Balkan Mountains Guided Cycle

Make your way to your hotel in Sofia. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city. We can assist with a private transfer from the airport to the hotel on request - please ask for our rates.

This morning after breakfast (own arrangements) there is a group transfer (time range 8.30-9.30am) from your hotel to Chekotinski Monastery (approx 1hr), the starting point of our ride. From here we pedal following the Maluk Iskar river through peaceful country roads and lush valleys to reach the charming mountain village of Golyam Izvor, where we stay overnight in a guest house. +330m/1082ft, -190m/623ft

We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. +620m/2034ft, -510m/1673ft Detour to Glozhene monastery (16km/10mi for total 64km/40mi) +-430m/1410ft

Today starts with a fairly challenging ascent from Ribaritsa village (at 630m) to the highest point for the day, Bogoi Pass (1185m). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass through the village of Shipkovo, where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre, we will visit the pottery and craft exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery, the third largest in Bulgaria and built in the Bulgarian Renaissance style. We will spend the night in the village Cherni Osum. +960m/3150ft, -1050m/3445ft

Today we cycle past villages and open countryside along Visima river towards the town of Sevlievo. Enroute we can spend the afternoon truffle hunting (optional) in the village Batoshevo. +210m/689ft, -520m/1706ft

Today’s ride is rich in cultural highlights. We visit the open-air ethnographic complex Etura which showcases traditional crafts and architecture. We continue to the beautifully preserved village of Bozhentsi which has some 100 houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period, before finishing the day in Tryavna, known for its woodcarving and artistic traditions. +970m/3182ft, -740m/2428ft

This stage takes us across rolling terrain and scenic mountain roads to the small town of Debelets. On our way we can visit Kilifarevski Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin, founded in the 14th century by St Theodosius of Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s greatest spiritual leaders. Overnight in Debelets. +620m/2034ft, -900m/2953ft

Our last ride takes us to the Kapinovski Monastery and on to Arbanassi, a village of Renaissance-era architecture and history. From here we transfer to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, before returning to Sofia where the trip concludes. +760m/2493ft, -560m/1837ft The trip concludes on arrival in Sofia, arriving at approx 5pm. We can assist with a transfer to the airport on request (we suggest not booking a flight departing earlier than 8.30pm) or if you'd like to stay longer we can assist with booking extra nights in Sofia - please ask for our rates.