8-Day Hike at the Champions of the Balkans
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About This Experience in Sofia
Why Visit Sofia?
Sofia, Bulgaria offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Sofia provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Sofia
You can reach Sofia, Bulgaria by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Guidance by local mountain guide
- Private transportation
- Accommodation: 5 nights in hotels + 2 nights at mountain huts
- Cabin-lift ticket to the area of Musala peak
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
- Travel to and from Bulgaria and visa
- Travel insurance
- Organised luggage transport from hut to hut
- Drinks
- Dinners and lunches in the hotels
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Trek Suitability: For fit and active travelers
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 120 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Welcome to Sofia!
Upon arrival at Sofia you'll be met and transferred to your hotel 4 hours
Upon arrival at Sofia you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or independently explore Sofia. Perhaps head to the Vitosha Boulevard in the city's vibrant center with views towards the Vitosha Mountain, wander around the streets and see the iconic St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral with its gold-plated domes. There will be a welcome meeting with your guide.
St 2 hours
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia occupies an area of 3,170 square metres (34,100 sq ft) and can hold 5,000 people inside.
Trek To The Musala Peak
The group will be transferred to the foothills... 2 hours
The group will be transferred to the foothills of the Mount Rila at the resort of Borovets (1300 m /4265 ft), a famous ski resort in winter, settled in a beautiful pine forest. Check-in at the hotel and preparing of one-day backpacks for the hike.
From Borovets resort the group will take the... 8 hours
From Borovets resort the group will take the cabin lift to the altitude of 2300m / 7545 ft from where starts the guided climbing to the peak of Musala (2925m/9596ft). The trek passes by the hut Musala and sets off on an ascending along a zig-zagging path. In less than 3 hours, passing by the beautiful Musalenski Lakes, it leads to the very peak. In the evening there is free time in the resort. You can enjoy the swimming in one of the hotels pools in the resort.
Guided climbing to the peak of Musala, the... 6 hours
Guided climbing to the peak of Musala, the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, 2925m. In winter Rila is covered with thick layers of snow. In summer, when the snow thaws, all the rivers are full of water. This water feeds the fascinating Rila lakes, which are more than 200. Take plenty of photos and enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before starting the descent back down the slopes of the mountains. Hiking Stats: Distance: 13 km, Ascend: 750 m, Descend: 750 m, Walking Time: 6 hours
Borovets – Rila Monastery - Bansko
The group continues the journey towards the next Mountain, Pirin Mountain 2 hours
The group continues the journey towards the next Mountain, Pirin Mountain. Along the road (fewer than 2 hours) we will make a diversion to visit the famous Rila Monastery. The Monastery is settled deep in the heart of the Rila Mountain and the road towards it follows the valley of the Rilska river. It is the most impressive monastery complex in Bulgaria. It has an exceptional historic, cultural and art value. Its more than thousand year old history is connected with the name of the hermit Ivan Rilski. The original architecture and the invaluable documents that are preserved here in the library and the museum of the Monastery make it a key Bulgarian landmark. It is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Bansko is an old traditional town in the foothills of the Mount Pirin 4 hours
Bansko is an old traditional town in the foothills of the Mount Pirin. Due to the ski area nowadays it has become an international canter for winter and summer tourism. Check-in in the hotel in Bansko. In the afternoon you can enjoy the hot mineral water in one of the many swimming pools at the nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km (3 mi) from the town.
Trek To The Vihren Peak
Transfer to the starting/finishing point of the hike 8 hours
Transfer to the starting/finishing point of the hike. In the morning the group will be transferred to the end of the asphalt road next to the hut Vihren (1955м /6414 ft). From here starts the ascending towards the peak of Vihren (2914 m/ 9560 ft). The path is rocky but well-trodden. After 4 hours approximately the group will reach the summit. Needless to say that in good weather the highest peak of the mountain offers the best views in the whole area. The panorama of the rugged mountain peaks around and the deep blue lakes settled in the glaciers circuses has made Pirin so attractive and desired destination of the hikers from all over the world. In less than 3 hours the group will drop down back to the hut Vihren and transferred back to Bansko. The hike is circular and it shows the whole splendor of the mighty peak of Vihren. Hiking Stats: Distance: 8 km, Ascend: 1100 m, Descend: 1100 m, Walking Time: 7 hours
The trek to the tallest peak of the... 8 hours
The trek to the tallest peak of the Pirin Mountain is at a protected area of the Pirin National Park and declared Unesco World Heritage site.
Bansko – Greek Border – Thessaloniki – Olympic coast
In the morning the journey continues towards the... 4 hours
In the morning the journey continues towards the Greece and the last Mountain of the hike, Olympus. Along the road (approximately 320 km and 4 hours) the group will cross the Bulgarian-Greek border.
Thessaloniki is the capital of the region of...
Thessaloniki is the capital of the region of Central Macedonia, Greece, and has about one million inhabitants, the second largest city in the country. In case of interest, we can make a stop there.
After passing Thessaloniki, we will arrive at the... 4 hours
After passing Thessaloniki, we will arrive at the Olympic coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Here the group can swim in the clean waters of the sea, while enjoying the views of the Mount Olympus. The night will be spent in a hotel at the coast.
Trek To The Hut Apostolidis In Mount Olympus
We will reach the starting point of the hike Gortsia 30 minutes
We will reach the starting point of the hike Gortsia. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to get to the hut Petrostrouga (1940 m/ 6365 ft) where we can have a rest and refreshments. The ascending continues along a well maintained path in the alpine part of the mountain to the hut Apostolidis.
Due to the big difference of the elevation... 6 hours
Due to the big difference of the elevation between the starting points and the peak of Mytikas, the group will spend the first night at the Apostolidis hut, the highest situated hut on the Balkan peninsula (2697 m /8848 ft) before the final ascend to the top the next day. The location of the hut, called the Plateau of Muses, itself is ideal for contemplating the beauty of the rocky peaks of Mytikas and Stefani, the valley bordering the sea, the sunrise and the sunset. Hiking Stats: Distance: 9.8 km, Ascend: 460 m, Descend: 1200 m, Time: 6 hours
Mount Olympus, Mytikas Peak Day
This day the group starts the trek to... 3 hours
This day the group starts the trek to the highest peak of the Greece, Mytikas (2918m) in the Mount Olympus. Being on the Plateau of Muses gives the group the chance to consider, with the help of the group leader, if the weather conditions are appropriate for a climbing to the very top. As the trail (trough Kakoskala, regarded as the safest) is mainly on rocks, it requires dry conditions and good visually. If there are good conditions, those who feel enough energy and lack of fear of the heights, can reach the very peak in less than 1:30 hours with a small backpack. The rest of the group can enjoy the other panoramic peaks in the region as the peak of Profits Elias (2781m), Toumpa (2786m) and Kalagia (2625m). In the afternoon, when the group reunites, it will set off down to the hut Petrostrouga (1940) to spend the night.
In the afternoon, when the group reunites, it... 6 hours
In the afternoon, when the group reunites, it will set off down to the hut Petrostrouga (1940) to spend the night. Hiking Stats: Distance: 9.8 km, Ascend: 460 m, Descend: 1200 m, Time: 6 hours
End Of The Trip
This is the final day and the group will return to Sofia 3 hours
This is the final day and the group will return to Sofia. In less than 3 hours, we will get by foot to the area of Gortsia at the asphalt road, where the bus will wait for us to drive the group back to Sofia. Hiking Stats: Distance: 5.2 km, Ascend: 30 m, Descend: 830 m, Time: 2,30 hours
Upon additional arrangements, you can be transported to... 5 hours
Upon additional arrangements, you can be transported to other places served by airports as Athens, Thessaloniki or nearby coastal resorts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
