Bulgaria's idyllic terrain, impressive historical wonders and heartwarming culture is ready to be discovered by bike.
Off-the-beaten path Europe is hard to find these days, but this biking Bulgaria trip fits the bill. Alongside a wonderfully well-preserved culture, full of ancient ruins and medieval churches, lies beautiful back-country, hearty local cuisine, a distinguished regional wine culture, and a plethora of traditional spas. All perfect for exploring on two wheels.
Wild Countryside
There’s no shortage of fresh air and good views on a cycling tour through Bulgaria. For millennia, the country’s rocky and wild wilderness has captivated locals and travelers alike. Neolithic cave paintings predate rock-hewn Orthodoxian churches and Bulgaria’s mountain ranges have some of Europe’s best hiking and skiing outside of the Alps. Pedal past quaint, medieval villages as you wind through rocky gorges filled with rushing rivers.
History through flavour
What better way to experience the mutli-layered history of Bulgaria than through its food? Dig in to fresh Greek salads, topped with a dollop of Slavic-inspired sour cream. And enjoy fantastic feasts of breads and pastries, alongside Middle Eastern-spiced sausages and kebabs. Unwind at the end of your day by sampling a glass (or two!) of the famed local Bulgarian wines.
The cross-roads of Europe and Asia
Lifestyles and cultures have developed in this region over thousands of years influenced by the Thracians, Illyrians, Greeks, Romans and Slavs. Traversing between old and ancient, mountains and valleys, churches and mosques, will be the highlights of this tour through central Bulgaria. It’s Bulgaria at its unspoiled best, a cache of natural beauty and ancient history, comfortable accommodations, and fresh cuisine in idyllic surroundings.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Descend through the 300m high walls of the Trigrad Gorge
- Soak your tired legs in Hisarya's famous thermal springs
- Tour follows a mixture of good sealed roads. No off road riding experience required.
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
This biking Bulgaria tour uses roads that are all sealed and have a good surface, some being totally new. There are a couple of harder days on the tour but the support vehicle allows you to do as much cycling as you wish. Choose which bits you want to ride; get a lift to the top of the hill and cycle down the valley if it suits you. Your leader will suggest how you can get the most out of the trip to maximise enjoyment.
What's included
- Support vehicle
- Guide(s)
- Meals (as indicated)
- Accommodation
- Snacks and drinks
- Cycling jersey
- Water bottle
- Park entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Alcohol
- Tips
- Optional mountain bike hire (US 225)
- Optional single room ( US$220)
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Mixture of 3* & 4* standard and boutique hotels ( 14 nights)
The selected accommodation is detailed in the itinerary. On rare occasions, due to availability, alternative accommodation is used and this will be of a similar standard.
Meals
Includes:
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
Bulgarian food shares characteristics with other Balkans cuisines. Most dish featured vegetables, herbs and fruits. Rich salads are served at every meal also a variety of hot and cold soups, an example of a cold soup being tarator. Bulgarian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of dairy products and the variety of Bulgarian wines and local alcoholic drinks such as rakia, mastika and menta. There are many different Bulgarian pastries as well such as banitsa to indulge in.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. This trip is not too arduous, but there are climbs every day, so the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.
This tour follows a mixture of good sealed roads. No off road riding experience required. A support truck is almost always available to help you, and you will always have your guides with you at all times.
We all ride at different speeds, and this varies depending upon how we feel on the day. The guides tend to ride through the group, but stop on the top of passes to regroup. It is not essential that you try and keep up with everyone. Just ride at your own speed and enjoy it. If you are having a bad day you will be supported. Remember the vehicle is there for you, driving always at the back of the group.
Additional notes
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide. If the group is 9 people or more another guide will join the tour. All the guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
For the full factsheets, please make an enquiry and they’ll be sent to you right away to help you decide if this is the perfect trip for you.
FAQs
When's the best time to travel to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria enjoys a temperate climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, often with heavy snow. Sofia’s climate is generally favourable, with average daytime highs of around 28°C in July and August and 3°C from December to February.
Rainfall is highest in the mountains and rural life is often disrupted in winter by huge snowfalls. Southern Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast can be very hot and sunny during mid June to early September. A fleece and long trousers for the evening are recommended. Rain is a possibility, therefore you will need to bring a waterproof jacket and pants. Sun cream is a must, as is a covering for your head.
Is fresh water supplied?
Keeping you completely hydrated is taken very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price.
Can I travel as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. There is no compulsory surcharge for travelling alone. Accommodation is arranged on a twin share basis with another group traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, a single room will be provided at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Are spare bike parts available?
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though it cannot be guaranteed there’ll be spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Do I need to bring a helmet?
Wearing a helmet is required and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
What are the local hire bikes like?
Because some people can’t imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, they are not automatically provide as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes locally for the price listed above. The bikes are RAM HT2 26ers mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 27-speed SRAM gearing, disc brakes and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a road bike and that it is in good mechanical order.
Tour operator
These guys love sharing their passion for travelling by bicycle. With over 20 years experience and having set up the first dedicated cycle touring company in Asia they now curate extraordinary cycle adventures in over 32 countries on every type of terrain, for all ages and experience.
Whether you're a keen road cyclist, love touring or are just looking for a different kind of adventure, they offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with remarkable cultures, characters and landscapes in a way that no ordinary tour could.
Enquire today
Biking Bulgaria
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
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