Join us on this exciting cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. We will bike in the north and central parts of the Balkan Mountains, famous for their unspoiled nature, green valleys, precipitous cliffs and gentle, rolling hills offering plenty of unique biking opportunities. We will start the trip in the tiny Goliam Izvor village. We will pass through the Central Balkan National Park and end up in Veliko Tarnovo - the Old Bulgarian capital and one of the most charming Bulgarian towns. The narrow roads meander through picturesque villages, where traditional lifestyle has been preserved and it is not uncommon to have wooden carts pulled by a horse or donkey and villagers making hay the old-fashioned way. Highlights: ♦ Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary” - the 3rd largest in Bulgaria, built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance. ♦ Etura Open-air Ethnographic Museum - showcasing the Bulgarian customs, craftsmanship, architecture, and way of life in the region during the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th-19th century). ♦ Bozhentsi village - an architectural reserve consisting of some 100 houses from The Bulgarian National Revival Period. ♦ Veliko Turnovo - the old medieval capital of Bulgaria. Price includes: 7 nights at family-run hotels and guest houses in rooms with private facilities 7 breakfast + 4 dinners supporting vehicle and English-speaking guide/driver map and road notes in English technical bike support airport transfers on days 1 and 8 and all local transfers Not included: flight tickets insurance drinks and meals not mentioned entrance fees additional transfers bike rental - see above "Our bikes" tips (5 EUR per pers./per day) personal expenses Good to know: ♦ Roads: we use mainly isolated village asphalt roads with little traffic, road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (bumpy sections, potholes, rough asphalt), and we do not go off-road ♦ Guide/driver: The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route ♦ Dress code in monasteries and churches - men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women should not expose their legs and shoulders. *If taking part in biking activities, each individual is responsible for him/herself and agrees to abide by the decisions and instructions given by the guide who reserves the right to change the itinerary according to weather conditions and the group’s abilities.