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THE WESTERN BALKANS KARST TREK (BIKE & HIKE)
Guaranteed departures for 2010:
15 May, 9 June, 17 July, 07 August, 11 September, 2 October (other dates also possible upon request)
SUMMARY
Unique combination of walking and cycling routes, revealing the best of the Western Balkan Mountains landscapes, Karst formations, caves, gorges, waterfalls, monasteries, historical landmarks, eco-trails, rare flora and fauna, and nature reserves. We explore on foot and on a bike saddle the hidden trails in the alpine meadows of the mountains, the old Beech forests, the sinister caves with amazing stalactites and not the least the local traditions, cuisine and habits. This is a truly unforgettable adventure, varied in many ways and especially created to show you the best of this amazing part of the Balkan Mountains.
The trip has moderate difficulty grade, meaning that it is appropriate for average hikers and bikers (no previous experience in mountain biking is required). Such hiking and cycling combination is new for Bulgaria and we hope you will enjoy it.
 
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Iskar Gorge – going all through the Balkan Mountains from south to north it is one of the most beautiful, deepest and longest (156km) river gorge in Bulgaria with numerous rock formations, waterfalls, scattered mountain villages and beautiful nature.
Nature Park Vrachanski Karst – is a part of the Balkan Mountains range proclaimed for a nature park to protect the typical karst relief, rich flora and fauna.
 Cherepish Monastery – founded in 14th c. it is picturesquely situated near the banks of Iskar river in the stunning surroundings of the white Liutibrod rocks
Vratstata rock phenomenon – a rocky pass with 400m. high rock walls situated near Vratsa town. The most famous climbing area in Bulgaria with more then 140 climbing routes.
Ledenika Cave – only 300m long but one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria with 10 halls, numerous cave formation and icy stalactites almost throughout the year.
Klisura Monastery – founded in the 13th c. is one of the biggest monasteries in the region.
Kopren – mountainous area near the Serbian border with beautiful fast rivers, numerous waterfalls and cascades, abundant flora and fauna, interesting rock formations and eco trails.
Chiprovtsi Monastery – is one of the oldest monasteries in Bulgaria founded in 10th century and played an important role in approving the Christian religion in the Bulgarian lands.
Belogradchik rocks – natural rock phenomenon consisting of a group of many red rock figures up to 200 m high, resembling living creatures. Like in a fairy tale the medieval fortress Kaleto rises up at the top of the rocks.
Magurata Cave – one of the longest caves in Bulgaria (2500m) famous for its ancient rock drawings of people, animals and cult rituals.
 ITINERARY
Day 1. Meeting at Sofia airport. Transfer to the city centre for overnight.
Day 2. Exploration of the majestic cliffs of Iskar Gorge in the Balkan Mountains. Hiking on the famous Vazov eko trail passing under one of the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria – Bovska Skaklia and to the edge of the cliffs of Zasele village with splendid view towards Iskar valley. We get on the bikes and start cycling on a nice isolated asphalt road for passing through Zimevitsa and Zanoge village continue on a panoramic gravel road descending to Lakatnik region. We finish at Zhitoliub karst spring and the nearby small restaurant where we can have lunch. After that we do a short hike to the splendid Lakatnik rocks. Transfer to Vratsa for overnight with a quick stop at the picturesque Cherepish Monastery on the way. (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/130m; biking: 20km, uphill/downhill: 200/600)
Day 3. Hike to Skaklia waterfall (the highest impermanent waterfall in Bulgaria -141m) and to the top of the rocks to a karst field with great panoramic views. We descend on a steep path in a nice beech forest to the Vratsata rock phenomenon. Short transfer brings us to Ledenika cave for a visit and lunch. Biking on nice panoramic gravel and asphalt road from Parshevitsa place to Vrashets town via Milanovo village. Overnight in Varshets spa resort. (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/350m; biking: 35km, uphill/downhill: 150/1000)
Day 4. Transfer to Petrohan pass, visiting Klisurski Monastery on the way. From the pass we ride downhill towards the town of Berkovitsa on a nice dirt road up to an altitude of 1650 m with fine panoramas to the Western Balkan Mountains massifs. Overnight in Berkovitsa. (biking: 40km, uphill/downhill: 300/1200m)
 Day 5. Transportation to Kopreh hut. En-route we visit the Lopushanski Monastery. Hiking on the beautiful Kopren eco-trail with numerous waterfalls, water cascades and interesting rock formations. Then we continue on bikes on a nice dirt road through picturesque meadows to the town of Chiprovtsi for overnight. (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 400/350m; biking: 12km, uphill/downhill: 100/300)
Day 6. Transfer to Belogradchik. On the way we visit Chiprovski Monastery. Highlight of the day are Belogradchik fortress and Belogradchik Rocks phenomena. We explore them on a bike. In the afternoon we visit Magurata Cave. Overnight in Belogradchik. (hiking: 3km, uphill/downhill: 60/70m; biking: 15km, uphill/downhill: 300/300)
Day 7. Hike in Chuprene Reserve puts the end of the active part of the tour. Transfer to Sofia. Free time for sightseeing and overnight. (hiking: 7km, uphill/downhill: 200/180m)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
 EXTENSIONS
Yes, Black Sea
This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast:
- Sunny Beach - a big modern resort with hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc.
- Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns (founded by the ancient Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific atmosphere.
- Lozenets - a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains where you can go walking, biking or riding horses.
Difficulty grade: B
Accommodation:
Family-run pensions and guesthouses with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included).
Group size: min. 4 persons
Single room supplement: 75 €
 The price includes: equipped mountain bike (helmets and saddle bags are provided upon request only and are to be paid extra); English-speaking guide; driver with a supporting vehicle; transfers from/to Sofia airport and all transfers as per itinerary; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; VAT and all local taxes (entrance fees not included).
The price does not include: entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks, other meals outside the program, tips and other personal expenses.
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