BULGARIA'S MOUNTAINS AND MONASTERIES

Transcription

1 BULGARIA'S MOUNTAINS AND MONASTERIES HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 7, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Hiking beautiful mountain landscapes with deep gorges, spectacular caves, ancient forests, and flower-filled meadows Experiencing the culture and cuisine of a little-known region of Eastern Europe Visiting the Bachkovo, Rozhen, and Rila Monasteries Observing life in traditional Bulgarian villages and traditional vernacular architecture Touring Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city, and Plovdiv, the oldest city in Europe Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Sep 27 - Oct 7, 2018 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Cost: $2, Activities: Hiking Arrive: at our hotel in Sofia at 5:30 pm on July 10 Depart: at the Sofia airport at 11AM on July 20 (you can plan to fly out after 1PM) TRIP OVERVIEW Lying almost forgotten for years behind the Iron Curtain, Bulgaria remains one of the continent's best kept secrets. Our trip provides the opportunity to discover the amazingly rich cultural and natural heritage of Bulgaria's remote Rhodope, Pirin and Rila Mountains, with opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their way-of-life. In particular our trip offers a unique insight into the local Pomak (Bulgarian Muslim) community as some of our time will be spent staying in and walking amongst traditional Muslim villages. By way of contrast, we will also visit three of Bulgaria's most striking Orthodox Christian monasteries! And the natural history is equally fascinating: during our hikes, there will be excellent opportunities to see a fascinating variety of rare flora and fauna. We know Bulgaria may not be on your bucket list - but it should be! RATING This trip is for women in good physical condition who enjoy hiking in beautiful countryside and want to learn about the history and culture of Bulgaria. Although for the most part the hiking is moderate, there are occasional steep ascents and descents on rocky paths; the last day in particular is a challenging true mountain hike. The trip is rated 3. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for minutes at least 4 times a week. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED A Bulgarian English-speaking mountain (woman) guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide 10 nights lodging in twin/double rooms with private toilet and shower 10 breakfasts and 9 lunches and dinners All transport within Bulgaria including a private bus with A/C Entrance fees to sites that are included in the itinerary Tips for the bus driver and restaurant staff What's not included: Travel to and from Bulgaria, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities, and travel insurance

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 SEPTEMBER 27, THURSDAY Plan to arrive anytime before 3:30 pm today. Our hotel, the Crystal Palace, is one of the nicest in Sofia and is located right near the city center, a short walk to the Nevski Cathedral and other historic sites. If you arrive before your room is ready, you can leave your luggage and go out for a walk - despite the different alphabet, Sofia is an easy city to navigate. We'll plan to meet at our hotel at 5:30 pm for a welcome and introductions. At 6:30 we'll meet up with our Bulgarian guide and go out for the first of many delicious dinners together. Overnight Sofia D DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 28, FRIDAY After breakfast we'll go for a guided tour of Sofia, the capital city. The city is an interesting mix of the old and venerable, and new and tacky. Our tour will include some of the most famous sites, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. After checking out of the hotel and eating a picnic lunch, we set off east, making our way through the Thracian Plain to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second major city. Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with a history going back over 8000 years. After dropping off our bags, we'll explore the city on foot. Our guide will show us old Plovdiv with its many churches, museums, old-style houses, and ancient theatre, followed by dinner in the heart of the city. Tonight we'll stay in a hotel short walk from the old part of town. Overnight Plovdiv B, L, D

4 DAY 3 SEPTEMBER 29, SATURDAY Today we leave cities behind and head for the hills! We head south, making our way via the Chepelarska Gorge to the Rodopi Mountains. Our first stop is the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria. Founded in 1083, the monastery is known for the unique combination of Byzantine, Caucasian, and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Its most remarkable feature is the frescoes that are seen everywhere. As well as looking around the monastery, we will also walk in the beautiful valley behind it. At the edge of a botanic reserve, there are several interesting chapels tucked away in the forest. After a picnic lunch we drive on into the heart of the Rodopi Mountains, stopping off at the picturesque village of Shiroka Luka, famous for its traditional architecture. From there we complete our transfer to Yagodina village, a remote mountain town in beautiful surroundings. We will stay in a delightful small family run hotel that offers a warm welcome and wonderful home-cooked food, including some of the best yogurt you will find anywhere. Hiking 2 hours; ascent and descent is about 600 ft. Overnight Yagodina B, L, D DAY 4 SEPTEMBER 30, SUNDAY This is a region of karst limestone and today we'll explore its gloriescaves, gorges, and beautiful rock formations. We'll start with an hour's walk right out of our hotel, through the forest and down into Buynovo Gorge and Yagodina Cave. This cave is one of the most spectacular in the country with numerous stalagmites, stalactites, and other unusual cave formations. Part of the cave also contains a fascinating prehistoric dwelling that still preserves a selection of original artefacts. Meeting our bus, we then drive round into the neighbouring Trigrad Gorge and our second cave, known as The Devilà â â s Throat. This takes the form of an enormous cavern into which drops a thundering waterfall. It is here that the legendary Thracian musician Orpheus is said to have emerged from the Underworld after a failed attempt to rescue his wife Eurydice. After we emerge from the cave, we'll walk back to Yagodina through the beautiful karst limestone region, famed for its amazingly rich flora that include many endemic species. Hiking hours; 635 ft ascent and 1450 ft descent. Overnight Yagodina B, L, D DAY 5 OCTOBER 1, MONDAY Leaving directly from the hotel, we begin our ascent of Mt. Sveti Iliya (4,947ft), a dramatic limestone peak that rises up directly above the village. Although a steep and stony climb, the effort is worth it, as we are rewarded by panoramic views that not only stretch out over the village itself, but indeed over much of the Western Rodopi Mountains. From the summit, we then make a long zig-zag descent down into the depths of the Buynovsko Gorge, where we will meet up with our bus for a picturesque drive (2 hours 30 minutes) west through the Rodopi Mountains. We spend the night in the tiny village of Leshten, an architectural reserve famed for its vernacular architecture that has only recently been reclaimed. Here we will stay for the next 2 nights in a collection of beautifully restored traditional cottages. Hiking 3-4 hours; ascent 1315 ft, descent 1950 ft. Overnight Leshten.

5 DAY 6 OCTOBER 2, TUESDAY A half-hour drive takes us to the village of Skrebatno, from where we set off on a delightful walk. The trail first follows along the crest of the Kanina Gorge, then along the line of an ancient Roman road which drops us down to cross the river, before climbing up to the village of Kovachevitsa. The latter, like Leshten, is an extremely photogenic architectural reserve with some fine examples of typical Rhodope architecture. The picturesque stone cottages and cobbled alleys are a photographer's dream. After free time to explore the village, the bus will then transfer us the short distance back to Leshten. Hiking 3-4 hours; ascent 885 ft, descent 860 ft. Overnight Leshten. B, L, D DAY 7 OCTOBER 3, WEDNESDAY Leaving Leshten on foot, we have a gentle morning walk descending downstream along another wonderful panoramic trail, following the flank of the Kanina valley. Arriving at a small spa resort at the mouth of the gorge, there will be time for a refreshing swim in one of the mineral water pools, before making our way to a nearby Bulgarian Muslim village. Here we will be welcomed by some of the local women and treated to a homecooked lunch, followed by a chance to learn about their traditional handicrafts, customs, and folk music. Later in the afternoon, we drive across the southern Pirin Mountains via the Popovi Livadi pass to arrive in Melnik, the smallest and perhaps most beautiful town in Bulgaria, stunningly set in an amazing sandstone gorge. It is more reminiscent of Greece than other parts of Bulgaria, not surprising when you realize how close we are to the Greece border here. Here we will be based for the next two nights at Hotel 'Melnik', perfectly located on the flank of the cliffs over-looking the town. Hiking 3 hours, descent 1165 ft. Overnight Popovi Livadi Meals: B, L, D DAY 8 OCTOBER 4, THURSDAY After breakfast, we set off on foot from the hotel, following an ancient pilgrim trail threads its way over a sandstone ridge to the remote village of Zlatolist. Here we can visit an interesting church that is connected with the fascinating life history of a famous local prophetess. Continuing our walk, we finally reach the Rozhen Monastery. This is one of the most picturesque and tranquil in Bulgaria and one of the few Bulgarian monasteries from the Middle Ages which has survived relatively intact up to present days. Having looked round the monastery, our bus will take us back to Melnik where the remainder of the afternoon and evening will be left free for you to explore this vey interesting town. Hiking 3-4 hours; ascent 1525 ft, descent 560 ft. Overnight Popovi Livadi B, L

6 DAY 9 OCTOBER 5, FRIDAY We begin the day with an optional early morning hike on the Sveti Nikola elevation above Melnik where there are ruins of several churches and monasteries as well as an old fortress. The hill also offers superb views over the surrounding region. Leaving Melnik we travel north up the Struma Valley, and then cut back east into the heart of the Rila mountains. Here we will visit the Rila Monastery. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is beautifully located beneath the Rila Mountains highest peaks. Aside from the sheer beauty of the many icons, Rila's importance stems from its role as a repository of Bulgarian culture during the different periods that Bulgaria has been dominated by other countries. We'll start with a visit to the hermitage of St John of Rila and have the opportunity to purify ourselves as we climb out a tunnel from his cave (this is optional). We will then take a short walk in the surrounding Rila Monastery Nature Park to the monastery itself. We'll take time to look at the many icons and soak up the atmosphere of the monastery itself. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the other side of the range and our family-run hotel in the village of Govedartsi where we will be based for the next two nights. Hiking (Sveti Nikola) 90 mins; ascent and descent are about 450 ft Hiking (Rila Monastery) 90 mins; ascent is about 600 ft, descent is 300 ft. Overnight Govedartsi B, L, D DAY 10 OCTOBER 6, SATURDAY Our final hike in Bulgaria is a rewarding finale, a challenging true mountain hike in stunning alpine terrain. It's a circular hike that starts by ascending the Malyovitsa valley to a mountain hut. Following a short boulder traverse, we climb, first steeply and then steadily, to a beautiful lake called Strashno Ezero, The Terrifying Lake. This lake is so named because of its stunning background of rugged peaks: a perfect place to enjoy our well-earned picnic. From here we have one more short (260 ft) steep and rocky ascent to the highpoint. From here its a long steady descent via another glacial lake, Yonchevo Ezero, back to the starting point, with no overly steep, rocky or difficult sections. We won't be in a hurry and we'll have ample time to enjoy a picnic and put our feet in the lake, take pictures, and drink in the view. We return to Govedartsi and tonight we celebrate our trip with a final farewell dinner. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to sample rakia, the Bulgarian answer to ouzo, this is the night! Hiking about hours, ascent/descent 2300 ft. Overnight Govedartsi B, L, D DAY 11 OCTOBER 7, SUNDAY Leaving the Rila Mountains, we head north to Sofia and its airport. We'll have you there by 11AM and you can plan a flight out for anytime after 1PM.

7 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE The arrival and departure airport is Sofia (SOF) and is served by many of the major airlines. Regardless of what day or time you arrive, we will arrange a transfer for you from the airport to the hotel. If you have the time, we recommend arriving a day or two early in Sofia. This will give you enough time to recover from jet lag and unsnarl any travel issues. Sofia is an easy city to navigate and a safe one to walk around. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS In Sofia we will be staying at one of the nicest hotels in the city. Other than that we'll stay in comfortable tourist-class hotels, often family-owned, that are classified two to three star by the Bulgarian classification system. These hotels offer twin rooms with private facilities. Where possible, we try to use smaller more atmospheric hotels. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions, you may need to bring some supplemental food with you. Please call the office so we can help you plan. WEATHER Late September and early October is typically a lovely time to hike in Bulgaria, with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s. Weather can get cooler in the mountains but varies from year to year, but often there is a period of sunny and clear weather then. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

8 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair lightweight/midweight hiking boots with good ankle support. 1 pair of comfortable shoes for general use 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long (3/4) pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight long underwear top silk, wool or synthetic equivalent 1 medium-weight top layer synthetic/wool/down pull over fleece/wool or down vest works well for this layer 1 lightweight/midweight/warm fleece/down jacket or pullover 1 pair shorts, ¾ pants or hiking skirt: (unnecessary if you use zip-offs) 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking/sun protection - button up front is the best 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain 1 rain jacket/poncho and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 warm/lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 buff Underwear/nightwear 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS Passport and a photocopy of your passport 1 pair Trekking poles (strongly recommended) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) PD modifies this note 1 Pack/rain cover or other capability to waterproof your backpack (Please see Notes on Packing List) Capacity to carry 2/3 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap 1 2 bandanas/buff Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Small headlamp or flashlight TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods, or medications must bring an epi-pen. Consult your doctor and tell your guide. OPTIONAL washcloth - typically not provided in Europe shower shoes (like flip flops) favorite snacks bathing suit (hotels may have pools/hot tub) electrical adaptor/converter plug book or small game camera electrical adaptor/converter plug

9 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, some hotels do not have elevators and you must be able to carry your own luggage up and down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Pack Cover: These are waterproof/resistant, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your backpack and keep both the pack and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks do come with built in pack covers. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Regarding Casual Clothing: Bulgarians are very relaxed about dress codes; for this tour, clothing for sightseeing and evening meals at restaurants, etc. can be completely informal. However, when visiting the Monasteries, women will need to wear either long skirts/wraps/trousers (to cover knees) and shirts/tops with sleeves (T-shirts are OK, the important thing is to cover shoulders). It is not necessary for women to wear headscarves or cover their hair when entering churches or monasteries. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are strongly recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: