Explore the world with tourHQ
Bulgaria · Religious & Spiritual
The journey
Take a journey through Bulgarian history, experiencing the atmosphere of Bulgarian monasteries by bike while immersing yourself in the green embrace of the mountains ("Balkana") and admiring their outstanding nature. Visit the Transfiguration Monastery, Merdanski Monastery, Dryanovo Monastery, and more over 8 days, combining scenic cycling routes with historic monasteries, traditional villages, and cultural landmarks.
Take a journey through Bulgarian history, experiencing the atmosphere of Bulgarian monasteries by bike while immersing yourself in the green embrace of the mountains ("Balkana") and admiring their outstanding nature.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to the architectural reserve of Arbanasi village and St. Virgin Mary Monastery, where you will stay for the next two days.
Dinner in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant (mehana).
Start with a visit to the picturesque Transfiguration Monastery near Veliko Tarnovo.
Get on the bikes and reach the beautiful Hotnitsa Waterfall and eco-trail.
After a short walk, continue biking near Hotnitsa Gorge to the main road to Sofia.
Get in the car for a short transfer, then start biking again to Buria (Storm) village, among beautiful hilly landscapes with lovely views of the Dryanovo rock cliffs.
Finish cycling near Dryanovo town.
Go sightseeing in Veliko Tarnovo and transfer back to St. Virgin Mary Monastery in Arbanasi.
Cycling distance: 34 km
Transfer to Dragizhevo village and start biking.
En route, pass by Merdanski Monastery and continue in the direction of Plakovo and Kapinovo Monastery.
Stay overnight in the peaceful Kapinovo Monastery and enjoy dinner in the lovely monastery yard.
Cycling distance: 33 km (or 53 km with possible extension)
After a short transfer, start cycling through the villages of Plakovo, Golemanite, and Natsovtsi to Kilifarevo Monastery.
After lunch and a visit to the monastery, continue with a short but challenging ascent to Ialovo village.
Cycle along the Dryanovska River to Dryanovo town.
From there, transfer to Dryanovo Monastery for an overnight stay.
Optional visit to the nearby Bacho Kiro Cave.
Cycling distance: 34 km
In the morning, take a short transfer and then start cycling up and down to Bojentsi village, where you will spend some time sightseeing.
After a short transfer back, start cycling before Tsareva Livadia village on isolated village roads to the National Revival town of Tryavna, where you will stay overnight.
Cycling distance: 35 km
Cycle from Tryavna up to a mountain pass and then downhill to Gabrovo.
The next stop is the open-air ethnographic museum of Etura. Its 18th-19th-century water-driven machinery, crafts, and lifestyle come alive before the eyes of visitors.
From here, there are four more kilometres to the picturesque Sokolski Monastery, followed by cycling back to Etura, where you will stay overnight.
Cycling distance: 28 km
After breakfast in Gabrovo town with typical Bulgarian pastry, transfer to the historic Shipka Pass and memorial.
Get on the bikes for a 10 km up-and-down ride through the beautiful beech forest to the historic Buzludza area.
A superb downhill ride on the southern slopes of the mountains awaits.
Continue biking to Shipka town and visit the richly decorated Shipka Monastery and church.
Transfer to Plovdiv, where you will stay overnight.
Cycling distance: 30 km
After breakfast, transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
Where this trip takes you
Arbanasi village, Hotnitsa Waterfall and eco-trail, Dryanovo Monastery, Shipka Pass
The route
The fine print
Accommodation in monasteries (days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6) and family-run hotels (day 5) with en-suite facilities
6 days on half board (breakfast and dinner included), and 1 day on BB (day 7)
English-speaking guide/driver with a support vehicle
Map and roadbook
Group transfers from/to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport (09.00-19.00)
All local transfers
Technical support for the bikes
Bike rental - Category 1: 60 EUR, Category 2: 40 EUR
Flights
Travel insurance
Dinner on day 7 (free to choose in Plovdiv)
Lunches
Tips
Entrance fees
Private transfers: Sofia APT - Sofia center: 17 EUR (per vehicle, 1-3 passengers); Plovdiv APT - Plovdiv center: 15 EUR (per vehicle); Sofia-Plovdiv or vv. 60 EUR (per vehicle, 1-3 passengers)
Alcoholic drinks and other personal expenses
Other expenses, such as a single room supplement: 80 EUR; rent of a rear saddle bag: 10 EUR/week
Cycling gloves
Breathable clothes
Waterproof gear
Cycling shoes/trainers
Helmet
Please note:
Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or hybrid bike
Roads: we use mainly isolated village asphalt roads with little traffic. Road conditions are relatively good, with some exceptions such as bumpy sections, potholes, and rough asphalt. We do not go off-road.
Guide/driver: the guide, together with the supporting vehicle carrying the luggage, checks several times a day that everything is OK with the group, waits at crossroads, accompanies the group for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and gives talks at the most interesting sites en route.
Dress code in monasteries and churches: men are not allowed to enter in shorts, and women should not expose their legs and shoulders.
Extension at the Black Sea coast - relax at the seaside. More information upon request.
We recommend this trip in the period April-October.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arbanasi.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
