Penguin Travel DMC / +359 2 400 10 50

Join us on this exciting guided cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. We will bike in the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We will start the trip in the tiny Goliam Izvor village. We will pass through the Central Balkan National Park and end up in Veliko Tarnovo - the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages, where traditional lifestyle has been preserved and it is not uncommon to wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way.

Highlights:
♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary” - the 3rd largest in Bulgaria, built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum - traditions, craftsmanship, architecture during the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th-19th century).
♦ Bozhentsi village - an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period.
♦ Veliko Turnovo - the old medieval capital of Bulgaria.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia - Goliam Izvor - Ribaritsa village
Pick up from your hotel in Sofia and drive to Golyam Izvor village, the starting point of our ride. We start cycling towards the town of Teteven. We will have an optional detour to the Glozhene monastery. After reaching Teteven, we will take a short break to explore the town and visit the local historical museum and church. Alternatively, you can opt for a short bike and hike tour to a nearby eco-trail. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Ribaritsa village where we will spend the night. (-/-/D) Cycling distance: 47.5km; Ascent: 620m; Descent: 510m.

Day 2. Ribaritsa village - Troyan monastery - Apriltsi
We start today's ride with an ascent from Ribaritsa village to the highest point for the day - Bogoi pass (1185m a.s.l). From here, we continue cycling all the way down to the town of Troyan. We will pass through the village of Shipkovo, where you can take a refreshing bath in the mineral water swimming pools. After lunch in Troyan town centre, we will visit The Pottery and Craft Exhibition "Oreshaka" nearby and the famous Troyan monastery. We will spend the night in the small town of Apriltsi. (B/-/D) Cycling distance: 77 km; Ascent: 970m; Descent: 1060m.

Day 3. Ostrets - Batoshevo Monastery - Gabrovo - Etar - Gabrovo
Today's ride begins in the Ostrets district of Apriltsi and follows quiet paved roads through the picturesque foothills of the Central Balkan Mountains. We cycle through rural landscapes and forested areas on our way to Batoshevo Monastery, one of the most important spiritual and cultural landmarks in the region. Continuing towards Gabrovo, we stop for lunch before heading to the nearby Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex. Here, we will spend more time exploring the open-air museum, famous for its traditional crafts, water-powered workshops, and beautifully preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture. Instead of walking in the open-air museum you can make an additional 6 km of cycling to the nearby Sokolski Monastery. After the visit, we return to Gabrovo for the night. (B/-/-)
Cycling distance: 67 km; Ascent: approx. 900 m; Descent: approx. 850 m.

Day 4. Gabrovo - Tryavna - Bozhentsi 
Today we ride east from Gabrovo through the wooded foothills of the Balkan Mountains towards the picturesque town of Tryavna. The route follows quiet paved roads with rolling terrain and scenic views. Upon arrival, we will have time to explore Tryavna's well-preserved old town, renowned for its Bulgarian Revival architecture, traditional woodcarving school, and charming central square. After lunch, we continue to the nearby village of Bozhentsi, one of Bulgaria's best-preserved architectural and historical reserves. Surrounded by forests and cobbled streets, Bozhentsi offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a traditional Bulgarian mountain village. Overnight in Bozhentsi. (B/-/D), Cycling distance: 58km; Ascent: 1010m; Descent: 1000m.

Day 5. Bozhentsi - Dryanovo monastery - Elena 
A transfer in the morning brings us to the Dryanovo monastery. We will explore the beautiful Orthodox monastery and visit the cave nearby. Today's ride starts from the village of Yalovo. We continue east along quiet country roads through rolling countryside, forests, and traditional villages and along the magnificent Iovkovtsi dam. On the way, you have a possibility for an optional detour to the village of Rayuvtsi. There you will see an exclusive open-air exhibition of hundreds of sculptures of important for Bulgaria historical figures. Overnight in Elena, one of Bulgaria's most charming historic mountain towns, renowned for its preserved Revival architecture and rich cultural heritage. B/-/D Cycling distance: 46km; Ascent: 800m; Descent: 800m.

Day 6. Elena - Arbanassi - Veliko Turnovo - Sofia
Starting from Elena, we continue cycling to the last point of the trip - Arbanasi Architectural Reserve. Today's landscape includes green meadows, vast pastures, cultivation lands, shrubby hills and finally the beautiful plateau over Veliko Tarnovo. We will take a short break for lunch in Arbanassi, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo. Here we will do a sightseeing tour to learn more about the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Afternoon transfer to Sofia, followed by drop-off at your preferred location. B/-/- Cycling distance: 42km; Ascent: 600m; Descent: 730m.; Transfer: Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia (~3.5–4 hours by road).