This trip is designed for advanced riders who are comfortable cycling 4–6 hours per day on dirt, gravel, and mountain roads. Daily rides range from 15–35 miles with climbs and descents.

The Rhodope Mountains are lower than the Alps, with altitudes between 1,500–5,500 feet (450–1,700 meters). While you’ll feel the climbs, altitude sickness is not an issue here.

You are welcome to bring your own bike (hardtail or full suspension bikes with good brakes and gearing for climbs is recommended). However, if you prefer using our bikes, we are happy to provide a bike for an extra fee. Please let us know your size and preference of bike type. We offer hardtails and e-bikes from Scott.

Expect a mix of paved roads, gravel tracks, forest paths, and mountain trails. Some sections are rocky or steep, while others are smooth and rolling.

• Accommodation (8 nights, shared double rooms in guesthouses, hotels, and forest huts)
  

• Most meals (breakfasts, several dinners; some lunches)
  

• Transportation during the trip, including from Sofia and the ferry to Thassos, Greece
  

• Luggage transfer
  

• Professional guides
  

• $500 donation to Mazingira Conservation Works
  

• International flights to/from Sofia, Bulgaria
  

• Some meals
  

• Alcoholic drinks
  

• Travel insurance (required)
  

• Bike and gear (helmet required)
  

• Optional single room supplement

We stay in small hotels, guesthouses, and a forest hut in Chatama. Rooms are clean and comfortable, usually shared doubles with en-suite bathrooms (some guesthouses may have shared facilities). The emphasis is on family-run hospitality and authentic local experiences.

Meals are traditional Bulgarian, hearty and delicious—think grilled meats, stews, salads, and homemade bread and yogurt. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

• Mountain bike (dependent if you want your own bike or to rent a bike) and helmet
  

• Cycling gear (padded shorts, gloves, hydration pack)
  

• Layers for variable mountain weather (warm days, cooler evenings)
  

• Rain jacket
  

• Comfortable walking shoes
  

• Casual clothes for evenings in guesthouses
  

Personal items and toiletries

June is one of the best times to cycle the Rhodopes. Expect warm days (70–85°F / 20–30°C) and cooler nights (50–60°F / 10–15°C). Rain showers are possible in the mountains, so pack a lightweight rain jacket.

Trips run with a minimum of 6 riders and a maximum of 10. This keeps the experience personal and allows us to use small guesthouses.

U.S. and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Bulgaria. Please check your country’s requirements.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and luggage is required for all participants.

Our guides are experienced and trained in first aid. A support vehicle is always available. Bulgaria is generally safe, but as in any rural setting, common sense precautions are encouraged.

As of January 2026, Bulgaria uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards. In rural areas and small guesthouses, cash is still essential. We recommend carrying some euros in small denominations for tips, snacks, and incidental purchases along the way.

The official language is Bulgarian. In cities and tourist areas, many people speak some English, but in the smaller villages and guesthouses we stay in, English is limited. Your guides will assist with translation, and part of the charm of this trip is connecting through hospitality and shared meals rather than words.

Bulgaria is in Eastern European Time (EET), which is:

• +10 hours ahead of Pacific Time (California)
  

+7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (New York)

When it’s noon in California, it’s 10:00 p.m. in Bulgaria.

No special vaccinations are required for entry into Bulgaria. Routine immunizations (tetanus, MMR, flu, etc.) should be up to date. Some travelers choose to bring antibiotics or stomach remedies just in case. Consult your doctor for personal recommendations.

US citizens can enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

Bulgaria uses Type C and F plugs (two round pins, 230V). US travelers will need a plug adapter, and a voltage converter if your device doesn’t handle 230V (most phones and laptops do).

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and guesthouses, but it can be spotty in rural areas. Consider adding an international plan with your US provider or purchasing a local SIM card in Sofia for reliable coverage.

Yes, Bulgaria is generally safe. In cities, watch for pickpocketing as you would anywhere in Europe. In rural areas, crime is very low. Your guides are experienced and prioritize group safety.

Tap water in Bulgaria is generally safe in cities, but in rural areas bottled or filtered water is recommended. Bring a reusable bottle and we’ll help you refill as needed.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 10% is customary. For guides and drivers, a group tip at the end of the trip is a thoughtful way to say thank you.