day (other dates upon request)
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to the village of Goliam Izvor where we stay overnight.
Day 2. Today's cycling starts in Goliam Izvor village, heading to Yablanitsa town (famous for producing different kinds of “khalva”) and then continue to Malak Izvor village, which is a starting point for the uphill ride to Glozhene Monastery. Having visited the monastery you go downhill the same way and continue further to Ribaritsa village via the town of Teteven. We stay overnight in Ribaritsa village. Cycling distance: 70 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 850/800m
Day 3. Ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day - Bogoi pass (1185m). From this pass the road goes all the way down to the town of Troyan passing 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 visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We spend the night in Aprilci village. Cycling distance: 74 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 900/1000m.
Day 4. Cycling from Apriltsi to Batoshevo Nunnery, where you can have a picnic in the yard. Nearby is Batoshevo monastery. The next milestone is the town of Gabrovo. There you will meet your guide who will take you by car to the "Etura"- an open-air ethnographic museum, as well as the beautiful Sokolski Monastery. We stay overnight in Etura. Cycling distance: 55 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 750/800m
Day 5. You get on the supporting vehicle and start cycling some 10 km away from Gabrovo. After an ascent followed by a descent, you arrive in Tryavna. There you can spend some time on sightseeing and lunch in the centre of this beautiful town. Ups and downs through open terrain will lead you to the final stop for today - Bozhentsi architectural reserve. Cycling distance: 52 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 950/1000m
Day 6. Having visited by car the Dryanovo monastery in the morning, you start cycling from the turning for Yalovo village. Kilifarevo Monastery is very close. We make a short stop here and continue to the town of Elena which is some 48 km from the start and also a final destination for today. Cycling distance: 48 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 700/600m
Day 7. From Elena we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi architectural reserve. The landscape includes meadows, pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally a beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. After some free time for rest and walks among the old houses of Arbanasi we go for a lunch and sightseeing tour in Veliko Turnovo - one of the old capitals of Bulgaria. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling distance: 43 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 600/600m
Day 8. After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
Accomodation and food: 3-star hotels and guesthouses (days 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7) with private facilities and family-run pensions and guesthouses (days 1 and 3) with shared facilities, 7 days on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included).
Practical information:
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1. Hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork; 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.
TOUR INFO: All bikers receive a detailed roadbook and map. The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route. The guide is also responsible for the technical support of the bikes. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle.
ROAD CONDITIONS: We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering (the latter usually not brand new!). The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The road surface in these areas may be not very smooth at some stages. The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while.
RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable .
EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight.
Tour difficulty: moderate
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- rent of a bike
- Guide/driver with a supporting vehicle
- Map and roadbook
- all transfers
- Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above, VAT and all local taxes.
Price Excludes:
- Tips;
- Entrance fees;
- Alcohol drinks;
- Other personal expenses.
single room supplement: 80 euro
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Sightseeing
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
