Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear
Experience Overview
Join European brown bear expert Julian Perry for a wildlife-watching adventure in the mystical mountains of Bulgaria. We’ll go on daily hikes, recording tracks, scats and other signs of bear activity as part of vital conservation work by local NGO, Wild Rodopi. On two evenings, we visit a bear-watching hide for a good chance to see the animals we have been monitoring. We will also be collecting images from several camera traps set up in the forests. By the end of this trip, we hope you will have seen wild brown bears and gained an understanding and appreciation of these mysterious, often misunderstood, animals.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Yagodina Family Hotel) — Travel by private minibus, 4×4 and on foot — Six days with bear-tracking walks — Group: Normally 5 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Yagodina Family Hotel) — Travel by private minibus, 4×4 and on foot — Six days with bear-tracking walks — Group: Normally 5 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
The trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This exciting adventure explores brown bear country, which is dominated by remote forested ridges and gorges, studded by glades and rocky karst terrain. It offers a unique opportunity to observe wild brown bears, discover more about their lives, and contribute to their conservation. Guided by bear expert Julian Perry, you will learn how to find, identify, interpret and record signs of bear presence and activity, while helping to gather vital data about their ecology and behaviour.
Our daily bear-tracking activities and wildlife observation will involve exploring the mountains on foot. The pace is mostly relaxed, allowing time to record signs of brown bear activity, and provide opportunities to observe and photograph any other wildlife we may encounter. However, the trip also involves some strenuous walking in fairly rugged mountainous terrain, where trails are rarely flat, and typically rough and stony. To get the full enjoyment out of this adventure, therefore, you should be prepared for some long steady ascents as we climb over ridges and be confident in your ability to make steep descents over rocky paths as we drop into deep valleys and gorges.
The reward for this effort is a unique chance to venture into remote bear habitats and observe a wonderful variety of rare European wildlife. Needless to say, the flora and fauna varies from season to season, and it is impossible to guarantee what wildlife observations one will be lucky enough to make on any day or week.
Furthermore, although brown bears and other wildlife are regularly seen at the bear hide, it is important to remember that these are truly wild animals. They forage freely in their natural habitat and are not reliant on the small quantities of corn put out as a supplementary snack for them near the hide, so there may be occasions when they do not show. However, our guide will enthusiastically pass on his skills and knowledge about the bears and other flora and fauna of the region, thus ensuring a highly rewarding, memorable and informative wildlife experience.
Group Description
The trip is scheduled to be led by Julian Perry, founder and research director of the NGO Wild Rodopi. Julian is a member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management and an expert on brown bear ecology and behaviour.
Eating Drinking
Hotel Yagodina is renowned for its delicious traditional local cuisine, offering generous servings of hearty, healthy food, much of it made from home-produced or locally sourced products. Typical meals in the mountains will comprise of:
Breakfast: Tea, coffee and milk, with 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 in the mountains typically include bread, cheese, salami, salad, a chocolate bar and fruit. Many guests also like to bring an extra portion of the local speciality served at breakfast.Dinner: Will be in the hotel restaurant, and will normally include three courses comprising either a 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 (made with grated potatoes, onions and cheese, then 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 several Bulgarian wines you may wish to try, including an excellent red Mavrud from vineyards on the northern slopes of the Rodopi Mountains.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 with a dedicated driver will be at our disposal throughout the holiday for transfers to and from the mountains, and at the start or end of daily walks when needed. To access the bear hide in the evenings, we make use of locally provided Jeeps and off-road vehicles. These are ex-military vehicles capable of coping with the often rough and muddy forestry tracks. Please be aware that these vehicles do not have seatbelts fitted.
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 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
In normal years, brown bears are active here from mid-March until the end of December. Rain does not normally interrupt bear activity and can make finding footprints more likely. Therefore, our bear-tracking walks are not usually affected by bad weather unless it is very severe, in which case routes may be shortened or amended.
Patches of late-lying snow at the end of April and beginning of May also offer a good canvas for prints. During late spring and early summer, wildflowers in the Rodopi Mountains reach their peak, the meadows a patchwork of colours, and the edges of forest paths often holding a selection of rare and beautiful orchids. This is also the time when the variety of butterflies is most striking, and at the height of the nesting period, many of the birds become most conspicuous.
With the onset of 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 the bears busily feeding on them, fattening up for winter, as are many of the resident birds, especially thrushes and finches. If one is lucky, autumn is also the time to see unusual raptors migrating south along one of the gorges. Many attractive fungi also start to appear on the forest floor and are harvested not just by the locals, but also by roe deer, Balkan chamois, wild boars, red squirrels and many other smaller rodents.
Spending Money
During your stay at Hotel Yagodina, it is possible to ask for any drinks or other purchases you may 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, budget the equivalent of approximately £85/US$110 to cover drinks with meals plus souvenirs such as local produce (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
— Engage in a vital brown bear conservation project — Join daily bear-tracking walks with a brown bear expert — Hunker down in a hide to observe wild brown bears — Spot other elusive mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and rare orchids — Explore remote landscapes in the Rodopi Mountains — Sample delicious traditional local cuisine
Trip Details
Product Code: 4292
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: s fitted.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WBB
Starts: Sofia, Bulgaria
Finishes: Sofia, Bulgaria
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners included — All accommodation — Free group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Yagodina Family HotelOur 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 $3,135 ($392 /day)
Itinerary
Setting off from Sofia Airport, we begin an interesting four-hour transfer to the Rodopi Mountains. Our destination is the remote mountain village of Yagodina, our home for the next six nights. During dinner, our leader will give a welcome briefing about the week ahead and the work of Wild Rodopi, whose brown bear research and conservation project you will be assisting. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Set off on our first bear-tracking walk in the meadows and forests surrounding Yagodina. During the day, you find out about the history of the village and the complex human-wildlife entanglements that exist here. In particular, learn about the necessary requirements for convivial human-bear coexistence, and how this adventure makes a direct contribution to local bear conservation. After dinner, there is the first opportunity (for a maximum of six people) to visit the bear hide. Visiting the hide usually necessitates having an early dinner so we can be in position before darkness falls. Depending on the amount of activity in the clearing, we may stay until around 10.30pm or, with the agreement of the group, slightly earlier or later. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive to a nearby village, where we set off on foot through the border zone. During the Cold War period, access to this region, the so-called ‘Zone of Death’, was tightly restricted, and the border itself closed off with a barbed wire fence that was impenetrable to wildlife. With the fencing now removed, this border area is now freely roamed by wolves and bears, allowing Greek and Bulgarian populations of these species to intermix, thereby enhancing gene flow and their long-term health and viability. During our walk, we see remnants of the former military installations, and learn about their impact both on the wildlife and local people. After dinner at the hotel, there will be a second opportunity (for a maximum of six people) to visit to the bear hide. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Today we make an exciting exploration in a core region for brown bears. During our walk, we should see numerous signs of their activity, including several of their scent rubbing posts, and learn about the key role these trees play in bear society and reproduction. The bears share this region with a host of other carnivores, including wolves, red foxes, European badgers, pine martens, stone martens, least weasels and European wildcats. Recently, the tour leader Julian also discovered the presence of a golden jackal. On the trail of these animals, we pass through beautiful and remote landscapes, crossing streams, butterfly-filled meadows and peaceful forests, before finally plunging into the depths of a gorge. After returning to the hotel, and dinner, there is a third opportunity (for a maximum of six people) to visit to the bear hide. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Setting off on foot from our hotel, we make a steep, steady climb up the stony flank of the mountain ridge above the village. Here in spring and early summer, there are several interesting species of orchid to be found, as well as numerous butterflies. On reaching the ridgeback, we follow an eroded track to a wonderful cliff-top viewpoint. The rocks here are home to several typical cliff-dwelling species of bird including the beautiful wallcreeper, peregrine falcon, rock thrush, crag martin and alpine swift. At certain times of year, it is also possible to spot other raptors gliding over, such as golden eagle, short-toed eagle, booted eagle, long-legged buzzard, Eurasian hobby and common kestrel. The wonderful views remain with us throughout the day as we continue our walk, zig-zagging steeply down into the depths of the Buynovsko Gorge on a rough and stony path that leads through a favoured feeding region for both brown bear and Balkan chamois. This evening, the second half of the group will have their second visit to the bear hide. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast we set off from the hotel on foot, beginning a long and strenuous, but highly rewarding bear tracking adventure. Having left the village pastures behind, we begin a long steep climb that sees us enter a forested region that is regularly patrolled by brown bears and grey wolf. Especially exciting is the fact that Balkan lynx, a species considered extinct in Bulgaria for almost a century, has very recently been recorded here again! The forests here also harbour many secretive birds such as hazel grouse, black woodpecker and crested tit. The midpoint of our trail leads us out onto a spectacular rocky crest, from where there are stunning views towards Greece, across waves of forested ridges that make a perfect trans-border corridor by which the large carnivore populations of Bulgaria and Greece can intermix. Having traversed the crest, our descent then leads us steeply down through more silent forest, and finally back out into the meadows and cultivations above Yagodina. Accommodation: Yagodina Family Hotel (or similar)
Leaving Yagodina on foot, we start the day with a short walk along a beautiful forest path, which in spring and early summer sprouts an exceptional variety of orchids. An ancient Thracian packhorse route, this path is often used by bears feeding in the surrounding forests on beech mast and ants. After meeting our bus, a 45-minute drive brings us to the beautiful valley of the Devinska Reka, where we spend a couple of hours walking a delightful riverside trail. As well as being home to Eurasian otters and a variety of riverine birds, such as dipper and grey wagtails, the valley also forms the heart of a specially designated Prime Butterfly Area and provides the perfect habitat for many rare and beautiful butterfly species. Having enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the river, we then complete the transfer (3hr 30min) 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 wild 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
Sarah Chalmers - Traveled, May 2024
Brilliant trip The trip was absolutely wonderful. Julian Perry is so enthusiastic and so so knowledgeable about the wildlife and flowers of the Rodopi mountains it is impossible not to have a great great holiday. The hotel is comfy and the food is delicious and Mari and her team can’t do enough to make sure you enjoy your stay. Most Inspirational Moment All of it! The scenery and the wildlife are out of this world. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian Perry is just brilliant, not just knowledgeable about the wildlife and the Rodopi mountains but is so interesting. He was also calm and caring when some of the group had problems with their flights. But best of all is his love & enthusiasm for the wildlife and people of the Rodopi just shines out Advice for Potential Travellers Take a warm jacket if travelling in May it was unusually chilly!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
Colin Daniels - Traveled, May 2024
Excellent trip Enjoyed all aspects of holiday, accommodation and hotel staff, excellent and friendly guide, welcoming local people, beautiful countryside, interesting facts on Bear , Wolf and other wildlife presence. Most Inspirational Moment whole holiday Thoughts on Group Leader excellent Advice for Potential Travellers If travelling via Vienna with Austrian Airlines be prepared for rush between terminals. As travelling at weekend if bag in cargo hold misses flight you are not likely to get it back until Monday at earliest, so have walking gear and essentials with you in cabin.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2024
Steve Walker - Traveled, July 2022
An entrancing holiday, whether you see bears or not! This was a wonderful walking holiday with the added bonus of following the “theme” of the bears which live in the Rodopi mountain area. The walks were Moderate, but Julian led at a relaxing pace to ensure that we could explore the beauty of the flower meadows, butterflies and other wildlife. The hotel in the village of Yagodina was brilliant, with substantial and varied local cuisine, rooms to a good quality, and freindly staff. Despite four evening vists to the bear hide (we were only a small group) we didn’t actually see any bears, but finding signs of them during the walks, such as footprints, marking treees, etc made us really feal that they were probably “behind you” all the time! Overall, a peaceful, relaxing and rewarding walking holiday. Most Inspirational Moment For me, it was the simple fact of being in a remote Bulgarian village, within a wonderful landscape, with great food and exercise. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was a fantastic leader, and his incredible knowledge about bears and other flora & fiuana enthused the whole group. He made sure that the pace of the walks was relaxed to allow for opportunities to appreciate the flora and fauna. Advice for Potential Travellers Think about adding a couple of days in Sophia at the end. The group hotel for the last night, the Crystal Palace, is really in an excellent position, but there is no time to explore the capital city if you return on the group flight to Heathrow. We stayed on in the Crystal Palace Hotel, which is in the Embassy area of the city and within easy walking of all the main sights., for another couple of nights and were pleased we did. . Walking poles were useful on some of the steeper descents.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Beth Harris - Traveled, June 2024
Excellent Very enjoyable trip, excellent guide and guiding, great exploration of local flora, fauna and foods. Most Inspirational Moment The whole experience. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was an absolute font of knowledge on everything relating to the Rodopi mountains, always sharing his knowledge with enthusiasm. His knowledge was far greater than bears also a bit of an Orchid expert. The bears are elusive and don't perform on command. We didn't see any in the first couple of viewings but Julian managed to arrange an extra evening in the hide for us. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip is far more than the bears. The mountains are stunningly beautiful, think Swiss alpine mountain and there is an abundance of other flora and fauna.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Caroline Gibbs - Traveled, June 2024
In the Realm of the Brown Bear This trip was even more that the brochure suggests. Every day was an experience and adventure, every mountain trail an education and sometimes a challenge. A really great opportunity to experience nature at its best! Most Inspirational Moment The stand out moments of the trip were having the opportunity to actually see Brown Bear, Chamois and wild boar in their natural environments and to learn so much about their behaviour and habitats. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is an absolute authority on the Rodopi mountain area of Bulgaria and the ongoing conservation of the wildlife therein. He enthusiasm for this project was contagious and he was more than happy to share his knowledge with the group at all times. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes. This is much more than your average walking holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Anne Hillman - Traveled, June 2023
Brilliant trip If you enjoy walking in pristine mountains , are interested in bears in particular , wildlife in general and eating local food then this is the trip for you Most Inspirational Moment We were so lucky to see a bear from the hide but even if we didn’t the wildflowers and orchids in meadows in late spring were an unexpected delight Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was just fantastic . So enthusiastic and excited to share his incredible knowledge of bears in particular and the Rodopi in general. Simply an outstanding group leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Bears are very elusive ( even if the signs they leave of their presence generally aren’t) so don’t judge the success of the trip on seeing one . The Rodopi mountains are simply such a very special environment , a visual delight to make you smile .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2023
Nicholas Nelson - Traveled, September 2022
Brilliant! We enjoyed our week with Julian down in the Rodolpi Mountains, trekking the hills and meadows, on the lookout for the wildlife of the region. We loved it all. The landscape (sort of alpine-esque) is gentle in places and vigorous in others. Every day the walks took us to new areas and vistas. People have impressions of what Bulgaria is going to look and feel like and this week resets those expectations completely. We summoned up the energy to head to the hide a couple of times and loved it there – a real “in the moment” way to spend three hours. The hotel was welcoming and comfortable with ample delicious local specialties to fuel our efforts. Travelling in September we were surprised by how many flowers were still out, the butterflies and insects, the huge range of funghi, not to mention the very varied bird and mammal life of all sizes. There was the familiar, and the new, at every corner. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was a highlight in his own right! He patiently dealt with our curiosity on everything from the bears to the political situation in Bulgaria and everything in between. With his fluent Bulgarian he took care of everything, my only decision to take was the daily choice of lunch sandwich filler. He managed different abilities in the group and as "informed" amateurs, he kept us brimming with facts and figures. Blagodarya Julian! Advice for Potential Travellers The terrain is quite varied, sometimes stable and level forest path, other times quite broken large stone paths, get some rigid shoes and walking sticks! Some of the days we set off up hill quite rapidly, to reach meadowtops, be ready for that but there's always a good gentle patch to catch your breath. Go with an open mind and a love for what's around and you'll not be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2022
Jane Von Ruhland - Traveled, May 2019
An extra special wildlife based holiday From sitting in a hide observing a glittering night time scene , to searching for Chamois from a hillside viewpoint , this trip encapsulates the world of the Brown Bear explained by the expert Julian Perry . He leads the group across an outstandingly scenic mountain terrain and presents the techniques to track and record the presence of Brown Bears in a non-intrusive way . We were very adequately accommodated in a centre-based family run hotel from where we walked or were driven to local forestry trails and areas used by Bears. With a tremendous knowledge of the ecology of the region , the leader identified and enabled us to observe and photograph flora and fauna including many wildflowers , birds , reptiles , mammals , amphibians and insects. Most Inspirational Moment The trip to the Hide at night , lit by moonlight lighting effects , and seeing what was identified by our Leader as a Wildcat at the end of that first evening . Seeing Brown Bear prints and learning of the age and gender . Seeing other signs of Brown Bear presence , like hair , scratch marks in trees . Seeing signs of other mammals such as wolf , pine martin and hedgehog. Identifying wildflowers and butterflies with the leader and other group members. Thoughts on Group Leader A leader who can speak fluently the language of the host country , and with an outstanding experience and knowledge of the wildlife , specifically the Brown Bear based on qualified research , who can present this to and lead a range of walkers and interested wildlife enthusiasts is fantastic . He is very informative and respectful of the history of the region and its people. He is always helpful and made the trip the most special week . Advice for Potential Travellers Read and look up information on Mountain animals and wildlife . Go on some wildlife survey work voluntarily with your local group beforehand if you can . It was the first time I had used binoculars but that was not a problem for me because I had some previous experience of wildlife surveys. Enjoy the leaders knowledge . Enjoy the groups knowledge . We were lucky to also have a Badger expert in our group .Enjoy the scenery , natural world and the food and company!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2019
Jonathan Proud - Traveled, April 2019
A superb week of walking in beautiful scenery Our base in a small, traditional village in the mountains was perfect for walks into the surrounding area. The biodiversity of the Rodopi mountains is amazing and our exceptionally knowledgeable leader helped us identify mammal scats and tracks, birds, reptiles, insects and plants, many of which were new to me. The walks were at a gentle pace, allowing plenty of time for photography. Most Inspirational Moment I'd chosen the trip hoping to see a bear, but there was so much more to it than that. The number and variety of reptiles and butterflies amazed me. The variety of mammal scats and tracks along the forest paths was remarkable, and Julian was able to identify them for us and tell us about the different species. I loved the evening trips to the bear hide and although we didn't see a bear, we did watch wild boar which I'd never seen before. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the local fauna and flora. He was well organised, spoke clearly and, being fluent in Bulgarian, communicated easily with the local people too, ensuring that the trip ran smoothly. During breaks on our walks, he gave short talks covering aspects of bear biology and his research work, as well as the traditional farming practices which have maintained diversity in the meadows and forests. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks are at a sensible pace, but the terrain is steep in places, so a reasonable level of fitness will make the trip more enjoyable. At the end of April temperatures varied widely during the day, so be prepared with layers of clothing to add or remove as required.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
T J - Traveled, September 2018
A Fascinating Adventure! This was a truly wonderful trip that combines hiking, wildlife and scientific research, in a unique blend of ‘eco-research-tourism’. Exodus – please offer more tours like this! Most Inspirational Moment The whole trip was inspirational, though the most inspirational part is learning about the bears and other wildlife that live in these mountains, then slowly starting to understand how it all fits together. In addition, the Rodopi mountains are beautiful, particularly in Autumn - there are some great hikes in this trip, with fabulous views. The hotel and food were also great, with local milk, cheese and honey straight from the village. It was also good to be based in a single hotel for the week, with lots of walks starting and finishing right on our doorstep. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all aspects of biology, particularly bears. He is clearly well-known and connected in the local area, and did a great job of making everything run smoothly. One of the highlights of the trip were daily 'lectures' from Julian, usually during our scenic picnic lunches, about the various aspects of bear ecology. Advice for Potential Travellers If you have a reasonable level of fitness and have some hiking experience, you should be fine on this trip. A typical day would comprises leaving the hotel with a packed lunch at 08:30 and returning at around 16:00, hiking slowly in the mountains in-between. We totaled 75 km and 3500 m height gain over our 6 days of walking, with hikes ranging from 8 - 14 km. So, the pace is pretty slow, as we were constantly stopping to look for wildlife / change camera traps etc. Julian will adjust the pace and route depending on the groups fitness level and interests anyway. That said, the terrain is fairly steep and rocky, though the trails are good. So, if you have new gear or are relatively inexperienced at hiking, it would be a good idea to put in a bit of practice beforehand so that you get the most out of your trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2018
William Stanton - Traveled, September 2018
WBB180915 An excellent trip in a lovely part of the world. Seeing an adult female bear at the bear hide was amazing. Pity she was scared off by a group of wild boar but they were great to see too. The walks were great and weren’t too challenging although be prepared for a lot of uphills! Most Inspirational Moment See the adult female bear was very good but equally as good was the scenery. I didn’t think this area of the world would be as pretty as it was. Also it was good to see a lot of other wildlife especially birds and butterflies. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was great. His enthusiasm was contagious and he was so knowledgeable. What he doesn’t know about bears and Bulgaria isn’t worth knowing. He was also very knowledgeable on other flora and fauna. Advice for Potential Travellers We booked an extra night in Sofia at the end which I was glad of as it is an interesting city and there are a few decent bars!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2018
J. D. - Traveled, September 2018
Great and Informative Outdoor Adventure! Had a great time on the Bulgarian Brown Bear trip! Trip leader, Julian, was very enthusiastic and well-informed on the region and subject matter. Bulgaria is a beautiful country and the local people were wonderful. The owner of Hotel Yagodina, Maria, runs a great hotel and her and her staff serve fantastic food. Julian took us on some wonderful hikes and provided great information about bear behavior, habitat, biology, etc. Visiting the bear hide in the evening provided a fun opportunity to view the bears and other wild life. Julian made sure we had multiple opportunities to visit the bear hide in order to ensure we had an opportunity to see a bear. The hikes themselves were challenging, but not so difficult that we had any real problems completing them. Julian was willing to point out other wild life during our hikes, and was very engaging with people in the group. Julian is passionate about bears and excited to share the subject with others. He made sure we were taken care of and educated about the wonders of bears! Most Inspirational Moment I didn't have any one particular moment that was the most inspirational, but taking in the vistas at the top of mountains we climbed after a long hike were serene moments. It was relaxing and inspiring to look out at all the pristine nature. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was an enthusiastic and well informed group leader. He is very passionate about bears and Bulgaria, and was happy to share his knowledge with the group. He was also well informed about many other aspects of Bulgarian wild life and Bulgarian culture. He made sure we were healthy, happy, and well taken care of. Advice for Potential Travellers Wear good hiking shoes and be prepared to fill up on delicious Bulgarian food for the hikes! Also make sure to carry some of the local currency with you, there is the possibility to purchase locally-made traditional crafts from the village. I purchased some beautiful hand-made items in the village.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2018
Emily Vickery - Traveled, June 2018
Unforgettable Trip! This was the best trip I’ve been on in years. It’s so rare to have a trip which includes both walking and wildlife, but Julian created the perfect combination of the two with this trip. The scenery was spectacular, and it was just the right level of challenging for a townie who doesn’t normally do that much walking! The locals in Yagodina are absolutely lovely, and the hotel staff couldn’t do enough for us. The food was nearly all homemade and was so delicious. We certainly didn’t go hungry! We were also so lucky to see as many bears and other wildlife as we did, and to have such a lovely group and guide who got on as well as we all did. We didn’t stop laughing all week! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who likes walking, wildlife, stunning mountain and meadow views, delicious food and lovely people (what’s not to like??) Most Inspirational Moment All the bear sightings - especially the cubs! I was also blown away by how spectacular the views were in the mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian was a truly excellent group leader. He's a real expert in bears and other wildlife in this area, and it's very evident how important their welfare is to him. He has also had such a fascinating life so far, and has a lot of amazing and hilarious stories to tell! We had a real laugh with him during our week in the mountains, and I really think that this trip wouldn't be the same without him. He really made it special. Advice for Potential Travellers Expect to walk a lot, and some of the peaks are quite high if you have issues with heights. The food in Yagodina is delicious, but the portions are huge so don't expect to lose any weight! Also take some binoculars - I didn't and I really wish I had!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2018
Anne Balfour - Traveled, June 2018
Beartastic! This is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday if you enjoy the outdoors, walking, sampling local cuisine and of course tracking and even seeing bears! Our week could hardly have been better, from the very comfortable and friendly hotel, which served local dishes for every meal, to our expert guide and to the stunning scenery and wildlife which surrounds the lovely village of Yagodina. It was great to be able to walk from our hotel and experience such diversity of habitats, including lush open meadows filled with wild flowers, a mind boggling diversity of butterflies and even Corncrakes, beech woodland, rocky escarpments offering fantastic views of the countryside as well as raptors such as Hobbys and Peregrine Falcons and of course pine forests where the evidence of bear activity is all around you. Seeing bears during the day is extremely difficult but we had great success up at the hide where we saw big, solitary males and mothers with their young cubs. We even saw a sounder of Wild Boar complete with a young family of beautifully marked piglets. However the highlight was undoubtedly when we were fortunate enough to spot a mother bear with 2 of this year’s cubs in an open area below us. They were entirely oblivious to our presence and we could watch them behaving entirely naturally. Something I will never forget. Most Inspirational Moment Being able to see the bears behaving entirely naturally was something I'll never forget. I realised just how gentle they are. In Bulgaria, where they are fully protected and therefore not hunted, it is possible to see them behaving as they should. Simply minding their own business and quietly eating their berries. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is a wonderful guide. His knowledge of the bears and the local wildlife is second to none. His sense of humour and friendliness contributed to making this a very enjoyable tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2018
Tina Nicholas - Traveled, August 2018
Wow what a holiday! Wildlife, conservation, expert patient guide, mountain hiking, remote rural village community, and an intimate family run hotel were all the components that blended perfectly together to form this holiday into my ultimate relaxing get away with a dusting of excitement, anticipation, and adventure on top! Most Inspirational Moment Glimpsing a large male Brown Bear sauntering slowly from the dark shadows of the Rodope mountain forest into the moonlit clearing in front of the hide. This precious moment was greatly anticipated & further enhanced by the fact that on the two previous evenings spent in the hide, Jays were the only wildlife that we saw. For me the fact that viewing of Brown Bears is never a guaranteed experience, re- enforces that they are extremely wild animals whose behaviour is still relatively un -influenced by the presence of humans and small scale tourism. Our group were therefore very honoured and privileged to be able to then watch him on this third night in his natural habitat for well over an hour - an emotional, awe inspiring & humbling experience where the previous unfruitful hours were soon forgotten. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian Perry - is a dedicated conservationist who is more than willing to inpart his knowledge about Bulgarian wildlife to anyone who shows an interest. He is also a kind, patient, calm group leader whose attention to detail and organisational skills are second to none. Thank you Julian, you made a potentially good holiday into an awesome one! Advice for Potential Travellers Ensure you read the Exodus trip notes. Written by Julian himself, in my opinion these notes describe the holiday and activities perfectly and therefore you can judge if this holiday is your cup of tea or not? Take at least one hiking pole, if not a pair. My pole helped me negotiate some of the steep mountain paths more confidently and safely and it was the one piece of equipment I am glad I packed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2018
Pamela Downes - Traveled, June 2018
Wonderful wildlife adventure This was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, combining walking in the mountains with the opportunity to see and learn about bears in the company of a true expert and bear enthusiast and a great group of fellow travellers. I really can’t fault this trip, the scenery is stunning, the wildlife is all around you, and the food, accommodation and hospitality of the local people are a delight. Most Inspirational Moment Too many to pick one! Walking along mountain trails and finding evidence of bear activity all around us. Seeing bears from the hide. Walking through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and beautiful butterflies. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is an excellent guide to the bears and wildlife of Rodopi. He is passionate about his subject and has built up his learning over so many years, I know and understand so much more now about the lives and habitat of brown bears. He is also an amusing storyteller and we all had a lot of laughs along the way. Advice for Potential Travellers Some of the trails can be challenging and I found walking poles a great help. Otherwise, just go and enjoy yourself, you will have an amazing time. I spent a couple of extra nights in Sofia at the end of the trip. It’s an ancient and interesting city and well worth the time spent there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2018
Annie Thompson - Traveled, July 2018
A wonderful walking and wildlife experience! This really is the best walking and wildlife combination I’ve ever been on. Loved that we did good mountain walks in the day time through varied and stunning scenery whilst focusing on wildlife along the way. Visiting the bear hide in the evenings was really fantastic, loved seeing so many bears in their natural habitat, so exciting! Julian was such a brilliant guide, so professional, knowledgeable, capable and fun, thanks Julian! Most Inspirational Moment The most inspiration part of the trip was witnessing bears during the day, a mother and her cubs foraging around in the open! This was truly amazing! Thoughts on Group Leader Julian really is such a great guide, he certainly knows his stuff and is extremely passionate about it. Julian obviously loves his job and therefore he's such fantastic company to be around. As a group we were all traveling on our own and Julian really helped gel the group together, it was a really fun and informative week, loved it so much! Julian was also extremely professional when it came to safety and giving us information in great detail about each walk for the day ahead. Loved that he offered us little snacks just when we needed them! Thanks so much Julian, you're a really great asset to Exodus. Advice for Potential Travellers I would suggest don't go with expectations that you're definitely going to see bears in the wild then you'll be really excited when you do! Make to most of going to the bear hide, try not to miss a night...... when will be your next opportunity be to spend the evening in a bear hide! Make sure you've got a good level of fitness and these wonderful walks are hilly. Take binoculars!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2018
Shane Brackenbury - Traveled, May 2018
Rodopi bears! A brilliant trip in all respects! Scenery, group leader, wildlife, hotel, food all get top marks Great walking and was lucky to be with a lovely group of just 6 of us plus Julian our leader Most Inspirational Moment Lots of best moments- seeing brown bears and wild boar from the hide, forest walks and beautiful meadows full of flowers and insects. Just the unspoilt scenery and rarely seeing another human being on the trails. The Yagodona hotel was also a great example of Bulgarian hospitality and generosity with comfy bright rooms and tasty home cooked meals and great local wines!! Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant Julian was full of passion and knowledge not just about bears but also the wildlife of the region, Bulgarian tales and the culture of the mountain people. His positive attitude and sense of fun was also appreciated. Long may he continue to lead these trips!! Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for rain as well as sun, Maintain your sense of adventure and you will have a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2018
Ryan Marsh - Traveled, May 2018
Walking walking walking This was my first walking holiday and must admit it was a title too much for me. But to put that into context I had a pacemaker fitted 5 weeks prior to the trip and didn’t want to cancel. The holiday was mostly walking up and down mountains looking for signs of bears – including trees, paw prints, log movements, and the obvious thing all bears do in the woods! So if you like walking and hiking then you will enjoy this part of the holiday. The hotel was fabulous, food was lovely, staff were excellent, rooms great, and overall much better than expected. The expert guide Matthew was great, helpful, funny, knowledgable and looked a little like a cuddly bear (don’t tell him that) The hide you get to go on an evening to have the chance to see the Bears feeding is perfect. We were very lucky seeing bears on both evenings I went. The other half of the group saw bears also and this can’t be guaranteed but was great. One thing to note is the journey to the hide was fun but very bumpy and so not great for anyone who is injured or getting over surgery. Organisation of the trip was perfect, everything ran to plan and very well put together and organised. So overall really good holiday, but be warned you will need to enjoy walking lots! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the bears from the hide was fabulous. Main reason for going and I was lucky to see them. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabulous guide. Did everything expected. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack walking boots and make sure they don't rub.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2018
Anne Thirkell - Traveled, April 2018
Bulgaria Rodopi Mountains: beautiful and brimming with wildlife I am so glad that a friend suggested this holiday to me, as it surpassed all of my expectations. The Hotel Yagodina is a splendid base: the staff are very friendly and the food from local sources is served in generous portions. Some of the local specialities cooked for breakfast were eagerly taken in lunch boxes to supplement the sandwiches and salad (which we made up ourselves from a table of ingredients, including fresh fruit and chocolate bars!). Maria’s cheesecake and apple strudel were memorable. All of the walks were enjoyable in themselves, for the beautiful scenery, the diversity of flowers and butterflies, however having Julian as our leader took this holiday to a higher level. Every day he showed us evidence of the bears living in the area and told us interesting facts about brown bears; he is also very knowledgeable about birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles and amphibians, as well as the plants unique to the Rodopi Mountains. One of the best holidays I have had. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the bears from the hide, and especially the evening a herd of wild boar entered the clearing, followed by a female with six tiny piglets. Thoughts on Group Leader Julian is an excellent leader, very knowledgeable about the Rodopi mountains, he is passionate about the bears and educating people about these gentle animals and their true nature. He was very patient and good humoured at all times of the day and night. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks involve some steep ascents and descents on some of the days and limestone can be slippery at times. Good walking boots are essential. On the free evenings, do walk up to the chapel on the hill and sit quietly enjoying the sunset; you may spot roe deer or even a hedgehog.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2018
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