Bid farewell to the tourist trail – Bulgaria is a place of hidden secrets and ancient folklore
Trips to Bulgaria
An adventure holiday to Bulgaria is one full of hidden surprises. Challenge yourself with a trek into the Pirin and Rodopi Mountains, where the soaring summits leave you breathless.
With medieval monasteries, enchanted caves with mythical histories and forests that echo with the plaintive cry of Europe’s remaining wolves, a trip to Bulgaria wins in the fairytale stakes.
Southwestern Bulgaria is home to the Pirin and Rila mountains, with rewarding trails across high passes and glacial lakes. Go hiking across stunning passes and, for a bigger challenge, ascend Musala, the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula.
Bulgarian Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine blends Ottoman influences with fresh vegetables, herbs and hearty local cooking. Try classics such as shopska salad, banitsa, kebabche and lyutenitsa, plus fish soup on the coast and traditional cheeses in the mountains.
Villages
Explore Bulgaria’s characterful towns and villages, including Koprivshtitsa, Kovachevitsa, Etar and Bozhentsi. Discover local customs and traditions, browse markets for fresh produce and enjoy a quieter glimpse of everyday Bulgarian life.
Mud bathing
Near Atanasovsko Lake, mineral-rich mud has formed naturally over millions of years and is traditionally used for mud bathing. Apply it before washing off, then float in the neighbouring saline pool – one of Bulgaria’s more unusual experiences.
Explore the Rodopi Mountains in search of the brown bear. Look for tracks, scats and other signs of activity as part of an ongoing conservation project, then visit a purpose-built hide for the chance to watch bears in their natural habitat.
I am keen on the natural world, fascinated by large carnivores – walking and sharing their world was the reason for booking. The spectacular mountain ranges are wild and empty of people. I enjoyed the fact that each day had a different emphasis and the lack of rest day enabled us to really make the most of our surroundings. Relaxing drinks on the patio, a feast of local delights and the company of likeminded, funny and interesting folk was a great end to each day.
I’d love to return in the autumn , but the wildflowers and butterflies were superb.
I thought this was an excellent week, with beautiful walks in spectacular scenery and almost no other hikers; fantastic flora and the excellent guide explained lots about the wildlife and history of the region which I hadn’t known much about. The local staff were very hospitable and it’s hard to see how the week could have been much better
Beautiful scenery- forests, mountains,wildflower meadows. If you like getting off the beaten track you will love this.
Enjoyed the evening meals in the hotel. Our group would meet for drinks on the terrace beforehand. It was a fun and sociable week.
