Overview
The tour begins with rural charm and spiritual discovery at the legendary Rila Monastery, where sacred history whispers through its frescoes. You’ll savor a traditional Bulgarian dinner in a warm, authentic home, immersing yourself in the hospitality of the locals. The route plunges into the enchanting Rhodope Mountains, a place of myth and magic, revealing an off-the-beaten-track Bulgaria few travelers ever see. From there, we chase the wind to the golden shores of the Black Sea, delving into the treasures of Varna, home to the world’s oldest gold treasure and a gateway to the secrets of the ancient Thracians. As the journey continues, you will ride to the medieval splendor of Veliko Tarnovo, the once-thriving capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Then it’s on to conquer the breathtaking curves of the Central Balkan Mountains, finally arriving in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural capital, where h
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Sofia
- Ride through amazing mountain passages
- Ride through the Rhodope, Rila, Pirin, the Central Balkan mountains, and the Black Sea coast
- Experience local traditional Bulgarian dinner and music in a village guest house
- Guided visit of the UNESCO island Nessebar
- Guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo
- Guided tour of Varna
- 7 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1: Rila monastery and the hospitality of Pirin region (approximately 3,5 hours / 230 kilometers / 140 miles)
At 09:00, your incredible adventure begins! You’ll depart from your hotel and hit the road toward one of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks - the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ride itself will be a treat, with smooth asphalt and good curves. As you ascend to an altitude of 1,100 meters, you’ll feel the crisp mountain air welcoming you to this spiritual sanctuary. Upon arrival, you’ll have a guided tour of the monastery’s fascinating history. After the tour, you can take some free time to wander, soak in the serene atmosphere, or simply marvel at the timeless beauty of this sa
Day 2: Trigrad Gorge (approximately 3 hours / 150 kilometers / 93 miles)
After a hearty traditional breakfast, you’ll gear up and head toward the heart of the breathtaking Rhodope Mountains. This day is all about immersing yourselves in the captivating beauty of Bulgaria’s most enchanting mountain range. The ride promises stunning vistas, winding roads, and moments where you’ll feel truly at one with the natural world. You will reach the Trigrad Gorge, a natural marvel where towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the road. Here, you’ll visit the mystical Devil’s Throat Cave, steeped in legend and intrigue. As you explore its depths, you’ll hear the cap
Day 3: Deep into the Rhodope (approximately 4 hours / 200 kilometers / 124 miles)
After breakfast, you continue your journey through the scenic Rhodope Mountains, heading east along routes that wind through charming villages rich in history and character. The journey will lead you to the impressive Kardzhali Dam, one of Bulgaria’s largest reservoirs. Here, you’ll pause for lunch by the water, enjoying the tranquil scenery and savoring fresh fish specialties - a true culinary treat with a view to match. From Kardzhali, you’ll turn your bikes northward toward Haskovo, home to a remarkable landmark: the world’s largest statue of the Virgin Mary-an architectural marvel that des
Day 4: The East Rhodope and Nessebar island (approximately 3.5 hours / 245 kilometers / 150 miles)
Today, your main task will be to reach the Black Sea coast, traversing the eastern Rhodope Mountains. Along the way, you’ll notice a striking contrast to the western Rhodopes - the landscape changes dramatically, offering a new palette of scenery and charm. As you ride, you’ll hear fascinating tales of another mystical region of Bulgaria, the enigmatic Strandzha Mountains. You will learn about the Nestinars, keepers of an extraordinary ancient tradition of fire-dancing that dates back to Thracian times. You’ll also delve into a curious and mysterious venture - the search for the tomb of the Eg
Day 5 The coastline to Varna (approximately 2 hours / 100 kilometers / 60 miles)
After days of exhilarating exploration, today offers a more relaxed pace. In the morning you start riding North. You will cross the Central Balkan mountain for the first time and ride toward the biggest city on the Black Sea- Varna. On the way, you’ll make a stop at one of the most picturesque beaches along the coast with an excellent beach bar where will enjoy the sea and the atmosphere. Once you arrive in Varna, you’ll check into your centrally located hotel and park the bikes. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. You may choose to wander the streets of Varna, exploring its l
Day 6: The medieval capital of Bulgaria (approximately 3.5 hours / 240 kilometers / 149 miles)
Today, you delve deep into the rich history of the Bulgarian people as you ride toward Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Known as the “City of the Tsars,” it was the heart of the Bulgarian state during its Second Empire (1185–1393) and remains one of the most historically significant cities in the country. On your way, you’ll stop at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the awe-inspiring Madara Horseman. This ancient rock relief, carved in the early 8th century AD, is a remarkable pre-Christian monument and a powerful symbol of Bulgaria’s early history. You’ll learn about the fa
Day 7: Shipka passage, Buzludzha monument, the Valley of the Thracian kings, and Plovdiv (approximately 4 hours / 250 kilometers / 155 miles)
Today’s journey promises to be one of the most diverse and captivating of the tour. You’ll begin with an exhilarating ride through the majestic Central Balkan Mountains, traversing the iconic Shipka Pass. This historic mountain route offers stunning views and a sense of awe as you wind your way through Bulgaria’s rugged heartland. Your first detour takes you to the striking and controversial Buzludzha Monument, a relic of Bulgaria’s Communist era. Perched dramatically on a mountain peak, this futuristic structure symbolizes an era of ambition and complexity in the country’s modern history. You
Day 8: The Epilogue (approximately 1/5 hours / 120/290 kilometers / 74/180 miles)
On the final day, the choice is yours. If you prefer a relaxing day, enjoy more of Plovdiv’s vibrant charm. Wander the Old Town, visit remaining historical sites, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this ancient yet lively city. For those seeking one last challenge, we’ll embark on a scenic ride north, crossing the Central Balkan Mountains via a different pass. In northern Bulgaria, we’ll visit Pravets, the birthplace of Todor Zhivkov, Bulgaria’s last Communist leader, and explore his house-turned-museum, featuring unique diplomatic gifts. Our journey ends with a scenic highway ride to Sofia,
Ride Details
- Terrain
- Asphalt
- Bike
- Personal or rental bike (BMW or Honda models)
- Mileage
- 1650 kilometers / 1025 miles
- Daily rides
- 120 - 320 kilometers / 75 - 198 miles
- Riding gear
- Equipment included if needed
- Meals
- Breakfast and 1 dinner on Day 1
What's included
- 8 days guiding
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 dinner on day 1
- 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- English speaking educated biker guides
- Entrance fees in the scheduled museums
- Guided visits to the mentioned places
- Equipment, if needed
- 3rd party insurance
Not included
- Fuel costs
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses and tips
- Bike rental deposit
- Medical insurance
Accommodation
During this tour, you will stay in private double or single rooms in carefully selected 3\* hotels in the historical parts of the cities we will visit. 7 nights are covered. On Day 1 we will be staying at a guest house, not in a hotel. Overnights in Sofia before the trip and at the end of it are not included.
Food
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner on Day 1.
Getting There
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Rider Reviews
What an amazing adventure. Yes, I read the description and the reviews but it was still a special trip, better than I’d expected. Having a local, like Daniel made it so much better than visiting a foreign place with a guide book. If you want to ride a bike and “feel” Bulgaria then this is the perfect way to do it, through mountain roads and twisties and sweeping bends. Throw in the visits to ancient, and communist-era, sites and you get the perfect day – ride the bike, see amazing things. The accommodation was all good but some of the hosts went that bit extra to make us welcome. Daniel was good company and a superb guide. Think of Wikipedia on a Motorbike and you’re close! I normally plan my own bike tours and this was my first guided tour. I would never have been able to get as much out of a visit to Bulgaria, and all its charms, on my own. Can’t recommend this highly enough.
