Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia - Goliam Izvor – Ribaritsa village
Pick up from your hotel in Sofia and drive to Golyam Izvor village, the starting point of our ride. 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. (-/-/D)
Cycling distance: 47.5km; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m.
Day 2. Ribaritsa village - Troyan monastery - Apriltsi
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 small town of Apriltsi. (B/-/D)
Cycling distance: 77 km; Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m.
Day 3. Ostrets – Batoshevo Monastery – Gabrovo – Etar – Gabrovo
Today's ride begins in the Ostrets district of Apriltsi and follows quiet paved roads through the picturesque foothills of the Central Balkan Mountains. We cycle through rural landscapes and forested areas on our way to Batoshevo Monastery, one of the most important spiritual and cultural landmarks in the region. Continuing towards Gabrovo, we stop for lunch before heading to the nearby Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex. Here, we will spend more time exploring the open-air museum, famous for its traditional crafts, water-powered workshops, and beautifully preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture. Instead of walking in the open-air museum you can make an additional 6 km of cycling to the nearby Sokolski Monastery. After the visit, we return to Gabrovo for the night. (B/-/-)
Cycling distance: 67 km; Ascent: approx. 900 m; Descent: approx. 850 m.
Day 4. Gabrovo - Tryavna - Bozhentsi
Today we ride east from Gabrovo through the wooded foothills of the Balkan Mountains towards the picturesque town of Tryavna. The route follows quiet paved roads with rolling terrain and scenic views. Upon arrival, we will have time to explore Tryavna's well-preserved old town, renowned for its Bulgarian Revival architecture, traditional woodcarving school, and charming central square. After lunch, we continue to the nearby village of Bozhentsi, one of Bulgaria's best-preserved architectural and historical reserves. Surrounded by forests and cobbled streets, Bozhentsi offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a traditional Bulgarian mountain village. Overnight in Bozhentsi. (B/-/D)
Cycling distance: 58km; Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m.
Day 5. Bozhentsi - Dryanovo monastery - Elena
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. We continue east along quiet country roads through rolling countryside, forests, and traditional villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam. On the way, you have a possibility for an optional detour to the village of Rayuvtsi. There you will see an exclusive open-air exhibition of hundreds of sculptures of important for Bulgaria historical figures. Overnight in Elena, one of Bulgaria's most charming historic mountain towns, renowned for its preserved Revival architecture and rich cultural heritage. B/-/D
Cycling distance: 46km; Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.
Day 6. Elena - Arbanassi - Veliko Turnovo - Sofia
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, followed by drop-off at your preferred location. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 42km; Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.; Transfer: Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia (~3.5–4 hours by road).
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- This guided bike tour has a guaranteed departure for a minimum of 4 persons on fixed dates. Additional charges apply for fewer participants.
- Terrain: We mainly use isolated and paved roads between villages and with little traffic. The road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (uneven sections, potholes, rough asphalt). We do not drive off-road. Traffic may be a little heavier on some sections, but only for a short time. The terrain is hilly.
- Luggage transport: Before you get in the saddle for today's bike tour, leave your luggage at the reception and it will arrive at the next accommodation in the afternoon. We recommend a soft travel bag with a clear name and a maximum of 20 kg.
- Dress code in monasteries and churches: Men are not allowed to enter in shorts, and women should cover their legs to the knees and shoulders.
- Equipment: We strongly recommend using a bicycle helmet, you can bring your own helmet or order one of ours. Cycling shorts, cycling gloves, light windbreaker, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, lip balm.
- Bicycle rental: See the different options here OUR BIKES - and book well in advance and preferably at the same time as the trip. Interested in renting a bike bag? Pannier
5 nights at family-run hotels and guest houses in rooms with private facilities
All meals acc. itinerary (B-breakfast/L-lunch/D-dinner)
Additional Services:
supplement for a small group (2-3 people): 150 EUR p.p
transfer Sofia airport - hotel on other days: 20 EUR one way per vehicle (1-3 people)
Bike rental:
See above "OUR BIKES"
720 €, 6 Days
Verified