Cycling Bulgaria: Sofia to the Rhodope Mountains

Newly-prosperous Bulgaria is a storied land of pristine forests, rushing rivers and soaring mountains, marked by the civilizations that have flourished here from ancient Thrace and on through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet eras. Quaint villages, seemingly lost in time, reveal their character as we explore their stone bridges, narrow streets and medieval churches, while the wilderness beckons us to explore its deep gorges and hidden caverns. Larger towns like Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv put intriguing layers of history on display in their grand old houses and preserved monuments from antiquity. After the day's ride, soothe your muscles in the waters of the country's famed spa towns. Ever the gregarious hosts, Bulgarians will invite us to join them over hearty local fare and bottles of their regional wines, lending warmth and humour to our journey through their beautiful land.

After a briefing and welcome dinner in the revitalized old-world elegance of Sofia, our riding begins in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, and we soon delve into a little-known part of Europe along the Vit River, stretching our legs with some challenging ascents. Reaching Chiflik, relax in the thermal baths for which Bulgaria is famous. The next day, follow a Roman road across Beklemeto Pass, Bulgaria’s highest, and take in the view before cruising down through forested countryside into Koprivshtitsa, a living monument to 19th century Bulgaria. After a night in this ambience, pedal among remnants of ancient Thrace, visiting millenia-old sacred sites and a modern winery, before reaching Plovdiv, where we spend the evening in its immaculate town centre of preserved theatres, mosques, and public baths. We then enter the Rhopode Mountains of Bulgaria’s remote southern frontier. Exploring monasteries and fortified villages, transition to the natural beauty of the marble Trigrad Gorge and the underground waterfall nearby before arriving at a welcoming local hotel. Awaking in this peaceful setting, we continue deeper into the wilderness among yet more stunning rock formations, ascending a forested route to Dospat and our lakefront hotel. The final day of cycling takes us northward to Velingrad, Bulgaria’s spa capital, where we can once more allow the waters to rejuvenate our legs after the journey and share a final night dinner. The following morning, we will transfer back to Sofia in time for onward journeys or further exploration of this fascinating city.

This tour follows a mixture of good sealed roads with occasional rougher road surfaces for short distances. No off-road riding experience is required. We will ride mainly on quiet countryside roads, but sometimes we will enter towns and villages which may have moderate traffic.