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ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO
Bulgaria 2010The Rodopi - Land of OrpheusThe Rodope Mountains are the birthplace of the mythical hero Orpheus, who with his lyre made animals and beasts docile, and trees dance. Most famously he took part in the journey with the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
These ancient lands are known as the 'green heart of Europe' for their vast pinewoods, reputedly the largest in the Balkans. The people of these mountains, who care for their roots and make their living by working on the land, are very hospitable. The paths take you through unspoiled nature and on the way you will meet local people in their villages like Sitovo and Shiroka Laka. You will eat delicious meals prepared with organic food. Discover unique architecture in one of the country's largest monasteries at Bachkovo, and Plovdiv's old town, a melting pot of different cultures. Rapidly changing Sofia has a history of some 7000 years.
PRICE
£525 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
DEPARTURE DATES
This independent holiday isavailable all year round and can commence on any day of the week tosuit your personal travel arrangements.
To book, contact worldwalks at:
email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44)     (0)1242 254353
Day 1: Arrive Sofia and transfer to Orehovo village
Day 2: Orehovo - Persenk hut - Roman road - Orehovo
We start the hike with a moderate ascent to Persenk, walking through impressive 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 BridgesCross the 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 - OrehovoThrough forest and meadows before descending to the village of Sitovo. It has a rich history and fantastic setting beside a river - perfect for a a lunch break. In the afternoon head back with an ascent to the ridge before descending 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 and accommodation in a small family hotel. Shiroka Laka is an architectural and folklore reserve. The houses are built of stone and wood, the roofs covered in stone tiles. Old bridges span the river. Revival period architecture is also found at the church with its marvellous frescoes. 6 hours walk. 15 kms. + 550 m - 650 m
Day 6: Orpheus Lands, Stikal and Gela villages Transfer to the trailhead. Then walk 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 take a mountain road to nearby Gela village - birthplace of the mythical hero Orpheus. In the afternoon descend back to Shiroka Laka. 6 hours walk. 16 kms. + 100 m - 650 m
Day 7: Bachkovo Monastery, Plovdiv's Old TownDrive 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: Transfer to Sofia airport. Pace of life, magnificent scenery. If you have done this walk before, we would like to hear your personal highlights.
ACCOMMODATIONOrehovo = 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 style. The house is built in the traditional Rodopi style - with stone and wood. Sofia = 3 star hotel, central location/BB; 1 overnight. Close to all major sights. MEALSBreakfast and dinner in Orehovo and Shiroka Laka. In Sofia only breakfast. Lunch is not included.GETTING THEREFly 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 GODaily Mid-May to end of October INSURANCEWe 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 any reason. To book, contact worldwalks at: email: walking@star.co.ukT: (44) (0)1242 254353 |
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