Balkan Mountains Cycle
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Teteven, Troyan, Gabrovo, Bozhentsi, Elena, Veliko Turnovo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBX
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Bulgaria with the "Balkan Mountains Cycle" tour. This adventure takes you through the lush landscapes of the Fore Balkan and the Central Balkan National Park, offering a unique glimpse into the region's countryside, villages, and local life. Visit stunning Bulgarian monasteries from the 13th to 15th centuries, explore the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, and discover two architectural reserves with traditional houses and beautifully decorated churches. Enjoy the open-air ethnographic museum at Etura and cycle through picturesque routes, including challenging ascents and rewarding descents. With family-run accommodations, local cuisine, and an English-speaking tour leader, this tour promises an unforgettable cycling experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Transfer From Sofia Airport To Hotel
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
There will be an arranged meeting at Sofia Airport followed by a transfer to Sofia to your overnight hotel. Arrival briefing and dinner.
Day 2 : Transfer To Golyam Izvor, Cycle To Ribaritsa Via Glozhene Monastery (64 Or 47Km/40 Or 30Mi)
Location: Teteven
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early transfer brings us to Golyam Izvor village where the cycling commences. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven and take an optional detour to visit the Glozhene monastery. As we reach Teteven we can have a short stop for a walk and visit the local historic museum and church, or go for a short bike and hike to a nearby eco trail with two beautiful waterfalls. Later we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we stay for the night.
Cycling distance: 48km/30mi; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m.
Detour to Glozhen monastery - Distance: 16km/10mi; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.
Day 3 : Via Bogoi Pass To Shipkovo With Mineral Springs And Troyan Monastery (77Km/48Mi)
Location: Troyan
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today starts with a fairly challenging ascent from Ribaritsa village (630m / 2067ft) to the highest point for the day, Bogoi Pass (1185m / 3888ft). From here the road leads through the village of Shipkovo, where you can relax in the mineral water swimming pools, and on to the town of Troyan. After lunch in the town centre, visit the Oreshaka Pottery and Craft Exhibition nearby and the famous Troyan monastery, the third largest in Bulgaria and built in the Bulgarian Renaissance style. The road then weaves among the hills of the Central Fore-Balkan region to reach our accommodation for the night in Apriltsi village.
Cycling: Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m
Day 4 : Cycle To Gabrovo And The Ethnographic Museum At Etura (61Km/38Mi)
Location: Gabrovo
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we cycle from Apriltsi to Gabrovo. Enroute are numerous small villages set in green landscapes and river valleys. After an ascent followed by a pleasant downhill ride we will reach the town of Gabrovo and continue to 'Etura', an open air ethnographic museum. We stay overnight in Etura.
Cycling: Ascent: 700m; Descent: 800m.
Day 5 : Cycle To Bozhentsi Architectural Reserve Via Tryavna (58Km/37Mi)
Location: Bozhentsi
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we start cycling from Gabrovo. After an ascent followed by a descent, we arrive in the beautiful town of Tryavna, where you can have lunch and spend some time sightseeing. Ups and downs through open terrain will lead us to the final stop for today, Bozhentsi, an architectural reserve of some 100 houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period.
Cycling: Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m
Day 6 : Transfer To Dryanovo Monastery, Cycle To Elena (46Km/29M)
Location: Elena
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today starts with a transfer to the Dryanovo monastery in the morning. The cycling starts from the Yalovo village turn-off. Kilifarevo Monastery is nearby so we'll make a short stop here before continuing alongside the Iovkovtsi dam to the town of Elena, today's destination. The road today mostly passes through pastures, cultivated fields and shrubs on low-lying hills, typical of this part of the Fore-Balkan.
Cycling: Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.
Day 7 : Cycle To Arbanasi, Visit Veliko Turnovo And Transfer To Sofia (42Km/26.5Mi)
Location: Veliko Turnovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Elena we continue cycling to the last point of the trip – Arbanasi architectural reserve. The landscape includes meadows, pastures, cultivated lands, shrubby hills and finally a beautiful plateau over Veliko Turnovo. After some free time for rest and walks among the old houses of Arbanasi we have a lunch break and do a sightseeing tour in Veliko Turnovo - the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, drive to Sofia for overnight.
Cycling: Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.
Day 8 : Trip Ends With Transfer To Airport
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Group transfer to Sofia airport where the trip concludes.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights 3 star hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices.
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5 dinners
These usually consist of 2-3 courses using local ingredients. The meals may be taken at a local restaurant or in the hotel/guesthouse dining room.
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7 nights accommodation
Accommodation in family-run hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities (possible shared facilities on day 3).
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English speaking tour leader
An English-speaking tour leader who also drives the support vehicle.
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Bike rental
Rental of a 24-speed mountain bike or 21-speed road touring bike with helmet and panniers (e-bike available on request - supplement applies).
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Transfers
Transfers described in the itinerary including from/to Sofia airport.
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Detailed maps and route descriptions
Detailed maps and route descriptions (per room booked).
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Sofia
Travel to and from Sofia is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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E-bike supplement
A supplement applies for e-bike rental.
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Entrance fees and guided tours
Entrance fees and guided tours of monasteries and monuments enroute are not included.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included in the itinerary are not provided.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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All lunches, beverages and dinner on days 1 & 7
All lunches, beverages, and dinner on days 1 and 7 are not included.
Grading
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The cycling distances range from 43 to 78km/27 to 48.5mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. We use mostly 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. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to excellent level of fitness. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably.
*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes transfers from/to Sofia airport, as well as support vehicle assistance during the cycling tour. Rental bikes with helmets and panniers are provided, and e-bikes are available upon request.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation in family-run hotels and guesthouses, featuring twin share rooms with private facilities, except for a possible shared facility on day 3.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
You will be provided with a 24-speed mountain bike or a 21-speed road touring bike with a helmet and panniers. An e-bike is also available on request, but a supplement applies.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts and 5 dinners, which usually consist of 2-3 courses using local ingredients. Meals may be taken at a local restaurant or in the hotel/guesthouse dining room.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in family-run hotels and guesthouses on a twin-share basis with private facilities, although shared facilities may be possible on day 3.
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Is there a support vehicle during the cycling tour?
Yes, an English-speaking tour leader who also drives a support vehicle will accompany you during the tour.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as moderate to challenging (Grade 4). The cycling distances range from 43 to 78 km (27 to 48.5 mi) over undulating to mountainous terrain. It is suitable for cyclists with a good to excellent level of fitness.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs include travel insurance (mandatory), meals not listed as included, drinks, tips, hotel taxes if applicable, and items of a personal nature. A supplement will also apply if you book a single room or an e-bike.
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What kind of terrain and road conditions can I expect?
The tour uses mostly two-way roads with an asphalt covering, which may not be brand new. The country roads are generally peaceful with minimal traffic, although some sections may have heavier traffic for a short while. The road surface may not be very smooth at some stages.
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Is there an emergency support system in place?
Yes, there is an emergency hotline available during the tour.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to some of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries dating from the 13th to 15th century, two unique architectural reserves with traditional old-style houses and beautifully decorated churches, and time at the open-air ethnographic museum, Etura.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.