Rila, Olympus, Bulgaria – Greece, 12-Day Guided Trekking Tour

Join this unforgettable 12-day trek to the Rila and Pirin mountains in Bulgaria, and Mount Olympus, Greece.

12 Days

Jun - Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Hike to the Balkan Winner, Mount Musala, to the Pirin National Park, and in Mt. Olympus National Park
Visit to UNESCO Sites: Rila Monastery Orthodox Sanctuary and Meteora Monasteries
Guided visits in Meteora, Thessaloniki, Greece and Sofia, Bulgaria

Description

Join me on this mesmerizing 12-day trekking tour across Bulgaria and Greece. Our adventure begins in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, after which we will head to the Govedarsti village at Rila National Park. Rila is the largest national park in Bulgaria, habitat of endangered wildlife species, with a biological and cultural diversity that will captivate you. It is the home of Mount Musala (2925 m.), the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula and our first ascent.

We will also climb Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m.). I will then guide you through ancient paths protected by the Sacred Seven Lakes Glacial Circus. We will admire 2 of the best preserved monasteries guarding these mountains, the Rila Monastery and the Rozhen Monastery. Be prepared to hold your breath as you contemplate the beautiful contrast between UNESCO’s World Heritage Ortodox Sanctuary, the Rila Monastery, and the meadows, forests and mountains that surround it.

Thereupon we will head to Pirin National Park, known for its exceptional variety of plants and animals, including brown bears, gray wolves, wildcats, boreal owls, eagles and falcons among many others. The best views of the park lie ahead as we ascend Mount Vihren (2914m.). Also known as the Eltepe (peak of storms), Vihren’s steep mountain track will prove to be as demanding as rewarding. Finally, we will ascend the Mountain that inspired Greek mythology, Mount Olympus (2.918 m.). If the weather allows us, we will climb Greece’s highest peak, Mytikas (2.917meters).

After such a dream like pilgrimage through sacred land, nature and monasteries, I promise the descent and our progressive path back to civilization will be equally enticing. Walking along the waterfront of one of the most ancient cities in Greece, Thessaloniki, will be the perfect ending of our journey.

Please note we will walk about 5 to 8 hours every day, therefore you need to be in very good shape in order to join this trek.

So if you are looking to take a walk through history, send me a request, and let me guide you.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Lifts tickets

Price details

*The price includes:*
accommodation in familyrun 3* hotels and mountain huts
11 breakfasts and 8 dinners
gondolalift tickets
professional Englishspeaking mountain guide
guided visits to Sofia, Meteora and Thessaloniki
all transfers according to the program in private minivan or minibus
*The price excludes:*
meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
museum entrance fees
personal expenses
flights and taxes

Itinerary

Day 1: Bulgaria

Today we will arrive to Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, and head to Govedartsi village. We will stay at a family-run guesthouse, and have a traditional home cooked dinner.

Day 2: Mount Musala

Today we will ascend to Mount Musala, transfer early to Borovets resort, take a gondola lift to Yastrebets peak and head to Musala Peak. In the afternoon wi will return to Govedartsi village.

Day 3: Sacred Seven Rila Lakes

Our day day will begin with a short transfer to the starting point of our climb to Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m.). After our ascent we will reach the Seven Lakes Glacial Circus.

Day 4: Rila Monastery

Today will be our last day in Rila National Park, where we will visit the Ortodox Sanctuary, Rila Monastery (UNESCO’s World Heritage Site). We will then transfer to Bansko where another traditional dinner will be served, paired with folklore music.

Day 5: Pirin National Park

We will transfer to Vihren hut (1.980 m) and ascent of the peak of Vihren (2914 m.). In the afternoon we will transfer to Melnik (2h30), to walk around the town.

Day 6: Melnik – Litochoro

From Melnik we will take a round trip around the Melnik Pyramids Nature Phenomena. We will then visit of Rozhen monastery and transfer to the Greek village Litochoro.

Day 7: Mount Olympus

Today we will get to Prionia, where we will walk at an altitude from 1000 meters up to 2060 meters until we reach Refuge A, where we will stay for the night.

Day 8: Olympus National Park

If there is no snow and the weather allows us, we will ascend Greece’s highest peak, Mytikas (2.917 m.). We will then hike towards refuge B for the last night in the mountain.

Day 9: Gortsia – Kastraki

Today start your trek from Refuge B and walk down to Gortsia village. In the afterenoon, we will have a transfer to Kastraki village

Day 10: Meteora (UNESCO)

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing with Greek guide at Meteora – well known for its monasteries built atop impressive sandstone rock pillars. (Meteora means “suspended in the air.”)! From Kastraki, follow old paths to the dramatically situated Monastery of St. Barbara. Continue to the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery, which crowns a massive rock pinnacle. Descend by footpath to the lively bustle of the town of Kalambaka for lunch. In the afternoon continue your exploration of Meteora with visits to the Grand Meteora and Varlaam Monasteries.

Day 11: Thessaloniki (UNESCO)

Today we will have a transfer to Thessaloniki. A sightseeing tour with Greek guide of the main highlights of Thessaloniki city – the second largest city of Greece and the most important centre of the area. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is a modern metropolis bearing the marks of its stormy history and its cosmopolitan character, which give it a special beauty and charm. Places of interest are: Aristotelous Square, Nikis Avenue, White Tower, Palace of Galeriu, Ancient Agóra, Byzantine Bath, Hamza Bey Mosque, Royal Theatre, etc.

Later in the evening, we can enjoy a walk along the waterfront from the port to beyond the Aspros Pirgos (White Tower).

Day 12: End of trip

Transfer to airport. Transfer to Thessaloniki airport and flight back home.

About the guide

Simeon

Mountain Guide

I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel a lot, most of all in my country and the surrounding ones, but travel has been part of my life since forever. It started as my hobby and a preferred way to spend my holidays which, with the time, naturally evolved into being part of my professional career.

Bulgaria has 2 alpine Mountains which are not the largest in the World, but offer great deal for Mountaineering. Having 4 seasons, I'm able to practice both rock & ice climbing as well as Ski touring and snowshoeing.

I started guiding 7 years ago and, for the moment, I work with foreign people travelling in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. I guide hiking, scrambling, climbing and mountain biking tours and I work in a cooperation with a few Bulgarian colleagues of mine.

Languages

English

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

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