Winter Trails of Bulgaria

Wednesday 25^th February

We’ll arrive in the charming capital city of Sofia this evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know each other, whilst looking ahead to our exciting snowy adventures!

Dinner included. Overnight in Sofia.

Thursday 26^th February

Distance: 5km, Total Ascent: 100m, Total Descent: 150m

This morning, we’ll take a short transfer to the village of Zheleznitsa in the Vitosha Mountains where we will start our first snowshoeing adventure. We’ll get used to the feeling of our ‘big feet’ on this gentle, scenic route along the picturesque Galunka eco trail. This section of the Vitosha Low Mountain Circuit Trail is named after grandmother Galunka who, together with her husband, lovingly maintained the route for many years, building tables and benches and painting unique signs to show the way. Our trail ends in the village of Bistrista where we’ll have the pleasure of meeting the legendary Bistrista Babi, or grannies, who will treat us to a traditional folklore performance of polyphonic singing and dancing. After an enchanting cultural experience, we’ll head back to our base in Sofia with a stop on route to unwind from the day’s activities in the thermal pools at Pancharevo.

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Sofia.

Friday 27^th February

Distance: 7km, Total Ascent: 100m, Total Descent: 400m

Today, we’ll head higher into the Vitosha Mountains, beginning our route at the Aleko Mountain Activities centre (1700m). Setting off from the Aleko Hut, we’ll hike through magical, snow-laden pine forests – evoking scenes from Narnia – to the famous Golden Bridges. The soft crunch of snow beneath your shoes and the clear mountain air on this trail make for an invigorating trek. This periglacial region is also home to the largest stone river in the Vitosha Mountains – a geological marvel created by freeze-thaw cycles over millennia. From here we can admire stunning views across the landscape and down to Sofia.

After enjoying a warming lunch in a cosy mountain hut, we’ll return for some free time in Sofia before having dinner together at a local restaurant.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Sofia.

Saturday 28^th February

Distance: 8km, Total Ascent/Descent: 490m

An early start this morning takes us into the Rila Mountains, the cradle of Bulgarian mountaineering and a favourite spot for winter sports for both locals and tourists alike. We’ll start at the Central Mountain School, and snowshoe through deep drifts of pristine powdery snow to the lower slopes of Malyovitsa Peak, taking in the peaceful alpine scenery. Having worked up an appetite on our hike, we’ll spend the afternoon in Sofia learning how to prepare traditional Bulgarian dishes, and sample the fabulous wines that accompany them. A fun and tasty finale on our last day of snowshoeing in this beautiful region.

Breakfast and dinner, with wine tasting included. Overnight in Sofia.

Sunday 1st March

Making the most of our final morning in Sofia, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour through the historical heart of Sofia. Highlights include major cultural sites, such as the 4^th century Round Church of St George, Sofia University, the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Roman ruins and the city’s famous thermal springs. At lunchtime, we will bid Sofia a fond farewell and head to the airport for our flight home.

Breakfast included.

All snowshoeing activities are dependent on the weather and snow conditions. This time of year typically offers ideal snow coverage in the mountains, however, we cannot guarantee these conditions. In case of insufficient snow for snowshoeing, we will either find alternative routes, or hike the same trails in walking boots.

No previous snowshoeing experience is required, but please be aware that a reasonable level of fitness and a good pair of sturdy walking boots, are required for this holiday.