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Lifestyle details
Responsibletravel.com
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Further Description:
The Rodopi Mountains, located to the south east of Sofia, are the most extensive range in Bulgaria. As well as the stunning mountain landscape, the area is dotted with traditional villages which rarely see outsiders. The genuine welcome we receive perfectly complements the days in the snow-covered mountains. We will stay in small village hotels, and the evenings are often filled with music and dance as we share a drink with the villagers. This unique trip provides excellent winter walking with a fascinating insight into this precious and untouched corner of Europe.
The village of Yagodina lies tucked away in the Trigrad Karst region, one of the remotest parts of the Rodopi Mountains. The landscape is wonderfully varied, alternating between a pastoral patchwork of rolling meadows, ancient forests and rugged rocky terrain with two dramatic gorges and a host of amazing caves. The village itself is a tiny traditional rural settlement famed for its self-sufficiency and the hospitality of its inhabitants.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Start Sofia Airport. Transfer to the Gornivodenski Monastery on the northern slopes of the Rodopi Mountains
Day 2: Visit nearby Bachkovo Monastery, on to picturesque village of Shiroka Luka. Introductory snowshoe walk through surrounding meadows and forests; transfer to Yagodina, our base for next five nights
Day 3-6: Snowshoe treks in surrounding mountains, including the slopes and ridges of the Mursalitsa massif and Mt. Golyam Perelik (2191m), highest in the range.
Day 7: Transfer to the Chernatitsa massif for a final snowshoe walk; overnight at the Gornivodenski Monastery
Day 8: Drive to Sofia for a short sightseeing tour. End Sofia.
This type of holiday
Small group adventure - typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places
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Wild Bird Rescue
2007: 22nd Jun
Location
Stara Zagora, central-south Bulgaria was the crossroads of two Roman trade routes. It is a fertile area still noted for wheat and fruit orchards. The one-time centre of the Bulgarian Renaissance under Ottoman rule, today Stara Zagora has an urbane, modern appearance, centring on leafy boulevards and lively cafes. Home to an important Neolithic site (4000 year old dwellings) also Ayazmoto Park with over 200 plant species imported from all over the world.
What's the problem: Bulgaria has always been a country of rich biodiversity, and it's varied birdlife is amongst the best. Increasing pressure on birds however has led to some becoming very threatened generally, and to persecution and even more prone to accident.
What can be done: The Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre treats, rehabilitates, breeds and releases rare bird species (inc. the globally threatened Dalmatian pelican, red-breasted geese, imperial and golden eagles). They also play an important educational role with a visitor centre and classroom. The success of this means that the centre is continually needing to expand, and keep itself running.
Let's do it! Between 1999 and 2003 we've worked with Green Balkans to construct a pond for waterfowl and fenced a 0.3ha reserve site. We'll be continuing similar activities, in particular constructing more specialised cages and repairing old ones. We'll also be joining in with the day-to-day activities of the centre including care for the animals. There'll be the chance to observe veterinary activities related to the admission and release of the birds and if we're lucky, personally release a successfully treated bird into the wild.
What else is there? The hotel is within 25 mins walk from lively downtown Stara Zagora, with all facilities of a middle-sized town in Bulgaria. The town is home to one of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe - the Neolithic dwellings. Another major attraction of Stara Zagora is the Ayazmoto Botanic Park which is the only one of its type in the country containing over 200 plant species from all over the world. The park is the recreational focus of the town and also houses the town's zoo. In the preliminary program, while staying in Stara Zagora, we'll travel to visit the Neolithic villages that were inhabited in 4000 BC and an interesting mountain dam in the vicinity. You can even go fishing and look for the golden eagle.
Where will we stay? The Hizhata Hotel situated in the very heart of the Ayazmoto Botanic Park. The balconies of the offer a fantastic view of the entire city and part of the Gornotrakiiska Lowland. There are double rooms available, with bathroom, telephone, and TV (with cable) in each room. You are welcome to specify your preferences for sharing rooms, e.g. couples, friends, relatives, etc. and we'll try to make sure it all works out.
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The Rodopi are the most extensive mountain range in Bulgaria, covering a vast area in the southern part of the country, and rolling on across the border into Greece.
A hauntingly beautiful and mysterious region, according to legend this was the home of Orpheus, and his spirit still seems to live on here in the music and culture of the local people.
Wherever you walk in the Rodopi you touch its past; amongst the hamlets and villages of stone and timber houses the rural way of life seems to have changed little over the last few hundred years.
Local people continue to maintain a traditional rural existence working the fields by hand and tending their livestock on the surrounding meadows and pastures. Until recently one of the least known and least visited corners of Europe, the Rodopi are internationally acknowledged for their unique flora and fauna. It is a remote refuge for many plants and animals that are now exceptionally rare, with some species of plants growing nowhere else in the world. Brown bears, wolves, wild cats and prolific bird life, including an extensive population of birds of prey, still find a safe haven amongst the ancient coniferous forests.
The aim is to see a wealth of unusual plants and animals in a range of habitats whilst on daywalks through a variety of landscapes, visiting timeless villages and several impressive caves on the way. There is also opportunity for sightseeing in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, as well as visiting the Asenova fortress and the Backovo Monastery, the second largest in the country.
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This snowy week of activity (with time also for relaxation!) is based in Bulgaria's beautiful Rhodope Mountains.
Your first base is the village of Gela, a tranquil place with mountain views and an interesting history. As well as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing there may be the opportunity for optional snowmobile rides or dog sledding. Leaving Gela, you'll drive through the mountains to Devin, joining a local family for lunch and visiting the impressive Devil's Throat Cave en route. The underground waters at Devin feed a number of thermal swimming pools and you'll have the time to enjoy these during your stay. Your holiday ends with time in historic Sofia to see the main sights and of course do some last-minute souvenir hunting.
Skiing & Snowshoeing
This winter activity week is based in the spectacular limestone gorges and peaks of Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains. The spa village of Gela is located at 1500m, at the foot of two of the Rhodope’s great 2000m peaks, Orpheus and Grand Perelik. With more than 3000 years of history, Gela is a tranquil place to spend your first few days. From a nearby resort, you’ll try downhill skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing from the village and a free activity day. Optional dogsledding or snowmobiling are also available.
Culture & Thermal Pools
Leaving Gela you’ll drive through the mountains to Devin. En route you’ll see Bulgaria’s largest canyon, join a local family for lunch and visit the impressive Devil’s Throat Cave. The underground waters at Devin feed a number of thermal swimming pools, where you’ll be able to relax. Your holiday ends in historic Sofia with time to see the main sights.
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