Trekking in the National Parks of Bulgaria and Greece: Rila and Pirin Mountains & Mt. Olympus

Months of Operation: End of June - End of September
Available dates for 2012:
Friday 13 July – Sunday 22 July 2012
Friday 10 August - Sunday 19 August 2012
Or any other date for groups of 6 participants or more 

HIGHLIGHTS
•    City of Sofia
•    The National Park of Rila Mountains
•    The highest peak in the Balkans: Mount Musala (2925m)
•    Rila Monastery (UNESCO)
•    Pirin National Park (UNESCO)
•    Melnik, one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria famous for its sandy pyramids and local brand of red wine. 
•    Mt. Olympus National Park (2917m)
•    City of Thessaloniki


Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to a small family hotel in Govedartsi
O/N Govedartsi

Day 2: Rila National Park
Ascent to Mount Mussala (2925m, the highest peak on the Balkan peninsula!) Early transfer to Borovets resort, take Gondola to Yastrebets peak and pass through Marichini lakes.
O/N Govedartsi

Day 3: Rila National Park
Climb peak Malyovitsa (2729m.), follow the main Ridge to the Seven lakes Circus and take the bus to come back in Govedartsi.   
(Please note: The day is demanding and requires good fitness condition)   
O/N Govedartsi

Day 4: Rila National Park
Go to Strashnoto ezero lake and cross the Mountain, direction South, to reach Rila Monastery on foot. Visit of the  most famous Bulgarian landmark – Rila Monastery and transfer to Bansko. Traditional music at dinner
(Please note: The day is demanding and requires good fitness condition)   
O/N Bansko

Day 5: National Park of Pirin (UNESCO) – Melnik
(Estimated Walking Time: 5-6 hours)
Today we will cross the mountain direction south to reach Melnik.
Transfer to Vihren hut (1.980 m) and ascent of the beautiful marble peak of Vihren (2914m) by a steep and demanding mountain track. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Melnik (2h30).
In the evening walk around the town and admire the unique architecture of the place. The town is associated with the impressive natural sand pyramids in various forms. The town of Melnik is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are cultural monuments. With a population of 285, it is the smallest town in Bulgaria, retaining its city status today for historical reasons
O/N Melnik

Day 6: Melnik – Litochoro
A round trip across Melnik pyramids nature phenomena. Visit of Rojen monastery (16 century)
(Estimated Walking Time: 3hours)
Transfer to Litochoro
O/N Litochoro  
(Distance between Melnik –Litochoro: 228Km, estimated driving time 3 hours)

Day 7: Prionia – Refuge A
(Estimated Walking Time: 3.5 hours)
Transfer to Prionia from where you will begin your walk, at an altitude of 1.000 m. You will walk through shady beech and fir forests, where you should be able to see a variety of woodland birds and flowers. Continue your way up to 2.060m alt. and reach the refuge.
O/N Refuge A 

Day 8: Refuge A – Peak Ascent – Refuge B
(Estimated Walking Time 5- 6 hours)
If weather permits and there is no snow, ascent to Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak! (This involves some scrambling on a well-defined route.
We then hike towards refuge B
O/N Refuge B

Day 9: Refuge B – Petrostrounga – Gortsia
(Estimated Walking Time 5- 6 hours)
Today start your trek from Refuge B and walk down to Gortsia
Transfer in the afternoon to Thessaloniki.
O/N Thessaloniki 

Day 10: Departure
Transfer to airport. Departure from Thessaloniki (train, flight)

PRICE/PERSON
For 6 -7 participants: 1190€/person
For 8 -9 participants: 1050€/person
For 10 – 11 participants: 990€/person
For 12 – 13 participants: 930€/person 

Price includes:

• Accommodation in 3*hotels and  2 refuges on Mt. Olympus
• All breakfasts
• Dinners on day  1,2,3,4, 5, 7
  
• Gondola-lift ticket for day 2
• English speaking mountain guide
• Transfers by private bus

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Drinks and beverages
• Meals (dinners in day 6, 8 and all lunches)
• Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff

Recommended Gear List:
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days' walk.

• Large, comfortable rucksack (65-85 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry inside.
• Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes
• Good waterproof top with hood
• Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
• Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polycotton not denim)
• Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
• Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available.
• Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
• Penknife
• Water bottle
• Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
• Photographers: don’t forget your cameras
• Torch (head torch if you have one)
• Walking sticks

NOTES:
•    Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local weather conditions.
•    As Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first, our guides retain the decision if clients are to actually climb the peak of Mytikas. This will depend on both the clients’ abilities and weather conditions.