Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria)
8 Days Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Ribaritsa, Apriltsi, Etarat, Bojentsi, Elena, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGCYKNB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Join us on this exciting cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. We will bike in the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We will start the trip in the tiny Goliam Izvor village. We will pass through the Central Balkan National Park and end up in Veliko Tarnovo - the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages, where traditional lifestyle has been preserved and it is not uncommon to wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 : Goliam Izvor Village - Ribaritsa Village
Location: Ribaritsa
Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early-morning transfer brings us to Golyam Izvor village where the ride starts. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 47.5km; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m.
Detour to Glozhene monastery - Distance: 16km; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.
Day 3 : Ribaritsa Village - Troyan Monastery - Apriltsi
Location: Apriltsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start today's ride with an ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day - Bogoi pass (1185m a.s.l). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass 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 will visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We will spend the night in Apriltsii village. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 77km; Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m.
Day 4 : Apriltsi - Gabrovo - Etura - Gabrovo
Location: Etarat
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we start cycling along isolated village roads from Apriltsi to Gabrovo. En route, we will pass by numerous small villages, green meadows and river valleys. The cycling starts to with a moderate ascent, followed by a nice downhill ride before reaching the town of Gabrovo. After a short break in the town, we continue towards "Etura"- an open-air ethnographic museum. You can take a break here or add an additional 6km of cycling to the nearby Sokolski Monastery. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 61km; Ascent: 700m; Descent: 800m.
Day 5 : Gabrovo - Tryavna - Bozhentsi
Location: Bojentsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we start today's ride from Gabrovo. We begin with a short ascent, followed by a descent towards the town of Tryavna. Here we will take a short break for lunch and explore the charming old town. Afterwards, we are heading to the final stop for today - Bozhentsi architectural reserve. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 58km; Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m.
Day 6 : Bozhentsi - Dryanovo Monastery - Elena
Location: Elena
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A transfer in the morning brings us to the Dryanovo monastery. We will explore the beautiful Orthodox monastery and visit the cave nearby. Today's ride starts from the village of Yalovo towards the town of Elena, passing by several small villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 46km; Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.
Day 7 : Elena - Arbanassi - Veliko Turnovo - Sofia
Location: Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Starting from Elena, we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi Architectural Reserve. Today's landscape includes green meadows, vast pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally the beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. We will take a short break for lunch in Arbanassi, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo. Here we will do a sightseeing tour to learn more about the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Afternoon transfer to Sofia where we spend the last night. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 42km; Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights at family run hotels and guest houses in rooms with private facilities
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Local Taxes
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Technical bike support
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Meals
7 breakfast + 4 dinners
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Map and road notes in English
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Airport transfers
airport transfers on days 1 and 8 and all local transfers
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
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International Travel
Flight tickets not included
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Additional transfers
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Insurance
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Personal expenses
Optional Extras
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Drag - Hardy Comp (Suitable for Off-Road / Mountain cycling)
Bike rent
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E Bike Rent
Longwise E-bike (Suitable for Road cycling)
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Bike rental
Drag - Grand Canyon TE (Suitable for Road cycling)
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E bike Rent
Bianchi E-bike (Suitable for Road cycling)
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will receive voucher will all the info about the accomodation, guide and
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Low Deposit
Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.
Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.