Rhodope Mountains Tour Companies

This part of Bulgaria was very remote and it felt as if I had stepped back in time.  Knowing that the food we were eating was grown or produced locally, including the delicious cheese and potato based dishes, jams and honey. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Taking in the stunning views on the walks every day.Standing on the viewing platform at St. Elijah.The last night when women from the village came to dance and sing traditional songs for us.  Also when local people joined in with the singing and dancing and a young man started to play the traditional Bulgarian bagpipes.  Fabulous!   What did you think of your group leader? She was very knowledgeable about the area and the country in general.  Always happy to answer any questions and if she didn't know the answer she would find out.  She was always cheerful and had a good sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was very hot in August which made some of the steepest ascents harder for me than they would have been otherwise.  Take high factor sun cream.If you go to the bear-hide one evening be very patient.  We left just before a group of wild boar came down to eat.  The evidence was captured on a night vision camera.  No bears though!  Is there anything else you would like to add? The transfer from and to the airport is very long but take the opportunity to look at the changing landscape, particularly when it starts to become mountainous as it is quite spectacular.  

Lovely scenery at a relaxed pace. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The view from Saint Elijah and walking to the end of the overhanging platform. Also, the Yagodina Caves were great. Some very impressive stalagmites/stalactites. Shame you're not allowed to take photos. What did you think of your group leader? In a word, excellent. She obviously had a passion for this area and nothing was too much bother. Her English was excellent. I did two trips in Bulgaria and I think both guides set the standards for a good group leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I thought the trip notes were pretty accurate although we didn't see many birds. That might be the due to the time of year, I don't know. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food was basic but I enjoyed it, plus there was plenty of it. I thought the most disappointing meal was the burger and chips they did. I suspect this is an attempt to give us what they think we like, but when they stick to traditional meals, they were fine (ingredients are somewhat limited, but you're in a remote area). The accomodation was clean and new. I enjoyed being based in one place and being able to unpack, but I suspect that's not for everyone.

Stunning mountain scenery! We visited some amazing places, but for older guests, it's better to have a rest day (e.g. mineral water swimming) in the middle of the week. The hiking was much harder than advertised. Our guide was Anton,. He was passionate and enthusiastic! Overall a good, but exhausting experience.

A great trip, with no issues at all. Our guide Anton was very friendly and willing to help. I would only suggest to check if the AC is working propperly in the bus before trips

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.

L'organizzazione del tour è stata come da programma. I driver si sono presentati puntualmente al momento della partenza ed erano presenti al nostro arrivo al termine delle camminate. I driver guidano in modo responsabile e sicuro sia sulle strade normali che sui terreni accidentati. C'è stato un piccolo disguido sul noleggio dei bastoncini, abbiamo chiesto un rimborso che è arrivato immediatamente, prima della fine del tour.

I have travelled internationally a great deal and typically really enjoy pulling together arrangements myself. With the Rila-Pirin trek, I followed a friend's advice and gave all of the arrangement-making over to Traventuria. I wanted to only have to think about the beauty and challenges of the Rila and Pirin mountains each day and not whether my reservations were vulnerable to unexpected events. Traventuria took excellent care of us - easily moving us (and our bags) from inn to inn and locally for the daily walks, and sorting all the places we stayed. Orientation materials were top-notch! Thank you, guys!