WALKING & WILDLIFE IN BULGARIA
THE 'CENTRAL BALKAN' NATIONAL PARK
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer by private minibus from the Bulgarian capital Sofia Arrive Sofia to a former hunting lodge situated at the edge of the 'Central Balkan' National Park.
Day 2: Today's 4-hour walk leads us gently through the beautiful ancient beech forests of the 'Boatin' Reserve. We then drop into the valley of the Kostina Reka and follow the river downstream to the village of Ribaritsa. Meeting our bus, we then transfer east to visit the Troyan Monastery, then short drive to our family-run hotel in a small village.
Day 3: We spend the day with 5-hours of walking around the eastern fringes of the 'Severen Dzhendem' Nature Reserve. We begin by walking the 'Vidimsko Praskala' Eco-trail in and around the valley of the Praskalska Reka, at the head of which is the famous waterfall Vidimsko Praskalo, one of the most beautiful in the country. Then, carrying what we need for an overnight in the a mountain hut, we walk the 'Vodni Dupki' Eco-trail which offers wonderful views towards the dramatic cliffs that make up the heart of the reserve, before arriving at the Pleven hut.
Day 4: Today we make an ascent of Mt. Botev (2367m), the highest peak in the 'Central Balkan' National Park, before completing our 7-hour walk by descending again to our bus and returning to the same hotel we used on Day 2 where we are reunited with the rest of our baggage.
Day 5: Transferring to the village of Chiflik, we then set off on a 6-hour walk from the Haydushki Pesen hut. The trail climbs steeply up the northern flank of the Stara Planina through the 'Kozya Stena' Nature Reserve, then follows the main ridge east towards the Troyan Pass. There our bus will be waiting to drive us down to our hotel in Kalofer.
Day 6: Today we explore the periphery of the 'Dzhendema' Nature Reserve. This varied walk includes visits to two nunneries, explores the beautiful 'Byala Reka' Eco-trail, and takes in the broad panoramic Paradzhika ridge. Having returned to our bus we then transfer to our hotel in Sofia.
Day 7: The tour ends with individual departures from the hotel in Sofia.