Itinerary

Day 1. Upon arrival at Sofia Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the heart of the Rodopi Mountains. If time allows short stops for birdwatching will be supplemented. In the evening we will enjoy a lecture by our local guide (ranger) and you will receive interesting information about bear conservation programs, the annual and daily behavior patterns of the animals, their food composition and distribution in the region. The dinner is freshly-cooked native specialty. The accommodation is in a family hotel with individuality and charm, located at the famous village of Trigrad.
Day 2. After healthy breakfast we head to the nearby Trigrad Gorge, where we will scan the vertical rocks for the elusive Wallcreeper. Here is one of the most notorious places in Europe for observing this beautiful bird. The more lucky guests of the gorge may return home with nice photos of a Wallcreeper, taken from a short distance. Later we enter the legendary Devil’s Throat cave and explore the Thunder Hall (the highest on the Balkans) with its picturesque waterfall. The itinerary continues with moderate 2 hours trek to the impressive Yagodina Cave. The breathtaking panoramas are one of the many merits of the route. The path passes through mixed forest and green meadows – usually here are the first tracks and traces of bears, which we will see. The bird species list will increase with Goldcrest, Firecrest, Dippers, Bullfinch, Black Redstart, Common and Alpine Swift, tits (Great, Coal, Marsh & Willow), Nutcracker and other. An hour long guided tour of Yagodina Cave, considered one of the most beautiful Bulgarian caves, is included. A short transfer back to Trigrad and you will have time at leisure and early dinner with a home prepared delicacy. Transfer to the bear-watching hides - all equipped with benches, beds and toilet. They are soundproof and completely safe. We can spend the whole night there or leave whenever you decide to.
Day 3. Today we continue with on foot exploration of the bears’ habitats. We will observe bear markings and measure footprints. Spotting the animal in daytime is not excluded. The guide will be keen on showing you Balkan Chamois, Red and Roe Deer, Golden Eagle, Hazel Grouse, Capercaillie Black and White-backed Woodpecker (subspecies lilfordi). Key facts about these species will also be presented. Early dinner (the culinary temptations with local dishes will continue) and off to a night excursion to the hides. They are located in different areas and depending on the rangers’ advice, we spent the night at the one, from which spotting a bear is most probable. Some of them are reached by 4WD and some by walking. Other mammals are also passing by and frequent visitors are wild boars and roe deer.
Day 4. Only 40 km from is the architectural and folklore reserve Shiroka Luka. The village owns its fame for the authentic Rhodopean houses and specific songs accompanied by "kaba gaida" – a type of bagpipe. We will pay special attention to the masterfully and richly decorated Chruch of Holy Mother of God. For the afternoon a short, but very scenic trek is planned. The evening is dedicated to bearwatching.
Day 5. Breakfast and departure according to your flight.

We can book extra nights in Sofia for you or extend the tour with birdwatching itinerary: 1 night/2 days in the region of Madzharovo, Eastern Rodopi Mountains with en route stop along Maritsa River. By prolonging your stay you will increase your sighting with Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, Imperial, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Roller, Black Kite, Masked and Woodchat Shrike, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush, Subalpine Warbler and many more.
Please take a look at our birdwatching tours or daily tours starting from Sofia.