Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia - Chekotinski Monatsery - Goliam Izvor
Pick up from your hotel in Sofia and drive to Chekotinski Monastery (one hour), the starting point of our ride. . From here, pedal our way along Maluk Iskar river through peaceful country roads and lush valleys to reach the charming mountain village of Golyam Izvor, where we stay overnight in a guest house. . -/-/D
Cycling distance: 28km; Ascent: 330m; Descent: 190m

Day 2. Golyam Izvor – Ribaritsa
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 Glozhen monastery - Distance: 16km; Ascent: 430m; Descent: 430m.

Day 3. Ribaritsa village - Troyan monastery – Cherni Osum
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 the village Cherni Osum. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 56 km; Ascent: 960m; Descent: 1050m.

Day 4. Cherni Osum – Sevlievo
Cycle past villages and open countryside along Visima river towards the town of Sevlievo. We can spend the afternoon truffle hunting (optional) in the village Batoshevo. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 49 km; Ascent: 210m; Descent: 520 m

Day 5. Sevlievo - Etura – Bozentsi – Tryavna
Today’s ride is rich in cultural highlights. Visit the open-air ethnographic complex Etura, showcasing traditional crafts and architecture. Continue to the beautifully preserved village of Bozhentsi before finishing the day in Tryavna, known for its woodcarving and artistic traditions. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 68 km; Ascent: 970m; Descent: 740 m

Day 6. Tryavna – Debelets
Cycle across rolling terrain and scenic mountain roads to the small town of Debelets,
On our way we can vist Kilifarevski Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin, founded in the 14th century by Saint Theodosius of Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s greatest spiritual leaders,. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 42 km; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 900m.

Day 7: Debelets – Kapinovski Monastery – Arbanassi – Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia
Your final ride takes you to the Kapinovski Monastery, then on to Arbanassi, a village of Renaissance-era architecture and history. Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, before returning to Sofia for the end of your journey. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 45km; Ascent: 760m; Descent: 560m.
 

►OUR BIKES ►Rent of Pannier bags 

Good to know:
♦ 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
♦ Guide/driver: The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route
♦ Dress code in monasteries and churches - men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.

*If taking part in biking activities, each individual is responsible for him/herself and agrees to abide by the decisions and instructions given by the guide who reserves the right to change the itinerary according to weather conditions and the group’s abilities.

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