Itinerary

1. Day 1: Land in Sofia, Dive into Civilizations, Escape to the Mountains

   • Arrive in Sofia and connect instantly with your local team at the airport or a pre-arranged point.

   • Step straight into Bulgaria’s layered past at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, where golden domes dominate the skyline.

   • Descend beneath the city at Ancient Serdica, where Roman streets lie preserved under modern Sofia.

   • Enter the Rotunda of Saint George, a 4th-century relic hidden among government buildings.

   • Uncover archaeological treasures at the National Institute of Archaeology.

   • Drive into the alpine calm of Govedartsi village, where the Rila Mountains rise around you.

   Settle into your hotel, enjoy a hearty dinner, and shift into mountain mode.

2. Day 2: Conquer Musala Peak, Stand on the Roof of the Balkans

   • Fuel up with breakfast and head for the Yastrebets chairlift.

   • Rise above the forest line and launch your ascent from Yastrebets Hut.

   • Trek through raw alpine terrain toward Musala Hut, surrounded by glacial landscapes.

   • Pause for a picnic in the silence of the Rila wilderness.

   • Push onward to Ice Lake, where the altitude sharpens every breath.

   • Tackle the final climb and reach Musala Peak at 2925 meters.

   • Stand at the highest point in the Balkans and absorb uninterrupted mountain horizons.

   • Descend with purpose and return to Govedartsi for dinner and recovery.

3. Day 3: Village of Govedartsi – Bike trek in a National Park Rila

   Day 3: Ride the Wild Trails of Rila National Park

   • Start early and gear up for an electric mountain biking adventure.

   • Ride full-suspension bikes across rugged forest trails and open alpine paths.

   • Navigate terrain designed to balance adrenaline with breathtaking scenery.

   • Flow through Rila National Park’s untouched landscapes.

   • Return to the village and unwind with well-earned downtime.

   Enjoy dinner and prepare for another active day.

4. Day 4: Chase Views Across the Seven Rila Lakes

   • Check out and transfer to Panichishte, the gateway to the lakes.

   • Ascend quickly by chairlift to Rila Lakes Hut.

   • Hike toward Lake Peak and unlock a panoramic reveal of all seven glacial lakes.

   • Experience the surreal symmetry and colors of this natural amphitheater.

   • Pause for a picnic surrounded by alpine stillness.

   • Explore the cirque, moving between lakes shaped by ancient ice.

   • Descend and check in at your hotel for rest and dinner.

5. Day 5: Cross Borders, Shift Cultures, Enter Ioannina

   • Depart Bulgaria and journey south into Greece.

   • Arrive in Ioannina, a lakeside city steeped in Ottoman and Byzantine heritage.

   • Settle into a campsite experience that brings you closer to nature.

   • Wander through the old town’s stone alleys and historic atmosphere.

   Enjoy dinner under open skies and embrace the slower rhythm of Epirus.

6. Day 6: Raft the Emerald Veins of Vikos Canyon

   • Transfer to Vikos Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world.

   • Gear up and receive a full safety briefing.

   • Launch into the Vikos River and navigate its emerald currents.

   • Paddle through shaded corridors formed by towering canyon walls and plane trees.

   • Ride gentle rapids while absorbing one of the Balkans’ most dramatic landscapes.

   • Return to camp for dinner and downtime.

7. Day 7: Tackle the Power of Arachthos River, Return to Sofia

   • Check out and move toward Arachthos River Canyon.

   • Prepare for a more technical rafting descent with stronger rapids.

   • Navigate Class 3+ waters with dynamic drops and fast-moving sections.

   • Stop at a hidden riverside waterfall for rest and striking photo moments.

   • Exit the canyon and begin your return journey to Sofia.

   • Arrive in the evening, check in, and enjoy a final dinner.

8. Day 8: Depart with Altitude, Adrenaline, and Memories

   • Enjoy breakfast and a final moment in Sofia.

   • Explore local shops or relax before departure.

   • Transfer to the airport or your selected drop-off point.