Hiking Bulgaria: The mountain of Orpheus - Hiking tour in the Rhodopes

THE MOUNTAIN OF ORPHEUS – HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE RHODOPES

Join us on this incredible journey through the legendary Rhodope mountains, considered by many as the birthplace of Orpheus!
Explore the fantastic local folklore, picturesque landscapes and the notorious hospitality of the locals!
Enjoy the pristine Rhodopean nature – waterfalls, reserves, colorful meadows and villages, canyons and
misterious caves and fantastic local cuisine!

It is a unique mountain and area with many attractions, preserved nature, clean food and water and preserved biodiversity!
During this tour we will stay mostly in Smolyan town and the area – the heart of the Rhodopes!

THE TOWN

Smolyan is a town in Southern Bulgaria. It is located in the Western Rhodopes at a high altitude – 1035 meters above sea level. It is a District town considered “The Pearl of the Rhodopes” and it is the longest Bulgarian town, nearly 20 km, because if its linear situation along the valley of Cherna river.
The Smolyan lakes are situated stepwise on the North side of Cherna river, creating natural gradation towards the beauties of Pamporovo and the Orpheus Rocks..

Cuddled in the heart of the mountain, Smolyan is a one of a kind heaven for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, cave lovers and it is an all year adventure tourism centre!
Unique for Smolyan is the negative ionization of the local air which is beneficial and recreational for the human organism. The area is very rich in waters, the drinkable water is among the cleanest in the country and the hot mineral springs have given the opportunity for health-recreational tourism development.
People from all over Europe come here especially because of the clean and healing water and air.

Every person who has visited the Rhodope mountains will never forget the unique and amazingly tasty local cuisine! The locals still grow animals and harvest ecologically clean vegetables and fruits in their own gardens. Many locals pick mountain herbs, fruits, mushrooms and nuts for a living.
Smolyan and Pamporovo host plenty of cultural and sport events, such as festivals, celebrations and competitions in many sports.
All this makes the town a favourite place for many outdoor lovers because of the unique nature, clean environment and food and famouse local hospitality!

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at airport. Transfer to Smolyan town. Lunch on the way to town. Arriving in hotel, accommodation and introduction to the area and the following days. Dinner and rest.

Ascent
–
Descent
–

Distance
100km
Time
1.45h

Accommodation
4* Hotel
Meals
Dinner

Day 2: Smolyan, Orpheus rocks and Smolyan lakes

Landmarks in and around Smolyan town. Visits of the Momchill’s fortress, Planetarium and Central Church Vissarion Smolyanski. Lunch in town. Afternoon hike from Pamporovo to the Smolyan lakes via the legendary Orhpeus rocks and visits for coffee or tea in the Tower of Snezhanka from where we will enjoy a 360 panorama and see a big part of Bulgarian mountains and even mountains in Greece! Overnight in Smolyan

Ascent
300м.
Descent
450m

Distance
5км.
Time
7h

Accommodation
4* Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Canyon of Waterfalls

After a night in the clean mountain air and good breakfast we will go for a hike in the main tourist attraction of the Smolyan area – The canyon of Waterfalls! 44 Waterfalls are spraying their waters in this magnificent gorge with century old trees and unique flowers! The canyon is spread on the border of the most important reserve in the area “Soskovcheto” where rare plants and animals are sheltered and living peacefully. We will bring our lunch with us and have a picnic at the top of the canyon! Descent in the afternoon and free time to explore Smolyan’s center and buy souvenirs. Overnight in the same 4star hotel in town.

Ascent
300м.
Descent
450m

Distance
5км.
Time
7h

Accommodation
4* Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Mount Perelik

After a traditionally massive Rhodopean breakfast we will go for a hike around the highest peak of the Rhodope mountains – Mount Perelik 2191m! The centuries old spruce forests and the views from there are truly unforgettable! We will make a picnic somewhere on these vast high mountain meadows and enjoy the tranquility of the area! After all that we will go back on the bus to a hot mineral springs place where we will try first hand the famouse Rhodopean joint healing mineral waters. Accomodation and overnight in Devin town – a famouse local spa center.

Ascent
200м.
Descent
350m

Distance
3км.
Time
3h

Accommodation
4* Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Yagodina and Trigrad

After breakfast we will head to some other picteresque villages – Trigrad and Yagodina and their epic gorges, caves and fantastic views! We will start with the beautiful Buinovsko gorge and the Yagodinska cave. After visit in the cave we will have delicious lunch and travel to Trigrad where we will visit the one-of-a-kind cave in the world – The Devils throat! According to the legend this is the place where Orpheus descended down this orifice to the subterranean kingdom of Hades, to seek his lost love Eurydice …
The legends and true stories surrounding this cave will give you the goosebumps as well as the imposing 200m walls of the canyon outside!
Transfer to Shiroka laka – an architectural reserve. Overnight in the village in a cozy guest house.

Ascent
100m
Descent
100m

Distance
3km
Time
3h

Accommodation
Guest house 3*
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6: Gela – Тhe legendary birthplace of Orpheus

Breakfast. Today we will head for hiking around the fantastically pretty village of Gela and its amazing surroundings! According to the legends this is the birthplace of Orpheus himself! We will go for a panoramic hike around the village and enjoy the area’s old style houses, churches and pastoral landscapes. Other villages are visible from here spread around the hills. Overnight in a cozy local 3star hotel with amazing views and cuisine – The Eagle’s nest! The afternoon can be also used as a rest and reccuperate in hotel.

Ascent
250m
Descent
250m

Distance
4km
Time
4h

Accommodation
3* Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

PRICE: 540 euro

Price include: licensed mountain guide, all overnights, all breakfasts and dinners, transportation according to the described itinerary, traditional evening folklore program.

Price does not include: The rest of the meals, personal expenses, everything not listed as included.

*The hiking parameters of the particular day are described in the graph after each day!
* Plovdiv airport is the better option for arrival for this tour! Sofia airport also possible for additional costs of 60 euro for the transfers!
* Single supplement possible!

For more info contact us via Email: info@intothewild.bg

Or Viber, Watsapp and mobile:

+359 878 022 724
+359 888 544 447

The tour operator and guides preserve the right of changing the itinerary according to weather conditions and condition of the group!
All prices on this website include VAT!

THE MOUNTAIN OF ORPHEUS – HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE RHODOPES

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