Rhodope Mountains Explorer

Rhodope Mountains Explorer

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tourhub | The Natural Adventure | Rhodope Mountains Explorer | 1
tourhub | The Natural Adventure | Rhodope Mountains Explorer | 1 tourhub | The Natural Adventure | Rhodope Mountains Explorer | 1
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Rhodope Mountains Explorer

8 Days Starting and ending in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Visiting: Plovdiv, Yagodina, Trigrad, Trigrad Gorge, Shiroka Laka, Smolyan, The Waterfalls Canyon

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

1

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Rhodope Mountains Walking Holiday A self-guided walking holiday in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. Visit the impressive Buinovo Gorge, then hike to the Eagle’s Eye viewing platform offering spectacular views of the whole Rhodopean Range. Trace the footsteps of Orpheus through the mighty Devil’s Throat cave in the Tirgrad Gorge, said to be the mythical Hall of Hades, walk to Chaira Lakes and then take in the splendour of the Canyon of Waterfalls before moving to the comfort of your spa hotel. Accommodation during our Rhodope Mountains Walking Holiday is in hand-picked 3 or 4 star hotels (spa facilities available on Days 5 and 6).

Highlights

  • Devil’s Throat Cave

  • The “cultural capital” of Bulgaria – Plovdiv

  • Trigrad Gorge

  • Chaira Lakes

  • Shiroka Laka

  • Buinovo Gorge

  • The Canyon of Waterfalls

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Plovdiv

Location: Plovdiv

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: a three-star hotel close to the city centre and Old Town: Ego or similar (standard version); DoubleTree by Hilton or similar (optional upgrade)

Arrive in the charming city of Plovdiv, visit the ancient Roman amphitheatre and stroll around the beautiful streets of the Old Town.

Day 2 : Yagodina / Eagle’S Eye

Location: Yagodina

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: a family-run country hotel (Yagodina)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning transfer to Yagodina (115km / 2.5h) – a small village in Buinovo Gorge in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Option to visit Yagodina Cave. Afternoon hike to Eagle’s Eye platform, offering impressive views to the mountains (some sections are relatively steep but no scrambling required). During good weather, the entire Rhodope range and even parts of Greece are visible from the platform. Overnight in Yagodina.

Walking for the day: 7km, 3-4h, ↑410m ↓410m

Day 3 : Trigrad

Location: Trigrad

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: Trigrad Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Yagodina through Buinovo Gorge to Trigrad and then to your hotel. Once you arrive in the village, you will also be able to visit Devil’s Throat cave. The cave’s entrance resembles a devil’s head, and inside a massive waterfall rushes down its ‘throat’ creating, not surprisingly, many legends. The most popular of these is that Orpheus descended this hole to the subterranean kingdom of Hades, to seek his lost love Eurydice. Overnight in or near Trigrad.

Walking for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ↑640m ↓620m

Day 4 : Chaira Lakes / Trigrad Cliffs

Location: Trigrad Gorge

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: Trigrad Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A fine day of walking through some of the Rhodopes’ most wonderful sites, following a circular walk from the hotel to Trigrad Cliffs, then to Chaira Lakes and back to the hotel through the Trigrad Gorge. Overnight in Trigrad.

Walking for the day: 23km, 8h, ↑640m ↓620m (shorter options available)

Day 5 : Shiroka Laka

Location: Shiroka Laka

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: a four-star hotel with spa facilities and a thermal pool (Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning transfer to the hotel in Shiroka Laka (40km/1h. Walk from Shiroka Laka to Gela, a small village in the Oreshica River valley. Walk through Gela to Lednistata Lodge and Lednitsata Cave, then descend using another route from Gela to Shiroka Laka through one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhodope Mountains. Overnight in Shiroka Laka.

Walking for the day: 24km, 8h, ↑700m ↓700m (shorter options available)

Day 6 : Smolyan Lakes

Location: Smolyan

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: a three-star hotel with spa facilities (Mountain Lake or similar)

Morning transfer to Smolyan Lakes (20km/30mins). After check-in, walk from the hotel to Orpheus Rocks and back. After (or before) the walk, you may have the chance to explore Smolyan town.

Hiking for the day: 5km, 2-3h, ↑150m ↓150m

Day 7 : Canyon Of Waterfalls / Plovdiv

Location: The Waterfalls Canyon

Accommodation Name: Accommodation: a three-star hotel close to the city centre and old town: Ego or similar (standard version); DoubleTree by Hilton or similar (optional upgrade)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning transfer to the starting point of Canyon of Waterfalls eco-trail (5km). The trail leads you up river and crosses several water cascades, forming a system of small and medium waterfalls. The trail then crosses a series of metal and wooden bridges built over the Elenska River, which are also perfect picnic spots. Walk back to starting point. Transfer back to the hotel (5km/5mins). Transfer to Plovdiv after lunch (95km/2h). Overnight in Plovdiv.

Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ↑400m ↓400m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Plovdiv

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure (unless you have booked an additional overnight or transfer) after breakfast.

What's Included

  • 7 overnights in three to four-star hotels or family-run guesthouses as listed in the itinerary

  • 7 Breakfasts

  • Daily luggage transport to next accommodation (one bag of up to 20kg per person)

  • All internal ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the programme

  • Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Airfare and connecting land transfers

  • Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Entry fees (payable on-site)

  • Any items not explicitly listed as included

Optional Extras

  • Solo traveller supplement (mandatory if travelling alone)

    This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)

  • Single room

    A room for 1 person. If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a single room.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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