Would you be able to arrange this trip for a private group of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens (14 &17)) w/ pickup in Sofia & drop off in Samokov? We may need to rent bikes from you as well.

We will be able to provide the tour. Please know that the price for a private group will increase a little.

I was wondering if I could join your tour at the end of September. Also, do you rent e-bikes?

We can offer you the Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria), with a starting date 13 September. You can find the tour in our profile. Itinerary: Day 1. Sofia- Chekotinski Monastery Day 2 Goliam Izvor village - Ribaritsa village B/-/D Day 3. Ribaritsa village - Troyan monastery - Apriltsi B/-/D Day 4. Apriltsi - Gabrovo - Etura - Gabrovo B/-/- Day 5. Gabrovo - Tryavna - Bozhentsi B/-/D Day 5. Bozhentsi - Dryanovo monastery - Elena B/-/D Day 6. Elena - Arbanassi - Veliko Turnovo - Sofia B/-/- Please know that at the moment we do have only one person and we need to add an additional supplement, as the group is still not guaranteed. Additional Services: supplement for a small group (2-3 people): 150 EUR p.p If the group reach the minimum number of 3 then we will refund the supplement.

Is there a single supplement please?

The single room supplement is 130 EUR

I would like to know what is included in your price? Rodopi Cycle Tour. And what are the distances every day?

The price includes: Accommodation in hotels and guest houses - rooms with private facilities incl. breakfast, 5 dinners (day 2-6), English-speaking guide/driver with a supporting vehicle, luggage transport, map and road notes in English, transfer from/to the airport on day 1 and day 8, technical support. Day 2) Cycling distance: 60km. Day 3) Cycling distance: 71km. Day 4) Cycling distance: 48km. Day 5) Cycling distance: 64km. Day 6) Cycling distance: 58km. Day 7) Cycling distance: 54km.

Experienced, have toured in 20+ countries. Have a Bike Friday and have toured with the trailer and panniers. Would like to store the Bike Friday suitcase/trailer at the starting hotel until we return from this tour. Likely one of my prior touring friends would join and share a room.

Unfortunately, we can provide only the original itinerary with 8 days program.

tell me about bike rental cost and quality of bikes

The weekly rental for Drag Grand Canyon TE hybrid bike is 100 EUR. The Bianchi E-Tron e-bike weekly rental costs 190 EUR.

We would like to rent e-bikes. We would like individual rooms for accommodation.

Is there a support vehicle during the travel to help cycling persons if they have difficulties in arriving to the designed day destination?

Is Rodopi Cycling Bulgaria a group tour that I will join other participants? How many have joined and is it gauranteed to depart?

You mean that the Aug 26 tour will probably not going? I cannot do Sept 9. Let me know when the Aug 26 tour is running. The ride looks quite challenging with many uphills everyday. How difficult is it?

From

US $849 per person

Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)

6 days

•

Start and end in Sofia

3.3 (3 reviews)

View all
View all

From

US $849 per person

+ $110 Local payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 30% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator
Penguin Travel
Small group tour (up to 8 people)
Maximum age 7. Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
Fully guided (in English)
A tour leader is with you for the whole adventure.
Bicycle (medium intensity)
Pedal through scenic landscapes on two wheels

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Sofia to Velingrad
Sofia to Velingrad
Included Activities
- Cycling through coniferous forests to Belmeken dam
- Cycling through Yundola mountain meadows
- Descent to Velingrad
- Free time in mineral water pools
Optional Activities
- Alternative start from Belmeken dam to avoid challenging uphill section
Landmarks
Belmeken Dam
Yundola
Day 2
Velingrad to Dospat
Velingrad to Dospat
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling through Tsigov Chark area
- Cycling along Batak dam shores
- Views of Goliam Beglik and Shiroka Poliana dams
Landmarks
Batak Dam
Goliam Beglik Dam
Shiroka Poliana Dam
Day 3
Dospat to Trigrad
Dospat to Trigrad
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling to Buinovsko Gorge
- Visit to Yagodina Cave
- Cycling through Trigrad Gorge
- Visit to Devil's Throat Cave
Landmarks
Buinovsko Gorge
Yagodina Cave
Trigrad Gorge
Devil's Throat Cave
Day 4
Trigrad to Smolyan
Trigrad to Smolyan
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Descent along Trigradska River
- Visit to 'The Elephant' rock phenomenon
- Cycling along Shirokolushka River
- Break at Shiroka Luka architectural reserve
- Views of Smolyan lakes
Landmarks
The Elephant
Shiroka Luka
Smolyan Lakes
Day 5
Smolyan to Borovo
Smolyan to Borovo
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Rozhen and National Astronomical Observatory area
- Cycling to mountain meadow at 1700m
- Downhill ride through Momina Voda protected area
- Exploration of Borovo village
- Visit to Krastova Gora religious site
Landmarks
Rozhen
National Astronomical Observatory
Momina Voda
Borovo
Krastova Gora
Day 6
Wonderful Bridges - Bachkovo Monastery - Sofia
Wonderful Bridges - Bachkovo Monastery - Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycling downhill along Jugovska River valley
- Visit to Wonderful Bridges rock phenomenon
- Visit to Bachkovo Monastery
Landmarks
Wonderful Bridges
Bachkovo Monastery

Landmarks
Belmeken Dam
Yundola

Landmarks
Batak Dam
Goliam Beglik Dam
Shiroka Poliana Dam

Landmarks
Buinovsko Gorge
Yagodina Cave
Trigrad Gorge
Devil's Throat Cave

Landmarks
The Elephant
Shiroka Luka
Smolyan Lakes

Landmarks
Rozhen
National Astronomical Observatory
Momina Voda
Borovo
Krastova Gora

Landmarks
Wonderful Bridges
Bachkovo Monastery

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Penguin Travel

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4 (539 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 92%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

3.3

Overall rating based on 3 Reviews

Itinerary
4.7
Transport
3.3
Guide
3.7
Accommodation
3.0
Food
2.7
Tour Operator
4.4

Adrienne5.0•October 2025
Beautiful mountains. Good hybrid bikes. Very helpful, accommodating and resourceful guides. Interesting hotels
Traveled in October 2025
MikeGriffiths1.0•August 2021
Penguin Travel did not honor their deposit refund guarantee. Due to COVID Penguin canceled my trip. It happens, I...
Penguin Travel did not honor their deposit refund guarantee. Due to COVID Penguin canceled my trip. It happens, I understand. However, what is not acceptable is the "refund soon, ...give us 3 months, ...by the end of the year" list of excuses I have received trying to get my refund back. Be very careful booking with Penguin. They did not give me my deposit back for a trip they canceled. I am still waiting 18 months later and will be looking elsewhere for a trip provider.Show more
Traveled in May 2020
Johnston4.0•July 2018
The tour covered very impressive country side and most of the roads were great for cycling. My guide Ivan was...
The tour covered very impressive country side and most of the roads were great for cycling. My guide Ivan was excellent; he was well informed on history and all aspects of the regions we explored. Overall, he was great company (and his English was excellent). The only problems I encountered were related to the information given prior to the trip. First, the pick up at Sofia airport: my information was that an OK taxi would provide pick up and delivery to hotel. I expected to be met by an OK taxi person at the airport; however, it turned out that I had to find the OK taxi booth myself and ask for taxi - you should make that clear. Second, the information on what to bring was very confusing. A whole list of things that were irrelevant for a vehicle supported cycling tour was provided. For example, it was advised to bring bike panniers, but given the vehicle support that was clearly unnecessary. Someone who was less experienced in these sorts of trips may have gone out and bought expensive panniers unnecessarily - that would have been a total waste of money.Show more
Traveled in July 2018

Dates & Prices

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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From Sunday
13 Jun, 2027
To Friday
18 Jun, 2027
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From Sunday
4 Jul, 2027
To Friday
9 Jul, 2027
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From Sunday
22 Aug, 2027
To Friday
27 Aug, 2027
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From Sunday
26 Sep, 2027
To Friday
1 Oct, 2027
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

A
April
Asked on September 10th, 2026
Would you be able to arrange this trip for a private group of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens (14 &17)) w/ pickup in Sofia & drop off in Samokov? We may need to rent bikes from you as well.
Group size
Tour Details
Transport
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written September 2026
  We will be able to provide the tour. Please know that the price for a private group will increase a little.
J
Justin
Asked on August 5th, 2026
I was wondering if I could join your tour at the end of September. Also, do you rent e-bikes?
Tour Details
Transport
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written August 2026
  We can offer you the Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria), with a starting date 13 September. You can find the tour in our profile.
  
  Itinerary:
  Day 1. Sofia- Chekotinski Monastery
  Day 2 Goliam Izvor village - Ribaritsa village B/-/D
  Day 3. Ribaritsa village - Troyan monastery - Apriltsi B/-/D
  Day 4. Apriltsi - Gabrovo - Etura - Gabrovo B/-/-
  Day 5. Gabrovo - Tryavna - Bozhentsi B/-/D
  Day 5. Bozhentsi - Dryanovo monastery - Elena B/-/D
  Day 6. Elena - Arbanassi - Veliko Turnovo - Sofia B/-/-
  
  Please know that at the moment we do have only one person and we need to add an additional supplement, as the group is still not guaranteed. Additional Services: supplement for a small group (2-3 people): 150 EUR p.p
  
  If the group reach the minimum number of 3 then we will refund the supplement.
- J
  Justin
  Traveler•Written August 2026
  I can only join from Sept 23 to Oct 2. Is that slot available?
- J
  Justin
  Traveler•Written August 2026
  Sorry I meant Sept 27 to Oct 2. Is that available?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written August 2026
  At the moment we do not have a group, we can sign you but it is not guaranteed.
N
Nick
Asked on January 2nd, 2026
Is there a single supplement please?
Single supplement
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written January 2026
  The single room supplement is 130 EUR
H
Hayley
Asked on June 16th, 2025
I would like to know what is included in your price? Rodopi Cycle Tour. And what are the distances every day?
Price / Availability
Tour Details
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
  The price includes: Accommodation in hotels and guest houses - rooms with private facilities incl. breakfast, 5 dinners (day 2-6), English-speaking guide/driver with a supporting vehicle, luggage transport, map and road notes in English, transfer from/to the airport on day 1 and day 8, technical support. Day 2) Cycling distance: 60km. Day 3) Cycling distance: 71km. Day 4) Cycling distance: 48km. Day 5) Cycling distance: 64km. Day 6) Cycling distance: 58km. Day 7) Cycling distance: 54km.
- H
  Hayley
  Traveler•Written June 2025
  Do you have bicycles for rent? If so can you tell me what type, brand?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
  We have the following bike models: Bianchi E-bike, Cube, Drag - Hardy Comp, Drag - Grand Canyon TE
- H
  Hayley
  Traveler•Written June 2025
  What is the rental rate for the bicycles?
- H
  Hayley
  Traveler•Written June 2025
  And the cycling is done on paved roads?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
  Not all roads are paved. All of them are good. Bianchi E-bike - 190 EUR, Cube - 140 EUR, Drag - Hardy Comp - 100 EUR, Drag - Grand Canyon TE - 100 EUR. The prices are per tour (for the whole period).
E
Erica
Asked on December 6th, 2024
Experienced, have toured in 20+ countries. Have a Bike Friday and have toured with the trailer and panniers. Would like to store the Bike Friday suitcase/trailer at the starting hotel until we return from this tour. Likely one of my prior touring friends would join and share a room.
Tour Details
Transport
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written December 2024
  Unfortunately, we can provide only the original itinerary with 8 days program.
M
Melissa
Asked on June 29th, 2024
tell me about bike rental cost and quality of bikes
Tour Details
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  The weekly rental for Drag Grand Canyon TE hybrid bike is 100 EUR. The Bianchi E-Tron e-bike weekly rental costs 190 EUR.
C
Chloe
Asked on June 18th, 2024
We would like to rent e-bikes. We would like individual rooms for accommodation.
Accommodation
Transport
- C
  Chloe
  Traveler•Written June 2024
  Is there a support vehicle during the travel to help cycling persons if they have difficulties in arriving to the designed day destination?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  Yes, there is a support vehicle at all times with the group with a bike trailer. The group will be updated on daily routes in the morning with all difficult sections. If someone wants to skip a particular part, they can get on the minivan.
J
Josephine
Asked on July 6th, 2023
Is Rodopi Cycling Bulgaria a group tour that I will join other participants? How many have joined and is it gauranteed to depart?
Group size
Tour Details
- J
  Josephine
  Traveler•Written July 2023
  You mean that the Aug 26 tour will probably not going? I cannot do Sept 9. Let me know when the Aug 26 tour is running. The ride looks quite challenging with many uphills everyday. How difficult is it?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2023
  The tour on 26 AUG is not guaranteed yet. And yes- Rodopi cycling tour is more challenging than Balkan cycling tour.
- J
  Josephine
  Traveler•Written July 2023
  Does the Balkan cycle tour have a gauranteed departure date end Aug?

Good to know

Tour ID: 87163

The practical details for your trip across Bulgaria: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $33.
Deposit only
Book now with just a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
лв. - Bulgarian Lev
You’ll encounter Bulgarian Lev in Bulgaria.
Plug types C, F
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Bulgaria.

Currency
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, F.
- Type C
  Used in Bulgaria
- Type F
  Used in Bulgaria
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 30% deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 30% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $33 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 14th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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Cancellation Policy
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From

US $849 per person

+ $110 Local payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 30% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

лв. - Bulgarian Lev

Plug types C, F

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Penguin Travel tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

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