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BALKAN MOUNTAINS SELF-GUIDED TOUR
Guaranteed departures for 2012:
Every day from 01 April to 30 October (Other dates also possible upon request)
SUMMARY
The area around Teteven in the Balkan mountains offers unique and diverse landscape, dotted with tiny villages lost in greenness and flowers, offering visitors not only tranquillity and calmness, but also the opportunity to experience the unique and cosy atmosphere of authentic Bulgarian villages. In this region, traditions are a big part of modern life. Old water mills are still at work; fulling mills continue to wash colourful carpets; the famous "rakia" (brandy) is prepared right before you; Bulgarian housewives prepare unforgettably sweet jams made with wild berries; and the old farmers still make the famous Balkan brine cheese with sheep and goat's milk. And all this surrounded by the wild nature of the Central Balkan National Park and one of its nine green pearls – the biosphere reserve of Boatin, housing one of the largest belts of Beech forest in Europe.
We recommend this "inn to inn" vacation to hikers with previous experience in self-guided walks who are used to more adventurous trails as no really "well-marked Alpine-style paths" occur and from time to time you will have to walk between two marked paths using only the route notes (meaning that you have to find your own way using only directions as reference point for up to 100-300m over not marked terrain). However the daily walks are short providing enough time to make sure you stay on the right path. The itinerary also provides possibilities to explore other areas along the trail if the described ones are not enough to fulfill your walking needs.
 
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Central Balkan National Park (716 sq. km) was established for the conservation of the unique nature of the Central Balkan Mountains. One-third of the Park's territory comprises nine reserves, four of them - Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto and Dzhendema are part of the world Biosphere Reserves Network under the UNESCO "Man and Biosphere" Program.
Ribaritsa village is a beautiful mountain resort with numerous little country houses and villas, which according to latest measurement has the biggest concentration of oxygen in the air in Bulgaria.
Glozhene Monastery was built in the 13-th century by the Ukrainian prince Glozh, housing an icon at the age of about 1000 years.
"Sueva dupka" Cave, considered to be probably the most-beautiful cave in Bulgaria, was named after the two brothers Seyuo and Sayuo, who hid themselves there from the Turks during the yoke.
 ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrive at Sofia Airport. Overnight accomodation in Sofia. Opportunity to see highlights of Bulgarian capital in short evening walking.
Day 2. Transfer to Etropole monastery – 90 km. The monastery, surrounded by old forest, is one of the most important spiritual centers in medieval Bulgaria. Next to the cloister there is a beautiful waterfall. Transfer to Yamna. The path follows the ridge over the village and goes descending to the outskirts of the village Cherni Vit. The transfer car waits here to bring you to the Kordela hut near Divchovoto village. Walking distance: 17 km; uphill walk: 400 m; downhill walk: 600 m
Day 3. Time to explore Boatin Reserve. The path goes through the century-old Beech forests of Boatin (above 800 m a.s.l.) and descends over the other side of the hill to the region of "Kostina", where one of the Bulgarian national heroes has been killed by the Turks. From this point a short walk along gardens, meadows, villas and houses of local people brings you in the village of Ribaritsa, where you stay overnight (at 545 m a.s.l.). (10.5 km; uphill walk: 250 m; downhill walk: 530 m)
Day 4. Today you will walk along "Debeli Dial" - the ridge surrounding Ribaritsa from North. The path continues to Vasiliov Hut but before that you will turn right descending at the upper parts of Ribaritsa, which is actually the longest village in Bulgaria (12 km long). On the way back to your hotel you will have the opportunity to see the way of life of the local people and to enjoy the idyll of a typical Balkan Mountains village. (14 km; uphill walk: 400 m; downhill walk: 400 m)
Day 5. Short transfer to the neighbouring town of Teteven. Check in into the hotel. Walk to Cherven Peak – the easternmost of the three peaks raised above the northern side of Teteven. The path starts from Teteven and goes upwards through broad leaved forests and vast meadows to the rocks of Cherven Peak, offering a superb panoramic view over the town of Teteven and the valley of Beli Vit River. From there you take the new eco-path leading to Babintsi village and further down to Teteven. Time at leisure for sightseeing and shopping. Walking distance: 13 km; uphill walk: 700 m; downhill walk: 700 m
Day 6. This day you will follow the path between Teteven and Lesidren village moving amidst lush forest and meadows. Overnight in Lesidren. Walking distance:15 km; uphill 650 m; downhill walk: 700 m
Day 7. Transfer to the cave „Saeva dupka”. After visit it transfer to the village of Glozhene where a nice trek expects you to through old Beech forest to Glozhene Monastery, where you can see the 1000 years old icon of St. George. From the monastery there is a dirty road leading to the pass between Goliam Izvor and Teteven and then following the peaceful road you get down to Goliam Izvor. Walking distance: 13 km; uphill: 400 m; downhill walk: 350m
DETAILED ROAD BOOK AND MAP WILL BE PROVIDED UPON ARRIVAL
 EXTENSIONS
Yes, Black Sea
This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast:
- Sunny Beach - a big modern resort with hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc.
- Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns (founded by the ancient Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific atmosphere.
- Lozenets - a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains where you can go walking, biking or riding horses.
Difficulty grade: B
Best period: May-September
Single room supplement: 85 €
 The price includes: Accommodation at family-run hotels and pensions en-suite facilities (days 1-6), and in a guesthouse with shared facilities (day 7). Breakfast and dinner included (except dinner on day 1).
Roadbook in English and map of the area, private transfers from/to Sofia airport on day 1 and 8, luggage transfers and transfers where specified during the walk, local back-up and emergency phone.
The price does not include: dinner on day 1, tips, entrance fees, drinks and other personal expenses.
Reservation System Code: BGBSELF
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