8 days tour

In The Footsteps Of Orpheus (Self-Guided Walking Tour)

In The Footsteps Of Orpheus (Self-Guided Walking Tour)

This tour includes:

Transport

Ground transfers (and luggage transfers) are included (except Day 8)

Accommodation

3* hotels (1 night in Sofia, 1 night in Devin) Rural family pensions / guesthoues (3 nights in Trigrad, 1 night in Lyaskovo, 1 night Kossovo); en-suite rooms

Others

All people and luggage transfers (except Day 8) Detailed route descriptions in English, GPS tracks Rhodopes tourist map emergency hotline

Meals

Breakfasts and suppers except days 1 & 7, when supper is not included

Not included:

Guide

Self-guided tour: detailed route descriptions in English; a Rhodope tourist map; GPS tracks; emergency hotline

Others

Cave entry charges Extra food and drink Travel/medical insurance SPA procedures

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip In The Footsteps Of Orpheus (Self-Guided Walking Tour)

  • Day 1 Sofia-Devin
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Sofia-Devin

      Meeting at Sofia or Plovdiv airport (pick ups from Plovdiv/Plovdiv Airport will involve supplement of 40 EUR; landing should be at 15:00 at latest). Transfer to SPA city of Devin. Depending on where you land, the transfer could last 1,30hrs from Plovdiv and around 3 hrs from Sofia. If you arrive early enough you can use the afternoon to visit the picturesque nature trail along Devinska River, or jump in the thermal pools near your accommodation. Single timed transfer from Sofia will be organized in case of overlapping bookings (departing Sofia at 15:30 at latest; please make sure to land at 15:00 at latest).

  • Day 2 Devin-Trigrad
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Devin-Trigrad

      Today you can choose between two main treks (incl. options to extend them additionally):

      Shorter (9,50km; +565m/-355m): A 40min transfer takes you to the entry of the Yagodina Cave: one of Bulgariaโ€™s longest caves, which you can opt to view. Once finished with the cave tour, proceed for Trigrad village through a colorful kaleidoscope of landscapes that immerse you in the idyll of rolling crests, forests, and valleys.

      Longer (16km (+1070m/-750m) or 21km (+1385m/-1065m): A 30min transfer takes you to the trailhead where a moderate but nice ascent through gardens and woods brings you up at the crest of the mountain. Enjoy the breath-taking views from the famous Eaglesโ€™ Eye observation platform. Then you descend down to Yagodina village, from where you can make a detour to visit Yagodina Cave or head straight for Trigrad village.

      *Those who chose the shorter option, can extend their hike with a visit to the Trigrad Gorge (with its 350m high vertical cliffs) and the The Devilโ€™s Throat Cave (housing the highest underground waterfall on the Balkans, 42m high), both near Trigrad. Visiting these sights is a must, and can be done also in the afternoon of Day 3 or Day 4 by those, who opted for the longer treks on Day 2.

  • Day 3 Trigrad-Zhrebevo-Trigrad
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Trigrad-Zhrebevo-Trigrad

      Magnetic sights follow each other on a circular hiking tour around Trigrad, with the authentic village of Zhrebevo at its distant end. Legend has it, the village was named after a stallion which shielded it from trouble and strife. Along the route, you observe the entry to the Trigrad Gorge and enjoy the wonderful panorama to surrounding parts. (5,30hrs; 18,50km; +700m/-700m)

  • Day 4 Trigrad-Vodni Pad-Trigrad
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Trigrad-Vodni Pad-Trigrad

      Today, starting with a 10min transfer to the trailhead, you enjoy a particularly pleasant walking trek to the bordering with Greece villages of Kesten and Vodni Pad (until recently within a closely guarded strip proscribed even for those living down the road; you will see remains of the barbed wire border fences, meant to prevent people from escaping to Greece in the years during the 45yrs long communist rule in Bulgaria after WWII). A circular trail takes you up panoramic crests, through pine and beech forests dotted with green meadows and smallholdings, sheltered valleys, and traditional stone houses. The valley of the Trigradska River takes you back to Trigrad. (5,30hrs; 17km; +670m/-760m)

  • Day 5 Trigrad-Lyaskovo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Trigrad-Lyaskovo

      With a transfer to the village of Beden begins todayโ€™s particularly panoramic trek. The views of the Rhodopesโ€™ green crests change at each turn. The day ends at the village of Lyaskovo, one of the most distinctive local communities, with unforgettable charm and unique atmosphere. Your stay in the guesthouse of a local family will leave you wonderful memories of Rhodope hospitality. (6-6,30hrs; 21km; +825m/-860m)

      * There is an option to extend the tour with extra night in Lyaskovo village, incl. a circular trek along the nearby mountain ridges.

  • Day 6 Lyaskovo-Wonderful Bridges - Kossovo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Lyaskovo-Wonderful Bridges - Kossovo

      A picturesque hiking route through one of the Rhodopesโ€™ most beautiful forests (yet one little known among tourists) takes you to the amazing rock formations of the Chudni Mostove (The Wonderful Bridges): a natural rocky phenomenon that will impress you. From here, you are transferred to the village of Kossovo: a unique mountain community where you overnight in a restored traditional stone house. (5,30hrs; 17,50km; +1160m/-780m)

  • Day 7 Kossovo - Plovdiv - Sofia
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Kossovo - Plovdiv - Sofia

      After breakfast, you are transferred to Bulgariaโ€™s second largest monastery at Bachkovo where you may view the miracle-working icon of Virgin Marry. A transfer then takes you to Plovdiv to the starting point of the Free Plovdiv Tour (for 11:00*), which will show you the main sites of interest of the Old Town, the center and the pedestrian area of the city. Time on your own until early afternoon in Plovdiv (time permitting) and transfer to Sofia in order to make it on time for the Free Sofia Tour, starting at 18:00 (similar service, meant to show you the most famous tourist attractions in the center of Sofia).

      *N.B.: Between October & April the free tour in Plovdiv runs at 14:00. If you booked a tour during this period of time you will have to explore the Old Town using our own navigation materials, and not as a part of the free guided walking tour.

  • Day 8 Departure
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Departure

      Own departure arrangements (easy access to Sofia Airport by metro from the city center).

+5
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 70

Age range allowed for this experience.

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