Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Best of Bulgaria | Walking Tour For Solo Travelers

What you can expect

Guided Walks

Guided Walks

Enjoy five fully guided walks that showcase the diverse terrains and natural wonders of Bulgaria.

Historic Cities

Historic Cities

Delve into the vibrant history and captivating culture of two significant cities, ancient Plovdiv and the dynamic capital Sofia.

Breathtaking Views

Breathtaking Views

Prepare for a visual feast as stunning landscapes unfold at every turn as you hike through the dramatic Rila, Pirin and Rhodope mountains.

UNESCO Rila Monastery

UNESCO Rila Monastery

Discover the majestic Rila Monastery, tucked in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, famous for its vibrant frescoes and centuries-old architecture. 

About this trip...

Step onto the trails of Bulgaria, where the air is fresh, the views are boundless, and adventure calls! This extraordinary walking tour invites you to discover a land blessed with incredible wildlife, crowned by majestic high mountains, blanketed by expansive, dense forests, and sculpted by a beautiful tapestry of diverse lakes and rivers. It's a destination that promises both invigorating challenge and serene natural beauty. Join this walking tour and allow us to guide you through the magnificent natural landscapes, introduce you to the soul of its rich cultural heritage, and explore the captivating historical landmarks that make Bulgaria a truly fascinating and unforgettable place.
Walking Level: Walking Level
What's this?

What's included?

  • Airport transfers
  • Private Room
  • Breakfast daily at the hotel, 7 dinners and 5 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

What's Extra

  • International flights not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & drinks
  • Meals when not included in the itinerary
  • Activities when not included in the itinerary
 

Itinerary

  • Arrival Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko
  • Bansko-Smolyan
  • Smolyan
  • Plovdiv - Sofia
  • Depart Sofia

What you’ll be doing

Day One: Arrival Day - Bankso

Day One: Arrival Day - Bankso

After landing at Sofia Vasil Levski Airport, 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 can enjoy our first day hiking in the beautiful Pirin mountain range. We commence our walk at a mountain hut at 6,562 feet 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 you 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: 4.5 miles
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: +2,300ft/-2,300ft with a maximum elevation of 8,000ft
  • 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 will 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 will 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 we return back to our hotel.

  • Transfer Time: 1hr 30mins + 1hr 30mins
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx. 
  • Ascent/Descent: 1,145ft with a maximum elevation of 6,400ft
  • 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 have a well-earned break from walking today and we can enjoy an included visit the charming village of Melnik. Set in a picturesque valley, with good sandy soil and with 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 can enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and 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: 6 miles
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx.
  • Ascent: 1,275ft+ with a maximum elevation of 4,410ft
  • Descent: 2.160ft- 
  • 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 can enjoy a light 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: 6 miles
  • Duration: 3.5hrs approx.
  • Ascent/Descent: 1,320ft with a maximum elevation of 4,800ft
  • 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 make our way to the Medieval Asen’s Fortress with its beautiful 12th Century church and Bachkovo monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria and home of some of the finest frescoes of Orthodox Christianity. We will contiune our tour in Plovdiv ancient town. Later we transfer to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and check into our centrally located hotel. Here the guide will take us for panoramic tour of the historical centre of Sofia.

  • Breakfast and Lunch Included

Day Eight: Departure day - Sofia

Day Eight: Departure day - Sofia

After breakfast, we transfer to Sofia Vasil Levski Airport before our onward flight.

  • 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

Accommodations

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
Sep 16 2026 Sep 23 2026 7
$1849
 

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.
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.
Optional Excursions
There may be optional activities available to you during the course of your tour, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. 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.
Flights
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
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.

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 repellant, etc
  • Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Walking Programme

Guided walks are included as part of this trip. 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 trip.

It is important that you consider whether your chosen trip 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 trip requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the trip 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 trip. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible trip 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 trip, 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 https://www.solosholidays.com/us/terms-and-conditions/

Currency
Bulgaria uses the Euro - many places only take cash and it is not possible to pay with card.
Passports and visas

We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.

Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.

Health requirements

We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

Feefo logo
quote icon

Fantastic time

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

quote icon

Highly Recommended

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

quote icon

Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

quote icon

Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

As seen in...

Sign up for latest news and offers

Sign Up
Loading...