I had a wonderful week in the rural wilderness of Rodopi. This was my first hiking trip and I found the walks to be very enjoyable and manageable. The pace was leisurely with lots of wildlife stops whilst still covering a good distance each day. The trip notes are very accurate, although accommodation is basic, it’s clean, comfortable and exactly what is described and had wonderful staff and great home cooked food. The guide Julian was fantastic, very passionate and a great leader and wildlife expert.

Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery Trips
Rising out of the forested Rila Mountains, in the valley of the Rilska River, the Rila Monastery sits at 1147m above sea level. Founded in the 10th century by a hermit, later canoised as St John of Rila, there has been a spiritual site here for more than a millenium.
Today Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria‘s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments, and it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rila Monastery Holidays
lucy green Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains
Jennifer Mann Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi MountainsA very underrated trip with a real focus on wildlife, and there is lots to see. The walking is spot on for a moderate trip but there is time to stop and take photos and learn about the area and the wildlife. Trails are good and very quiet. It’s definitely a place to get away from the rest of the world but with a homely hotel with good food at the end of the day.
Rebecca steward Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi MountainsThis was a holiday: good food, good weather, relaxing hotel, nice hosts , great group, well organised. An exploration, fabulous unhurried but exhilarating walks, wonderful scenery and an education. Our guide Julian seemed to know and love all the wildlife, the butterflies and birds, the geology, geography, mythology and the current social and political status of Bulgaria. An interesting , informative and stimulating trip for mind and body.
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