Family Activity Holiday In Bulgaria

Arriving in Sofia airport this afternoon, we transfer from the capital to the beautiful Rila Mountains National Park in southwest Bulgaria. We will be based in the village of Govedartsi. With over 3000 years of history, this area is considered to be one of the cradles of European civilization and has, over the centuries, been inhabited by Thracians, Romans and Ottoman Turks. Believed to be the birthplace of the mythical Orpheus, today its fame lies more in its clean mountain air and beautiful scenery.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Dinner Swimming available

Our first day is dedicated to exploring the area of Govedartsi and the lower parts of the Rila Mountains. This rural part of Bulgaria is less developed than other similar European mountainous areas and exudes country charm. It is also extremely rich in fauna, including brown bears, wolves, foxes and deer. From our guesthouse we set out on our hike to explore our local area. Following old mountain roads and country paths, we pass mountain chapels, cross pinewoods and flower meadows and enjoy a backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the country - Mechit (2567m), Lopushki (2698m) and Popova Kapa (2704m). Returning to our guesthouse, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax in the garden or stroll in the village, where life has a very easy pace. Approx 4 hours walking.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

We transfer to our kayaking spot on peaceful Lake Iskar, situated between the mountain ranges of Plana, Lozen and Rila. The lake is the largest reservoir in the country and was built in 1954 when three villages were flooded as part of its construction. When the water level is low, the bell tower and church roof can be seen – quite an extraordinary sight! Qualified instructors choose our paddling route dependent upon the daily conditions and we’ll be taught the techniques of kayaking as we manoeuvre around the lake shores. Following our picnic lunch, we drive back to Govedartsi where we have free time to relax and enjoy traditional village life.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

After breakfast we transfer to the capital city, Sofia - one of the most ancient cities in Europe. The town was established and grew on strategic crossroads, where the Via Militaris, connecting Western and Central Europe with the Middle East and Asia, intersected with other important thoroughfares and a stroll through the city reveals traces of the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Turks who passed this way. We explore the city centre on foot and take in the major landmarks including the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Saint Georgi Rotunda - the oldest building in the country dating from the 4th century - and Saint Sofia Basilica. Adventure and activity beckon in the afternoon and we spend a fun afternoon at the Kokolandia Adventure Park. There are a huge variety of adventurous games for the ‘big kids’ as well as the small to enjoy in these beautiful surroundings: try out the rope park with its Tarzan course, dangling bridge and rope ladders; a climbing wall; and a 9 hole mini- golf course. We return back to Govedartsi in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

The Rila Mountains have a rugged alpine beauty with rocky ridges, bristling peaks, numerous wildflowers and more than 180 sparkling lakes and streams. From our starting point at the Bulgarian Mountaineering School, we walk in the area of Maliovitsa, home of Bulgarian rock climbing and one of the country’s most popular hiking areas. We follow the river valley, enjoying views of the surrounding peaks, including Maliovitsa at 2729m – regarded as one of the most beautiful of the Bulgarian peaks. We soon leave the pine forest behind us and after around an hour reach the Maliovitsa Hut at 1950m. After a deserved break we meet our climbing instructors who give us a detailed lesson on safety, ropes, climbing gear and techniques to make our climb as enjoyable and safe as possible. The rock-climbing site is in an area called Kuklata, which means “The Doll”. After an afternoon’s climbing, we walk back to the Bulgarian Mountaineering School and transfer to our guesthouse.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

From our guesthouse, we head out on bicycles along the pristine River Lakatitsa. Starting as an asphalt road, our route turns into a forest pathway as we venture further into the national park. Although inhabited for the past three millennia, the area still exudes a feeling of tranquil isolation and life seems to continue at a pace very much at odds with the outside world. We pass fields where local people continue rural traditions unchanged for centuries. The scenery on both sides of the road is beautiful with meadows, wooded hills and rolling pastures over the gentle landscapes: the silence of the slopes only broken by the occasional cowbells. The region is also home to a number of rare plants and animals. Our route is suitable for all ages and at a distance of 15 km, can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably active. For lunch we cook a typical Bulgarian “kebabche” or barbecue, then cycle back to Govedartsi where we have the afternoon free to relax or enjoy an optional walk.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

We drive from Govedartsi to Rila Monastery area and walk to the cave where Rila’s founder – Saint Ivan Rilski (Saint John from Rila) - lived as a hermit more than 1000 years ago. It was around this cave that the monastery was founded in the 10th century and the nearby spring attracts numerous pilgrims every day. When leaving the cave, there is a tradition of leaving a “wish note” between the stones at the spring: if you manage to exit from the cave through the narrow passage, it is said that you are free from all your sins. The monastery itself – a World Heritage Site - is a magnificent architectural complex and an important religious and cultural centre for the Bulgarian people. In beautiful condition, it has the most stunning and brightly coloured frescoes in the country. After our visit we drive back to Sofia. One of the oldest settlements in Europe, Sofia is an eclectic mix of architectural styles where ancient monuments rub shoulders with modern-day edifices of cosmopolitan city life, and over 250 historic landmarks and architectural monuments blend in with the city's modern skyline. Tonight we take an evening walk to our traditional Bulgarian restaurant for our last meal.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast