Bulgaria - Across the Balkan Peninsula..

Day 1 - The stunning capital - Sofia

We meet at the airport in Sofia and are all introduced to the guide and greeted by the SUV's. From Sofia we venture east towards Devin on highways and quickly we see the traffic fading away as we reach agriculture farmlands and quaint villages. Our first off road experience sends us of the manmade highways to narrow routes up to the peaks of the Rhodope ranges. Surrounding us we see amazing canopies of fir trees and crystal blue lakes. The group arrives at a rural wine villages sandwiched in-between the stunning Trakia Valley. Here is where we will reside for the evening in the 4 star Orpheus hotel.

Day 2 - Exploring the Rhodopes.

After breakfast we leave Pamporovo and start another day of great 4x4 off road adventures. Using paths only accessible by our SUV's we arrive at the forest of Smolyan. This is a very unique region known for iits vast amounts of lakes "emerald eyes of the Rhodopes" and fairytale lush forest. After stopping for a picnic style lunch we walk by foot to the mouth of a beautiful stalagmite cave we take a look inside being careful not to wake the bats and see all the stunning formations. Arriving back at Pamporovo we have a little free time in the hotel before dinner at a local restaurant eating local delicacies and speaking of the day's adventures.

Day 3 - The road to Devlin.

We leave early from the hotel and straight away start testing the 4x4's abilities on challenging off road routes. Shirako-Luca is our next stop on today's agenda situated on the south ridge of the Rhodope's. We visit the nearby villages that are not just picturesque but teaming with neighboring hidden forests, canyons and lakes. We will continue using the jeeps to an awe inspiring canyon and visit the Devil's Mouth cave. Lunch will be in the quaint village of Trigrad which boasts numerous remnants of cave dwellings from a copper stone age. More climbing ensues 4x4 style and later we discover Dolina a hidden village within the peaks of the Rhodopes. By sunset we descend back upon Devin where we settle in our spa accommodation and enjoy a dinner. Accomodation 4* Spa Devin hotel www.spadevin.com.

Day 4 - Tobacco farmlands & hidden villagesof Melnik.

Opening today with a hike through the canyon using wooden bridges and hike pathways we enjoy being engulfed within the atmosphere and varied topography that surrounds us. Dospat with an ever-changing panorama of gorges, forests and meadows dotted with a succession of highland villages is our next stop and is famed the world over for its tobacco farming and one of the loveliest countryside's of Bulgaria. Back in the jeeps we drive through an enchanted forest to Korbach village which is over 400 years old and we stop a while to learn of its past and meet the inhabitants. By evening time we arrive in Melnik the smallest town in the southwest of the Pirin Mountains, We check into the hotel and go for dinner and taste the local wines that are world renowned and much sought after by connoisseurs.

Day 5 - Rhythmic village of Pirin - Bansko ski resort.

After another hearty breakfast we walk into Melnik to do a brief tour of the City. Melnik. Later we will go to the Rozhen Monastery which is the only restored building from the Ottoman dynasty. Here we will tour the grounds and see all its relics and ancient paintings. Lunch will be held in a wonderful oak forest within the Pirin area, next stop we great the residents of the village of Pirin. The village has an extraordinary reputation in Bulgaria, being renowned for the richness of its song and dance rhythms and village traditions which are still observed today. Bansko is the ski resort town that we will reside at this evening. Dinner and accommodation is in TANNE 4* www.hotel-tanne.com.

Day 6 - The Pirin Mountain Ranges.

This morning we'll climb via cable car to the glacial Lake Pirin located high on the ridge (2224m high) and enjoy breathtaking observations and eagle eye focal points. Back to Bansko for a late lunch and enjoy free time to wander through the village and shopping. Relax at the hotel or continue browsing the streets. Evening time we are treated to a farewell dinner in a local restaurant with a traditional Gypsy band. "same hotel as previous evening".

Day 7 - Sofia bound and goodbye beautiful Bulgaria.

Wake up for a hike last around Struma River set with a backdrop of the impressive Pirin Ranges. We board the jeeps and follow the river and have a light lunch on the way. We should arrive in Sofia with time to take a city tour of the thriving capital. First hand we will learn of the fascinating urban history we walk the yellow brick road passing the statue of Alexander the 2nd and go to visit the cathedral "Alexander Nevski" prior to being transferred to the airport for our flight home.

· One “Goody Box” per SUV (containing snacks, supplies for making coffee, etc.)

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