RODOPI MOUNTAINS

8 days from GBP849 to GBP899 including flights
Tripcode: TDB

Countries Visited: Bulgaria

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 6 reviews.

Nina Carlisle

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written September 2011
This was our 13th trip with Exodus and one of the most enjoyable. The walks were varied and leisurely and were easily altered to accommodate weather conditions. I was amazed at how well our friendly group of 16 gelled in just a few days.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Digging potatoes with friendly villagers and sharing their lunch.
Chickening out of the walk on a rainy day in favour of the Spa in Devin - a very good choice!
Sofia was more interesting than I remembered from 20 years ago (unsurprisingly) - worth a longer visit.
The cave dwelling was fascinating.
Watching the cows come home to the village without any apparent supervision!
What did you think of your group leader?
Svetla obviously loved the region and shared her enthusiasm with us. She was very helpful in sourcing local produce and crafts and taught us the rudiments of Bulgarian dancing.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The walks were a little shorter and a lot gentler than I was expecting. I'm not sure this trip is a B grade but I suggest you just go with the flow and enjoy a leisurely beer or two back at the hotel.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel rooms were immaculately clean and quite spacious with plenty of hot water for the wet room shower. The food was plentiful if a little bit repetitive - potatoes, eggs, cheese, cheese, cheese, tomatoes and cucumber - the wine and beer pretty good and really good value. The only slight downside was the lack of anywhere comfortable to sit indoors for a pre supper drink or chat. As we were there at the end of the season, it was a bit too cold to sit outside in the evening.
Stephen Woolfson

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written July 2011
Good walking but not too strenuous, interesting scenery and sightseeing .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The devil’s throat Caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
What did you think of your group leader?
very attractive Girl
Good company & pleasant to talk to.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take travel kettle/breakfast tea bags /coffee/dried milk
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was mediocre/ordinary.
Carolyn Browning

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written August 2009
A beautiful place & charming local people who made us very welcome. The walking is varied & for many, challenging but we were able to take the hard bits at our own pace.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Surviving some of the long treks!
Views from the mountains.
Food at the local hotel - absolutely delicious & all locally produced.
A delightful bunch of fellow travellers - we all got on so well & that was an imporetant part of the holiday.
What did you think of your group leader?
Neli is an excellent ambassador for Bulgaria; she fulfilled all our requirements & more being caring, considerate, full of information and generally sharing her love of her country with us all. Make sure that she is used again & again!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This holiday produces all it says on the packet - go and enjoy yourselves.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No - except I really enjoyed myself!
Richard Ash

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written October 2008
Overall an excellent trip, well described in the brochure, and met all of our expectations, other than the weather was not quite as warm (or dry) as we were expecting. The bird watchers had lots to look out for, but we were there mainly for the scenery and the remoteness- this did not disappoint.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking in high pastures in the mist, making it to the top of some of the steeper climbs, seeing mist roll back exposing the peak on the other side of the valley, just watching the cows being driven through the village each morning and evening by their owners to be taken up to the communal pastures.
What did you think of your group leader?
The (UK based) group leader made this trip. Julian's knowledge of the area, his commitment to the ecology, his encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora and fauna were outstanding. The ability to keep a varied ability group together on the longer trips is a skill indeed. Regretfully we understand that Exodus will be using a local leader from 2009, so we have to hope that the trip lives up to expectations for those following.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do what the trip notes say and get your cash in the UK as it is awkward at the airport; we spent £75 each with tips (we are not heavy drinkers). Make sure you have gear for wet and dry, warm and cold weather if you go in September as we did.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Veggie is OK, but don't go if you are vegan as nearly everything comes with cheese or yoghurt.
It was an eye-opener on subsistence level farming in Europe and the challenges of living in a post communist, but not yet post mafia economy.
Thankfully we saw bear prints and droppings not bears, since we know who would be most frightened!
Ellen van Caspel- Holmes

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written July 2008
We enjoyed the holiday tremendously. Having never been to Bulgaria, I did not know what to expect. The walking was challenging at times, but not scary! My waterproofs never came out of the rucksack (i.e. not needed). The hotels we stayed in were good and the personel in Yagodina were very friendly. They were ready to serve the beer as soon as we got back at the end of the day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I just loved the walks through the 'secret' valleys. We were supposed to see raptors there, as well as bears and wild boars, but we did not even get a glimpse. But the valleys were so quiet and remote and full of wild flowers, it was magical.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Julian, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, such as flora, fauna and the general culture and was willing to tell us names of things time and again, with ultimate patience. I learnt a lot in one week.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go there now and find out for yourselves!
Pravin Patel

RODOPI MOUNTAINS

Written April 2008
Good walks, good hotel, good food for vegs...!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Very good guide,
What did you think of your group leader?
Very smart! Full of local knowleage, very helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A trip worth doing and very less spending money required
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Good trip for first timers.