Self Drive Tour in Rila and Pirin Mountains

Upon arrival pick up your car and explore Sofia numerous attractions. Visit some of the city's most remarkable sites such as: Alexander Nevski Cathedral gold domed Cathedral emblematic for Sofia, the church of st. Sophia which gave the name of the city, the Rotunda of St. George, which is the best preserved Byzantine building, the Russian church st. Nikolas, St. Petka medieval church, Banya Bashi Mosque, the ruins of ancient Roman Serdica and many more. Drive to v. Govedartsi for an overnight.

After breakfast drive to Malyovitsa hut from where you start your hiking. Dominating the view from the valley is peak Malyovitsa (2729 m.) – the second highest in Bulgaria. The main hiking route takes about 2.5-3 hours to the top of Malyovitsa and it passes through two glacial plateau, called “terraces”, many moraines and a blue lakes. In the afternoon, possibility to visit Borovets – the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria founded as a hunting destination of the Bulgarian royalties. Or viist the town of Samokov and its old quarter. Overnight in v. Govedartsi. /B/

Morning transfer to Panichishte resort and take the chair lift to hut Rila lakes (approx. 2000m above sea level). Start hiking to the Seven Rila lakes. There is hardly a visitor who will remain indifferent to this place. Surely, this will become one of the most exciting hikes in your collection, and the sights that will reveal to you will last in your consciousness for long reminding you of the grandeur and the timeless beauty of Mother Nature. The lakes follow each other at a height between 2100 and 2500 meters above sea level. They are all linked to a certain image, and their names are associated with these images. From lowest to highest you pass by “The Lowest Lake”, “The Fish lake”, “The Trefoil”, “The Twin”, “The Kidney” followed by “The Eye” and “The Tear”. From top of the lakes you will be rewarded with the most breath- taking view of the whole circus surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. In the afternoon, drive to Bansko for an overnight. /B/

Board your car in the morning and drive to hut Vihren (15 km from Bansko) from where you start hiking. Depending on your physical preparation, you can reach Muratovo Lake, The Fish Lake, The Long Lake and The Eye. A stunning landscape of high peaks, jagged cliffs and beautiful lakes will accompany you throughout your trek. Back to Bansko. In the afternoon you will have free time to stroll through the town center with its winding streets, stone houses and numerous taverns.

Drive from Bansko to nearby town of Dobrinishte and take the chair lift to Hut Bezbog from where you start hiking. Today's terrain is easy and gentle and you will reach Popovo lake - the largest and the deepest in Pirin Mountain. On the way back you may stop in the village of Dobarsko to see its well known church of st. Theodore Tyro and st. Theodore Stratelates. The church is noted for its abundance of original frescoes and icons, some of which are interpreted as portraying Jesus in a rocket. Back to Bansko for an overnight /B/

Druve back to Sofia. On the way back you may stop to see Bulgaria's most famous landmark - Rila monastery - a national icon for Bulgarians, and a wonderfully situated monument of the highest architectural and historic interest. This monastery is a sanctuary of Bulgarian literature and spiritual life. Founded in the middle of the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language during the centuries. It is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. Visit the monastery church with its amazing frescos painted by the most famous Bulgarian finest artists from 19th c. as well as the monastery museum housing a rich collection of artefacts connected to the history of the monastery and the spread of Christianity in Bulgaria. In the afternoon explore the sandstone Stob Pyramids - a natural rock phenomenon near the village of Stob. Proceed to Sofia. END OF SERVICE.