IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ORPHEUS (RHODOPE)

/The tour program can be shortened or extended. Check the OPTIONS tab to find out more./

Day 1: Sofia/Plovdiv – Devin
Meeting at Sofia or Plovdiv airport (pick ups from Plovdiv/Plovdiv Airport will involve supplement of 40 EUR; landing should be at 15:00 at latest). Transfer to SPA city of Devin. Depending on where you land, the transfer could last 1 hr 30 mins from Plovdiv and around 3 hrs from Sofia. If you arrive early enough you can use the afternoon to visit the picturesque nature trail along Devinska River, or jump in the thermal pools near your accommodation. Single timed transfer from Sofia will be organized in case of overlapping bookings (departing Sofia at 15:30 at latest; please make sure to land at 15:00 at latest).
Day 2: Devin – Yagodina/Yagodina Cave/Eagle’s Eye viewpoint – Trigrad (3-5,30-6,45hrs; 9,50-16-21km)
Today you can choose between two main treks (incl. options to extend them additionally):
Shorter (9,50km; +565m/-355m): A 40min transfer takes you to the entry of the Yagodina Cave: one of Bulgaria’s longest caves, which you can opt to view. Once finished with the cave tour, proceed for Trigrad village through a colorful kaleidoscope of landscapes that immerse you in the idyll of rolling crests, forests, and valleys.
Longer (16km (+1070m/-750m) or 21km (+1385m/-1065m): A 30min transfer takes you to the trailhead where a moderate but nice ascent through gardens and woods brings you up at the crest of the mountain. Enjoy the breath-taking views from the famous Eagles’ Eye observation platform. Then you descend down to Yagodina village, from where you can make a detour to visit Yagodina Cave or head straight for Trigrad village.
*Those who chose the shorter option, can extend their hike with a visit to the Trigrad Gorge (with its 350m high vertical cliffs) and the The Devil’s Throat Cave (housing the highest underground waterfall on the Balkans, 42m high), both near Trigrad. Visiting these sights is a must, and can be done also in the afternoon of Day 3 or Day 4 by those, who opted for the longer treks on Day 2.
Day 3: Trigrad – Zhrebevo – Trigrad (5,30hrs; 18,50km; +700m/-700m)
Magnetic sights follow each other on a circular hiking tour around Trigrad, with the authentic village of Zhrebevo at its distant end. Legend has it, the village was named after a stallion which shielded it from trouble and strife. Along the route, you observe the entry to the Trigrad Gorge and enjoy the wonderful panorama to surrounding parts.
Day 4: Trigrad – Kesten/Vodni Pad – Trigrad (5,30hrs; 17km; +670m/-760m)
Today, starting with a 10min transfer to the trailhead, you enjoy a particularly pleasant walking trek to the bordering with Greece villages of Kesten and Vodni Pad (until recently within a closely guarded strip proscribed even for those living down the road; you will see remains of the barbed wire border fences, meant to prevent people from escaping to Greece in the years during the 45yrs long communist rule in Bulgaria after WWII). A circular trail takes you up panoramic crests, through pine and beech forests dotted with green meadows and smallholdings, sheltered valleys, and traditional stone houses. The valley of the Trigradska River takes you back to Trigrad.
Day 5: Trigrad – Beden – Lyaskovo (6-6,30hrs; 21km; +825m/-860m)
An early morning transfer will take you to the village of Beden (45 mins driving time) and while your luggage will continue the travel journey, you have to face another divine part of the beautiful Rhodope Mountain. The trek is full of impressive panoramic views, shady deciduous forest and reveals what’s left from the traditional way of life of local people.
Your final destination is the village of Lyaskovo – one of the most distinctive local communities. Your hosts will make you feel like home so much that you won’t want to leave. Enjoy the well-deserved rest with homemade dinner whose ingredients are freshly picked off from their garden.
* There is an option to extend the tour with extra night in Lyaskovo village, incl. a circular trek along the nearby mountain ridges. Our customers especially liked the rural accommodation and hospitality of the local hosts.
Day 6: Lyaskovo – Wonderful Bridges – Kossovo (5,30hrs; 17,50km; +1160m/-780m)
Say goodbye to your hosts and leave your luggage ready to be collected later the day. With a light backpack, you continue your independent hiking exploration of this less-known area of the mountain. Most of the time you will spend under the shades of an ancient forest, where numerous paths and trails are crossing each other. Don’t get too overwhelmed by the tranquility of the atmosphere as you risk taking the wrong turn. In case you are walking in the right direction at the end of the hike, you will be impressed by the natural rock phenomenon Chudnite Mosotve (Wonderful Bridges). A jaw-dropping natural site that will make you feel so small when standing under the sheer walls. Here you will meet your driver who will take you for an overnight in the fairytale-like village of Kossovo. You will spend the night in a restored traditional stone house. The houses in the village are like embroidered on three hills and the scenery is simply fascinating.
Day 7: Kossovo – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv – Sofia
The final day of your independent walking trip will be more culturally oriented. It’s time to learn more about the region, as well as for the traditions, religion, and history of Bulgaria. The first stop will be Bachkovo Monastery – the second-largest complex in the country. In the main temple is kept a 14th-century icon of Virgin Mary for which is believed that is miraculous. Your journey will proceed towards Plovdiv, the oldest inhabited city in Europe. Here could be found remains from different epochs among which Roman, Ottoman, and the Revival Period of Bulgaria. Depending on the month you take the trip, you may be able to join the Free Plovdiv tour or continue the exploration as self-guided. You will be given detailed instructions on where to go and what to visit. Just make sure that you will be on time for the appointment with your driver in the afternoon. When you finally reach Sofia, you could consider joining the Free tour here (starting at 18:00) or stroll around the downtown at your own pace.
*N.B.: Between October & April the free tour in Plovdiv runs at 14:00. If you booked a tour during this period of time you will have to explore the Old Town using our own navigation materials, and not as a part of the free guided walking tour.
Day 8: Sofia
Departure (easy access to Sofia Airport using the metro lines).

Hiking time: hiking time only is mentioned on each day (not including stops for pictures, picnics, breaks etc.); these are based on an average hiker’s speed of 4-5km/hr on flat terrain, additional 30min for each 300m elevation gain, and a backpack weighing not more than 10-15% of your body weight. Still, this varies a lot on the terrain and hiking experience of each client.