ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Bulgaria 2008

The Rodopes - Land of Orpheus

The Rodope Mountains are the birthplace of the mythical hero Orpheus, who with his lyre made animals and beasts calm, and trees dance. He took part in the journey with the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.

These ancient lands are called the green heart of Europe for their vast pinewoods, reputedly the largest in the Balkans. Very hospitable people, who care for their roots and make their living by working on the land, inhabit these mountains. You will eat delicious meals prepared with organic food. The paths take you through unspoiled nature and on the way you will meet local people in their villages like Sitovo and Shiroka Laka. Discover unique architecture in one of the country's largest monasteries at Bachkovo, and Plovdiv's old town, a melting pot of different cultures. The modern city Sofia is rapidly changing but has a history of some 7000 years.

PRICE

£425 per person based on two people sharing sharing a double/twin room.
This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.

INCLUDED

• All transfers and transportation within the programme in Bulgaria
• Accommodation in pension, family hotel and 3 star hotel on half board basis (Breakfast and Dinner), except in Sofia only breakfast
• Walking maps and route notes of the Rodopes

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Lunch
• Dinner in Sofia on day 7
• Tips and personal expenses
• Drinks
• Entrance fees
• Travel insurance

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Sofia - Orehovo village

Meet at Sofia airport and transfer to Orehovo village (2,30 hours).

Four (4) overnights in Orehovo, accommodation in a pension, twin-bedded room. Orehovo is situated in the heart of Rodope Mountains. The village has a wonderful location on the Oreshitsa River with pinewoods surrounding it. The word "Oreh", from Oreh-ovo, means walnut tree. Legends tell that the people who settled in these lands built their houses near a spring and a huge walnut tree. Several chapels are built in this area. Numerous paths head to the hills, pastures and villages above.

Day 2: Orehovo - Persenk hut - Roman road - Orehovo.

We start the hike with a moderate ascent to Persenk, walking through great pinewoods. From Persenk we follow the old Roman road. The descent takes you past two Orthodox chapels before returning to Orehovo.
6 hours walk. 16 kms. + 750 m ; - 750 m

Day 3: Orehovo - Kabata - Wonder Bridges

From the upper parts of Orehovo cross Oreshitsa River and follow the path ascending to the meadows at Kabata. From Kabata we have little more than an hour to the Wonder Bridges, 2 natural bridges from solid rock rising up to 45 m, peacefully set among the pinewoods. Continue on the road to village of Zaburdo or direct transfer back to Orehovo. 4 hours walk. 13 kms. + 650 m ; - 250 m

Day 4: Orehovo village - Sitovo village - Orehovo

The trek starts again from Orehovo. Very near lie Saint Maria chapel and Saint Peter chapel. Through forest and on meadows we walk north. After some 3,30 h we descend to the village of Sitovo. It has a rich history and fantastic setting beside a river. Our lunch break could not be elsewhere. In the afternoon we head back with an ascent to the ridge and then descend to Orehovo.
6 hours walk. 15 kms. + 600 m ; - 600 m

Day 5: Zaburdo village - Izgrev hut - Shiroka Laka village

Drive to Zabardo village, the starting point of the walk. Follow the ascending path to Izgrev, passing springs on the way. Pass through meadows to Shiroka Laka. Accommodation in a small family hotel in Shiroka Laka. 6 hours walk

Shiroka Laka is declared an architectural and folklore reserve. The houses are built of stone and wood, the roves covered in stone tiles. Many of the houses rise to 3-4 floors. Old bridges cross the river. Revival period architecture is also found at the church with marvellous frescoes. 15 kms. + 550 m ; - 650 m

Day 6: Orpheus Lands, Stikal and Gela villages

Drive to the trailhead. We hike on the 'panorama road' with fantastic views over the rolling landscape. After some 2 hours we leave this road and descend to Saint Pantaleimon chapel, and on to tiny Stikal village - the highest in Bulgaria (1560 m). From there we take a mountain road to the nearby Gela village - birthplace of the mythical hero Orpheus. In the afternoon we descend back to Shiroka Laka.
6 hours walk. 16 kms. + 100 m ; - 650 m

Day 7: Bachkovo Monastery, Plovdiv's Old Town

Drive to Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in the country, founded in the 11th century. Visit the medieval church and the refectory with its unique frescos. Interesting is the walk to a holy spring and chapel, some 45 min from the monastery. Drive further on to Plovdiv and visit the Old Town to discover a great historical heritage - among the highlights are the well-preserved Roman Theatre from the 2nd century, the Ethnographical Museum, and the many 19th century houses with their colourfully painted walls, representing the building traditions of the Revival Period. In the late afternoon drive to Plovdiv bus station to take the bus to Sofia, where you are collected from the bus terminal and transferred to a small *** star hotel with central location.

Day 8: Sofia

Enjoy your time in Sofia. The highlights are the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Theatre, the Rotunda of Saint George (4th century), ruins from ancient Sofia and the mineral springs. Transfer to Sofia airport.

This independent holiday is available all year round and can commence on any day of the week to suit your personal travel arrangements.

 

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderate. Rolling hills, pastures, some slightly steep passes, forest.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

Pace of life, magnificent scenery.

If you have attended this walk previously We would love to hear your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Orehovo = pension/HB - breakfast and dinner; 4 overnights. Private WC/shower next to bedroom. The family cooks traditional food. Dinner is a 3 course menu - salad, main meal and desert. Organic food.

Shiroka Laka = family hotel/HB - breakfast and dinner; 2 overnights. Small family hotel with 6 double rooms all with ensuite WC/shower. Continental breakfast as well as local. family cooks traditional but also international cuisine - with limited possibilities as they have a small kitchen. The house is built in the traditional Rodopi style - with stone and wood. But has of course all the comfort of a modern building.

Sofia = 3 star hotel, central location/BB; 1 overnight. Close to all major sights.

GETTING THERE

Fly to Sofia with Easyjet, BA or with Bulgaria Air

WHAT TO TAKE:

Walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, water bottle, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, mobile phone, container for sandwiches and a first-aid kit.

WHEN TO GO

Mid-May to end of October

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner in Orehovo and Shiroka Laka. In Sofia only breakfast. Lunch is not included.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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