Sofia

Overview

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Itinerary

• Rila monasterynnStob's pyramidsnnWelcome to Sofia. Transfer from Sofia airport or Sofia hotel to Rila monastery, the biggest monastery in Bulgaria u2013 2 hours. Guided tour u2013 1 hour, and free time to enjoy that peaceful place. Transfer to the cave of Ivan from Rila, the holy man, founder of the monastery. The hiking in both directions is 30 minutes. The cave is famous for its altar of wishes and If you pass through the cave your soul will be pure.nnLight lunch in one of the restaurants near the monastery. Transfer to the village of Banya, rich with its thermal springs. Rila monastery-Banya u2013 2 hours. Check-in in a guest house with spa facilities. nnDinner at 7.00 in the near village and enjoy the Bulgarian cuisine and traditional songs. nnNight in Banya.

• The real hiking will start today. Breakfast in the hotel u2013 7:30 am. 8:00 am -transfer to the hut Vihren u2013 1 hour. Hut Vihren -1950 m.nnToday we will see the group of glacier lakes, called Bunderishki, and the eyes of Todorka peak and the Vasilashki lakes in the preserved area u201cYulenu201d. nnFrom the hut, weu2019 are going to see the closest lake u2013 the Eye u2013 10 minutes. The Eye u2013 2026 m. From there weu2019ll hike to Muratovo lake u2013 1 hour. Muratovo lake u2013 2230 m. nnFrom there weu2019ll take a pass between the bushes and the squats to reach the Fish (Big) lake, famous with the fishes and a little peninsula u2013 1 hour. The Fish lake u2013 2190 m. nnLess than 30 minutes weu2019ll see the Frog lake, which is the highest from the group of Bunderishki lakes. The Frog lake -2322 m. nnAfter the Frog lake, we have to go up in east direction to reach the ridge of Todorka peak u2013 2600 m. Short break to enjoy the panorama. After that only descent. Weu2019ll see the lakes called Eyes of Todorka and some of the group of Vasilashki lakes. 2 hours walking to hut Damyanitsa. Damyanitsa u2013 1895 m. Short break. 2 hours walking on a dirt road to reach the car with our driver. nnElevation: 700 m.nn7:30 pm. u2013 Dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in Bansko. Night in Banya.

• 6:30 am -transfer to the hut Vihren u2013 1 hour. Hut Vihren -1950 m.nnFollowing the red marker, weu2019ll make a girth Vihren. After 30 minutes there will be a river with a crossroad. Weu2019re going to the valley called u201cKazaniteu201d -u201cCauldronsu201d. The area is full of granites and marbles. After the Big cauldron, we have to reach Premkata ridge. Premkata u2013 2660 m. nnWeu2019ll be on the north face of the summit. Itu2019s very slippy and because of the marbles u2013 slippery. It is good if you are experienced in bouldering. This will be the hardest part on the trail. The guide will show you the right way and you can help yourself with the chains. The climbing is 40-50 minutes.nnBreak in Vihren u2013 the highest peak of Pirin mountain u2013 2914 m.nnFrom Vihren weu2019re going in Southwest direction to the area called Kabata. This is the Kingu2019s road u2013 it is easier than that going up. The distance from Kabata to hut Vihren for 2 hours and 30 minutes.nnShort break in the hut and transfer to Banya to relax with thermal springs. nnElevation: 999 m.nn7:30 pm. u2013 Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Bansko. Night in Banya.

• 7:30 am. u2013 Breakfast in the guesthouse. Check out. Transfer to Melnik u2013 2 hours. Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria, with 186 inhabitants. Itu2019s famous with the production of red sorts of wine, including one unique, with the name u201cWide Melnik leafu201d. Melnik is in the South of Pirin and you can see the differences between the Nort and South. You can feel the Mediterranean spirit. nnThe denudation and the erosion made the area with sandy pyramids. Over Melnik, there is a platou with medieval ruins. This was the stronghold of one of the local feodals, who was a separatist from the Bulgarian kingdom in 13th. century. The hiking to this fortress is 30 minutes. You will be awarded the magnificent panorama. nnTasting wine in Melnik in one of the wineries and lunch.nnTransfer to Sofia or Sofia airport u2013 3 hours.nnElevation: 200 m.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Specialized infant seats are available

• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

• Minimum age is 18 years

• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.