Rodopi Cycling (Bulgaria)

Rodopi Cycling (Bulgaria) 810 , 8 Days

Join us on this amazing cycling trip in the heart of the mystic Rhodope Mountains - home of the legendary singer Orpheus. The Rhodope Mountains are situated in the oldest part of the Balkans and boast some of the loveliest evergreen woods in the region. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys. During the tour, we will reach a height of around 2,000m (6561 ft.). Most of the mileage is done on mountain roads, with relatively little traffic. Along the way, we will have the chance to experience the legendary hospitality of the local people, learn more about their lifestyle and indulge in the idyllic rural atmosphere.

Highlights:
♦ Velingrad - a prominent SPA resort in Bulgaria, famous for its healing hot mineral waters.
♦ Yagodina cave - one of the longest caves in Bulgaria (more than 10 000m mapped so far)with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls in them.
♦ Shiroka Luka - an architectural, ethnographic and folklore reserve.
The Miraculous Bridges - a unique natural rock formation, consisting of two 40-meter-high arches.
♦ Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest Bulgarian monastery

View Route Map

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival in Sofia airport and transfer to the hotel. -/-/-

Day 2. Belmeken dam - Velingrad spa town
We start the day with a short drive to the village of Sestrimo. The starting point of the cycling tour is just a few kilometres outside the village. We will cycle through thick coniferous forests before reaching our first stop for the day - the Belmeken dam (above 2000m a.s.l). After a short break, we continue toward the Yundola area, known for its vast mountain meadows. Afterwards, we start descending to the renowned spa town of Velingrad, where we stay overnight in a hotel. Here we will have some free time to swim in mineral water pools and relax after a full day of cycling. * For those of you who would like to avoid the long and challenging uphill at the beginning, it is possible to start the tour from Belmeken dam.
Cycling distance: 60km. Uphill/downhill: 1420/1450m
Cycling distance (starting from the dam): 42km. Uphill/downhill: 140/1440m
B/-/D

Day 3. Batak dam - Beglik Dam - Dospat
Today's starting point is a few kilometres away from Velingrad. We will cycle through the picturesque landscape of Tsigov Chark area and along the shores of Batak dam. We will enjoy the views of the blue-green waters of Goliam Beglik and Shiroka Poliana dams before reaching the town of Dospat. We will spend the night in a hotel in the town.
Cycling distance: 71km. Uphill/downhill: 1320m/830m
B/-/D

Day 4. Yagodina cave - Devil's Throat Cave - Trigrad
After breakfast, we start cycling towards the scenic Buinovsko Gorge, passing through the town of Borino. We will take a short break to enjoy the breathtaking view and then continue to the next stop - the Yagodina Cave. We will have some time to explore the cave. known for its impressive cave pearls. Afterwards, we continue to the village of Trigrad, passing through the narrow Trigrad Gorge, surrounded by 250-meter-high cliffs on both sides. Here we will visit the second cave for the day - The Devil's Throat Cave, housing one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe. Overnight in Trigrad in a family hotel.
Cycling distance: 48km. Uphill/downhill: 1200/1250m
B/-/D

Day 5. Shiroka laka - Smolyan lakes - Smolyan
We start today's cycling with a pleasant descent along the Trigradska River. We will reach the village of Grohotno and visit the natural rock phenomenon "The Elephant". We will then continue cycling along the Shirokolushka River before reaching the village of Shiroka Luka. We will take a break here to savour the spirit of this architectural reserve, famous for its preserved houses dating back to the Bulgarian Revival Period (19th century). Our next stop is the beautiful Smolyan lakes. Afterwards, we are heading to the town of Smolyan, where we will spend the night.
Cycling distance: 64km. Uphill/downhill: 1440/1560m
B/-/D

Day 6. Smolyan - Rozhen - Borovo
The first stop for today is the small mountain town of Rozhen, where the National Astronomical Observatory is located. Afterwards, we are cycling uphill to a big picturesque meadow situated at 1700m. a.s.l. The meadow marks the beginning of a gentle downhill ride towards the town of Laki. On the way there, we will pass through the scenic protected area - “Momina Voda". We will explore the picturesque village of Borovo, located just a few kilometres away, as well as the famous religious site Krastova Gora, known for its healing mineral water. Overnight in Borovo.
Cycling distance: 58km. Uphill/downhill: 1480/1420m
B/-/D

Day 7. The Wonderful bridges - Bachkovo monastery - Sofia
Today we continue riding downhill along the Jugovska River valley. Upon reaching the main road Smolyan-Plovdiv, we will meet our driver for a short transfer to a junction nearby, from where we will ride about 16km uphill to the rock phenomenon Wonderful Bridges. The next stop is Bachkovo Monastery - the second biggest one in Bulgaria, consisting of several buildings. Transfer to Sofia for overnight.
Cycling distance: 54km. Uphill/downhill: 1040/1570m
B/-/-

Day 8. Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure. B/-/-

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.The traffic might be a little bit heavier at some sections but only for a short while.
♦ 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.

Recommended period: May - October

Necessary equipment: We strongly recommend you wear a helmet when cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent on of ours. Cycling gloves, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, cycling shoes/trainers are recommended.

*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.

Our bikes


Price Includes:
accommodation in hotels and guest houses - rooms with private facilities incl. breakfast
5 dinners (day 2-6)
English-speaking guide/driver with a supporting vehicle and luggage transport
map and road notes in English
transfer from/to the airport on day 1 and day 8
technical support

Not Included:
flight tickets
insurance
drinks and meals not mentioned
entrance fees
additional transfers
rent of bicycles - see above "Our bikes",helmet: 5 EUR (per week)
tips (5 EUR per pers./day)
personal expenses

Additional Services:
Supplement per person at 1-3 p.: 150 EUR


Gallery


Rodopi Cycling (Bulgaria) (Rated 4.91 / 5 Based on 401 Reviews.)
Price
810 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
170 EUR
Status
Open for booking
Price
810 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
170 EUR
Status
Open for booking
Price
810 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
170 EUR
Status
Open for booking
Price
810 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
170 EUR
Status
Open for booking
Price
810 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
170 EUR
Status
Open for booking

Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.

Moderate/Difficult. Tour for experienced bikers in good physical condition.

Group Size
4-12
Reservation System Code
BGCYKROD
Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan 1220 , 11 Days

Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

The Caucasus - the region where Europe meets Asia, where dramatic nature landscapes meet...
Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days 1290 , 14 Days

Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

Once upon a time people said that the Balkans were the “power-keg of Europe”. Indeed,...
Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia 1050 , 10 Days

Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia

A cultural trip that will show you both modern Iran and ancient Persia. This is a roundtrip...

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...


27.06.2024 17:45

Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides)

Traveling to Afghanistan in 2024 is an adventure like no other. Despite its rocky past and current political situation, more tourists are starting to explore the country, thanks in part to the Taliban's push for tourism. Penguin Travel is leading the way, having successfully organized a few trips in the last year. Must-see spots include the stunning Bamyan Valley, the gorgeous Band-e-Amir...