Bulgarian National Parks Walking Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 12 reviews.

Anna Porta

BULGARIAN NATIONAL PARKS

Written August 2011
The perfect mountain week with several ascents in different scenaries, all of them unspoilt and a cultural break halfway through the week visiting monasteries, caves and geological features. Tough but extremely rewarding. Great weather, food and accommodation!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The last day features the ascent to the tallest peak in the range. We decided to tackle it scrambling up the ridge as opposed to walking up the path and it was exhilarating. It was also great to realise how fitter we all had become at the end of the week.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was passionate about her country and keen to explain to us traditions and backgrounds.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The walks are tough but you do not need to be a mountaineer, you can build up for it by visiting your local gym. Additionally if you did not feel up to walking to the summit, most walks had points were you could stop for instance by a beautiful mountain lake a few hundred meters below the summit and wait while the rest of the group walked to the top and then down again.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We were really spoilt by both the tour leader and the driver who on a couple of occasions greeted us at the end of our day with fresh beers waiting for us in the minibus!
The scenary is totally unspoilt and the villages and little towns where we stayed felt like a step back in time.
It just goes to show that sometimes you do not need to travel very far to feel far from home :)
Robert Haslam

Stunningly beautiful mountains and a well organised itinery.

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The unspoilt wildness of the mountains.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Very concientous, knowledgable, enthusiastic, competent and efficient. He, his assistant and driver made you feel safe at all times and their efficiency led to a smoothly-run faultless trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Read the trip notes carefully and be honest about your ability. There is nothing worse on a group walking holiday than to be burdened by individuals who for whatvever reason are simply not up to the challenge. Recognise your limitations and choose a standard you can handle. On the Bulgaria trip every walker was of a similar standard in regard to fitness and there were no long waits for people to catch up, which made for a much better atmosphere and enhanced the experience for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The multitude of rough roads that run deep into the mountains, and the willingness of the driver to take the bus into the heart of the area, meant that lakes and alpine meadows of great beauty, and the highest and remotest peaks were accessible for excellent day walks.
Philip Dawson

One of the best adventure holidays I have ever had

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbing Mt Vihren
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What did you think of your group leader?
Very good and professional
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
No
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No
Jeremy Cleary

More mountains than monasteries

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Beautiful scenery. Most lunches spent by a wonderful glacial lake. Strenuous, but this holiday gives you a great sense of achievement. All hotels were very good in different ways: locations, facilities and rooms, all with a cold beer on offer on your return. Food great and generous in proportions. Scenes reminiscent of Scotland but with Mediterranean foliage.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Terrific group leader, knowledgeable about all aspects of Bulgaria's culture, history, flora and fauna. Excellent grasp of English to the extent of even understanding our jokes. He was always patient, understanding and most caring, especially when some of the group were a bit ill. He saw us as more then just clients and he enhanced the holiday enormously.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bear in mind that the walks are demanding. Breakfasts are usually before eight, with walks often until after five. A holiday for the regular walker rather than for someone interested in monasteries - the title of the trip is a bit misleading but the trip notes give a good sense of what you should expect.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in exerting themselves in beautiful countryside. Expect to eat well but still come back a few pounds lighter. Beer and food is cheap, so don't worry about spending much beyond the initial price.
andy mcalpine

A chance to enjoy some excellent Bulgarian hospitality and unspoilt mountains

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Alpine flowers and bird life and some great mountain scenery.
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What did you think of your group leader?
The guide was very knowledgeable about the regions we visited, Bulgarian history and the flora and fauna of the area. The whole trip was very well organised.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Conditions underfoot can be quite tough so good quality, well soled boots are a must. The weather is changeable so decent wet proofs are required. You may not need them but you probably will. Ascents of the two major peaks are not guaranteed and a lot of the walking involves crossing cols rather than making summits.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thoroughly enjoyed the visits to the two monasteries and found the accomodation and food better than I had anticipated.