Rhodope Mountains Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,984 reviews)- Choose from 23 Rhodope Mountains tours
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The best Rhodope Mountains tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaRhodope Mountains travel expert at TourRadar
- Bulgaria at a glance: Sofia City Break
- Bansko Winter Escape 4 days
- Budget friendly city break in Sofia with two tours and a special dinner
- 5* Mineral Bliss Retreat in Bulgaria
- Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
- Essence of Bulgaria
- Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)
- Affordable Sofia & Plovdiv Escape: Two Tours and a Special Dinner Experience
- Rila - Pirin Trek Classic (hut-to-hut, guided)
- Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included)
Bulgaria at a glance: Sofia City Break
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great tour for a quick introduction to the country.”
Vincent, traveled in May
The Rhodope Mountains region unfolds with visits to UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery nestled in Bulgaria's mountains. Magnificent mountain vistas and traditional architecture await, along with local specialties like mekitsi with buffalo yogurt. Additional excursions reveal more mountain landscapes.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sofia, Rila Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Bulgaria From $689
15% Off- NZ$586You save $103
Bansko's premier ski resort offers 75km of slopes beneath Vihren peak in the Rhodopes. Luxurious 4-star hotel accommodations include spa access and traditional mehana dining, with possible visits to Banya's thermal springs.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bansko Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Oxygen Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,024
A journey from Sofia's Alexander Nevski Cathedral leads to UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery amid mountain scenery. Private guides share Ancient Serdica and Melnik's Kordopulov House for wine tasting, while traditional dinner highlights local mountain cuisine.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Melnik Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
15% Off- NZ$877+$158 local payments
Duration 9 days Destinations Sofia, Sandanski, Rila Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
15% Off- NZ$1,881
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a wonderful time! Vera spoke excellent English, was very smart, drove very well and taught us a lot.”
Ann, traveled in May
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Melnik, Ognyanovo, Bansko, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Penguin Travel From
15% Off- NZ$1,359+$197 local payments
Gela village, legendary birthplace of Orpheus, showcases the Rhodope Mountains' beauty. Hotel Gela and Spa provides comfort while guests enjoy mushroom foraging and village walks. Visits to mountain communities like Kovachevitsa include meeting Masterchef Bulgaria winner Maria Jekova.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sofia, Plovdiv, Gela, Kovachevitsa, Melnik Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
15% Off- NZ$12,295
Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour covered very impressive country side and most of the roads were great for cycling.”
Johnston, traveled in July
The challenging route through Rhodope's reaches 2,000m elevation at Belmeken dam. Yagodina Cave's 10,000m system beckons adventurers, while Bachkovo Monastery and the 40-meter Wonderful Bridges formation showcase natural wonders.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Velingrad, Batak, Dospat, Trigrad, Smolyan, Bachkovo Age Range Operator Penguin Travel From
15% Off- NZ$1,399+$197 local payments
Plovdiv's ancient streets serve as the gateway to the Rhodope Mountains. Guided walks through historic quarters offer mountain views, with stays in central 3-star hotels and authentic Bulgarian cuisine experiences.
Duration 5 days Destinations Sofia, Plovdiv Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
15% Off- NZ$727+$69 local payments
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Malyovitsa, Rila, Mount Vihren, Pirin National Park, Pirin Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Penguin Travel From
15% Off- NZ$1,359+$197 local payments
Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Local organization was superb. At no single second we felt insecure or lost.”
Soren, traveled in September
Bulgarian peaks await with challenging ascents of Mount Musala (2925m) and Mount Vihren (2914m). The route connects Govedartsi to Bansko, including UNESCO Rila Monastery and Seven Rila Lakes, with all transfers and GPS tracks provided.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Govedartsi, Mount Musala, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Rila, Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Traventuria
What people love about Rhodope Mountains Tours
- Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
To Whom It May Concern, I just completed your Pirin to Rila trip today and I couldn’t even wait until I arrived home to tell you how impressed I was with your company. I have visited many countries with various companies but never experienced anything as incredible as what i did with your company. The itinerary was perfectly thought out and each day surpassed the one before. I loved the fact that the group was small. It added a real personal touch and made me feel like I was trekking with family. As for our guide, I cannot say enough great things about Alex. He is an amazing ambassador for your country. He was incredibly knowledgeable, charismatic, thoughtful, helpful and always went above and beyond the calls of duty to make sure everyone was happy. Nothing was ever a problem for him to do and he always did everything with a smile. He is obviously passionate about his work. I really cannot thank you enough for giving me the most incredible memories of your beautiful country. I am leaving Bulgaria with a heavy heart but I am sure that I will return in the future. From the bottom of my heart thank you for this inspiring experience. I wish you every success for the future. Go raibh mile maith agat.
- Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)
The tour covered very impressive country side and most of the roads were great for cycling. My guide Ivan was excellent; he was well informed on history and all aspects of the regions we explored. Overall, he was great company (and his English was excellent). The only problems I encountered were related to the information given prior to the trip. First, the pick up at Sofia airport: my information was that an OK taxi would provide pick up and delivery to hotel. I expected to be met by an OK taxi person at the airport; however, it turned out that I had to find the OK taxi booth myself and ask for taxi - you should make that clear. Second, the information on what to bring was very confusing. A whole list of things that were irrelevant for a vehicle supported cycling tour was provided. For example, it was advised to bring bike panniers, but given the vehicle support that was clearly unnecessary. Someone who was less experienced in these sorts of trips may have gone out and bought expensive panniers unnecessarily - that would have been a total waste of money.
- Bansko Winter Escape 5 days
Overall the holiday was really good. We will come back next year if possible. The only negative was one employee working at the hotel we stayed. On the day we arrived(Sunday)my wife tried to buy ski passes from a male employee at Reception desk on Sunday evening. She tried four times to do this but he just ignored her and talked to guests behind her. It appeared to be total discrimination from a man who seemed to have no respect for a woman. My wife was very upset. She has just had a bereavement in the family. The rest of the staff were(including the men)very good. This man didn't apologise for his behaviour and spoiled what was otherwise an enjoyable holiday.
What our customers ask about Rhodope Mountains Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights on a Mountain tour in Rhodope Mountains?
The Rhodope Mountains feature key natural landmarks including the Trigrad Gorge with its 350m cliffs the Devil's Throat Cave with Europe's highest underground waterfall at 42m and the Seven Rila Lakes positioned at elevations between 2100-2500m. Visitors often explore the UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery and stop in traditional villages like Shiroka Laka. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Stunning scenery and our guide Stefika Dimtrova was excellent!" Most travelers choose to stay in mountain towns such as Bansko or Devin as their base for exploration.
When is the best time to go on a Mountain tour in Rhodope Mountains?
June through September offers optimal conditions for exploring the Rhodope Mountains. During summer the Trigrad region provides excellent hiking with temperatures between 20-25°C. Early autumn in areas like Devin remains pleasant for trekking. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Beautiful trails with slightly increasing difficulty as the week goes. The glacial lakes and rugged peaks were just stunning." Accommodations range from the comfortable Hotel Gela and Spa to local guesthouses in villages like Trigrad.
What fitness level is required for Mountain tours in Rhodope Mountains?
The physical demands vary from moderate to challenging across different routes. The Devinska River eco-path offers gentler terrain with 50m elevation gain while the Polezhan Summit trek includes 770m ascents and takes 6-7 hours. A TourRadar traveler notes: "You do have to be very very fit to do this. All over a terrific trip!" Most routes require the ability to hike 4-6 hours daily on mountain paths. Between treks travelers can rest at places like Hotel Krusharskata kashta in Govedartsi.
What type of accommodation can I expect on Mountain tours in Rhodope Mountains?
Lodging options span from 3-star hotels to family guesthouses. Popular choices include Hotel Gela and Spa in Gela village traditional stone houses in Kovachevitsa and the upscale Zornitza Family Estate near Melnik. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The accommodations were all good food was very good local transfers - always on time." Properties maintain local character while providing essential comforts with options for various budgets.
What wildlife might I encounter during Mountain tours in Rhodope Mountains?
The mountains are home to the rare Balkan Chamois often visible in the Trigrad Gorge and Pirin National Park. Birdwatchers can spot species like the wallcreeper while protected plants such as edelweiss grow throughout the region. A TourRadar traveler remarks: "The nature is still intact on many places unlike the Alps where you often walk under ski lifts close to ski slopes or behind crowds." The Seven Rila Lakes area offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities.