Day 1 – Arrival
Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, a transfer will take you to the village of Govedartsi, where you will spend the next four nights. Nestled in the foothills of the alpine Rila Mountain, this village is the perfect base for the walks in the days ahead. Dinner and group briefing in the evening.

Day 2 – High Trails of Malyovitsa Valley
We begin our Rila adventure with the valley of Mount Malyovitsa, known as the cradle of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering. An early transfer (about 20 min) takes us to a small resort area from where we enter Rila National Park. The next section of the route passes through two terraces before we get on a steep rocky path taking us to Elenino Lake, from where we will do the final ascent to Malyovitsa peak (2730m). After marvelling at the vast alpine views revealed from the top, we head back the same way.

Hiking distance: 14km. Grade: moderate.

Day 3 – The 7 Rila Lakes
Today we explore the Seven Rila Lakes, a stunning cirque known for its natural beauty. After a short transfer we start walking on a steep forest path leading to the lowest of the lakes. The route then merges with the main path passing through each of the seven lakes, and finishing at a peak revealing a spectacular 360° view. We then get on a quieter track, entering a more tranquil and very scenic part of the mountain from where we will descend back on a panoramic ridge (Zeleni Rid) overarching two neighbouring lake-dotted valleys.

Hiking distance: 15km. Grade: challenging.

Day 4 – Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans
After breakfast, a short transfer (approx. 20 min) takes us to Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, where a gondola ride (about 30 min) gets us to near the top of the mountain. With its 2,925m peak, Musala is the highest peak in the Balkans, still our route starts at 2375m, which makes the peak easily accessible within a day. The route starts with a flat warm-up section to Musala hut, from where we start the ascent to the peak. Along the route will marvel at some of the glacial lakes and the towering peaks in the cirque. Our next stop is at the Ledeno Ezero (Cold Lake) refuge, from where we head on the final steep trail to the peak. If we are lucky with the weather we will enjoy a 360° panorama revealing all the branches of the mountain. We get back to the starting point in the same way where a transfer will take us for our last night in Govedartsi.

Hiking distance: 14km. Grade: easy/moderate.

Day  5 – Rila Monastery visit and transfer to Bansko
Today it is time to rest and explore the cultural riches of Bulgaria. In the morning we’ll drive to Rila Monastery where we will spend the day discovering the country’s most prominent UNESCO site, nestled deep into the mountain. Founded in the 9th century, the Monastery of Saint John of Rila is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. Exploring its painted walls, icons and human stories, you will learn a lot about the country’s medieval and modern past.

In the second part of the day we head to Bansko, a resort town at the foothills of the Pirin mountain, the second alpine range we will explore during the tour. After the transfer we will have the rest of the day exploring the old town and enjoy a dinner at the cosy family hotel where we will spend the next three nights.

Day 6 – Mt Vihren
Today we start very early in the morning as the main road to the Pirin National Park closes at 08:00am. A short transfer (approx. 30 min) will take us to Vihren hut from where we get on a path taking us up to one of the most scenic parts of the mountain known as the Marble Ridge. Depending on the weather and the condition of the group the route can be extended with another scenic section called the Koncheto Crest. The final ascent of Vihren is on a steep rocky path, and once we reach the top we will enjoy a 360° panorama revealing the entire Marble Ridge, the Banderitsa valley, and the neighbouring Todorka peak overarching the ski area. The route is circular, and we will descend on the main path back to Vihren hut from where we drive back to Bansko.

Hiking distance: 8km. Grade: easy/moderate.

Day 7 – Mt Polezhan  
After breakfast, we get on a short transfer (approx. 30 min) to the neighbouring town of Dobriniste, from where a lift takes us to Bezbog hut (2240m). Moving away from the resort area today we will explore a less visited but equally beautiful part of the mountain. The objective for the day is Mount Polezhan, one of the most scenic peaks of Pirin. Once we get to the top we can choose between returning on the same way or descending on a steep rocky path, which will take us to one of the biggest lakes in the area, before returning to the lift station on a pleasant trail. The standard route for the day is a bit shorter, which will give us more free time to relax and enjoy some of the mineral springs in the area before we head back to Bansko for our goodbye dinner.

Hiking distance: 8km. Grade: easy/moderate.

Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, a transfer (2.5 hrs) takes you to Sofia where you will get on your flight back home or stay for an extra night.

Other destinations incur an extra transfer charge.

Prices include all accommodation, transfers, meals and guided excursions.

Airport transfers from/to Sofia are included. Transfers to other airports come at an additional cost.

This is a group holiday that can also be tailor-made on request.

Travelling solo and want your own room? Single supplement: £140

Please note, accommodation is clean, characterful and basic – in more remote areas, do not expect luxury! If for any reason an accommodation is not available, we will reserve an alternative of equal standard.

ST GEORGE FAMILY HOTEL, GOVEDARTSI

RAHOFF FAMILY HOTEL, BANSKO