Adventure in the Rhodopes
Accommodations at Hotels and Camp Sites Mysterious are the mountains of the Rhodopes. They reveal their secrets slowly… to the brave who trust them.
Have you heard the legend of Orpheus: the mythic singer whose music enchanted people, animals, and birds? He was born here in the Rhodopes – the mountains that have preserved his memory alive, whose woods are still filled by the sounds of the Rhodopean bagpipes.
Whether on a mountain bike, fully equipped, or only with a backpack, let us follow the path of Orpheus. We will be surrounded by the wondrous beauty of the sun setting, the smell of flowers in the meadows, the rumble of the mountain brooks, the raw beauty of rock gorges, and the mysterious world of caves… Since the ancient times legends and sagas have made mention of these entities.
Availability:
June 18 – June 28, 2007
August 20 – August 30, 2007
Day 1. Arrival in Varna. Hotel accommodations.
Day 2. Departure to the Rhodopes. Accommodations are in a private hotel in the village of Smilian. Located on the banks of the picturesque Arda River, this is one of the oldest settlements in the region established by the Thracian tribe of Bessi. The hotel has found a harmonious balance between the natural Rhodopean atmosphere and modern comforts. We will meet with the mountain guides and instructors to discuss our program.
Day 3. Garga Dere Trail. Today's route includes: Virgin caves Golubovitza 1 and 2, rock climbing at the passage between two caves, and alpine trolley over the Garga Dere Gulch. Riding the mountain bikes, we will reach the path leading to the Kaleto Open Cave. Then, we will hike to the cave, which is one of the natural phenomena in the region. It is in the shape of an enormous rock arch. The alpine swing in the cave turns man's primal desire to fly into reality. We return to the hotel on the bikes.
Day 4. Uhlovitza Cave, Hiking to the Gerzovitza Region. We will visit the challenging Uhlovitza Cave, whose formation began 3.5 million years ago. Two hundred and eighty eight iron steps lead to its entrance. The area reveals a magnificent view of the Arda river bed and the Turkish border. Hiking to the village of Poprelka. A picnic lunch will be near the village. Then again hiking to the Gerzovitza region. Accommodations will be on camp ground in tents.
Day 5. Hiking to the Chairite Reservation. We will see 6 natural lakes, lush meadows, pine forests, and the Piana Gora phenomenon. Again accommodations are within camp grounds in tents.
Day 6. Hiking to the village of Trigrad. This is an ancient settlement tucked in the bosoms of striking rock massifs as high as 750 feet. Accommodations in a private hotel.
Day 7. Sightseeing in the village of Trigrad. We will visit the precipitous cave Diavolsko Garlo (Devil's Throat). Many legends and myths make mention of it. One of them tells us that here the ancient Thracians used to throw the lifeless bodies of their rulers, so that they may become immortal. For hundreds of years people have believed that here lied the portal to the other world. Another legend states that here Orpheus entered the underground Kingdom of Hades to save his beloved Eurydice. The cave also holds one of the highest and most breathtaking underground waterfalls in Europe, about 126 feet high. The Haramijska Cave is near the Diavolsko Garlo Cave. It is accessible only with alpine and caving equipment. To get to its entrance, we need to climb 66 feet and then be lowered into its opening by ropes. This will take us into an enormous cavern 450 feet by 129 feet with incredible acoustics. Hotel accommodations.
Day 8. Sightseeing in the village of Yagodina. Hiking to the Buinovo Gorge. The vertical rocks on the two sides of the river are so close that they leave the impression one can jump to the other side over the precipice. We will visit the Iagodina Cave: 30 feet long, on three levels. Its labyrinths and precipices make it one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. Hotel accommodations in the village of Shiroka Laka. The village is an architectural and ethnographic reservation – symbol of the Rhodopean culture and spirit.
Day 9. Departure to Varna. Hotel accommodations in the Sea Capital of Bulgaria.
Day 10. Free time, relaxation, and beach activities. Festive farewell dinner.
Day 11. Departure.
Price: 790 EUR
Group Requirements: Minimum 6 People Maximum 12 People
Package Includes: Transfer to and from the airport 7 Hotel accommodations2 Camp-ground accommodations3 meals per dayAlpine and cave equipmentMountain bicyclesMountain guidesFull guided tour in EnglishMedical Insurance
Additional Expenses: Flight Tickets
Prerequisites:
Minimum 18 years of age;Good physical condition;Good to excellent endurance both mentally and physically;
Written declaration for voluntary participation
The lack of previous experience is not an obstacle for participation Upon making a reservation, each traveler will receive a list of recommended clothing and personal effects necessary for the trip.
