Arrive in Sofia and transfer to a centrally located boutique hotel. After settling in, we take an orientation walk through the capital, stretching our legs while
gaining an introduction to Bulgaria’s layered history— from Roman ruins and Orthodox churches to lively boulevards and cafés.In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner, setting the tone for the journey ahead: active days, shared meals, and travel rooted in curiosity and connection.

After a morning transfer to Ortsevo, one of Bulgaria’s highest villages, we begin a ride
toward the architectural reserve of Kovachevitsa. The route follows forest roads and mountain
tracks through foothills, shaped by centuries of pastoral use. In the afternoon, we set out on a
hike around Kovachevitsa, enjoying views of the Pirin Mountains and learning about traditional stone architecture, village life, and conservation
challenges facing depopulated mountain regions.

An early morning walk around Melnik offers a final opportunity to take in the landscape before breakfast. We then transfer back to Sofia for afternoon departures or overnight accommodation, depending on flight schedules.

​Leaving Sofia behind, we head into the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria’s highest and most iconic range. The day begins with a mountain hike through forested terrain, offering sweeping views and a grounding introduction to Bulgaria’s alpine landscapes. We then descend to Rila Monastery, the country’s most significant spiritual and cultural site. A guided visit provides context to its role in preserving Bulgarian identity and cultural continuity over centuries. From here, we continue south toward near the village of Bansko.

We transfer south toward the Rhodope Mountains, entering
one of Europe’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The day begins with a walk to explore ancient Thracian rock formations—sacred landscapes that reveal the region’s deep cultural history.
From there, we begin a cycling route toward Tuhovishta, following quiet roads through valleys and forested slopes. This region is home to long-standing traditions of small- scale agriculture, foraging, and women-led household economies that remain closely tied to the land.

Today blends cycling with cultural
exploration. We ride from Deshka toward a neighboring village and then take the narrow gauge rail back to Bansko for lunch a walk through the historic old town. We will visit its churches and traditional houses while learning about the town’s role as a
cultural crossroads between mountain and lowland Bulgaria. This afternoon also poses
the option to visit a thermal spa and indulge in the healing hot waters

The morning is spent walking around the village of Tuhovishta, with opportunities to meet local women and learn about traditional practices, food systems, and community-based livelihoods.
We then travel toward Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, famous for its dramatic sandstone formations and historic wine culture.In the afternoon, we explore Melnik on foot, connecting landscape, architecture, and
agricultural traditions that continue to shape the region today