Rodopi Mountains

8 days - from $1140

Discover the natural wonders, wildlife and culture of the little-known Rodopi Mountains
The Rodopi are the most extensive mountain range in Bulgaria. A hauntingly beautiful and mysterious region, according to legend this was the home of Orpheus. The way of life seems to have changed little over the last few hundred years, with local people working the fields by hand and tending their livestock on the surrounding meadows and pastures. The Rodopi are a remote refuge for many exceptionally rare plants, as well as brown bears, wolves, wild cats and prolific bird life. We walk through a variety of landscapes including ancient coniferous forests and rugged limestone gorges, and pass remote timeless villages where we experience the traditional rural way of life. We also visit two impressive caves, and the beautiful Bachkovo Monastery.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Sofia; transfer to Yagodina. 2 Walk along flank of the Buinovo Gorge, then continue through the Kastrakli Nature Reserve. 3 Walk from Zmeitsa along route of ancient Roman road through meadows, forests and fields to the Buinovo Gorge. 4 Walk along the Chairska Gorge; cross the Trigrad Plateau and visit the Devil's Throat Cave. 5 Walk around Mt Durdaga through a variety of habitats with extremely rich flora and fauna. 6 Sveti Ilia ridge walk with panoramic views over Yagodina and most of the Rodopi. 7 Follow ancient trackway via forests and over rock outcrops into the Buinovo Gorge to visit Yagodina Cave; transfer to Sofia. 8 End Sofia.

Mode of travel: 6 days centre-based walking. Altitude maximum 1600m, average 1350m.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leader.
Accommodation: 7 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $157.50
Trip Reference: TDB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TDB