Travelling distance: 95 km

The group meets at the airport and departs shortly thereafter for Sofia. We will take a city tour, visiting landmarks such as St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Nedelya Church, Saint Sofia Church, and the Saint George Church – Rotonda. A stop for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant is included. Our journey then continues to Rila Mountain, home to Bulgaria’s largest national park, located about 70 km south of Sofia in the central part of the highest mountain region. The park is rich in rare and endangered plant and animal species, as well as historically significant monuments. Rila is famous for its glacial lakes, with over 150 scattered between 2,100 m and 3,500 m elevation. We will be accommodated in a cozy B&B-style lodging. After dinner, there will be a briefing about the adventures awaiting us. Overnight stay.

Travelling distance: 22 km; gondola lift ride: 12 km; total length of the trek: 13 km; lowest point of the trek: 2369m; highest point of the trek: 2925m; total ascent: 556m

After breakfast, we take the gondola lift from Borovets (1,315 m) up to Yastrebetz (2,369 m), and then hike from Yastrebetz to Musala (2,925 m), the highest summit in the entire Balkan Peninsula. The panoramic views from the summit are truly breathtaking. After spending some time at the top, we will retrace our steps back to Everest Lodge and then return to our accommodation in Borovets. Later, we continue to the village of Govedartsi, where we will settle into our lodging and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay.

Travelling distance: 10 km; total length of the trek: 17 km; lowest point of the trek: 1700m; highest point of the trek: 2729m; total ascent: 110m

After breakfast, we head to a starting point at 1,700 m elevation for our climb to Malyovitsa (2,729 m), one of the most beautiful peaks in the Rila Mountains. The rocky 8 km trail first takes us to Eleni Lake, then continues along a ridge leading to the summit. After enjoying some time at the peak, we follow the Rila ridge westward toward the mountain hut, our final destination of the day. Along the ridge, we pass several peaks: Golyam Mramorets (2,589 m), Mali Mramorets (2,562 m), Dodov Vrah (2,661 m), and Vazov Vrah (2,669 m). Dinner will be served at 2,300 m in the mountain hut. Overnight stay.

Total length of the trek: 12 km; lowest point of the trek: 1700m; highest point of the trek: 2729m; total ascent: 1100m

There’s nothing more beautiful than waking up in the mountains at 2,300 m elevation. After packing our luggage and equipment and enjoying a light breakfast, we set off on what is arguably one of the most scenic trails in the entire Balkans. We will explore the Seven Rila Lakes, including Bliznaka (The Twin, 2,243 m), Babreka (The Kidney, 2,282 m), Salzata (The Tear, 2,525 m), Ribnoto ezero (Fish Lake, 2,184 m), Okoto (The Eye, 2,440 m), Trilistnika (The Trefoil, 2,216 m), and Dolnoto ezero (The Lower Lake, 2,095 m), from which the Dzherman River originates. Along the way, we will also climb Ezeren Vrah (2,559 m). After visiting the lakes, we reach the Seven Rila Lakes Chalet at 2,100 m elevation. From there, the lift takes us down to Pionirska Station at 1,520 m, and through Panichishte we descend to Sapareva Banya, where we enjoy dinner and spend the night in a private lodging.

Travelling distance: 175 km

We start the morning at the spa with breakfast and coffee. Shortly after, we depart for the Rila Monastery, founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila in the 10th century. The monastery is regarded as Bulgaria’s most important architectural, historical, and cultural monument, and is one of the top tourist attractions in southeastern Europe. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. We stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant before checking in at our 3-star hotel. The afternoon is free to relax until dinner. Dinner marks the end of the day’s activities, followed by rest for the night.

Travelling distance: 34 km; total length of the trek: 7.5 km; lowest point of the trek: 1950m; highest point of the trek: 2917m; total ascent: 970m

After breakfast in Bansko, we travel to the Vihren Mountain Lodge (1,950 m). From there, we begin our hike to Vihren (2,914 m), the highest peak of the Pirin Mountains. After returning to the lodge, we are transported to our accommodation. The afternoon is free to relax until dinner. Dinner marks the end of the day’s activities, followed by rest for the night.

Travelling distance: 40 km; total length of the trek: 9 km; lowest point of the trek: 2236m; highest point of the trek: 2851m; total ascent: 650m

After breakfast, we travel to Goce Delchev Hut, where we take a ski lift up to Bezbog Hut. From there, a hiking trail leads us into the magical landscapes of the Pirin Mountains, taking us to the peaks of Bezbog (2,653 m) and Polezhan (2,851 m). The view from Polezhan, the fifth highest peak of the range, is simply breathtaking. Many consider it the most beautiful panorama in the entire massif, offering sights of other peaks above 2,500 m and 17 glacial lakes, including Popovo Lake, the largest at 30 m deep. The hike to the summit is manageable and not overly strenuous. We then return to Bansko for a traditional dinner and a recap of our adventure and impressions.

Travelling distance: 160 km

After breakfast, we transfer to Sofia for departing flights. End of the program.

• Transport by high-class mini-bus or van according to plan and program,
• Luggage Transportation on the trail, between accommodations,
• Accommodation for three nights in Borovets, Govedarci and Separeva Banja in apartments in private accommodation,
• Accommodation for 1 night in the Mountain hut Ivan Vazov on Rila Mountain at 2300m,
• Accommodation for three nights in a 3* or 4* hotel in Bansko town,
• 7 half board services (breakfast/dinner with one drink included during each meal),
• 3 traditional lunches on the hiking tour (lunch includes one drink with a meal per person),
• 4 lunch packages on the hiking tour. Every passenger gets a lunch package before departure on the planed days,
• Ski lift in all locations defined by the plan and program,
• All entrance tickets are provided in the program,
• One certified mountain leader for tours planned program,
• One certified tour guide for tours planned program,
• 24-hour support of NTO team,
• Travel organization expenses.

• Airfare tickets,
• Travel medical insurance,
• Personal costs and expenses,
• Optional transfers,
• Optional activities and excursions.

High-top sneakers or hiking shoes, sleeping bag and mattress, multiple pairs of socks, short sleeved t-shirts, a lightweight jacket with a hoodie (waterproof if possible), a sweatshirt, a back-up pair of pants, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen. If you want, you can bring candy or sweets, snacks, water and refreshments. Pack up everything in a small backpack. Do not forget: a swimming suit, a towel, a camera, back-up shoes and clothes, and, as always, a good mood!

Accommodation is provided in bungalows, mountain huts, traditional guesthouses, and lodges, all situated in excellent locations and well-equipped for a comfortable stay. The specific type of lodging depends on availability at the time of booking.

NOTE: APPLICATION DEADLINE: 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000058078, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2026 to April 01, 2027. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.