BULGARIA RODOPI MOUNTAINS CYCLE TOUR Independent 7 nights / 8 days

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1 BULGARIA RODOPI MOUNTAINS CYCLE TOUR Independent 7 nights / 8 days The Rodopi Mountains are situated in the oldest part of the Balkans where some of the loveliest coniferous woods in the country. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys with gorges intermingling with river basins and valleys. Here one can also find 70% of the world minerals, as well as some 600 caves. Flora and fauna contain species that have become extinct in other European countries. The landscape is gentle and rounded, consisting of high ridges and deep river valleys with gorges intermingling with river basins and valleys. Here one can also find 70% of the world minerals, as well as some 600 caves. Flora and fauna contain species that have become extinct in other European countries. Locals live a traditional way of life: wooden carts pulled by horses, donkeys or cows; nomadic gypsies picking mushrooms and berries in the woods; local Muslim inhabitants growing tobacco and potatoes; and herds of sheep and goats descending the mountain at day s end. You will cycle through villages of typical Rodopean architecture where speech, songs and customs of local people ceate the special identity of the region. You have the chance to visit Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria; see the Miraculous bridges, two unique natural rock bridges about 40 m. high and covering an area of 40,3 hectares; then end at Plovdiv whose Old Town is one of the oldest in Europe contemporary to Troy.

2 ITINERARY Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and spend the night in Sofia or Plovdiv depending on your arrival time. Please note that the starting point of the trip is between these two cities. Day 2. Sofia or Plovdiv Belmeken Dam Velingrad spa town Transfer (1hr15 mins) to the starting point of the tour, deep into Rila Mountains from the village of Sestrimo. Start and ascent to Belmeken dam through old coniferous woods, before reaching the peak at 2,000 m, the highest point of the whole tour. The last few kilometres are quite steep so you may prefer to travel in the support vehicle for this section. After 2 km of steep descent, the blue eye of the Belmeken dam appears. The trail then travels around the banks of the dam, offering superb views over the Belmeken waters and the surrounding peaks. The Bulgarian national sports team complex is situated here. Continue through the Yundola Pass meadows (the geographical border between Rila and Rodopi Mountains), then enjoy a nice descent to the edge of the town of Velingrad (71 km from the start). Some 4 km further on reach the hotel (situated at 745 m), where you stay overnight in a hotel with hot mineral water swimming pool. Cycling : From the beginning of the stage down to the Yundola countryside there is very little traffic. From Yundola onwards the traffic gets a little busier. The road condition is good, with only few short sections of potholes. Distance: 76 km hrs; uphill cycling 500m; downhill cycling 1,300 m B, D Day 3. Batak Dam Beglik Dam - Dospat Cycle from your hotel in Velingrad and pass through the picturesque landscape of Tsigov Chark countryside, a holiday spot with hotels, cabins and restaurants, to reach the Batak Dam. From here, the road starts rises steeply for the next 10 km, to the highest point of the stage the countryside around Kartela at 1,700 m. From this point you descend for most of the way. Some 8 km further along you reach the Beglika dam then continue through forest, some 45 km from the start, to a lovely picnic spot where the dam can easily be viewed. After lunch and siesta in the fresh air bike to another jewel in the Rodopi Mountains, the Shiroka Poliana Dam, before continuing on to the town of Dospat at 1,200 m, where you stay overnight. Cycling : The traffic on this route is fairly busy for the first 5 km, before becoming very quiet. The road surface is generally good. Distance: 71 km - time: 5 hrs; uphill cycling 600m; downhill cycling 700 m Day 4 Yagodina Cave Devil s Throat Cave - Trigrad From the centre of Dospat the route climbs steeply for 2 km. After a short while, the road begins to descend, before continuous undulations through pastoral areas, passing a Roman bridge, spruce woods and potato fields. The first largish settlement is the town of Borino,16 km from the start, primarily inhabited by Muslims. This route affords beautiful views over the central parts of the Rodopi Mountains, and the natural phenomenon of the Buynovsko Gorge. Next stop is the Yagodina Cave. This cave has been mapped for 10,000m and is one of the longest caves in Bulgaria with outstanding

3 stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls Be prepared for the low temperature inside the cave (6o C). The tour lasts about an hour. The route continues to Trigrad village, passing between the 2m high cliffs of the Trigrad Gorge (1,450 m,) Here another cave, The Devil's Throat is found. It contains one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe. Another kilometre and you arrive the picturesque mountain village of Trigrad at 1,200 m, where you stay at a small family-run hotel. Cycling : The traffic on this stage is very light throughout. The road condition is good, bar one section several kilometres of downhill cycling before the Roman bridge. Distance: 50 km 4 hrs: uphill cycling 700 m; downhill cycling 800 m B, D Day 5 Shiroka Luka Smolyan Lakes - Smolyan A pleasant descent along the Trigradska River brings you to the village of of Grohotno and the natural rock phenomenon, "The Elephant" a 10 m high rock formation. Continue biking upstream of the Shirokolushka River to the village of Shiroka Luka at 1,060 m. Stop here to discover this architectural, ethnographic and folklore reserve of well preserved Ridopean houses dating back from Bulgarian Revival period. Perhaps have lunch here then continue biking to the village of Stoykite through some wonderful coniferous forests which views of the Rodopi Mountains. Arrive the Smolyan Lakes where you are met by the support vehicle which you can either take to town of Smolyan, your overnight stop at 1,000 m, or you can keep cycling. Free time to stroll around the town and perhaps visit the biggest planetarium and astronomic observatory. Cycling : Throughout the stage the traffic is fairly light and the road in good condition. Distance: 66 km 3.5 hrs; uphill cycling 950 m; downhill cycling 800 m B, D Day 6 Rozhen - Borovo Leave Smolyan in the direction of historic Rozhen (1400m) cycling upstream of the Byala River and past the small village of Sokolovtsi. Continue climbing up to 1700m to a big picturesque meadow where the beginning of a gentle downhill ride in direction to Laki town begins through Momina-voda protected area. Nearby is the picturesque village of Borovo and the religious place with chapel and healing springs Krastova Gora (Cross forest). Possible extension (8km) to Belitsa natural rock bridge. Overnight in Borovo Cycling : Road conditions are good except for some short sections before Laki town. Traffic is very low and you bike on isolated roads. Distance: 39 km 3.5 hrs; uphill cycling: 700 m; downhill cycling: 1300 m B, D Day 7 The Miraculous Bridges Bachkovo Monastery - Plovdiv The downhill ride continues along the picturesque Jugovska River valley to the main road, Smolyan to Plovdiv. A short transfer brings you to the Miraculous Bridges rock phenomenon for sightseeing. Afterwards cycle back downhill towards the Plovdiv road. The next village on the way is the spa centre of Narechenski Bani. After 5 km, reach the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, Bachkovo. Here we have lunch and

4 the cycling ends. Travel by vehicle car to Plovdiv for overnight. Cycling : The road conditions are good with very light traffic. The 16 km (9.9 mile) road from that point to The Miraculous Bridges is very isolated but offers biking amid lush green scenery. Distance: 80 km (or less depending on whether you take the longer option); uphill cycling 650m downhill cycling 1250m. Day 8 Arrangements end after breakfast. You will be transferred to Plovdiv Airport (20 mins) or Sofia Airport (2 hrs). GRADE: Moderate to energetic with days of hours of cycling. Expect some steep climbs. Cycling is mostly on well-surfaced quiet country roads but with the odd bumpy section, potholes and rough asphalt. Traffic can be encountered entering the towns SCHEDULE Can start any day 13 April 01 November 2013 COSTS PER PERSON IN EUROS: Share twin 520 Single room supplement 100 INCLUDED IN COST: Transfer from/to Sofia or Plovdiv airports 7 nights accommodation in family-run hotels/ guesthouses in rooms with private facilities throughout Meals breakfast daily, 5 dinners Transfers as stated in the itinerary Local 24 hour contact in case of emergencies or difficulties Hybrid bike with 24 gears, bottle cage, rear carrier, helmet (panniers must be requested), map holder. Maps and road book VAT and all local taxes. NOT INLCUDED IN COST: Meals lunches and dinner on Days 1 & 7 Rental of panniers - 10 for the week Entrances Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature Private transfers if required - Sofia Airport - Sofia city centre: 15 (per person ); Plovdiv Airport - Plovdiv centre: 15 (per person); Sofia-Plovdiv or vv. 60 (per vehicle) DRESS CODE Dress code in monasteries and churches - men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.

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