When to go
April – July and September – October
Price
From £1,999 pp (including flights)
Flight time
3hrs 1mins
Introduction
Travel into the heart of Bulgaria and learn about the many wildlife species that roam the land. On this memorable 8-day trip, you will track native brown bears, watch them exist in their natural habitat – from the comfort of a safe, professionally-run bear ride – and explore beautiful meadows, forests, and caves in the process, too. At the end of this trip, you will have a deeper understanding of these creatures, including their unique lifestyle and habits.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £1,999pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Sofia – Yagodina – Yagodinska Peshtera Caves - Sofia
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Hotel Yagodina | Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 5 people with a maximum of 12
Start/Finish
Sofia – Sofia
Highlights
Participate in the Brown Bear Conservation Project
Learn about the native brown bear species, including where they live, how they gather food, where they sleep, and other unique facts about their habits and lifestyle. You will also learn about conservation efforts that are being made to protect these valuable creatures.
Go on Remote Mountain Walks in Rodopi Mountains
The Rodopi Mountains is located in the Balkan Peninsula. It measures approximately 5,690 square miles in size, and it extends 150 miles west to east and 60 miles north to south. During your trip to Bulgaria, you will go on walks throughout the mountain, being guided by an expert tour guide through the various trails and steep terrain.
Enjoy a Late-Night Bear Hide Excursion
On 2 separate evenings, you will go to a professionally run bear hide. While there, you will get the chance to watch the brown bear in their native habitat. This is a special experience that you will let you get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, and in the safety and comfort of a secure hide.
Recommended Hotels
Hotel Yagodina | Boutique Hotel Crystal Palace
Sample Itinerary
Bulgaria: Brown Bear Adventure
The brown bear is one of the most treasured animals in Bulgaria. During your 8-day adventure in Bulgaria, you will get the chance to learn about these beautiful creatures, take in the incredible sights and sounds, and even watch brown bear activity from the safety and comfort of a professionally run bear hide.
Day 1: Fly to Sofia | Yagodina
Fly from London to Sofia Airport, and then take a 4-hour transfer to the Rodopi Mountains. Your destination will be the village of Yagodina, where you will stay for the next 6 nights. Enjoy dinner and a welcome meeting with your group leader.
Spend 6 nights at the Hotel Yagodina or similar.
(D)
Day 2: Yagodina
After breakfast, go on your first wildlife walk of the trip. As you travel through the vast mountains, meadows, and forests, your tour guide will introduce you to the basics of bear tracking. They will show you how to search for, record, and analyze evidence of brown bear activity.
In the evening, one half of the group will have their first visit at the local bear hide, watching brown bear activity up close. Depending on the amount of brown bear activity there is, the group may stay until 11 pm or later.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Bear Tracking on Border Zone
Have breakfast and then drive to a nearby village. On foot, you will walk through the border zone. The zone was once heavily restricted, with barbed-wire fencing around the region, but has since been removed and the wildlife are free to roam once more.
From there, return to the hotel for dinner. The second half of the group will have their first visit to the bear hide.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Carnivore Exploring
Today, you will visit a part of Bulgaria, where there is a high presence of brown bear, grey wolves, and other species. You will travel through beautifully remote landscapes, including water streams, meadows, and lush forests.
After dinner, the first half of the group will have their second visit to the bear hide.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Walk in the Rugged and Rocky Karst Terrain
From your hotel, go for a steep, steady climb to the mountain ridge above the village. During the spring and early summer, you will find several species of orchid and butterflies. After reaching the ridgeback, follow a rough, eroded track to reach the top of a cliff. While there you will find many species of cliff-dwelling birds, such as the alpine switch, wallcreeper, and rock thrush.
From there, proceed through a complex pathway, reaching the Buynovsko Gorge, followed by a popular feeding region for both Balkan chamois and brown bear.
In the evening, the second half of the group will have their second visit to the bear hide.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Walk in the Rugged and Rocky Karst Terrain
After breakfast, go on a challenging bear tracking adventure. The journey will include long steep climbs, navigating complex rocky crests, and walking through forested ridges.
You may spot the rare Balkan lynx, a species that was once considered to be extinct in Bulgaria. There are also many secretive birds, such as the crested tit and black woodpecker.
After traversing through the crest, descend into the silent forest, and then back into the meadows above Yogadina.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Forest and Riverside Walks | Sofia
On the last day of your trip, you will leave Yogadina and go on a forest and riverside walk in search of orchids. In the spring and early summer, the region produces a large amount of beautiful orchids, many of which are considered to be rare tropical plants.
From there, take a 45-minute bus ride to the Devinska Reka, a stream situated near Patre Mapcarta and Charlia Zabral. The stream is home to Eurasian otters and riverine birds. Enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch and then be transferred back to Sofia.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Fly to London
Fly from Sofia Airport back to London.
