A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP
Nature escapeGuaranteed departure from 5 participants
Snowshoe roaming (6 days)
At the other end of Europe, a small mountainous country with Slavic charm. Its continental climate ensures that snow is generally abundant. After an introduction to the use of snowshoes in the Vitocha massif, we set off to discover the Rila massif, which culminates at almost 3000 m.
An original trip to discover the Balkans in a winter atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotels, boarding houses.
Carrying: light bag (4-5 kg) with the day's things. Vehicle assistance.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP
Nature escape The magic of the Balkans in winter...Guaranteed departure from 5 participants
Snowshoe roaming (6 days)
At the other end of Europe, a small mountainous country with Slavic charm. Its continental climate ensures that snow is generally abundant. After an introduction to the use of snowshoes in the Vitocha massif, we set off to discover the Rila massif, which culminates at almost 3000 m. An original trip to discover the Balkans in a winter atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotels, boarding houses.
Carrying: light bag (4-5 kg) with the day's things. Vehicle assistance.
THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT
- The Vitocha Massif (2290 m) above Sofia
- The region of the 7 lakes in the Rila Massif
- Typical meals at the inhabitant's house
- The Grand Orthodox Monastery of Rila
- Sofia, a surprising Balkan capital
THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT
- The Vitocha Massif (2290 m) above Sofia
- The region of the 7 lakes in the Rila Massif
- Typical meals at the inhabitant's house
- The Grand Orthodox Monastery of Rila
- Sofia, a surprising Balkan capital
Included
- International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the program with the flights)
- Local transport
- Framing
- The accommodation
- Meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch Day 7
- The loan of snowshoes, sticks.
Not Included
- International flights, air taxes, and airport transfers (if you purchased the program without flights)
- Lunch on Day 1, dinner on Day 7 and meals on Day 8 in Sofia (about 10 to 12 Euro per meal)
- The drinks
- The tips
- Admissions to museums, monuments and monasteries (allow 25 euros)
- Personal expenses and equipment
- Optional insurance as well as any other supplement not provided for in the program
The program
Day by dayDay of arrival
Day 1: International flight to Sofia
Reception at the airport of the capital of Bulgaria, built at the foot of Mount Vitocha (2290 m).
Reception at the airport of the capital of Bulgaria, built at the foot of Mount Vitocha (2290 m).
Transfer to our hotel located in the city center. Dinner in a restaurant in town and overnight at the hotel.
During your stay
Day 2: Vitocha Massif
Transfer by vehicle to the northern slope of Vitocha Mountain, at an altitude of 1700 m (25 km). You can visit Boyana Church along the way, whose magnificent frescoes date from 1259 (UNESCO World Heritage).
Transfer by vehicle to the northern slope of Vitocha Mountain, at an altitude of 1700 m (25 km). You can visit Boyana Church along the way, whose magnificent frescoes date from 1259 (UNESCO World Heritage).
First day on snowshoes in the oldest natural park in the Balkans (1935). Through the forest, we cross “rivers of blocks” (moraines) dating from the last ice age, characteristic of the Vitocha massif. Approximately 5 hours of walking and + 800 m of altitude difference. Return to Sofia by vehicle, dinner in town and night in the same hotel as the day before.
Day 3: Mount Cherny Vrach/Samokov/Radouil
Transfer to Mount Vitocha up to 1800 meters above sea level (26 km of road). Start of the snowshoeing stage: ascent to the highest point of the massif, Mount Cherny Vrach (the “Black Peak”), at 2290 m. Height difference +/- 500 m. In good weather, panoramic view of the Rila massif in the south and the long Balkan chain in the north, beyond the city of Sofia which extends at our feet. 6 hours of walking. Possibility to go down to the village of Jelenitza on snowshoes if the snow is good. Transfer by road to the small town of Samokov (60 km), at the foot of the Rila Massif, where numerous monuments bear witness to the time of the National Awakening. Visit the ancient center: regional museum, Baïrakli mosque, Turkish fountain. We take the vehicle back for another 15 km and arrive at the village of Raduil, located 1000 m away in the Maritsa Valley. Traditional Bulgarian dinner and overnight stay in a family pension.
Day 4: Rila Massif/Borovets/Govedartsi
After a short transfer by vehicle to Borovets station (1300 m), departure for a snowshoeing stage in the Rila Massif in the direction of Sitnyakovo. Transfer to the Cherni Iskar Valley, where we stay for two nights in the family pension in Govedartsi, a small mountain village located at an altitude of 1200 m. 6 hours of walking, altitude difference +/- 600 m.
Day 5: The Maliovitza Region
Transfer by bus to the small ski resort Maliovitza (1700 m). Hike in the glacial valley with a magnificent view of the summit. In case of too much snow, circular snowshoe hike on the Zekiritsa ridge (1700 m), from where you can discover an extraordinary panorama over the entire massif. We can admire magnificent peaks, ridges, mountain pastures above vast fir forests... 6 hours of walking, altitude difference: +/- 500 m. Second night in a pension in Govedartsi.
Day 6: The 7 Rila Lakes/Sapareva Banya
Great day of walking in the famous Seven Lakes region dominated by the peaks of the Rila, in the large glacial circus with large lakes buried in the snow. 7 hours of walking. An easier option allows us to reach Skakavista, the highest waterfall in Rila (70 m) and then to go down to the village of Panitchichté (5 hours of walking) and transfer to Sapareva Banya, a small spa resort with outdoor pools and water at 32-38°C! Height difference: + 950 m/- 700 m. Dinner and night in a hotel nearby.
Day 7: Rila Monastery/Sofia
After a 1.5-hour bus ride we reach the Rila Monastery, the largest Orthodox complex in the country, whose foundation dates back to the 10th century. Visit this exceptional site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, walk on the pilgrim trail to the tomb of Saint John of Rila, then transfer to the capital Sofia (2.5 hours). 2 hours of walking, altitude difference: + 50 m/- 250 m.
Free dinner in town, night in a hotel near the city center.
Day 3: Mount Cherny Vrach/Samokov/Radouil
Transfer to Mount Vitocha up to 1800 meters above sea level (26 km of road). Start of the snowshoeing stage: ascent to the highest point of the massif, Mount Cherny Vrach (the “Black Peak”), at 2290 m. Height difference +/- 500 m. In good weather, panoramic view of the Rila massif in the south and the long Balkan chain in the north, beyond the city of Sofia which extends at our feet. 6 hours of walking. Possibility to go down to the village of Jelenitza on snowshoes if the snow is good. Transfer by road to the small town of Samokov (60 km), at the foot of the Rila Massif, where numerous monuments bear witness to the time of the National Awakening. Visit the ancient center: regional museum, Baïrakli mosque, Turkish fountain. We take the vehicle back for another 15 km and arrive at the village of Raduil, located 1000 m away in the Maritsa Valley. Traditional Bulgarian dinner and overnight stay in a family pension.
Day 4: Rila Massif/Borovets/Govedartsi
After a short transfer by vehicle to Borovets station (1300 m), departure for a snowshoeing stage in the Rila Massif in the direction of Sitnyakovo. Transfer to the Cherni Iskar Valley, where we stay for two nights in the family pension in Govedartsi, a small mountain village located at an altitude of 1200 m. 6 hours of walking, altitude difference +/- 600 m.
Day 5: The Maliovitza Region
Transfer by bus to the small ski resort Maliovitza (1700 m). Hike in the glacial valley with a magnificent view of the summit. In case of too much snow, circular snowshoe hike on the Zekiritsa ridge (1700 m), from where you can discover an extraordinary panorama over the entire massif. We can admire magnificent peaks, ridges, mountain pastures above vast fir forests... 6 hours of walking, altitude difference: +/- 500 m. Second night in a pension in Govedartsi.
Day 6: The 7 Rila Lakes/Sapareva Banya
Great day of walking in the famous Seven Lakes region dominated by the peaks of the Rila, in the large glacial circus with large lakes buried in the snow. 7 hours of walking. An easier option allows us to reach Skakavista, the highest waterfall in Rila (70 m) and then to go down to the village of Panitchichté (5 hours of walking) and transfer to Sapareva Banya, a small spa resort with outdoor pools and water at 32-38°C! Height difference: + 950 m/- 700 m. Dinner and night in a hotel nearby.
Day 7: Rila Monastery/Sofia
After a 1.5-hour bus ride we reach the Rila Monastery, the largest Orthodox complex in the country, whose foundation dates back to the 10th century. Visit this exceptional site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, walk on the pilgrim trail to the tomb of Saint John of Rila, then transfer to the capital Sofia (2.5 hours). 2 hours of walking, altitude difference: + 50 m/- 250 m.
Free dinner in town, night in a hotel near the city center.
Last day
Day 8: Sofia/return flight
Free morning in Sofia depending on your departure time, then transfer to the airport and return international flight.
Free meals.
ABOUT THE TRIP
Equipment Included
Specialized equipment: TSL snowshoes, sticks.
Equipment Included
Specialized equipment: TSL snowshoes, sticks.
Equipment not included
Bring 2 pieces of luggage (no more than 15 kg in the hold per person)
1 medium sized backpack (30-40 liters) to hold lunch and warm clothes while hiking
1 medium sized backpack (30-40 liters) to hold lunch and warm clothes while hiking
1 large travel bag to store unnecessary items for hiking (avoid suitcases!).
Personal equipment
1 Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket, 1 down jacket or 1 anorak
1 balaclava, hat, gloves, mittens
Thermolactyl tights or underwear
1 warm sweater or fleece sweater
Trousers adapted to walking
1 overpants
3 pairs of warm hiking socks
Apres-ski boots, indoor shoes
Sunglasses
Water bottle (thermos)
pocket knife
Electric lamp
Small personal pharmacy,
Toiletries.
To walk
1 pair of waterproof leather shoes You can also use “Canadian” boots (lined and waterproof that go up to mid-leg) or plastic shell shoes
Warm wool socks
1 pair of gaiters with fastening system under the heel.
Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find useful elements in the “Health formalities” section.
Personal equipment
1 Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket, 1 down jacket or 1 anorak
1 balaclava, hat, gloves, mittens
Thermolactyl tights or underwear
1 warm sweater or fleece sweater
Trousers adapted to walking
1 overpants
3 pairs of warm hiking socks
Apres-ski boots, indoor shoes
Sunglasses
Water bottle (thermos)
pocket knife
Electric lamp
Small personal pharmacy,
Toiletries.
To walk
1 pair of waterproof leather shoes You can also use “Canadian” boots (lined and waterproof that go up to mid-leg) or plastic shell shoes
Warm wool socks
1 pair of gaiters with fastening system under the heel.
Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find useful elements in the “Health formalities” section.
Equipment not included
Bring 2 pieces of luggage (no more than 15 kg in the hold per person)
1 medium sized backpack (30-40 liters) to hold lunch and warm clothes while hiking
1 large travel bag to store unnecessary items for hiking (avoid suitcases!).
Personal equipment
1 Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket, 1 down jacket or 1 anorak
1 balaclava, hat, gloves, mittens
Thermolactyl tights or underwear
1 warm sweater or fleece sweater
Trousers adapted to walking
1 overpants
3 pairs of warm hiking socks
Apres-ski boots, indoor shoes
Sunglasses
Water bottle (thermos)
pocket knife
Electric lamp
Small personal pharmacy,
Toiletries.
To walk
1 pair of waterproof leather shoes You can also use “Canadian” boots (lined and waterproof that go up to mid-leg) or plastic shell shoes
Warm wool socks
1 pair of gaiters with fastening system under the heel.
Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find useful elements in the “Health formalities” section.
1 medium sized backpack (30-40 liters) to hold lunch and warm clothes while hiking
1 large travel bag to store unnecessary items for hiking (avoid suitcases!).
Personal equipment
1 Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket, 1 down jacket or 1 anorak
1 balaclava, hat, gloves, mittens
Thermolactyl tights or underwear
1 warm sweater or fleece sweater
Trousers adapted to walking
1 overpants
3 pairs of warm hiking socks
Apres-ski boots, indoor shoes
Sunglasses
Water bottle (thermos)
pocket knife
Electric lamp
Small personal pharmacy,
Toiletries.
To walk
1 pair of waterproof leather shoes You can also use “Canadian” boots (lined and waterproof that go up to mid-leg) or plastic shell shoes
Warm wool socks
1 pair of gaiters with fastening system under the heel.
Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find useful elements in the “Health formalities” section.
formalities administratives
Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
formalities administratives
Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
Physical intensity
Great sportsman
You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...).
You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...).
You are able to combine days of high-intensity activities during your vacation week.
Physical intensity
Great sportsman
You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...). You are able to combine days of high-intensity activities during your vacation week.
You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...). You are able to combine days of high-intensity activities during your vacation week.
Level of expertise
Hike - Level 3
For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day.
For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day.
You are in a pure hiking trip.
Level of expertise
Hike - Level 3
For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day. You are in a pure hiking trip.
For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day. You are in a pure hiking trip.
Portage
Carrying level 1
Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.
Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.
Portage
Carrying level 1
Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.
Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.
Restauration
Picnic at noon and hot meal in the evening.
You will probably have the opportunity to taste the famous yogurts!
In Sofia, meals are not included (expect between 10 and 15 euros per meal).
You will probably have the opportunity to taste the famous yogurts!
In Sofia, meals are not included (expect between 10 and 15 euros per meal).
Restauration
Picnic at noon and hot meal in the evening.
You will probably have the opportunity to taste the famous yogurts!
In Sofia, meals are not included (expect between 10 and 15 euros per meal).
You will probably have the opportunity to taste the famous yogurts!
In Sofia, meals are not included (expect between 10 and 15 euros per meal).
Management
French-speaking Bulgarian guide.
Management
French-speaking Bulgarian guide.
Important information
Level/Physical Intensity ***
This trip is accessible to people with no experience in snowshoeing. The technique is simple and can be learned quickly.
This trip is accessible to people with no experience in snowshoeing. The technique is simple and can be learned quickly.
Hikes of 5 to 6 hours per day are accessible to anyone in good physical condition. The Vitocha and Rila mountains have a fairly marked alpine terrain and we will evolve in the areas most suitable for snowshoeing, at altitudes between 1000 and 2300 m (courses in forests or in areas of more open snowy mountain pastures). Personal belongings are transported from one accommodation to another by vehicle and you only have to carry a small light bag of 4-5 kg (30/40 liter bag).
Important warning: even more than for our other trips, this program can only be given as an indication. It can be modified by the local guide according to the condition of the snowpack and the weather conditions.
Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.
Important warning: even more than for our other trips, this program can only be given as an indication. It can be modified by the local guide according to the condition of the snowpack and the weather conditions.
Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.
Important information
Level/Physical Intensity ***
This trip is accessible to people with no experience in snowshoeing. The technique is simple and can be learned quickly.
Hikes of 5 to 6 hours per day are accessible to anyone in good physical condition. The Vitocha and Rila mountains have a fairly marked alpine terrain and we will evolve in the areas most suitable for snowshoeing, at altitudes between 1000 and 2300 m (courses in forests or in areas of more open snowy mountain pastures). Personal belongings are transported from one accommodation to another by vehicle and you only have to carry a small light bag of 4-5 kg (30/40 liter bag).
Important warning: even more than for our other trips, this program can only be given as an indication. It can be modified by the local guide according to the condition of the snowpack and the weather conditions.
Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.
This trip is accessible to people with no experience in snowshoeing. The technique is simple and can be learned quickly.
Hikes of 5 to 6 hours per day are accessible to anyone in good physical condition. The Vitocha and Rila mountains have a fairly marked alpine terrain and we will evolve in the areas most suitable for snowshoeing, at altitudes between 1000 and 2300 m (courses in forests or in areas of more open snowy mountain pastures). Personal belongings are transported from one accommodation to another by vehicle and you only have to carry a small light bag of 4-5 kg (30/40 liter bag).
Important warning: even more than for our other trips, this program can only be given as an indication. It can be modified by the local guide according to the condition of the snowpack and the weather conditions.
Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.
Weather
Winter:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the French Alps. The continental climate makes the temperatures a bit harsher than in France at equal latitude.
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the French Alps. The continental climate makes the temperatures a bit harsher than in France at equal latitude.
Average minimum/maximum temperatures in °C:
Sofia Oct. 8/17 - Nov. 2/9 - Dec. -2/3 - Jan. -4/2 - Feb. -3/4 - Tue. 1/10
Rila Mountains Oct. 6/11 - Nov. -5/2 - Dec. -5/2 - Dec. -9/-5 - Jan. -11/-6 - Feb. -10/-3 - Tue. -6/3
Attention, these numbers are only averages. Extreme temperatures can be much lower.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing, gloves, hat).
At this time of the year, there are 6 or 7 days of precipitation (usually in the form of snow) per month on average.
Summer:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the south of France. The weather is generally nice in summer, often drier at the beginning of autumn, although a few days of bad weather may occur. Altitude is a determining thermal factor, as our hike takes place between 500 and 2900 m: cooler temperatures, possible freezing at night from 2000 m.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing for the evening, gloves, hat).
Sofia Oct. 8/17 - Nov. 2/9 - Dec. -2/3 - Jan. -4/2 - Feb. -3/4 - Tue. 1/10
Rila Mountains Oct. 6/11 - Nov. -5/2 - Dec. -5/2 - Dec. -9/-5 - Jan. -11/-6 - Feb. -10/-3 - Tue. -6/3
Attention, these numbers are only averages. Extreme temperatures can be much lower.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing, gloves, hat).
At this time of the year, there are 6 or 7 days of precipitation (usually in the form of snow) per month on average.
Summer:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the south of France. The weather is generally nice in summer, often drier at the beginning of autumn, although a few days of bad weather may occur. Altitude is a determining thermal factor, as our hike takes place between 500 and 2900 m: cooler temperatures, possible freezing at night from 2000 m.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing for the evening, gloves, hat).
Weather
Winter:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the French Alps. The continental climate makes the temperatures a bit harsher than in France at equal latitude.
Average minimum/maximum temperatures in °C:
Sofia Oct. 8/17 - Nov. 2/9 - Dec. -2/3 - Jan. -4/2 - Feb. -3/4 - Tue. 1/10
Rila Mountains Oct. 6/11 - Nov. -5/2 - Dec. -5/2 - Dec. -9/-5 - Jan. -11/-6 - Feb. -10/-3 - Tue. -6/3
Attention, these numbers are only averages. Extreme temperatures can be much lower.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing, gloves, hat).
At this time of the year, there are 6 or 7 days of precipitation (usually in the form of snow) per month on average.
Summer:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the south of France. The weather is generally nice in summer, often drier at the beginning of autumn, although a few days of bad weather may occur. Altitude is a determining thermal factor, as our hike takes place between 500 and 2900 m: cooler temperatures, possible freezing at night from 2000 m.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing for the evening, gloves, hat).
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the French Alps. The continental climate makes the temperatures a bit harsher than in France at equal latitude.
Average minimum/maximum temperatures in °C:
Sofia Oct. 8/17 - Nov. 2/9 - Dec. -2/3 - Jan. -4/2 - Feb. -3/4 - Tue. 1/10
Rila Mountains Oct. 6/11 - Nov. -5/2 - Dec. -5/2 - Dec. -9/-5 - Jan. -11/-6 - Feb. -10/-3 - Tue. -6/3
Attention, these numbers are only averages. Extreme temperatures can be much lower.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing, gloves, hat).
At this time of the year, there are 6 or 7 days of precipitation (usually in the form of snow) per month on average.
Summer:
Bulgaria is located at the same latitude as the south of France. The weather is generally nice in summer, often drier at the beginning of autumn, although a few days of bad weather may occur. Altitude is a determining thermal factor, as our hike takes place between 500 and 2900 m: cooler temperatures, possible freezing at night from 2000 m.
Take this into account when choosing your equipment (warm clothing for the evening, gloves, hat).
Hosting
Rather comfortable hotels and family pensions (rooms for 2 or 3 people, hot showers).
Hosting
Rather comfortable hotels and family pensions (rooms for 2 or 3 people, hot showers).
Transport
In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France KLM, Bulgaria air.
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).
Transport
In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France KLM, Bulgaria air.
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).