History, sea, culture of Bulgaria and Greece
Highlights
Sofia, Belogradchik, Tsarevo, Devin, Thassos, Sandanski, Velingrad
Duration
12 days, 11 nights, 8 riding days
Total Distance
2600 km(1616miles)
from
2200 EUR
Tour Overview
About 2600 km on the motorcycles across the territory of Bulgaria and Greece. The route includes a lot of mountain rides – the Balkan Mountains, Strandzha, the Rhodopes, Pirin and Rila. Many magnificant sea views at Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and the «green» island of Thassos in Greece. The route passes along picturesque roads, through the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo, the SPA capital of Balkans – Velingrad, Devin which known for its healing mineral water, the pearl of the Greek seacoast – Kavala, the biggest ski resort of Bansko, numerous dams and reservoirs, historical and cultural monuments, strange creations of nature and natural phenomena.
- Start/Finish: Sofia
- Accomodation: 4 Star Hotels, 5 Star Hotels
- Tour dates: Calendar
- Highlights: Sofia, Belogradchik, Tsarevo, Devin, Thassos, Sandanski, Velingrad
- Duration: 12 days, 11 nights, 8 riding days
- Guide language: English, Bulgarian, Russian,
- Group: 6 - 8 members
- Terrain character: Mountains, Panoramic Roads
Day by day schedule:
Day 1. Landing in Sofia.
Arriving in Sofia – the largest city and capital of Bulgaria. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Evening briefing to introduce each other and present the route.
Day 2. Sofia – Belogradchik – about 240 km.
The adventure begins. The road passes along the ridge of the Balkan Mountains and reaches the Belogradchik Rocks – a natural phenomenon formed more than 200 mln years ago. It takes up a territory 30 km long and 6-7 km wide. The route includes a visit to one of the most picturesque Bulgarian caves – the Magura Cave. It is famous for its prehistoric rock paintings from the Bronze Age.
Day 3. Belogradchik – Veliko Tarnovo - about 400 km.
We leave the western part of the Balkan Mountains and head to the Central Balkan Natural Park. Somewhere in the middle of our route, we will stop at the Beklemeto pass at an altitude of 1595 m to see the panoramic view of the valley. Beklemeto pass is crossed by a Romain road built during the reign of the emperor Trajan. It was made by Romans to connect the ancient town of Ulpia Oescus from the north and Philippopolis (today’s Plovdiv) on the south. The final destination of the day is an old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. For almost two centuries (from the end of the XII till the XIV century) this city was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The most interesting site of the city is the fortress of Tsarevets – one of the symbols of Bulgaria.
Day 4. Veliko Tarnovo – Tsarevo - about 360 km.
Our adventure takes us to the most famous pass in Bulgaria – Shipka. But before that, you will enjoy a curious meeting with Etara - an open-air ethnographic museum, which will show you the daily life and sources of work of the Bulgarians during the second half of the XVIII century and in the XIX century. Reaching to the top of the pass, we will face the stunning view of Shipka Monument of Freedom – a memorial honouring those who lost their lives for the freedom of Bulgaria. Just after getting down from Shipka pass, we climb the highest Bulgarian mountain – Rila. Undoubtedly, Rila is one of the most picturesque mountains, which opens breathtaking views from its tops all year round. In the afternoon, we will move to our final destination of today’s route – the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast – the city of Tsarevo.
Day 5. Tsarevo
All day a well-deserved relaxation on the beach of Oasis complex, not far from Tsarevo. No need to rush, full repose!
Day 6. Tsarevo – Devin- about 420 km.
After our rest on the beach, we will drive along Burgas-Sofia highway to meet the Rhodope Mountains – one of the cradles of the European civilization. We can find some remains of Roman roads on the way, which were connecting the Aegean cities with the Upper Thracian Plain. We will pass along the picturesque Vacha Reservoir and will arrive in the city of Devin – famous for its mineral water of miraculous properties.
Day 7. Devin – Thassos Island – about 350 km.
We cross the border with Greece through the Rhodopes and reach the seaside town of Keramoti, where we will get the ferry to Thassos – an amazingly green island, rich of olive trees, cedars, pine trees, fir trees, lindens, and many other species.
Day 8. Thassos Island – about 100 km.
We will make a full circle on the main coast road of the island and will choose one of the numerous beaches to enjoy your the rest of our day.
Day 9. Thassos Island – Sandanski - about 310 km.
We will finish our island adventure and move to Kavala – one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, situated at the foothills of the Simbolo Mountains on the Aegean coast. There, you will see the ancient Byzantine fortress Castro and the stunning Kamares aqueduct, built in 1530, which supplies the city with drinkable water. From here, you may stroll in the centre of the city, where you will find numerous neoclassical buildings from the XIX century. In the afternoon, we will set off back to Bulgaria and cross its southwestern border – Kulata. Not far from here, we will visit Melnik – the smallest and the most charming town in southwestern Bulgaria. Situated at the foothills of the Pirin Mountain, in the valley of the rivers – Rozhenska and Melnishka, the town is huddled amidst unique sand pyramids, ancient architectural buildings, wine cellars and unique nature, which you cannot find anywhere else on the Balkan peninsula. Melnik has the status of cultural and historical reserve, and it is a town – museum. We will finish our daily route in Sandanski – a famous balneological resort with healing mineral water and hot springs. The surrounding area has been famous for the healing effect of its climate since ancient times. The temperature of the mineral springs here ranges between 33 and 83 degrees Celsius, which makes it suitable for both drinking and taking a bath.
Day 10. Sandanski – Velingrad - about 170 km.
We will drive around the Pirin Mountain from the north and head east where after a short but pleasant ride we arrive at an amazing place, where three mountains join together – Rila, Pirin and the Rhodopes. We are in the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria – Bansko. The city of Bansko itself is always crowded with tourists, regardless of summer or winter season. We will spend the night in Velingrad, which in July 2009 was declared as the SPA capital of the Balkan peninsula. This is a very prestigious award due to which this small city in the Rhodopes occupied leading positions in the ranks of the most attractive SPA centres in Europe.
Day 11. Velingrad – Sofia - about 180 km.
The final day of our tour includes Velingrad-Yundola pass, from where we will climb the highest mountain in Bulgaria – Rila. Undoubtedly, Rila is one of the most picturesque mountains, which opens breathtaking views from its tops all year round. Our tour will end in Sofia, where you will enjoy your final dinner with us, and you will be able to share your impressions and pictures with the other participants of the tour!
Day 12. Sofia
Today is your flight back home.
What is included in the tour
- Transfer to and from the airport
- Accommodation in first class 4-5* Hotels
- Breakfast and dinner
- Lunches while driving
- Escort car
- Motorcycle rental
- Professional guide on a motorcycle
- Tours along the route
- Souvenirs
- Ferry tickets
- Road taxes
- Petrol
Include:
- Airplane tickets
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol and drinks
- Lunches on rest days
Not included:
Tour pricing:
- BMW F 850 GS: 3500 €
- BMW R 1250 GS: 3630 €
- BMW R 1250 GS Adventure: 3650 €
- Own motorcycle: 2200 €
Price per rider:
- Passenger: 2200 €
- Single room: 500 €
- Deposit motorcycle: 2000 €
- (The deposit is refundable at 100% upon return of the bike without damage after the end of the tour)