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BANSKO, PIRIN MOUNTAINS ADVENTURES
Guaranteed departures for 2009:
Every day from June to September. Other dates also possible upon request.
SUMMARY
The Pirin Mountains – named after Perun, the god of Thunder, are Bulgaria's wildest mountains, comprising numerous protected areas and no less than 60 peaks over 2,500 m high. Generally speaking, the terrain is alpine, meaning that most of the trekking is done above the tree zone. This tour features stupendous views of crystal-clear mountain lakes, green dales, extraordinary rock formations and rich animal life. A highlight of the trip is the climb to the giant of Pirin – Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.)
Bansko is a three-hour drive from Sofia and is located on the outskirts of the Pirin National Park – the largest protected area in Bulgaria. It will be your base camp on this walking holiday. With its special architecture of Ottoman and Greek origin, Bansko offers visitors a wealth of experience. The stone houses, many of which look like miniature monasteries, exist side by side with the modern structures of this little town, which is also the biggest Bulgarian ski resort during winter.
All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a variety of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade). Pirin Mountain are favourite to many Bulgarian hikers - diverse, beautiful, but still not easily revealing its secrets.
 
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Pirin Mountains are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is one of the biggest winter resorts in the country.
Ognianovo (540 m a.s.l.) is a spa resort close to the Greek border with average temperature of the water + 43o C.
Melnik (380 m a.s.l.) is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria famous for its sandy pyramids and local brand of red wine.
Kovachevitsa (1050 m a.s.l.) If you wish to be overwhelmed by long-forgotten feelings, or to be immersed in the enchanting glamour of bygone days, you must visit Kovachevitsa!
Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
 ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Bansko in Pirin Mountains for overnight (2,30hrs drive).
Day 2. In the morning we have a transfer to Vihren hut. The path gently ascends in Bunderishka valley, reaching Todorina Porta. We start descending from there, passing by the beautiful Todorini Ochi Lakes (Todora’s Eyes Lakes) and then entering the circus of Vasilashki Lakes. Further down we enter the old Mura forest and reach Demianitsa hut. We continue hiking following Demyanitsa River and end the trek at Todorova Ornitsa, where the bus waits to take us back to the hotel. (6-7hrs; uphill walk: 800 m; downhill walk: 900 m)
Day 3. Transfer to Gotse Delchev hut. Here we take the chair lift to Bezbog hut (2236 m a.s.l.), where the walking towards Mount Polezhan (2851 m a.s.l.) starts. This trip offers probably the most beautiful panoramic views in the mountains where one can count 17 glacial lakes from a single point, including the biggest lake in Pirin Mountains – Popovo Lake (almost 30m deep). (5 hrs; uphill/downhill walk - 650 m)
 Day 4. A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren awaits us. In the morning we go by bus to the Vihren hut. En route there will be various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin's peaks. The path weaves through “Kazanite” region famous for the incredible variety of plants (Edelweiss among them). If the weather is good we have lunch on the peak itself, enjoying the amazing scenery. After that we return to Vihren hut. (7-8 hrs; uphill walk: 1,000 m; downhill walk: 1,000 m)
Day 5. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
* The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance. These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more escorted hiking days, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Melnik and Rozhen Monastery, Kovachevitsa etc.) etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities.
 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 (days 1, 2), C (day 3)
Accommodation:
You will stay in a family run hotel (3 stars), with rooms with private bath/toilet. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price (HB).
Group size: Min. 2 persons
Single room supplement: 60 €
 The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above, transfer to/from Sofia Airport; English-speaking guide; transfers for the 3 trekking days; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour); tips, entrance fees, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
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