Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Escorted Walking Holidays to Bulgaria for Solo Travellers

What to expect

Walking Programme

Walking Programme

Five fully-guided walks

Historic Cities

Historic Cities

Sightseeing in Plovdiv and Sofia

Breathtaking Scenery

Breathtaking Scenery

Rila, Pirin & Rhodope Mountains

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Visit a wine cellar in Melnik

About this trip...

Discover the soul of Bulgaria on a captivating journey that blends nature, culture, and heritage. From the majestic peaks of the Pirin and Rila mountains to timeless villages like Melnik and Shiroka Laka, this tour invites you to explore the country’s most iconic sights on foot. Enjoy guided hikes through pristine landscapes, delve into centuries-old monasteries, marvel at ancient fortresses, and savour local wine and cuisine. With vibrant cities like Plovdiv and Sofia rounding out the itinerary, this is a perfectly paced adventure for those seeking an authentic walking holiday with a rich historical twist.
Walking Level: Walking Level
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return flights & transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Twin/double room for sole use
  • Breakfast daily at the hotel, 6 dinners & 6 lunches
  • Welcome drink
  • 5 guided walks
  • Visits to Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Rojen Monastery, Trigrad gorge, Shiroka Laka, The Wonderful Bridges, Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
  • Wine Tasting in Melnik
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here

Itinerary

  • UK - Bansko
  • Pirin Mountains
  • Rila Mountains
  • Melnik
  • Bansko - Smolyan
  • Canyon of the Waterfalls & Shiroka Luka
  • Plovdiv - Sofia
  • Sofia - UK

What you’ll be doing

Day One: UK - Bansko

Day One: UK - Bansko

After landing at Sofia airport, we meet our Solos Tour Leader and local guide and transfer to the beautiful old town of Bansko. We will enjoy dinner at a restaurant on the way to Bansko. 
With its beautiful scenery and welcoming people, Bulgaria offers perfect walking conditions. This Eastern European country is also known as the cradle to some of the most ancient civilisations in the world. Our eight-day walking tour encompasses the magnificent natural and historical landmarks of Bulgaria, and the secrets of the traditional local culture and cuisine.

  • Dinner included
Day Two: Pirin Mountains

Day Two: Pirin Mountains

After breakfast, we enjoy our first day hiking in the beautiful Pirin mountain range. We commence our walk at a mountain hut at 2000m located beneath the imposing Mount Vihren – the highest peak of the range. Our hike will take us past the gorgeous Banderitsa Lakes, just some of the hundreds of glacial lakes in the area, until we reach the Todorka saddle from where we can marvel at the panoramic views.
After our walk, we can enjoy a tour of charming Bansko and learn more about its history, architecture and traditions. 
  • Transfer Time: 30mins + 30mins
  • Distance: 7km
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: +700m/-700m with a maximum elevation of 2430m
  • Terrain: Following rocky alpine trails with uneven surfaces, natural stone sections, and some steep ascents and descents. The route includes exposed areas around the lakes and Todorka saddle.
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Three: Rila Mountains

Day Three: Rila Mountains

Today we visit Rila – the other mountain range in Bulgaria. We will start with a morning transfer through the lush forests of the "Water mountain", where we visit the world famous Rila monastery – a UNESCO-listed site. After a picnic lunch, the hike through the picturesque valley will bring us to the so called "Dry Lake", where we can enjoy the unspoiled nature of Rila, before returning to our hotel.

  • Transfer Time: 1hr 30mins + 1hr 30mins
  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx. 
  • Ascent/Descent: 350m with a maximum elevation of 1950m
  • Terrain: A mix of forest paths with exposed roots, into a steep, open valley of loose glacial moraine and boulder-strewn ground, before easing out onto a flatter grassy alpine basin.
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Four: Melnik

Day Four: Melnik

We enjoy a well-earned break from walking today to enjoy an included visit to the charming village of Melnik. Set in a picturesque valley, with good sandy soil and 350 sunny days per year, it’s no wonder that this region is home to the world famous Bulgarian wine cellars! After an included wine tasting, we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Five: Bansko - Smolyan

Day Five: Bansko - Smolyan

After breakfast, we transfer to the village of Dolen, an amazing example of an ancient Bulgarian settlement often referred to as an ‘open air museum’. After a picnic lunch, we set off on our hike through lush meadows and forests down to Trigrad, visiting the famous Trigrad gorge and the ‘Devil’s Throat’ cave - the largest underground waterfall in the Balkan Peninsula. Later, we continue onto the town of Smolyan nestled in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.

  • Transfer Time: 1hr 20mins + 2hrs 30mins
  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx.
  • Ascent: 390m+ with a maximum elevation of 1344m
  • Descent: 660m- 
  • Terrain: A mix of forest trails, meadow paths, and mountain tracks through the Rhodope Mountains. Uneven ground, woodland sections, and gradual descents, with some rocky and steeper sections near Trigrad Gorge.
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Six: Canyon of the Waterfalls

Day Six: Canyon of the Waterfalls

This morning, we enjoy a hike to the ‘Canyon of the Waterfalls,’ hidden deep in the highest part of the Rhodope Mountains. After a picnic lunch, we visit the village of Shiroka Luka, an amazing perfectly preserved architectural reserve.

  • Transfer Time: 40 mins + 40 mins
  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx.
  • Ascent/Descent: 400m with a maximum elevation of 1,460m
  • Terrain: A mix of woodland paths, stone steps, wooden bridges, and sections of uneven ground. The route includes gentle to moderate climbs and descents as it follows the canyon.
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Seven: Plovdiv - Sofia

Day Seven: Plovdiv - Sofia

After breakfast, we set off to explore the medieval Asen’s Fortress, known for its striking 12th-century church and dramatic setting. From here, we continue to the Bachkovo Monastery—the second largest in Bulgaria—famous for housing some of the finest frescoes in Orthodox Christianity. Our tour then takes us into the ancient town of Plovdiv, where history comes alive amid cobbled streets and Roman ruins. Later in the day, we transfer to Sofia, the capital city, and check into our centrally located hotel. In the evening, our guide will lead us on a panoramic tour of Sofia’s historical centre.

  • Breakfast & lunch included

Day Eight: Sofia - UK

Day Eight: Sofia - UK

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK.


  • Breakfast included

Trip Reviews

Great walking guide

I enjoyed the variety of the walks and that I found some of them quite challenging (the first in particular).
There was nothing that was too much trouble for Tour Leader Su and our guide Stoyan was not only a great walking guide but also had super knowledge on the geography and history of Bulgaria and all that we saw.

Adrian

Loved seeing and learning about Bulgaria

The walks were great as they were all quite different. The wine tasting and meal in Bankso were great too.
Meeting everyone - it was a really lovely group of individuals. Stoyan local guide was a wealth of information.
(...) I loved seeing and learning about Bulgaria.

Jackie

Experienced Bulgarian leader

Great varied walks with experienced Bulgarian leader - Stoyan, who gave us lots & lots of history facts too. Lovely Solos leader & great group of people.

Christine

Walks were great

The Bulgarian guide was excellent, very informative. The walks were great and varied. Hotels were good.

Clare

Accommodation

Best of Bulgaria

During our holiday, we stay in a selection of three-star and four-star hotels as stated in the itinerary:
  • Four-star Riverside SPA Hotel, Bansko (4 Nights)
  • Three-star Kiparis Alpha, Smolyan (2 Nights)
  • Four-star St. Sofia, Sofia (1 Night)

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
16 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 7
£1652
Full Please call for regional flights

Essential Information

Transfer Time
The transfer time from Sofia Airport to our hotel in Bansko on arrival is approximately 3 hours, depending on weather and traffic. On departure the transfer time from our hotel in Sofia to Sofia Airport is approximately 25 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
Walking Programme

Guided walks are included as part of this holiday. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.

The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.

A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this holiday.

It is important that you consider whether your chosen holiday is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the holiday requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the holiday is suitable for you.

We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your holiday. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible holiday experience.

Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.

Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the holiday, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.

If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.

For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions 

 

 

Gratuities
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate percentage on.
More to Explore
There may be optional activities available to you during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. All tours should be paid for in euros only. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
What to Wear - Walking Days

It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:

  • Walking boots with good ankle support
  • Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
  • Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
  • Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
  • Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
  • Walking socks – several pairs
  • Lightweight fleece or jumper
  • Hat & gloves
  • Daysack/rucksack for walking
  • Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
  • Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
  • Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellent, etc
  • Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Passports and visas
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. 
 
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. 
 
All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Bulgaria Foreign Advice 
 
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. 
Health requirements
Compulsory vaccinations: None 
 
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change.   You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Bulgaria
Currency
Bulgaria uses the Euro - many places only take cash and it is not possible to pay with card.
WhatsApp Group
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

Feefo logo
quote icon

First Class

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David F

quote icon

Fabulous experience

Solos are extremely organised and provide fantastic holidays for people on their own. The tour leaders are of a very high standard and are extremely caring with the guests.
-Carole

quote icon

Don't Delay any Longer!

This was my first Solos holiday and it hugely exceeded my expectations. Lovely, lovely people made the holiday so special.....it will stay with me for always
-L Heaton

quote icon

Well worth going

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos holiday and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia B

As seen in...

Sign up for latest news and offers

Sign Up
Loading...