Rhodope Mountain Biking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer to Trigrad

Welcome to Bulgaria! Arrive at the Sofia airport where your tour guide will meet you. Your tour begins with a drive deep into the heart of the Rhodope mountains to the village of Trigrad. Check in to your hotel and prepare for your tour with a trip briefing and a good dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel Arkan Han, Trigrad
Distance: N/A
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Cycle through Buynovo Gorge and Trigrad Gorge, Visit Devil’s Throat and Yagodina Caves

The first day of your bike tour shows you some of the most spectacular views in the Rhodope mountains. After breakfast, visit the well-known Trigrad Gorge and see the incredible waterfall at Devil’s Throat Cave. Then bike through a beautiful landscape to reach Yagodina for a picnic lunch and a visit to another stunning cave, the Yagodina cave. Follow the road through the impressive Buynovo Gorge and see more of the Trigrad Gorge, then return to your hotel in Trigrad for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel Arkan Han, Trigrad
Distance: 31 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Ride through Mugla to Shiroka Laka

Leave from the hotel after breakfast and ride through vast meadows, which are a common sight in the Rhodope mountains. Ride through the remote village of Mugla, where time seems to have stopped. After a picnic lunch, ride up to a mountain ridge then descend again to the village of Shiroka Laka. This fascinating 17th Century village has preserved the architecture and culture of the Bulgarian Revival Period. Learn more about Bulgaria’s history and folklore here and enjoy a traditional dinner. Spend the night in a hotel here.
Overnight Location: Hotel Kalina, Shiroka Laka
Distance: 39 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Bike to Pamporovo

Today’s ride is shorter and easier. In the morning, climb in altitude via the road to reach the village of Stoykite. From here the trail is relatively flat and level as you ride to a hut in one of Bulgaria’s largest ski resort areas. After a picnic lunch, a short descent brings you to the well-known Pamporovo ski resort area. After checking in to your hotel for the night, you’ll have free time to rest or explore the area.
Overnight Location: Hotel Kiparis Alfa, Smolyan
Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Cycle to Rozhen Meadows, Prespa, and Manastir

Ride along the bike trail from Pamporovo to a special place called Rozhen Meadows. This is the site of a national folklore fair held every four years which is a symbol of Bulgarian freedom and unity. Here you can visit the National Astronomical Observatory. After a picnic lunch, continue to follow the trail through Prespa (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), which is the highest point of your tour. Descend again to Manastir, which is Bulgaria’s highest village at 1,450 m (4,757 ft). Stop here for dinner and to spend the night.
Overnight Location: Mitko Guesthouse, Manastir (1,450 m / 4,757 ft)
Distance: 37 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Bike to Chepelare

After breakfast, climb again back up to the main ridge of the mountain where you’ll find an incredible panoramic Rhodope mountain view. The range seems to spread endlessly in all directions, full of peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, and quaint towns and villages. Stop here to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a picnic lunch. Follow the trail along the top of the green massif, then end the day with a significant descent into the famous ski town of Chepelare, where you will eat dinner and spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel Rodopski Dom, Chepelare
Distance: 36 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Ride to Shiroka Laka

Leave Chepelare on a trail through a beautiful forested valley, then climb up to the meadows that overlook the valley. The trail here is flat and you’ll find a lovely place to stop and eat your picnic lunch. Continue to appreciate the views that surround you as you descend once again to the familiar village of Shiroka Laka. Return again to the same hotel and enjoy a traditional dinner on the last night of your tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel Kalina, Shiroka Laka
Distance: 32 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Travel to Sofia Airport, Departure Day

Sadly your Rhodope Mountain Biking Tour has come to an end. Depending on your travel plans, you will have free time after breakfast then return to the Sofia airport for your departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast