EXPLORE BULGARIA ON TWO WHEELS!
Bulgaria's untamed landscapes quicken the pulse of mountain bikers.
The country's mountains offer a thrilling experience, making it a paradise for cycling enthusiasts.
Venture into the experience and cycle through technical trails, leisurely rides and magnificent scenery.
My name is Kiril Levterov.
I am the manager of Actiano Tours. For 19 years I have been a mountain enthusiast and guide. My passion is cycling, but I am also an experienced climber, cave explorer, walker/hiker, snow-shoe walker and skier.
Trust our highly experienced and well-informed guides, who will take you on your desired biking journey and let's explore Bulgaria together!
Each of Bulgaria's mountain ranges provides a unique cycling experience, making it a great destination for mountain bikers. Access a network of trails, ranging from scenic to challenging, while enjoying breathtaking views and admiring the diverse nature.
Rila
Cycling in Rila offers breathtaking views and the chance to explore areas around Musala Peak. The Rila Monastery is a notable stop for its cultural and historical significance.
Pirin
The terrain here is perfect for adventurous cyclists. Trails around Vihren Peak offer both technical challenges and stunning landscapes. The Pirin National Park provides a range of routes, from forested paths to alpine meadows, making it a paradise for cycling enthusiasts.
Rhodope
Known for their serene landscapes and folklore, the Rhodopes provide a more relaxed cycling experience. Trails around Golyam Perelik and other peaks offer scenic rides through forests and meadows, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Stara Planina
The trails are varied, from steep climbs to scenic descents. The region offers a blend of rugged paths and smooth rides, ideal for exploring the area's rich cultural heritage.
Vitosha
This is a prime location for day trips from the capital - Sofia. With well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels, cyclists can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The proximity to the capital makes it a convenient destination for both casual and serious cyclists.
Explore various areas. Visit notable stops with cultural and historical significance.
See the areas that show the uniqueness of the country and take in its natural beauty, wild and local life.
Enjoy accommodation in our best hotels, where you will wind down after an exhausting, but an action-packed day!
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Best period for visits: June-October
This is the Europe that is not as touristised, crowded and expensive. It has all the old charm of Europe and more. Bulgaria is a mountainous country with a wide diversity in landscapes which leads to lots of stunning valleys, gorges, rushing water and beautiful riding. On this tour we will encounter 3 different mountain areas- the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes. Each with their own stunning characteristics. By avoiding the main roads as much as possible, we experience the real Bulgaria - lots of small rustic villages, stopping at a few monasteries (especially the amazing Rila monastery) as well as a tour through some of Bulgaria’s wild and well known cave systems. Bulgaria is noted for its stunning caves, hiking trails and vista views. This country holds a lot of ancient history and you will see many remnants of this along the route - from Byzantine to the most recent Ottoman rule. Rich in history and rich in religion (Muslim and Orthodox Christian), past and present. You will witness much of this mix of Mosques and Churches and cultures that do not clash. Often very unique and colorful in their festivals and ancient traditions. We avoid the Black Sea coast as far too busy for biking in this popular beach/summer tourist area. You are welcome to hang there after. Welcome!
Day 1/2
Arrived in the ancient city of Sofia, you have some time to explore its streets, charm and architecture.
A must is Aleksandar Nevski Church (Bulgaria’s past connections with Russia). It is built in the Byzantine/Muscovite style and is beyond opulent. But we suggest wandering. Sofia is very laid back for a capital but is alive on summer nights with their great array of cafes and music. If you want to see true medieval orthodox art, a must see is the Kremikovtsi Monastery.
Day 3 - To Barziya (just south of spa town of Berkovitsa)
We start with a short drive out of Sofia to rid ourselves of city traffic. Again avoiding main road as much as possible (road bikes need the main road) we cut on side roads through small villages like Gradets, Svidnja, Iskerts and Breze before reconnecting with main road to go up the great Petrohan Pass. Great scenic climb between 2 jagged mountains with dense woods all around. For those more adventurous, there is the option to take a dirt road that runs parallel and rejoins the group up on top. Half way up is a small village, boasting Bulgaria’s best sheep yoghurt and local honey. Road side vendors abound. A great zig zagging downhill into the valley below follows the Barziya river to the town of Barziya. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4 - To Vratsa
Taking paved side road north right out of town, we ride towards the small villages of Beli Izvor and Lilijache, where we stop nearby for a quick visit of the Bozhiya most (God's Bridge). This area boasts some great rolling hillside riding. This “most” is one of Bulgaria's more captivating geological curiosities. This "bridge" is a tunnel, like sequence of limestone arches which S bends its way above a stream for about a football field. It is a short walk off the road. We continue on to Vratsa, passing by the Vratsa Gorge and its sheer ragged cliffs. If we have time, there are a few cafe/restaurants at the gorges bottom (not gorgeous bottom) that we can relax and enjoy (read between the lines - beer/wine) this stupendous view before heading into town for the night. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 5 – To Gara Lakatnik
Starting the day, we head on a beautiful 10 km twisting climbing to the Ledenika cave, that sits on a goat/sheep nibbled alpine plateau, covered in wild flowers and herbs. Tranquility comes to mind. Mount Okolchitsa sits over, looking it all. A short undulating plateau ride takes us to Ledenika cave. A short 45 min. tour takes us through narrow passages, stalactites and wild rock formations. Back downhill and we head to Mezdra and a stunning 20 km ride through the Iskar Gorge - this stretch is narrow, with huge crages towering over the river and road. Enjoy! We can relax and end the day with drive to Sofia. If time’s enough, there is a wild cave (Temnata dupka) here, with subterranean rivers and lakes. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 6 - To Yundola
Drive out of city and we start heading to southern part of Bulgaria. Starting at Bistritsa, we take paved side roads, parallel to main road and end up on main road near Samokov. Then we cut again south on side roads to Beli Iskar and through Rila mountain. Those with road bikes will take the main road along with supporting trucks and we’ll meet at Yundola, where we will stay for the night. This is a great ride through rural and remote Bulgaria. Lots of small villages. The ride through the remote road through Rila mountain will be spectacular. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 7 – From Velingrad to Dospat
Starting the day by heading due south right out of Velingrad through the Rhodopes mountain range on paved side road. Another great day and ride through rural Bulgaria and even more remote, pristine wilderness and mountains. This ride will show the varied and great unspoiled countryside that Bulgaria is noted for. We follow rivers and lakes, passing the occasional village. We finish the day riding along the remote side of Lake Dospat into the town of the same name. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 8 – To Trigrad
A nice short 35 km day into the small village of Trigrad. Trigrad is near the Greece border and is another area, known for it's spectacular caves, especially Devil’s throat, which we will visit on our day off and it's awe inspiring gorge.
Day 9 – Day Off
Options to chill in this quiet village, visit Shiroka Laka or head to the Trigrad gorge, which holds maybe Bulgaria’s most spectacular vista. It's sheer walls, overhanging the rushing Trigradska river is not to be missed. It is here where this huge waterfall disappears into the earth through the Devil throat cave’s stupendous mouth. You will hear the intensity and thunder of the waterfalls as it plunders into the earth’s bowels long before you see it. Legend has it, that this is the entrance into the underworld, used by Orpheus. An optional short bike ride or drive to the beautiful village of Shiroka Laka. This is a true, unspoiled Rhodope/Bulgarian village. Like a postcard, but you can be actually in it. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 10 – Dabnitsa to Bansko
We will drive to village of Dabnitsa after breakfast, to start our day’s ride. We head back north, skirting the edge of Naroden park and the wonderful Pirin mountain, as our view most of the day. A great ride, crossing over and riding along many rivers that end up in one of the park’s many lakes. Nice remote road with little traffic. Bansko is now a ski resort town, but quieter in the summer and still has in its centre a maze of cobbled streets, lined with timber framed stone houses. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 11 – From Bansko to Rila
As we head toward Rila and its spectacular mountain monastery, we hit the main roads again, but will rid the parallel side roads as much as possible through the quieter villages. The last 10 kms into Rila are through a beautiful flood plain and a few villages, which will be swarmed with nesting storks. Nice entrance. Ending up in Rila, we stop for our last night. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 12 – From Rila monastery to Sofia
A nice 27 km ride into a narrowing valley of dense woods along the Rilska River to this spectacular monastery and setting is our final ride. The monastery is famed for architecture as well as it's mountain setting. Enjoy before we drive back to Sofia and enjoy our last traditional restaurant together. Accomodation in hotel.
Day 13 – Fly out or stay another day
Cheers to another great adventure - enjoy Sofia’s vibe if in no rush to head home.
What’s included:
All hotels/B&B's, including 3 nights in Sofia
Breakfast and lunch while biking
Support trucks, water and local guide
Entrance into any sites or caves/tours
Fresh air
Day 1 - Sofia, the cultural capital.
Flight to Sofia, where our local tour guide welcomes us. We drive together to the hotel, where we check in and unpack our bikes. After we have assembled them, we go on a joint city tour in the center of Sofia and stroll through the beautiful parks. Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is often underestimated, so mass tourism is not an issue here.
Overnight stay: Hotel near Sofia.
Day 2 - Trails and wonderful views of the vastness of Bulgaria. Our bike adventure begins in Sofia.
We follow the "horizontal path" around the Vitosha mountain, passing small villages in the Brezite region. Strengthened by lunch in a small, fine restaurant, our tour continues along side roads and single trails to the village of Plana. The journey continues over the Plana mountains and opens up a fantastic panorama of the Vitosha and Rila mountains. We pass fields where potatoes, corn and wheat are grown and drive through lonely areas where no one is to be seen. After a short transfer in the accompanying bus, we reach our destination in the late afternoon, the village of Govedartsi, hidden in a small mountainous valley on the edge of the Rila National Park. We enjoy our dinner in a typical local guesthouse.
Bike route: 40 km, 900 m above sea level.
Overnight stay: Guesthouse in Govedartsi.
Day 3 - Bike tour and hike to the seven lakes.
After breakfast, we first cycle uphill on an asphalt mountain road, then on small paths through a coniferous forest to the Pionerska hut. Here we change to the chairlift and let ourselves be taken up into the mountain world of the seven Rila lakes. The clear glacial lakes shine in different shades of blue, are connected by small streams and are spread out on small plateaus at an altitude of 2100 to 2534 meters. We explore the landscape on foot and take in the natural beauty of this region. Later we descend to our guesthouse, where we have dinner together.
Bike route: 32 km, 600 m ascent. Hike: 2-3 hours.
Overnight stay: Guesthouse in Govedartsi.
Day 4 - Rila National Park round trip.
We start again at our guesthouse and ride on unpaved paths and trails through the Rila National Park. Forest workers, herds of horses and sheep cross our path and we enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Rila Mountains around us. When we return to our guesthouse in the afternoon, we put our bikes in the bus and drive to a mineral thermal bath, where we can relax our tired legs in the warm water. Afterwards we drive to the mountain town of Borovets, where we check into our hotel.
Bike route: 37 km, 840 m ascent.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Borovets.
Day 5 - Borovets Bike Park.
Today it's time to ride trails in the ski area! Borovets is Bulgaria's largest ski resort. The highest peaks in the Balkans are located here. In the snow-free months, many different trails are waiting to be discovered by mountain bikers. We let a gondola and a chairlift take us and our bikes above the tree line to the 2925 meter high Musala peak. Near the ski slopes, we explore various trails that lead down through dense coniferous forests. We have the whole day to let off steam on the trails.
Bike route: 40 km, 100 m up, 1500 down.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Borovets.
Day 6 - Biking from Borovets to Samokov.
We ride on asphalt and single trails from our hotel to the nearby town of Samokov. A varied ride awaits us. Back at the hotel, we can spend the afternoon by the pool, dinner and overnight stay.
Bike route: 16 km, 350 m elevation.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Borovets.
Day 7 - Bike trails at Vitosha Nature Park and transfer to Sofia.
We start our last bike day in Bulgaria with a 1-hour transfer to the foot of the Vitosha mountain. Here we enjoy a beautiful, varied, approx. 2-hour single trail. We then drive back to Sofia with the accompanying bus, prepare our bikes for the return flight and have the rest of the time at our disposal for a stroll through the city on our own or a guided city tour. We enjoy the last dinner together before heading back home.
Bike route: 24 km, 200 m elevation.
Overnight stay: City hotel in Sofia.
Day 8 - Return flight.
We are taken to the airport and fly to our home country with many tail experiences under our belt.
Day 1 - We arrive to Sofia late in the evening. Bus transfer to a Sofia hotel booked and paid by you separately.
Day 2 - Assembly our bikes, leave cartons at the hotel, short transfer to Zeleznica area. Biking on dirt roads, double treks and single treks till Samokov. On the way we see Space Observatory, we climb summit Manastirishte (1338 mt) with a chapel. We pass by Iskar lake – the water supply reservoir for Sofia.
Transfer to our hotel at Govedartzi area.
Total biking - around 35-45km, total ascent about 400mt.
Day 3 – We bike directly from hotel on mountain roads and single tracks and asphalt roads. Today we marvel the beauty of Rila mountains northern slopes.
We pass via Vada hut, Pionerska hut, Panichishte resort till Sapareva Bania. Transfer (optional cycling) back to Govedarci.
Total biking - about 40-45 km, total ascent about 600mt.
Day 4 – Trans-Rila ride – We transfer to Borovetz ski resort 920 km, then if possible take the chair lift up to Sitniakovo area. From there we climb on single and double treks till Makedonia hut, then ride and push bikes till Zavrachica hut and pass at 2400 mt. From here we use the single trek with panoramic views to descend to Granchar hut and then a double trek to Treshtenik hut. From here we descend on
asphalt to Yakoruda village and transfer to Banya or Bansko or Dobrinishte villages. Total biking – 50- 57 km depending on chair lift, total ascent about 800-1200 mt.
Day 5 – Transfer to Dobrinishte village, bike uphill on asphalt (or transfer) till the horizontal road, then double trek via Water Capture point, Retije river, Kamenitza river, Kornitza village till Gotze Delchev town where we stay at hotel.
Total biking around 40-45 km, total ascent 450-500 mt.
Day 6 – Transfer uphill to Popovi Livadi. Then asphalt road till Pirin village. Sightseeing. Double trek till Melnik village on panoramic road. On the way we visit the famous Rozhen monastery.
Total biking 45km, total ascend 300mt.
Day 7 - Visit Melnik, museum. Cycle down via small villages to Struma valley. Bus transfer till Vitosha mountain. Overnight in a mountain hotel.
Total cycle about 20-30km, total ascent about 300 mt.
Day 8 - Biking in Vitosha - possible ascent to Cherni Vrach peak (2290mt) and descent to Zeleznitza village, then take the horizontal path to descent till Simeonovo village. Board the bus to drive us to Spartak swimming pool. There we disassemble our bikes and take shower and/or swim. Drive to the airport and departure.
Bulgaria is still a hidden secret. During our lovely bike-and-culture tour we experience Bulgarian day-life in deep detail as it goes. Bulgaria offers much more then beach- vacation at the Black sea. At the large mountains Rila, Pirin and Rhodopi with peaks almost 3000 meters we find coniferous forests, deep gorges, waterfalls, stone bridges, caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
At higher places we even see ski-areas with wonderful dirt roads and single treks for bikers. By the peaks and roads we see colorful meadows, where even today the traditional agriculture style prevails. We see horse-driven carts and handwork.
Middle-ages monasteries, antic theatre of Plovdiv and the cultural city of Sofia witness earlier significant times in Bulgaria.
Bulgarians are a friendly and pleasant people. In rural areas they are connected with
traditions, and in cities – modern and life-enjoying. It is a comfortable bike-tour for connoisseurs, versatile and diverse.
Day 1 - Culture capital Sofia
We fly to Sofia, where our local guide meets us. After check-in to our hotel we discover the central part and take pleasure in seeing the architectural diversity, as cathedral Alexander Nevski with world-famous Icon gallery. We enjoy the lovely start of our tour walking in the streets in the old city.
Overnight in a 3*** central hotel.
Day 2 - World-famous Rila monastery (bike 45km, climb 100mt)
After breakfast we transfer by bus uphill in Rila Mountains to the monastery. It is the most important Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is under UNESCO protection and is known with its fortress architecture and paintings with religious motifs. After the visit we are rewarded with a long descent by Rilska River till the Struma valley. We cycle via small villages, meadows, and enjoy the rural landscape.
After a short transfer to the highest pass between Rila and Pirin, we cycle again on a dirt road till we reach a tourist village. We enjoy the rich local cuisine, and we maybe see traditional dances with local music.
Overnight in a guest house.
Day 3 - The hearth of Rhodopi mountains (bike 55km, 400mt climb)
After a wonderful bus transfer via small villages and sandstone and conglomerate cliffs, we arrive at the hearth of Rhodopi Mountains at 1600mt altitude. Today our bike tour leads us mostly on nature roads via large aromatic forests and via small forestry campsites. Local people live like in the middle ages. Ladies dress fully-covered, and men ride the donkeys and horses. Landscape reminds us of Switzerland with fertile meadows and mountain rivers. We pass by a long dam (lake) to a typical highland town.
Overnight in a small hotel.
Day 4 - Yagodina gorge and cave (bike 45-60km, climb 400/800mt)
Today we cycle again on adventurous terrains and we reach the Greek border. Then we arrive at a high plateau with marvelous view, where we have the benefit of the panoramic scenery of Rhodopian Alps. A long decent brings us to Yagodina gorge, which is attractive with its limestone and sandstone cliffs. The river and road wind down in this narrow ‘canyon’. We all visit the nearby Yagodina cave. It is rich in lime formations in various shapes. Optionally we ride down the road till a hydraulic power plant and then uphill till a traditional mountain village. Here we taste with all our senses a guaranteed local cuisine.
Overnight in a family owned guesthouse.
Day 5 - Ski-region Pamporovo (bike 45 km, climb 500 mt)
In the morning we visit another remarkably large cave, where a river crosses a spacious underground hall. By bus and bike we reach the popular ski-center Pamporovo. Here we start biking on diverse scenic roads. We ride mostly on single treks at about 1500mt altitude. Then using a narrow asphalt road with many turns we descend on a mountain river valley. We reach Bachkovo monastery, second in importance in the country. After visiting, we transfer by bus to Plovdiv. This interesting town is founded by Philip 2 nd , father of Alexander the Great. Enjoy the free dinner in a lively town.
Overnight in a 3*** hotel.
Day 6 - Pamporovo area (bike 50 km, climb 450 mt)
Starting from our hotel we bike in dense pine forest, enjoying large panoramas. Reaching a small village, hidden in a valley, we discover local lifestyle. Then we descend on narrow trail by the river, crossing it several times on tiny wooden bridges. Bike transfer back to our hotel.
Day 7 - Rhodopi to Plovdid (bike 40 km, climb 300 mt)
We bike on top of a main ridge to reach Wonder Arches (nature phenomena consisting of 2 rock formations). Then we cross hills to reach beautiful village Orehovo and descend to the main road, where our bus will take us to Bachkovo monastery (12 century). We reach Plovdiv – town located on both banks of Maritza river, famous with antique fortress wall, Roman stadium and amphitheater and revival period architecture.
Day 8 - We visit a cathedral, a mosque and the antique theatre, that overlooks the town. In meantime we have a cold drink in one of the many restaurants in town. At noon we transfer by bus to Sofia airport for departure.
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The bycicles in motion
"Life is like a bycicle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein
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Contact
Phone
(+359)887961940
kirillevterov(@)gmail.com
Office
133 Todor Alexandrov blvd., fl 3, office 8
1309 Sofia, Bulgaria
