Rila, Olympus, Bulgaria – Greece, 12-Day Guided Trekking Tour
Join this unforgettable 12-day trek to the Rila and Pirin mountains in Bulgaria, and Mount Olympus, Greece.
Olympus, Pirin, Rila Mountains
12 Days
Jun - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Hike to the Balkan Winner, Mount Musala, to the Pirin National Park, and in Mt. Olympus National Park
- Visit to UNESCO Sites: Rila Monastery Orthodox Sanctuary and Meteora Monasteries
- Guided visits in Meteora, Thessaloniki, Greece and Sofia, Bulgaria
Description
Join me on this mesmerizing 12-day trekking tour across Bulgaria and Greece. Our adventure begins in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, after which we will head to the Govedarsti village at Rila National Park. Rila is the largest national park in Bulgaria, habitat of endangered wildlife species, with a biological and cultural diversity that will captivate you. It is the home of Mount Musala (2925 m.), the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula and our first ascent.
We will also climb Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m.). I will then guide you through ancient paths protected by the Sacred Seven Lakes Glacial Circus. We will admire 2 of the best preserved monasteries guarding these mountains, the Rila Monastery and the Rozhen Monastery. Be prepared to hold your breath as you contemplate the beautiful contrast between UNESCO’s World Heritage Ortodox Sanctuary, the Rila Monastery, and the meadows, forests and mountains that surround it.
Thereupon we will head to Pirin National Park, known for its exceptional variety of plants and animals, including brown bears, gray wolves, wildcats, boreal owls, eagles and falcons among many others. The best views of the park lie ahead as we ascend Mount Vihren (2914m.). Also known as the Eltepe (peak of storms), Vihren’s steep mountain track will prove to be as demanding as rewarding. Finally, we will ascend the Mountain that inspired Greek mythology, Mount Olympus (2.918 m.). If the weather allows us, we will climb Greece’s highest peak, Mytikas (2.917meters).
After such a dream like pilgrimage through sacred land, nature and monasteries, I promise the descent and our progressive path back to civilization will be equally enticing. Walking along the waterfront of one of the most ancient cities in Greece, Thessaloniki, will be the perfect ending of our journey.
Please note we will walk about 5 to 8 hours every day, therefore you need to be in very good shape in order to join this trek.
So if you are looking to take a walk through history, send me a request, and let me guide you.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Lifts tickets
Price details
- *The price includes:*
- accommodation in familyrun 3* hotels and mountain huts
- 11 breakfasts and 8 dinners
- gondolalift tickets
- professional Englishspeaking mountain guide
- guided visits to Sofia, Meteora and Thessaloniki
- all transfers according to the program in private minivan or minibus
- *The price excludes:*
- meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- museum entrance fees
- personal expenses
- flights and taxes
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Bulgaria
Today we will arrive to Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, and head to Govedartsi village. We will stay at a family-run guesthouse, and have a traditional home cooked dinner.
Day 2: Mount Musala
Today we will ascend to Mount Musala, transfer early to Borovets resort, take a gondola lift to Yastrebets peak and head to Musala Peak. In the afternoon wi will return to Govedartsi village.
Day 3: Sacred Seven Rila Lakes
Our day day will begin with a short transfer to the starting point of our climb to Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m.). After our ascent we will reach the Seven Lakes Glacial Circus.
Day 4: Rila Monastery
Today will be our last day in Rila National Park, where we will visit the Ortodox Sanctuary, Rila Monastery (UNESCO’s World Heritage Site). We will then transfer to Bansko where another traditional dinner will be served, paired with folklore music.
Day 5: Pirin National Park
We will transfer to Vihren hut (1.980 m) and ascent of the peak of Vihren (2914 m.). In the afternoon we will transfer to Melnik (2h30), to walk around the town.
Day 6: Melnik – Litochoro
From Melnik we will take a round trip around the Melnik Pyramids Nature Phenomena. We will then visit of Rozhen monastery and transfer to the Greek village Litochoro.
Day 7: Mount Olympus
Today we will get to Prionia, where we will walk at an altitude from 1000 meters up to 2060 meters until we reach Refuge A, where we will stay for the night.
Day 8: Olympus National Park
If there is no snow and the weather allows us, we will ascend Greece’s highest peak, Mytikas (2.917 m.). We will then hike towards refuge B for the last night in the mountain.
Day 9: Gortsia – Kastraki
Today start your trek from Refuge B and walk down to Gortsia village. In the afterenoon, we will have a transfer to Kastraki village
Day 10: Meteora (UNESCO)
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing with Greek guide at Meteora – well known for its monasteries built atop impressive sandstone rock pillars. (Meteora means “suspended in the air.”)! From Kastraki, follow old paths to the dramatically situated Monastery of St. Barbara. Continue to the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery, which crowns a massive rock pinnacle. Descend by footpath to the lively bustle of the town of Kalambaka for lunch. In the afternoon continue your exploration of Meteora with visits to the Grand Meteora and Varlaam Monasteries.
Day 11: Thessaloniki (UNESCO)
Today we will have a transfer to Thessaloniki. A sightseeing tour with Greek guide of the main highlights of Thessaloniki city – the second largest city of Greece and the most important centre of the area. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is a modern metropolis bearing the marks of its stormy history and its cosmopolitan character, which give it a special beauty and charm. Places of interest are: Aristotelous Square, Nikis Avenue, White Tower, Palace of Galeriu, Ancient Agóra, Byzantine Bath, Hamza Bey Mosque, Royal Theatre, etc.
Later in the evening, we can enjoy a walk along the waterfront from the port to beyond the Aspros Pirgos (White Tower).
Day 12: End of trip
Transfer to airport. Transfer to Thessaloniki airport and flight back home.
About the guide
Odysseia-In
Mountain Guide
We specialize in off-the-beaten track experiences with unique itineraries throughout the country and the whole Balkan Peninsula.
Languages
English
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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