Current as of: November 12, 2025 - 23:58
Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Bulgaria
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
-
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TDB
- Carbon Footprint: 21kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Hike through wildlife-rich mountains and discover the rural culture and history of Bulgaria
The Rodopi Mountains are a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious region which, according to legend, were the home of the ancient Greek bard, Orpheus. Today they offer a refuge for many rare plants, butterflies, birds and mammals, including elusive carnivores such as brown bears and wolves. Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of this remote mountain range as we walk through a variety of landscapes, including shady coniferous forests, expansive meadows and rugged limestone gorges. We engage with local people who maintain their traditional rural existence, working the fields by hand and tending their livestock on the meadows and pastures.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Six days walking in the Rodopi Mountains
- Travel by minibus
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Hike the Rodopi Mountains, a walker’s paradise of deep gorges, ancient forests and flowering meadows
- Embark on day walks from our comfortable base in a traditional Bulgarian village
- Look out for native flora and fauna, including brown bears, orchids and wildflowers
- Trace the myth of Orpheus, the Ancient Greek bard, who is said to have lived here
- Enjoy a warm welcome and delicious home-cooked food at Yagodina Family Hotel
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: Hiking between four and five hours a day, along traditional mountain trails, forest tracks and ancient Roman roads, our varied programme of daily walks takes us through a mixture of silent forests and flower-filled meadows, as well as over rocky karst terrain.
Suitability: Although the pace is generally leisurely, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, observe wildlife, take photographs and interact with local people, the trip does involve moderately strenuous walking in mountainous terrain. Trails are rarely flat, and often rough and stony. To make the most of your experience, you should be prepared for steep ascents as we climb over ridges, and be confident in descending steep paths over stones and tree roots as we drop into deep valleys and gorges.
Day 4 hike: Occasionally, during May, late-lying snow makes it impossible to traverse the Perelik ridge. In this case, a replacement lower-altitude walk will be arranged in the mountains closer to Yagodina. This alternative walk will be a similar distance, and is wonderfully varied in its own right, leading through a succession of different wildlife habitats, and in places offering wonderfully expansive views.
Group
The trip is led by an experienced local guide who will share their extensive knowledge about the nature and culture of the region. Most departures are led by Julian Perry, a brown bear specialist with over 30 years’ experience leading our tours. Julian has spent a lifetime researching the wildlife of the Rodopi Mountains, and his knowledge and personal insights will help to enrich your experience on the walks.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only Itinerary
Meet at Sofia Airport • To Yagodina
The adventure begins at Terminal 2 in Sofia Airport (Terminal 2), where we meet our leader, before a transfer to the remote village of Yagodina, our base for the next six nights.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Kastrakli Nature Reserve and Buynovo Gorge Hikes
Our first day in the mountains provides us with two separate walks, each offering a unique set of landscapes and wildlife-spotting opportunities. A 20-minute drive after breakfast brings us to the trailhead of our first walk, a hike through the deep gorge and forests of Kastrakli Nature Reserve, renowned for orchids, butterflies and a well-established population of Balkan chamois.
In the afternoon, after a 30-minute drive to the village of Chala, we set off for our second walk. To start, we follow a broad grassy ridge spur, offering spectacular views towards Yagodina, before dropping steeply into Buynovo Gorge, where the bus will be waiting to drive us (10 minutes) back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Hike in the Bulgaria-Greece border zone
A 30-minute drive up the picturesque valley of the Buynovska Reka brings us to the village of Buynovo, where we start our walk. Today, we wander amid the mountain meadows and forests along the border with Greece. Nowadays this is a tranquil region, peacefully roamed by wolves, bear, wild boar and red deer, and home to secretive forest birds such as capercaillie and hazel grouse; however, during the Cold War, it was known as the Zone of Death, a forbidden area patrolled by armed border guards ordered to prevent anyone trying to escape across the Iron Curtain into Greece.
During our walk, we see remnants of the old border fence and perhaps find traces of former military bunkers, giving us an opportunity to learn more about this period of Bulgarian history.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Traverse the highest peaks of the Rodopi Mountains
After breakfast, we set off in our bus for a 1hr 30min drive east into the highest part of the Rodopi Mountains. Having reached the end of the driveable road, we begin a wonderfully panoramic hike along the main ridge of the Rodopi Mountains. First, we skirt just below the military base on the summit of the Rodopi’s highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7,188ft/2,191m), before ascending Karlak (7,178ft/2,188m).
Having enjoyed the expansive views from the rolling open pastures, we then start to drop into the forest, making a long descent to the picturesquely situated village of Gela, which according to legend was the birthplace of Orpheus. Here, we meet our bus for the drive back to Yagodina.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Bear and wolf tracking
Embark on an exciting bear and wolf tracking walk, which starts and finishes at the door of our hotel. Spending the entire day on foot, we explore the diverse patchwork of landscapes that immediately surround Yagodina, a prime habitat for both brown bears and grey wolves.
During our explorations, we look out for signs of their presence and activities, while learning about their ecology and behaviour. We also gain an understanding of local conservation efforts and the challenges of human-carnivore existence.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Hike in the footsteps of Orpheus
Having visited the village of Gela earlier in the week, the supposed birthplace of Orpheus, we continue with the Orphic theme today, following in his footsteps to the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary where Orpheus is believed to have met his death.
As well as being steeped in a fascinating mix of myth and mystery, today’s route also offers some lovely remote walking. We share our trail with wolves and deer, and can often hear the eerie cries of black woodpeckers echoing through the forest, adding to the excitement and magical atmosphere. The forests are also rich in other birdlife, including hazel grouse, nutcrackers, crossbills, and crested tits.
Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
On the chamois trail • To Sofia
Having had breakfast and said our farewells to the staff at the hotel, we set off on foot for a short but stunning final walk.
Begin by winding through the meadows at the edge of the village, before joining a narrow rocky trail, on which we eventually descend into the depths of the Buynovo Gorge. The first part of the path skirts the flank of imposing Mount Sveti Iliya, passing a cave and crossing scrubby scree slopes that are home to a growing population of Balkan chamois.
The views of the crags above, on which chamois make their home, and down into the gorge below, are breath-taking. However, please note the trail is very rough and rocky underfoot, and although not exposed, may not be suitable for those with serious vertigo.
Eventually, having entered the forest shade, we descend to the river. Here, we meet our bus and transfer (four hours) to Sofia. We expect to have a few hours free in Sofia before our farewell dinner together at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace (or similar)
Adventure ends in Sofia
This trip draws to a close after breakfast. If you want to spend a bit more time in the city after our walking adventures, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Yagodina Family Hotel and Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace
Our base for six nights is Yagodina, a traditional rural village known for its self-sufficiency and hospitable inhabitants. Home to around 500 people, it is secluded in the Trigrad Karst region, one of the most remote parts of the Rodopi Mountains.
Here, we stay in the Yagodina Family Hotel, a small accommodation with comfortable twin and single rooms. It’s owned and run by a local family and most of the food (including milk, cheese, butter, jam and honey) is either home-produced or locally sourced. Please note that.
Our final night is at Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace, a conveniently located four-star hotel in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The 63-room accommodation is in the downtown area, close to city landmarks, including the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. It also has a restaurant serving French, Italian and Spanish dishes, plus a lobby bar with cocktails, coffee and more.
Worth knowing
- Not all rooms have balconies at Yagodina Family Hotel. Fittings, furnishings and facilities vary, so there is no guarantee your room will have a fridge, kettle, safe deposit box, or wifi signal. There is, however, good wifi in the hotel restaurant.
Single supplement from 342 €
Food & Drink
The restaurant at Yagodina Family Hotel is renowned throughout Bulgaria for serving delicious traditional home-cooked meals prepared from local produce. The cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic influences, with several local Rodopi specialties including smilyanski fasul (a delicious bean soup) and patatnik (grated potatoes, onions and cheese, seasoned with mint and other herbs).
Typical meals served during the week will comprise:
- Breakfast: Usually includes herb tea and coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and traditional local specialities, such as katmi (thick pancakes) and rodopski klin (a rice-based dish).
- Lunch: Picnic lunches will be eaten in the mountains and typically comprise of bread, cheese, salami, salad, biscuits and fruit.
- Dinner: Will be taken in our hotel restaurant, and will normally include three courses and likely to comprise a version of the traditional Bulgarian salad shopska salata (tomatoes, cucumber and white cheese) or a vegetarian soup, followed by a main course, and then to finish off, either fruit or one of the hotel owner’s highly popular home-made desserts! Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but can be purchased. There are also several local wines you may wish to try, including an excellent red Mavrud from vineyards on the northern slopes of the Rodopi.
As a small, family-run mountain hotel specialising in traditional Bulgarian cuisine, Yagodina Family Hotel cannot accommodate every dietary preference. Food allergies are taken seriously, and advance notice allows staff to adapt menus or advise on suitable dishes. Vegetarians will generally find good options, though variety may be limited seasonally. However, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free alternatives are not available, so guests with these needs should plan accordingly.
Transport
A private minibus is used for all transport throughout the week. The roads in the Rodopi are typically small and winding mountain lanes, occasionally with rough surfaces.
Weather & Seasonality
Spring and summer days are typically warm and sunny, with a refreshing mountain breeze that helps moderate temperatures. However, please note that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, and cold temperatures may occur at any time. Occasionally, sudden short storms may arise, so it’s important to carry suitable waterproof clothing on all walks. However, such storms are usually followed by a period of settled weather.
Later in autumn, overnight frosts and misty mornings are common, but these often give way to beautiful, sunny days. It’s always a good idea to keep a pair of gloves and a spare warm layer in your pack for shadier paths or when picnicking on breezy rock outcrops.
Seasonal wildlife: During late spring and early summer, wildflowers in the Rodopi Mountains reach their peak, turning the meadows into a vibrant patchwork of colour. The edges of forest paths often harbour a variety of rare and beautiful orchids. As summer progresses, the variety of butterflies becomes particularly striking. Come autumn, the deciduous trees begin to change colour, and by October, the mountain landscapes are at their most photogenic, especially after a frosty night, when the golden morning sun appears.
This is also the time when the forests and scrubs are full of wild fruits and nuts, and the birds become more conspicuous again as they actively feed up before the winter. October is also a crucial foraging period for the brown bears as they prepare for hibernation. Additionally, many attractive fungi emerge on the forest floor, not only harvested by the locals, but also by roe deer, Balkan chamois, wild boar, red squirrels, and a variety of smaller rodents.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Yagodina
Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
A taxi to the hotel costs about €300 and there is no connecting public transport. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group transfer from the airport.
Please note: The group meets for the transfer at Terminal 2. However, some budget airlines fly into Terminal 1. Free shuttle buses between the terminals run every 30 minutes.
Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Backpack (25-30 litres)
- Comfortable walking boots
- Waterproofs
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Plastic sandwich boxes and paper sandwich bags for picnic lunches
Environmental considerations: We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
- Water purification tablets – water sources in Bulgaria are generally very good, but those who wish to purify their water should bring their own means
- Flip-flops/sandals – bathrooms in Bulgaria are typically wet rooms
- Books/after-dinner entertainment (for evenings in Yagodina, as the village is a small rural settlement and has no nightlife)
- Binoculars for birdwatching/wildlife observation
- Torch (flashlight)
Practical Information
Visa
Bulgaria
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/bulgaria
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/bulgaria
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bulgaria.html
Vaccinations and Health
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks have been reported in this region and could possibly carry lyme disease, TBE and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Bulgaria's time zone: Europe/Sofia (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Bulgaria's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Bulgaria's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATM Availability
Although there are ATMs in the arrivals hall at Sofia Airport, there are no banks or ATMs in Yagodina. If you plan to use cash, obtain euros in advance (while still in your home country).
If ordering your euros, it’s better to request smaller denomination notes. Shops and restaurants in Bulgaria rarely have much small change and often refuse to accept larger denomination notes.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
During your stay at Yagodina Family Hotel, you can request to have any drinks or other purchases charged to your room tab, which can be settled by cash or card at the end of the week. As a guideline, you may wish to budget approximately €100 to cover drinks with meals and any souvenirs, such as local produce (e.g., honey, jams, herb teas, and dried mushrooms).
Tipping
It is customary, though not obligatory, to tip staff in Bulgaria when you receive good service. Most guests choose to tip both the driver and the staff at Yagodina Family Hotel. As a guideline, we recommend approximately €20 per person for the hotel staff for the week, and €10 per person for the driver for the week.
Tipping the leader is also entirely at your discretion; however, if you wish to show appreciation for their efforts, a tip of around €50 per person for the week is recommended.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
