The Rodopi Mountains are situated in the oldest part of the Balkans and boast some of the loveliest coniferous woods in the country. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys with gorges intermingling with river basins and valleys. Here one can also find 70 percent of the world minerals, as well as some 600 caves. Flora and fauna contain species that have become extinct in other European countries. In contrast with our tour of the Balkan Mountains, this tour will take you even higher, to around 2,000 m, or 6561 ft.
Most of the mileage is done on asphalt main roads, with relatively little traffic, that are well-suited for biking. Along them cyclists can see some old-style means of transportation: wooden carts pulled by horses, donkeys or cows. You may also meet some nomadic gypsies, picking mushrooms and berries in the woods, as well as some local Muslim inhabitants growing tobacco and potatoes, or herds of sheep or goats coming down from the mountain at the end of the day.
Departure dates:
01 May 2010 - 30 October 2010 - every day
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and accommodation in Sofia or Plovdiv depending on your arrival time.
Day 2. The cycling starts few kilometers before the village of Sestrimo and up to Belmeken dam (2000 m) through old coniferous woods. In the afternoon the road passes the Iundola's mountain meadows before descending to the town of Velingrad, where we stay overnight in a hotel with hot mineral swimming pool. Cycling distance: 76 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 1400/1300m
Day 3. We begin few kilometers from Velingrad, passing through the picturesque landscape of Tsigov Chark countryside by Batak dam to the town of Dospat. On the way we go round the blue-green waters of Goliam Beglik and Shiroka poliana dams before reaching the town of Dospat and its dam, where we stay overnight in a hotel. Cycling distance: 71 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 600/700m
Day 4. The biking starts from Dospat via Borino town to the Buinovsko Gorge, which is also a gate to the next stop - the Yagodina Cave. Here we make a cave tour before going further to Trigrad village, passing among the 250 m high cliffs of the Trigrad Gorge. Here another sinister cave is expecting us - The Devil's Throat Cave, housing one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe. Overnight in Trigrad in a family hotel. Cycling distance: 50 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 700/800m
Day 5. A pleasant descent along Trigradska River brings you to the village of Grohotno and the natural rock phenomenon "The Elephant". Then we continue upstream Shirokolushka River to the village of Shiroka Luka. We stop here to savour the spirit of this architectural reserve, famous for its preserved houses dating back from the Bulgarian Revival Period. We pass by the beautiful Smolyan lakes and finsh cycling in Smolyan town. Cycling distance: 66 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 950/800m
Day 6. Cycling from Smolyan to the historic place Rozhen. After a short rest you go uphill to a big picturesque meadow at 1700m which marks the beginning of a gentle downhill ride in direction to Laki town through “Momina voda” protected area. Nerby is the picturesque village of Borovo and the famous religious place with chapels and healing springs – Krastova Gora. Overnight in Borovo. Cycling distance: 39 km; uphill/downhill cycling: 400/1300m
Day 7. The downhill ride continues along Jugovska River valley to the main road Smolyan-Plovdiv. Short transfer brings you to the Wonderfull Bridges rocky phenomenon for short sightseeing. The next stop is Bachkovo Monastery (the second largest in Bulgaria). Transfer to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling distance: 80km; uphill/downhill cycling: 100/1250m
Day 8. After breakfast you will be transferred to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
Accomodation and food: We stay in family-run hotels/guesthouses (days 1, 4, 6 and 7) and 3-star hotels (days 2, 3 and 5) with private 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 and 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 and 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 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/Difficult. Tour for experienced bikers.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- rent of a bike
- Guide/driver with a supporting vehicle
- Map, road book
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above
- VAT and all local taxes
Price Excludes:
- Tips, entrance fees
- Alcohol drinks and other personal expenses
single room supplement: 80 euro
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Sightseeing
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