Join us on this exciting self guided 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:
♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary” - the 3rd largest in Bulgaria, built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum - traditions, craftsmanship, architecture during the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th-19th century).
♦ Bozhentsi village - an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period.
♦ Veliko Turnovo - the old medieval capital of Bulgaria.
View Route Map
View Full Itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia - Chekotinski Monastary - 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.
***
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- This self-guided bike tour has a guaranteed departure for a minimum of 3 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
Price Includes: 6 nights at family-run hotels and guest houses in rooms with private facilities
All meals acc. itinerary (B-breakfast/L-lunch/D-dinner)
Transfers on days 1 and 7 from/to Sofia
Luggage transport
Map and GPS tracking in English
24/7 emergency phone
Not Included: Flight
Meals not included and drinking
Extra transfers
Entrance fees
Bike rental
Tips (5 EUR per pers./day)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Additional Services: Small group supplement per person at 1-3: 150 EUR
Bike rental: See above "OUR BIKES"
Helmet rental 5 EUR/week
Gallery
Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria)
(Rated 4.91 / 5 Based on
464 Reviews.)
720 €, 7 Days
Verified