Menu
On our journey through Bulgaria, we will reach the cave of the Devil’s throat, where the story of Orpheus – the world’s greatest lyre player, begins. Many gods waited in line for him to play for them.
Orpheus is known for his tragic tale, losing his beloved Eurydice to Hades, the God of the underworld, somewhere in the cave of the Devils’ throat at the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.
Despite the sorrow and pain, Orpheus became a prophet and teacher of a spiritual way for eternal life and enlightenment. He traveled through villages, played his lyre, and shared his stories with both children and the elderly. Through these tales and songs, people understood that the joy of life is essential, and we must seize every day we see the sun rise.
In our journey, we will explore the ancient Thracian culture in the heart of the Balkan Mountains, and with off-road vehicles, we will search for Orpheus among the dense forests of the Rhodope and Rila Mountains, the largest forests in the Balkans teeming with wildlife, bears, turtles, and various bird species.
We will visit the isolated villages in the heart of the mountains, where traditions from both the Thracian and Ottoman periods are preserved. We will taste excellent wine in Melnik, the smallest city in Bulgaria, and soak in the warm springs somewhere in the heart of the Pirin Mountains.
We’ll savor exquisite local rakia while dancing in the evenings to the rhythms of Bulgarian bouzouki that replaced the lyre of Orpheus.
This is an invitation to a fascinating journey in the heart of the emerging Balkans where you realize that fairy tales can become a reality.
Day 1
Arrival – Dobre doshli
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Sofia. After transferring to the hotel for some refreshments, we’ll stroll to a local Bulgarian tavern for a dinner party to kick start our tour.
Dinner and overnight: Sofia.
Day 2
From the valleys to the mountains of Rhodope
In the morning, we’ll embark on a thrilling journey as we hop into our 4wd vehicle and set our course for Plovdiv , Bulgaria’s second-largest city. Plovdiv is a heritage city where the threads of time intertwine, and you’ll experience its rich history through a captivating walking tour. We’ll follow the meandering Chaya River and pay a visit to Bachkovo old Monastery, a significant site that served as the final resting place of a Bulgarian Christian Righteous Among the Nations. We’ll also explore the stunning granite arches and enjoy a local pine tree tea at the forester’s hut.
Dinner and overnight: Pamporovo area
Day 3
In the Heart of the Rhodope Range
After breakfast, our adventure continues toward Smolyan, nestled on the border between Greece and Bulgaria. En route, we’ll visit the old Russian television tower for a panoramic overview of the Rhodope mountains. We’ll also explore the charming village of Shiroka Laka, meet a local artist specializing in crafting traditional musical instruments, and traverse unique terrain roads in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, eventually reaching Devin, a peaceful spa town.
Dinner and overnight: Devin area
Day 4
Canyons and Caves in Rhodope
The morning will be dedicated to a magical walking tour through a stunning canyon with a picturesque suspension bridge. We’ll continue our journey along the majestic canyon path of the Rhodope Mountains, leading us to the impressive Trigrad Gorge. We’ll descend to the river that flows deep within the Devil’s Mouth Cave and proceed to the spectacular Yegodina Canyon. As the day comes to an end, we’ll return to Devin for another night of relaxation and fine dining.
Dinner and overnight: Devin area.
Day 5
In the Land of the Gypsies
Today, we’ll set our course for the magical Dospat Lake, driving alongside its pristine shores and ascending the ridges to the heart of the gypsy community. Here, we’ll visit a local and unique pagan site, still frequently visited for various local ceremonies occurring during full moon nights. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the gypsy community living amidst the mountains. We’ll explore a 500-year-old village, its name derived from a heroic local legend, and journey alongside the mighty Mesta River, eventually reaching the ski town of Bansko.
Dinner and overnight: Bansko area
Day 6
Around the Pirin mountain .
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the town of Dobrinishte, take a chairlift ride to lake Bezbog and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the view over the green valley below. After lunch, we’ll head to Vichran Hut and embark on a hike around an alpine lake in the heart of the Pirin Ridge. If time permits, you’ll have the chance to relax in local hot springs.
Dinner and overnight: Bansko area
Day 7
Pirin Ridge – Melnik
As we farewell to Bansko, we’ll head south to Gotse Delchev, crossing the Pirin Ridge. We’ll explore the abandoned village of Pirin on foot, then continue along the old forest military road, eventually reaching the charming city of Melnik. Here, enjoy a fascinating tour of Bulgaria’s smallest city, known for its high-quality local wine.
Dinner and overnight: Melnik area
Day 8
Bistritsa Valley
Today, we’ll embark on a unique off-road route leading to the captivating Bistritsa Valley, filled with intriguing stories. Our day will include an ascend on a thrilling scenic terrain road with breathtaking views of the lakes of north Greece. Along the way, we’ll visit a local church dedicated to a famous fortune teller known for performing miracles. You’ll also have the opportunity to soak in mineral thermal springs at a local bathing site. We end our day in Sandanski for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Dinner and overnight: Sandanski area.
Day 9
Rafting on Stroma River – Sofia
Our final day brings a great adventure as we raft on the Stroma River. Afterward, we’ll visit the famous Rila Monastery, where you can explore the monastery and hear the fascinating story of King Boris III. We’ll then return to Sofia for a city tour.
Return the 4WD vehicles and transfer back to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight: Sofia.
Day 10
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable journey through the heart of Bulgaria.
The authentic experiences, attention to detail, and expert guides you expect from Vered Hasharon—now in new destinations such as Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, South Africa, Georgia, and Namibia!
With over 50 years of proven experience crafting exclusive travel worldwide, we know how to deliver iconic adventures that go above and beyond the standard tour. Now, we’re leveraging that experience to give you access to some of the world’s hidden gems.
Our expert guides have been working in all those destinations for 20+ years, getting to know the people, the landscapes, and the cultures firsthand so they can give you a unique insider’s perspective into these vibrant ancient cultures and thrill you with their unparalleled natural beauty.
At Vered Hasharon, we make every moment count. You get the best of both worlds–the adventure you crave and the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, down to the tiniest details. All that’s left for you to do is to sit back and enjoy the trip as you stimulate your senses in these unforgettable journeys through history and time.
Treat yourself this year—explore the princes of the Balkans on Vered Hasharon’s Bulgaria trips!
Bulgaria offers a unique blend of experiences, from personal interactions with the local story telling gypsies to thrilling adventures like rafting on the Struma River and exploring the Yagudina stunning cave formations.
We will explore the Rhodope Mountains by off roading routes and enjoy hiking in the picturesque Pyrin Mountains. Don’t miss the visit to Orpheus Devil’s Throat Cave and soaking in hot springs.
In this Bulgarian journey we make sure you are fully exposed to the fascinating cultural mosaic that is special to this Balkan Princess; through vibrant festivals, local delicious cuisine, colorful folklore and wine tasting in mysterious places such as the Cave Winery in Melnik.
Join us for a truly memorable Bulgarian adventure.
Unique local accommodation: Bulgaria provides magical and special accommodation sites. As always, our hotels during the trip were carefully chosen. We will stay in charming 4-5 star hotels, some situated in Ski resorts and some in beautiful local towns.
Forget about napping on tour buses! On our trips, your heart will expand as you self-drive your own rental 4WD vehicle through magical forest roads or trails that only locals know, we will drive along beautiful rivers and canyons, or alongside some of the most beautiful scenic roads that Bulgaria has to offer. You don’t need any previous off-roading experience as our experienced guides will lead you safely through any obstacles on the way to the beautiful hidden places accessible only via off-road routes and mountain passes.
We include all the highlights you expect—and much more!
from Wandering through the pristine Rhodope Mountains and exploring charming villages untouched by mainstream tourism, to Uncovering the enigmatic Belogradchik Rocks – a captivating natural marvel. From delving into the mysteries of the ancient Thracian civilization at Perperikon, to discovering the charm of the Koprivshtitsa – a well-preserved Bulgarian town with colorful 19th-century architecture.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Seven Rila Lakes, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Venture into the remote Pirin National Park, a haven for diverse flora and fauna, and be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Devil’s Throat Cave.
This off-the-beaten-Adventure in Bulgaria promises an authentic experience, blending nature, history, and local culture.
We don’t leave anything to chance.
• Every group is always accompanied by our staff members, including a VHS guide and professional local staff members. Our guide and staff will lead you in high-powered off-road vehicles, following the group to provide you with the amenities that will keep you happy and reassured throughout the trip, and ensure evacuation of group members if needed.
• The rental SUV vehicles are reliable and well maintained, and fully equipped with off road gear.
• We have excellent communication devices (walkie-talkies) with us that allow guides to share many fascinating stories and instructions during the journey. These communication devices are top-notch guiding tools and are not only intended for giving directions but also for enhancing your overall experience.
Our Bulgaria trip includes everything: daily breakfasts at the hotels, light picnic lunches on route, and dinners at the hotels we stay overnight or local restaurants that we carefully chose for your culinary experience.
The Bulgarian cuisine offers a delightful blend of flavors, showcasing a rich culinary heritage. Indulge in traditional dishes such as Banitsa, a savory pastry layered with cheese and filo dough. Delight in hearty stews like Kavarma, prepared with meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. We make sure not to miss the Shopska Salad, a refreshing mix of fresh vegetables and feta cheese.
The Bulgarian yogurt, famous for its taste and health benefits, is also a must-try. We will seal our meal with Baklava or Kadaif, sweet treats that highlight Bulgaria’s sweet culinary prowess.
