Penguin Travel

Cycling on nice isolated panoramic mountain roads in the Central Balkan mountains with visits of Etropole monastery, Glozhene monastery, Troyan monastery, walk in the vivid small town of Teteven, relax in the mineral water swimming pools of Chiflik and more...

Tour highlights:

♦ Glozhene Monastery was built in the 13-th century by the Ukrainian prince Glozh, housing an icon at the age of about 1000 years.
♦ Teteven is a small vivid mountain town with rich history and lots of sights to explore (the city church, St Ilia monastery from 13 c., the town museum, several old style architecture houses, etc).
♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, being the 3-th largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.

Itinerary:   

Day 1. Arrival - Etropolski Monastery - Teteven
Transfer (1.20h) to Etropole mountain town. The biking start with ascend to the beautiful Etropolski monastery. Then the road continues winding up passing by small isolated villages and neigbourhoods with typical Balkan mountain life (herds of sheep, goats, people in horse carts, villagers walking on the fields and meadows, etc.) After some 20 km of mainly ascends and going deeper in the mountain you reach Cherni Vit river and start a picturesque descent downstream the river. We stop for lunch near the town of Teteven. Then a short transfer brings you to the stunning Glozhene monastery build on the top of a rock. After a visit you can either go downhill with the bikes all the way to Teteven town or use the supporting vehicle. Overnight in a hotel in Teteven.
Cycling specifics: distance: 36 km, uphill/downhill biking: 600/700 m

Day 2. Teteven - Ribaritsa - Chiflik
You start biking some 5 km away from Teteven. The road goes through the longest (12 km) village in Bulgaria – Ribaritsa (a famous mountain resort) and continues uphill to the mountain pass - Bogoi (1185m). From this pass the road goes all the way down to the town of Troyan passing through the village of Shipkovo where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. We continue cycling to the village and spa resort Chiflik in the foothills of Kozya stena (Goat wall) peak and reserve. We enjoy a pleasant evening in the open air hot mineral water swimming pools or/and a walk in the nearby Troyan town..
Cycling specifics: distance: 53 km, uphill/downhill biking: 700/800 m

Day 3. Troyan - Apriltsi - Sofia
Today we are transferred to the third biggest and famous monastery in Bulgaria - Troyan monastery with possible stop at The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" on the way. After visit of the monastery we get on the bikes among meadows, forests and small villages to the famous mountain village an resort – Apriltsi. Here we have lunch and time for rest. We continue cycling on isolated mountain roads among remote villages and splendid natural landscapes. Transfer to Sofia (3 hours) with possible stop at the famous Saeva dupka cave.
Cycling specifics: distance: 48 km, uphill/downhill biking: 500/600 m
 

Included in the price: ► accommodation in double room with private facilities in family hotels/guesthouses on HB, ►rent of a bike, ►English speaking guide with supporting vehicle, ►map of the route, ►all transfers► luggage transport

Not included: ► alcohol and soft drinks,► tips, ►insurance, ►any personal expenses, ►entrance fees 

Good to know:
Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or road touring bike (for details see the trip dossier)
Roads: we use mainly isolated village asphalt roads with little traffic, road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (bumpy sections, potholes, rough asphalt), we do not go off road
Dress code in monasteries and churches - men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.
Extension at the Black Sea coast - relax at the seaside - more information upon request

How to get there: Wizz Air; Easy Jet ; Germanwings; Penguin Travel; Norwegian Air Shuttle; Cimber; Airberlin; Ryan Air

Recommended travel period of the year:   April - November

Nessesary equipment:   We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable. Breathable and waterproof clothes, comfortable shoes for cycling.