Sofia-Rila Monastery-Banya

Rila Monastery - Rila Monastery

Stob’s Pyramids

Welcome to Sofia. Transfer from Sofia airport or Sofia hotel to Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria – 2 hours. Guided tour – 1 hour, followed by free time to enjoy the serene surroundings. Transfer to the cave of Ivan from Rila, the holy man and founder of the monastery. The hike to and from the cave takes 30 minutes. The cave is renowned for its altar of wishes, and passing through it is said to purify your soul.

Light lunch at a nearby restaurant. Transfer to the village of Banya, known for its thermal springs. Rila Monastery to Banya – 2 hours. Check-in at a guest house with spa facilities.

Dinner at 7:00 PM in a nearby village, featuring Bulgarian cuisine and traditional songs.

Overnight stay in Banya.

Banya-Hut Vihren-Bunderishki Lakes-Hut Damyanitsa-Bansko-Banya

Pirin National Park - The real hiking begins today. Breakfast at the hotel – 7:30 AM. 8:00 AM - transfer to Hut Vihren – 1 hour. Hut Vihren - 1950 m.

Today we will explore the group of glacier lakes known as Bunderishki, the eyes of Todorka Peak, and the Vasilashki Lakes in the protected area of “Yulen”.

From the hut, we will visit the nearest lake – the Eye – 10 minutes. The Eye – 2026 m. From there, we will hike to Muratovo Lake – 1 hour. Muratovo Lake – 2230 m.

Next, we will pass through bushes and shrubs to reach the Fish (Big) Lake, known for its fish and small peninsula – 1 hour. The Fish Lake – 2190 m.

In less than 30 minutes, we will arrive at the Frog Lake, the highest of the Bunderishki Lakes. The Frog Lake - 2322 m.

After the Frog Lake, we will ascend eastward to reach the ridge of Todorka Peak – 2600 m. A short break to enjoy the view, followed by a descent. We will see the lakes called Eyes of Todorka and some of the Vasilashki Lakes. A 2-hour walk to Hut Damyanitsa. Damyanitsa – 1895 m. Short break. A 2-hour walk on a dirt road to meet our driver.

Elevation: 700 m.

7:30 PM – Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Bansko. Overnight stay in Banya.

Banya-Hut Vihren-Peak Vihren-Hut Vihren-Bansko-Banya

Pirin National Park - 6:30 AM - transfer to Hut Vihren – 1 hour. Hut Vihren - 1950 m.

Following the red marker, we will circle Vihren. After 30 minutes, we will reach a river with a crossroad. We will head to the valley called “Kazanite” - “Cauldrons”. The area is filled with granite and marble. After the Big Cauldron, we will reach Premkata Ridge. Premkata – 2660 m.

We will be on the north face of the summit. It is very slippery due to the marble. Experience in bouldering is beneficial. This will be the most challenging part of the trail. The guide will show the correct path, and chains are available for assistance. The climb takes 40-50 minutes.

Break at Vihren – the highest peak of the Pirin Mountains – 2914 m.

From Vihren, we will head southwest to the area called Kabata. This is the King’s Road – easier than the ascent. The distance from Kabata to Hut Vihren is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Short break at the hut and transfer to Banya to relax in the thermal springs.

Elevation: 999 m.

7:30 PM – Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Bansko. Overnight stay in Banya.

Banya-Melnik-Sofia

The Melnik Pyramids - 7:30 AM – Breakfast at the guesthouse. Check out. Transfer to Melnik – 2 hours. Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria, with 186 inhabitants. It is famous for producing red wines, including the unique “Wide Melnik Leaf”. Melnik is in the southern part of Pirin, showcasing the differences between the north and south. The area exudes a Mediterranean spirit.

Erosion and denudation have created sandy pyramids in the area. Above Melnik, there is a plateau with medieval ruins. This was the stronghold of a local feudal lord who was a separatist from the Bulgarian kingdom in the 13th century. The hike to this fortress takes 30 minutes and offers a magnificent panorama.

Wine tasting in Melnik at one of the wineries, followed by lunch.

Transfer to Sofia or Sofia airport – 3 hours.

Elevation: 200 m.

• Professional guide
• Wine tasting in Melnik
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Comfortable car
• Breakfast
• Mountain insurance
• Accomodation for 3 nights in guest house or hotel with spa facilities

• Extra food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Pirin, Bulgaria’s marble marvel, is the third tallest mountain on the Balkan peninsula. Previously known as Perun, named after the Slavic Thunder God, this mountain was the Slavic deities’ final bastion when Christianity engulfed the region. Over time, the name Perun morphed into Pirin. The mountain, with its abundant rivers, lakes, plant life, and wildlife, has inspired many tales. Today, Pirin is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Pirin’s foothills lies Bansko, the largest ski resort in the Balkan states. We invite you to join us in experiencing the lake’s magic, tales, wildlife, reaching the peak, Vihren, and relaxing in the thermal springs nestled in the mountain’s valley.

• Minimum age is 18 years
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.