Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains
Experience Overview
The Rodopi Mountains are a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious region which, according to legend, were the home of the ancient Greek bard, Orpheus. Today they offer a refuge for many rare plants, brown bears, wolves, wild cats and a prolific number of butterflies and birds.
Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of these remote peaks as we walk through a variety of landscapes, including ancient coniferous forests and rugged limestone gorges. We engage with local people who maintain their traditional rural existence, working the fields by hand and tending their livestock on the meadows and pastures.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Six days of walking — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 7,180ft (2,188m); average: 4,430ft (1,350m) — Travel by minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Six days of walking — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 7,180ft (2,188m); average: 4,430ft (1,350m) — Travel by minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are walks between four and five hours, along traditional mountain trails, forest tracks and ancient Roman roads. Our varied programme of daily walks takes us through a mixture of silent forests and flower-filled meadows, and over some rocky karst terrain.
Although the pace is relatively leisurely, allowing time to enjoy the landscape and nature, take photographs and talk to the local people, the trip does involve moderately strenuous walking in mountainous terrain. Trails are rarely flat, and often rough and stony. To maximise your experience, come prepared for steep daily ascents as we climb over ridges; you should also be confident in descending steep paths over stones and tree roots as we drop into deep valleys and gorges.
NB: Exodus also offers an 8-day bear tracking holiday (Trip Code: WBB). On some dates it is possible to combine the two trips to make a fantastic 15-day wildlife adventure. Ask a member of our sales team for details.
Group Description
The trip is lead by an experienced local Bulgarian guide who will share their extensive knowledge about the nature and culture of the region.
Eating Drinking
Breakfast: Usually includes tea or coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and traditional local specialities, such as katmi (thick pancakes) and rodopski klin (a rice-based dish).Lunch: Picnic lunches will be eaten in the mountains and typically comprise of bread, cheese, salami, salad, biscuits and fruit.Dinner: Will be taken in our hotel restaurant, and will normally include three courses comprising salad or vegetarian soup, followed by a main course, and a dessert of fruit, ice cream or cake/pudding. The cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic influences. We sample many traditional local specialities including smilyanski fasul (a delicious bean soup) and patatnik (grated potatoes, onions and cheese, seasoned with mint and other herbs). Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but can be purchased. There are also several local wines you may wish to try, including an excellent red Mavrud from vineyards on the northern slopes of the Rodopi.Vegetarians and vegan diets: Bulgaria produces excellent fresh vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well catered for, although in the mountains the variety may be limited to what is seasonally available. Eggs and dairy produce, especially cheese, form the staple part of the diet in the Rodopi region, and are included in most traditional meals, so vegans may find their daily menu more restricted and less varied.Gluten intolerance: Special gluten-free products are not available, so those with a wheat/gluten intolerance should, if needed, bring something to replace the local bread and pastries that make up the breakfasts and picnic lunches.
Transportation
A private minibus will be used for all transport throughout the week. The roads in the Rodopi are typically small and winding mountain lanes, occasionally with rough surfaces. Most of the journeys are very picturesque and interesting. Average journeys are 30 minutes to 45 minutes, with a 90-minute drive when climbing Golyam Snezhnik on Day 5. The longer Sofia-Yagodina transfers at the start and end of the trip are approximately four hours, and broken up by a comfort stop at a motorway service station.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Yagodina
Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK.
You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. A taxi to the hotel costs about 595 Bulgarian lev (US$330) and there is no connecting public transport. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group transfer from the airport.
Please note, the group meets for the transfer at Terminal 2, but many low-cost airlines fly into Terminal 1. There is a free airport shuttle bus connecting the two terminals, which departs every 30 minutes.
Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Spring and summer days are usually warm and sunny, with a refreshing mountain breeze that moderates temperatures; please note, changeable weather and cold temperatures can be encountered at any time in the mountains. Occasionally during spring and summer, there are sudden short storms, which means suitable waterproof clothing should be carried on all walks, and which may force minor amendments to the itinerary; however, there is often a prolonged period of settled weather after such storms. Later in autumn, overnight frosts and misty dawns typically give way to beautiful sunny days, but it is always worth keeping a pair of gloves and a spare warm layer in the pack for shadier paths or when picnicking on breezy rock outcrops.
Seasonal wildlife
During late spring and early summer, wildflowers in the Rodopi Mountains reach their peak, the meadows a patchwork of colour, and the edges of forest paths often sprout a selection of rare and beautiful orchids. As summer advances, the variety of butterflies becomes particularly striking. Come autumn, the deciduous trees change colour and the mountain landscapes are at their most photogenic, especially after a frosty night and with the typically golden morning sun. The forests and scrubs are full of wild fruits and nuts at this time of year, with many of the forest birds becoming more conspicuous as they actively feed up before the winter. If you’re lucky, autumn is also the time to see an unusual raptor migrating south along one of the gorges.
Many attractive fungi also appear on the forest floor and are harvested, not just by the locals, but by roe deer, Balkan chamois, wild boars, red squirrels and many other smaller rodents.
Spending Money
During your stay in Hotel Yagodina, it is possible to ask for any drinks or other purchases you make whilst staying there to be put on tab for your room, and then pay this off by cash or card at the end of the week. As a guide, you may wish to budget the equivalent of approximately £85/US$110 to cover drinks with meals plus souvenirs such as local produce (such as honey, jams, herb teas and dried mushrooms).
Tipping
It is customary to tip staff in Bulgaria if you receive good service, although this is not compulsory. Most clients wish to tip the driver and staff at Hotel Yagodina. For the hotel staff we recommend approximately 20-30 Bulgarian lev (US$11-US$17) per person for the week, and 20 lev (US$11) per person for the week for the driver.
Tipping of leaders is entirely at your own discretion; however, if you wish to show your appreciation for his/her efforts, a tip of around 80 lev (US$45) per person for the week is suggested.
Highlights
— Hike the Rodopi Mountains, a walker’s paradise of deep gorges, ancient forests and flowering meadows — Embark on day walks from our comfortable base in a traditional Bulgarian village — Look out for native flora and fauna, including brown bears, orchids and wildflowers — Trace the myth of Orpheus, the Ancient Greek bard, who is said to have lived here — Enjoy a warm welcome and delicious home-produced local cuisine at Yagodina Family Hotel
Trip Details
Product Code: 4356
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: station.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TDB
Starts: Bulgaria
Finishes: Bulgaria
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners included — All accommodation — Transfer for group flightsAccommodation
Yagodina Family Hotel and Boutique Hotel Crystal PalaceOur base for six nights is Yagodina, a traditional rural village known for its self-sufficiency and hospitable inhabitants. Home to around 500 people, it is secluded in the Trigrad Karst region, one of the most remote parts of the Rodopi Mountains. Here, we stay in the Yagodina Family Hotel, a small accommodation with comfortable twin and single rooms. It’s owned and run by a local family and most of the food (including milk, cheese, butter, jam and honey) is either home-produced or locally sourced. Our final night is at Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace, a conveniently located four-star hotel in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The 63-room accommodation is in the downtown area, close to city landmarks, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It also has a restaurant serving French, Italian and Spanish dishes, plus a lobby bar with cocktails, coffee and more.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,720 ($340 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins at Terminal 2 in Sofia Airport (Terminal 2), where we meet the leader, before a transfer to the remote village of Yagodina, our base for the next six nights. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Enjoy a day with two separate walks, each with a unique set of wildlife-spotting opportunities. A 15-minute drive after breakfast brings us to the trailhead of our first walk, a hike through the deep gorge and forests of Kastrakli Nature Reserve, renowned for orchids, butterflies and a growing population of Balkan chamois. In the afternoon, after a 30-minute drive to the village of Chala, those still with energy for a second walk can follow a broad grassy ridge spur, offering spectacular views towards Yagodina, before dropping steeply into the Buinovo Gorge, where waits to drive us (10 minutes) back to the hotel. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive to the neighbouring Trigrad gorge, where we make a short pause to scan the towering cliffs for the elusive wallcreeper, a delightful bird that flutters around like a butterfly on the rock faces, flashing strikingly crimson wings. We then spend the rest of the day hiking through the rugged heart of the Trigrad karst plateau. Following a maze of traditional trails and tracks, we thread our way through this wonderfully picturesque wilderness, rewarded by an ever-changing succession of landscapes and vistas. The region has been designated a Prime Butterfly Area, on account of the numerous rare species that can be found here. It also boasts outstanding flora, including many endemic species. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we set off in our bus for a 90-minute drive east into the highest part of the Rodopi Mountains. Having reached the end of the driveable road, we begin a wonderfully panoramic hike along the main ridge of the Rodopi Mountains. First, we skirt just below the military base on the summit of the Rodopi’s highest peak Mt. Golyam Perelik (7,188ft/2,191m), before ascending Mount Golyam Snezhnik (7,178ft/2,188m). Having enjoyed the expansive views from the rolling open pastures, we then start to drop down into the forest, making a long descent to the tiny, picturesquely situated village of Gela, which according to legend was the birthplace of Orpheus. Here we will be met by our bus for the drive back to Yagodina. Occasionally, during May, late-lying snow makes it impossible to traverse the flank of Mount Golyam Perelik, so instead the leader will arrange an alternative lower-altitude walk in the mountains south of Yagodina. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Having finished the previous day’s walk in the village of Gela, the supposed birthplace of Orpheus, we continue with the Orphic theme today, by following in his footsteps to the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary where Orpheus is believed to have met his death. As well as being steeped in a fascinating mix of myth and mystery, todays walk also offers some lovely remote walking, where we share our trail with wolves and deer, and can often hear the eerie cries of black woodpeckers echoing through the forest, adding to the excitement and magical atmosphere. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
A half-hour drive up the picturesque valley of the Buynovska Reka brings us to the village of Buynovo, where we start our walk. Today we wander amid the mountain meadows and forests along the border with Greece. Nowadays this is a tranquil region, peacefully roamed by wolves, bear, wild boar and roe deer, but during the Cold War it was known as the Zone of Death, a forbidden area patrolled by armed border guards ordered to prevent anyone trying to escape across the Iron Curtain into Greece. During our walk, we see remnants of the old border fence and former military bunkers, plus we learn more about this interesting, but dark, period of Bulgarian history. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Before making the long transfer back to the Bulgarian capital, we have the chance to enjoy two final short, but highly picturesque nature walks. Having had breakfast and said our farewells to the staff at the hotel, we set off on foot, picking up yet another section of former Roman road, now a beautiful forest trail that is famed for its great variety of orchids. Suddenly the path emerges at a shelter, perched high on a rocky viewpoint from which one can gaze down into the Buinovo Gorge below. From here, the trail steadily descends to the river and road where we meet our bus, for a 45 minute drive to the town of Devin. Here we start our second walk of the day, following a delightful, specially-constructed nature trail along the valley of the Devinska Reka. As well as being extremely photogenic in its own right, the trail passes through another Prime Butterfly Area, offering the chance to see yet more rare and beautiful species. After a picnic lunch by the river, we then make our way back to the bus, before completing the final transfer (3 hours 30 minutes) back to Sofia. Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace (or similar)
This trip draws to a close after breakfast. If you want to spend a bit more time in the city after our walking adventures, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Caroline Roy - Traveled, April 2024
A fascinating visit to a beautiful and remote area of Bulgaria Just returned from an excellent week in the Rodopi mountains. Faultless organisation throughout, from the warm hospitality of the Family Hotel Yagodina, its excellent and plentiful local food, to varied walks through deep forests, sunlit meadows, mountain tops. The leader’s knowledge of the area is second to none and he is generous with his knowledge of the wildlife you may encounter and sharing his understanding of this mysterious landscape, its history and myths, its people and way of life. One of the best Exodus trips I’ve ever been on, highly recommended. Thank you. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent throughout
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Jo Heath - Traveled, May 2023
Wonderful time in the beautiful mountains We had a great group and superb leader. I echo everything that Susanne has written. Rodopi is just a magical place – it is lush and full of nature: insects, particularly butterflies, wild flowers, lichen and signs of bigger animals who were no doubt watching us. I felt extremely comfortable, more knowledgable and much more aware of my surroundings by the end of the week. The walks are varied and a good length; no rush in the morning and back in time to have a couple of quiet hours in the evening. Five days in a row is reasonably challenging, but it is also possible to miss the odd day; a couple of our group found plenty to do – maybe a short walk, glass of wine with lunch and then wander in the village. Yagodina Hotel is perfect for the trip – very friendly and comfortable, we had wonderful home cooked food – recipes local to the region, Maria could not do enough to help I have been on several Exodus Trips and this is my favourite so far. Most Inspirational Moment Loved the information about the bears - I felt very privileged to be able share their territory. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is an excellent leader. He is friendly and unbelievably knowledgable, calm and organised with an enormous passion and respect for the Rodopi Mountains. Advice for Potential Travellers Book now if you love being immersed in nature. Suggestions I didn't want to leave!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Susanne Maden - Traveled, May 2023
Unspoilt beautiful mountains & meadows! This trip far exceeded our expectations in many ways! The area is unspoilt & very quiet-we only saw one other group of hikers during our week in the mountains! Every day was filled with lovely walks through stunning scenery & we enjoyed discovering all of the flora & fauna in the area as well as spotting traces of bears! The Family Hotel Yagodina was spotlessly clean with decent size rooms & the food was amazing-all locally sourced & freshly made! Nothing was too much trouble for Maria & her team & we felt truly spoilt! Most Inspirational Moment Walking through the meadows seeing all of the varieties of wild flowers, including many orchids as well as moths & butterflies, many that we have not seen before! Thoughts on Group Leader Julian stepped in at the last minute to lead our group & he was just brilliant! He has lived & studied brown bears in the region for many years & was eager to pass his knowledge on to us! It's fair to say that his enthusiasm was infectious so by the 2nd day we were all spotting signs of bear activity including scat! He allowed people to take the walk at their own pace & was happy to educate us on the massive variety of flora & fauna we saw along the way! The weather was often rainy in the afternoons so Julian swapped walks around so that we remained safe & avoided most of the bad weather! Advice for Potential Travellers The weather in the mountains can change very quickly so defiantly take waterproof jackets & leggings that you can put on easily! Be flexible! Again, the weather means that walks were changed or moved days but this is to ensure that you are safe & can enjoy spectacular views on the higher walks on the better days! Suggestions If you love nature, especially wild flowers then this is the trip for you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Karl Smith - Traveled, June 2022
Great trip New to Bulgaria, great week discovering the landscape, flora & fauna and culture of this unique region. Most Inspirational Moment Walking the plank at the Eagle's eye Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic and inspirational. Passionate and happy to share his extensive knowledge of the country and region. Excellent walk leader - pace and support for strugglers. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a microfibre cloth to dry the bathroom floor. Take tea bags - although the herbal tea is fine, really missed a good cuppa. Consider adding an extra day or two at the end to explore Sofia. Suggestions My first Exodus experience, all positive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2022
Steve Braysher - Traveled, April 2022
First Ones Back I am ashamed to say that until we started looking for our next trip I had never heard of the Rodopi Mountains. They are a wonderful place, spectacular scenery with vistas of ridge after ridge, after ridge, a week isn’t really long enough, maybe we will have to return. The walking was very enjoyable and the accommodation just what you want on a trip like this; clean and comfortable with a happy, relaxed atmosphere, a good shower, lovely staff and well cooked, tasty, locally sourced food . There is an abundance of wildlife in the mountains, but it is just that, wild, so don’t expect to see it all. I have come to the conclusion that the wall creeper is a mythical bird! We were the first group in after two and a half years and everything worked really well. If you haven’t been you are missing out on a treat. Most Inspirational Moment This isn't the sort of trip that has one stand out moment, the experience and enjoyment builds through the week to give you a really satisfying glow at the end. Thoughts on Group Leader We were lucky, we had two, both of whom were excellent, on the top of their game, and with a great sense of humour. Svetla was always cheerful, knowledgeable and helpful. Here unusual academic background in anthropology and a host of other subjects meant that she could impart a lot of very interesting insights into the social as well as natural environment. Julian has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area and years spent in bear research which gave us the bonus of having his enthusiasm and expertise, as a result of which I can now identify a worrying number of species by their poo! They were both great fun to be with and I would very happily sign up for a trip knowing they were the leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Come and enjoy it! Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness, bring a plug for the wash basin and think about doing an extra couple of days in Sofi,a either at the start or the end of the trip, it would be time well spent. Mountain weather can be variable, so come prepared. Suggestions The Rodopi mountains are a spectacular location and the people we met were lovely. If you like walking in mountains, have an interest in wildlife and enjoy discovering local food this is a great trip to sign up to. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Oh yes, one last thing everybody in our group got along really well together which made it an even more enjoyable experience, so a big thankyou to them too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2022
marilyn carroll - Traveled, June 2019
Walking in wonderful Rodopi mountains A memorable walking holiday. The walks were through forests, gorges and beautiful wildflower meadows. Lovely views! A very pastoral feel to the whole holiday – and very relaxing. Yagodina is a small friendly village in a peaceful location. The hotel was clean and comfortable. Food was good – lots of local produce was used. Most Inspirational Moment Everyone mentions the lunch stops - but it was so lovely looking at the wildflowers, the birds and the views. There are not many places left in Europe that are so unspoilt. We rarely saw other people when we were out walking. Finding bear paw prints on a walk through some woods was unexpected! Thoughts on Group Leader Nelly was excellent. One of the best guides I have encountered on a holiday. She spoke English fluently and was a good communicator with the group. Her knowledge of the local flora and fauna was extensive. She gave us a lot of background on the history and culture of Bulgaria. She was very helpful and attentive to the needs of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers I spent an extra day in Sofia and I can recommend this. There is a lot to see in the city centre. The Metro system is easy to use and cheap. Be prepared for showers when out walking and take lots of sunscreen. Suggestions I wish I had tried to learn a few words of Bulgarian before the holiday. If you are not flying direct to Sofia make sure you have enough time to make your connecting flight. One hour was not enough when flying from Manchester due to delays.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2019
John Murray - Traveled, May 2019
A great walking holiday in unspoilt Bulgaria This was an excellent trip in a relatively unspoilt and bucolic part of the world. The Rodopi mountains in southern Bulgaria, near the Greek border, make for relatively gentle but sublime walking. We ambled along easy trails through deep gorges, natural forest and woodland, and, best of all, high alpine meadows, with carpets of wild flowers. The hotel in Yagodina was excellent – clean, with plenty of hot water after a day out. The food, even as a vegetarian, was varied, using a lot of local produce, and generally excellent. At the hotel, local beers were cheap, about £1.25 a bottle, though the wines were less so – think UK supermarket prices. It even had fairly good wifi! Most Inspirational Moment All the walks were lovely, but the lunches among the wild flowers, sitting in a high meadow, were something special. Thoughts on Group Leader Neli was an outstanding leader. She was attentive to the needs of her party, patient, and was a great source of knowledge about Bulgaria, its history, politics, and culture. She really knew her local flora and fauna, and even knew all the names in English! She also boasted just about the best English language skills I've come across in a local guide, indeed her vocabulary would have put many native speakers to shame! Most importantly however, she was absolutely passionate about Bulgaria, and the Rodopi in particular. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring a waterproof, it showered on most days, although only in the afternoon. Bring binoculars for the wildlife. Bring at least a one-litre water bottle - it can get hot, and although the walking is not arduous, the days were quite long. If you get Exodus to book flights with a stopover, check the timings. They wrecked our first day by allowing just one hour at Frankfurt airport. The plane was late taking off in the UK, and mayhem ensued. We eventually arrive many, many hours late, after many changes in flights! This was the only negative about the whole holiday however!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2019
Mick Quinn - Traveled, May 2019
As the Nike Ad says "Just Do It" Having travelled extensively but not to Bulgaria previously I was very interested to see what I would think of the country and I wasn’t disappointed. I flew direct from Ireland on Thursday and spent two days in Sofia before I joined a group of 15 others on the Saturday. I am not surprised that our trip was full/sold out. We spent a great week enjoying all aspects of rural Bulgaria. The walks averaged out at ten miles a day based in Hotel Yagodina that is ideally situated and very well run. The weather was perfect, despite many forecasts that predicted otherwise. Most Inspirational Moment The consistency of how beautiful the views were each day when we lunched. The other aspect that really appealed to me was how natural the food we ate during the week was and how little processed food was served during our stay at Hotel Yagodina. Thoughts on Group Leader Nelly's command of the English language is the best I have ever experienced in a non native speaker. Her willingness to help and accommodate people in the group was outstanding. Her passion and knowledge of the flora, fauna, folklore and history of Bulgaria was unsurpassable. I believe she has found her forté as a guide and I intend to nominate her in the Exodus Annual Leader Awards. Advice for Potential Travellers Some of the group members who didn't spend a night or two in Sofia either at the beginning or the end of the holiday regretted their decision. I really enjoyed my two day stay in the capital and saw more of it than I imagined I would when I joined an organised cycle tour of the city that covers about 20kms and lasts about three hours. Suggestions If in doubt, just book it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2019
Carmel Elwell - Traveled, May 2019
A fantastic walking holiday in remote and beautiful mountains We had five strenuous but not exhausting days walking through really beautiful gorges, meadows and mountains and came back to a welcoming and comfortable simple hotel each evening. Our guide was exemplary in her local knowledge of flora and fauna so there was much to learn as well as to enjoy. Highly recommended if you want to be out all day amidst a fascinating landscape. Most Inspirational Moment Sitting and gazing across the valleys and gorges from 6,000 feet up. Thoughts on Group Leader A fantastic leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring binoculars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2019
Pam Peers - Traveled, May 2018
A wonderfully authentic Bulgarian experience; interesting walks, comfortable accommodation and a lovely group This trip provides a great introduction to a very special, unspoilt part of Europe which maintains traditional practices in agriculture and food production. Yagodina is a real find and I hope its uniqueness can be retained; the local people were friendly and the Yagodina Family Hotel offers a genuinely homely atmosphere, including comfortable accommodation and plenty of interesting and well presented food. Maria, the proprietor, runs an impressive operation and is always available to ensure that guests’ needs are met. The walks were well chosen and the week’s itinerary gave an excellent overview of the Rodopi mountains, including insights into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the area. Most Inspirational Moment Lunch most days was in beautiful meadows with masses of colourful Spring flowers and great views of the mountains - a real joy! The traditional Bulgarian singing and dancing on our final night was very enjoyable - Maria's mother and her team were an inspiration, and it was nice to see three generations of the family joining in the fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Svetla is excellent, and her passion and affection for the area were infectious. She is very well organised, always cheerful and positive, and has a great sense of humour. Her style in leading the walks was relaxed, whilst highly professional and she always ensured that all members of the group were comfortable with the pace. Advice for Potential Travellers If you have time, stay an extra night or two in Sofia but make sure you join the group at the airport for the transfer to Yagodina - this can be arranged via the Exodus Office when you book. Sofia is an interesting and historic city, with impressive Roman ruins, a thriving music and cultural scene and some excellent restaurants. It is compact and easy to get round with a modern metro system. There are free city walking tours, which are highly recommended - tips for the local, well-informed, English-speaking guides are optional but well deserved
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2018
Sue Totterdell - Traveled, April 2018
If you go down in the woods today.... A superb holiday in beautiful countryside, staying in an excellent local hotel with walks that make the most of what the region has to offer. Most Inspirational Moment Realising that bears were probably within a kilometre or so of us as we walked through the forest. Julian's enthusiasm about all things 'bear' was catching. His expertise was not, however, limited to bears. The most photographed moment was on the last night when a small group of ladies from the village came to share traditional songs and dances. Seeing fellow walkers joining in with enthusiasm was a special moment. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is a superbly knowledgeable leader. His long association with the region makes him an expert in the area's cultural heritage, as well as in local flora and fauna. His extensive knowledge of the mountain tracks and paths meant that there was always an alternative possible if weather conditions dictated a change of route. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for changes in the daily routes - the mountain weather is unpredictable and thunderstorms meant we had to abandon one climb for a more sheltered walk. Late snow also meant we did not reach the highest point described in the trip notes. The alternative were always carefully explained and fascinating. Bring waterproofs. Delicious four course meals can become a habit. Be prepared either to keep up the strenuous walking routine at home or suffer hunger pangs for the first few days at home. Suggestions This is a great way to visit Bulgaria. You could add on a day or so to see Sofia but the mountains are sufficient to justify the trip. The orchids were plentiful and the traces of bears were a wonderful reminder of the varied wildlife that makes its home in the region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2018
Joanna Z - Traveled, October 2016
Beautiful walks in a remote part of Bulgaria It was a very enjoyable trip in a remote part of the country. I didn’t hear about Rodopi mountains before so didn’t know what to expect. The scenery is absolutely stunning – mountains, forests, gorges, caves – all so untouched and beautiful! I enjoyed all the walks and we never saw any other walkers – it was amazing to have it all just to ourselves. We also had a chance to see how local people live. It was a nice, relaxing week and the group bonded pretty quickly! Most Inspirational Moment It is difficult to choose one moment as the whole trip was so beautiful. But I really enjoyed Sveti Ilia hike, the views were breathtaking and we even managed to see some wall creepers! Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader was great, very informative and knew the area really well. Nothing was too much trouble, she was always willing to help. It was easy to see that she was passionate about what she does and that she really enjoys showing her country to foreign visitors. Advice for Potential Travellers You might want to bring a lunch box with you. And don't forget a sunscreen! Suggestions You will never be hungry - every meal I had in Yagodina was absolutely delicious and the portions were huge. It was good to try local dishes, it was all home-made and very tasty. Alcohol was very cheap, everybody was pleasantly surprised at the end of the stay that our bills were so low!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2016
Robert Walden - Traveled, August 2016
Bulgaria Rodopi Mtns Good walking in the Rodopi hills -Derbyshire on a larger scale (but with a lot more trees). Most Inspirational Moment The walks were a little "samey" as many of the individual views are masked by the extensive conifer plantations but the viewing platform from St Elijah (Sveti Iliya) Ridge on Day 6 gave an impressive and unique aspect and from where we saw wall creepers on the rocks just below and could watch their red flashes in flight. Later the Yagodina Cave was an impressive side attraction. Thoughts on Group Leader Very good. Cheerful and willing - mixed well with the entire group. (Danced really well!) Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take a large lunch box. The food is hearty but dull (a lot of cheese with every meal - especially breakfast!) - I would seriously suggest taking a bottle of ketchup or favourite brown sauce plus a supply of your favourite tea bags if you are not an avid coffee drinker. Beer, wine and coffee is very cheap - your bar bill will be a pleasant surprise! Suggestions The scenery is potentially stunning - much more dramatic than my favourite Derbyshire. However, some limited management of the trees is required to provide more open vistas and specific viewpoints, especially in and above the steep gorges. Imagine going to the English Lake District and being unable to see the lakes? As a consequence I am unlikely to return .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2016
Linda and David S - Traveled, July 2016
Rodopi Mountains This trip was delightfully different from other European trips that we have enjoyed. The local people were warm and friendly and appeared content to work in the fields or sit with the cows in a high pasture all day. The difference between our fast paced life style and their post communist lives was marked. The scenery was beautiful, very ‘vertical’, with rare pre-ice age flowers. Even the long drive from and too Sofia was interesting and our driver surely the most competent in Bulgaria. Most Inspirational Moment This is a difficult one. Was it seeing ancient Soviet agricultural equipment, people working in the fields, the prospect of seeing bears and wolves? Maybe it was meeting local ladies who were chatting and embroidering slippers, or dancing with the folk singers from the village? Probably, it was just the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the area. Thoughts on Group Leader Nelly's love and knowledge of Bulgaria shone through at every meadow, mountain and forest. Nothing was too much trouble and her care was always evident. She was an outstanding leader and made this a wonderful and exciting trip for us both. Advice for Potential Travellers Take an empty plastic sandwich box for packed lunches, and lots of memory for your camera. Suggestions Food is local, traditional and good - don't expect to loose weight!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2016
Ronald Bowater - Traveled, May 2016
Rodopi Mountains Excellent trip walking in the mountains and meadows of the Rodopi mountains. Lovely family run hotel with exellent food – very welcoming. We had a very peaceful and relaxing time in Yagodina and the walks were lovely – especially the time spent in the beautiful wildflower meadows. Most Inspirational Moment Walking through the fantastic wild flower meadows with no one else around. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Nelli is a superb leader in all respects. Very kind and caring of her group at all times. She made our stay something special to remember. Many thanks. Advice for Potential Travellers Just enjoy the scenery and the relaxed atmosphere. Suggestions This trip is very good value for money - would recommend it to anyone who enjoys walking in beautiful scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2016
Beccy Reese - Traveled, April 2016
A wonderful get away in the mountains A good week’s walking in a rural location hosted in a great locally run hotel. This week was everything that I expected based on the detailed trip notes, the walks and the hotel were as described and ticked all the boxes for me. I spent a couple of additional days in Sofia which was a good balance. Most Inspirational Moment Meeting the local women for an evening of song & dance was fantastic and the cave trips were a fabulous bonus. Being out in great countryside away from the city was the best part - day after day of lovely tranquil walks Thoughts on Group Leader Svetla had a great sense of humour and was a lovely, calm guide. Advice for Potential Travellers I'd suggest taking a walking pole, although as lots of the walks are through forest a suitable stick can be found en route. Some of the ascents are steep and in wet weather pretty slippery. The group return flight was very early so would advise booking your own. If you stay in Sofia check out the restaurants Made in Home and Made in Blue - although you may need to make a reservation. Suggestions Read the trip notes & if it sounds like a holiday for you then I'm sure you'll have a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2016
Peter Jackson - Traveled, July 2015
Rodopi Mtns A very good holiday with good mix of people Most Inspirational Moment Every day in the mountains was great Thoughts on Group Leader svetoslava was a very cheerful and a caring leader. she ought to have got us to introduce us to each other on first night and to our very good bus driver. Also to have got us to exchange e.mails before we left. We left at different times so was a little difficult. Advice for Potential Travellers Just to order a brochure! Suggestions No
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2015
Judith Orr - Traveled, May 2015
Rodopi Mountains review Lovely part of the world with stunning scenery. The wild flowers were at their best when I visited in May. A very different pace of life to home but interestingly even the cow herds on the upper meadows had their smartphones. My son loved the first and last days best with climbing under/over all the fallen trees and fording the fast running river – such a contrast to the ridge walks and alpine meadows. Our guide Neli was very knowledgeable about the area, flowers and birdlife, and very patient with all our questions. It would have been very difficult to find some of the paths on our own. The walking pace was accurately described as leisurely. The accommodation was comfortable, the wifi better than at home, the food excellent and the beer just so cheap! Most Inspirational Moment The visits to the caves were an added bonus and such a contrast after our walks. Thoughts on Group Leader Neli was a star throughout. Advice for Potential Travellers You don't need very much currency with you for this trip, but make sure you get it in advance - there is no access to banks, ATMs etc once you are there..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2015
Boyd & Pam Taylor - Traveled, May 2015
Bulgaria : Rodopi Mountains A great week in a lovely unspoiled area. Gorgeous meadows. Lots of spring flowers, including rare orchids. Varied walks which give a good overall feeling for the area. The pace gave plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings & wildlife. Most Inspirational Moment Every day gave something new. The meadows were especially beautiful. Thoughts on Group Leader Nelly Radkova was an excellent leader. She was full of enthusiasm and fun. Being Bulgarian her local knowledge was excellent and she was obviously well liked by the local people. She spoke excellent English and was very kind and caring and eager to please at all times. She had a great love for the local environment and its conservation. She made the holiday very enjoyable. Advice for Potential Travellers Take flip flops for the wet room, and a hair drier if needed. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. The weather can be changeable so waterproofs and an umbrella are advised. Suggestions We travelled out 2 days prior to the group and spent the time looking round the very interesting old city of Sofia before meeting the group. If you have time then consider doing the same as it is worthwhile. We stayed in the Hill hotel, which is the one used by Exodus and found it very good and within 15 - 20 minutes walk of the town centre.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2015
Alan Taylor - Traveled, May 2015
Really nice week's walking in a rarely visited area. A really nice week’s walking in the rarely visited Rodopi mountains in Bulgaria – I’d never heard of them before! All the walks were pretty gentle with around four hours walking each day. The walks are in deep, step-sided gorges or up on open mountain pastures. There’s plenty to see with butterfly, bird and orchid spotting being particularly popular. Most Inspirational Moment The morning spent hiking up gorge of the Chairska River which is a spectacular route. The final half-day walk on the "Eco-trail" (before the transfer back to Sofia) is also excellent. Take a detour up to the waterfall, it's worth it! Thoughts on Group Leader A leader was Nelly, a local of the area. She had an excellent knowledge of the area including the flora and fauna. She's really easy going and everyone enjoyed walking with her. I particularly like being allowed to walk at my own pace and 're-grouping' at specific points. Advice for Potential Travellers The transfer from Sofia is five hours (including a half-hour beer stop). It's quite a slog but well worth it. Take flip-flops as the hotel has 'wet rooms' rather than separate shower + toilet. Also take a sink plug if you want to do any washing. Suggestions The Yagodina hotel is really nice. It was spotless, the food is excellent and was all local dishes often using ingredients from the local village. Vegetarians are well catered for. Vegans will starve. There's fast Wifi throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2015
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