Embark on a thrilling 8-day self-drive off-road tour in Bulgaria’s majestic mountains. Explore hidden gems, meet locals, and savor authentic Balkan cuisine.
Embark on a thrilling 8-day self-drive off-road tour in Bulgaria’s majestic mountains. Explore hidden gems, meet locals, and savor authentic Balkan cuisine.
Arrival in the capital, Sofia
Sofia - Arrive in Sofia, where your SUV will be ready for collection at the airport before heading to your hotel. If time permits, start exploring Sofia’s rich history—beginning with the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, followed by the tranquil St. Nicholas Russian Church. Proceed to the area around the…
Arrival in the capital, Sofia
Sofia - Arrive in Sofia, where your SUV will be ready for collection at the airport before heading to your hotel. If time permits, start exploring Sofia’s rich history—beginning with the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, followed by the tranquil St. Nicholas Russian Church. Proceed to the area around the National Gallery, where you can enjoy both world-class art and the surrounding gardens. Later, indulge in a traditional Bulgarian meal and conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Vitosha Boulevard, lined with shops, cafés, and stunning views of Mount Vitosha.
Starting the journey: The Plana and Rila Mountain Ranges
Rila Mountains - Set off towards the ancient forests of the Plana Range, where your off-road self-drive adventure truly begins. Navigate narrow, winding trails beneath shaded trees, with stunning and unexpected panoramic views of the distant Rila and Pirin Mountains revealing themselves along the way. The Plana Ridge off-road trail takes you deep into dense forest terrain, offering a mix of scenic driving and short, family-friendly walks through nature, with chances to spot local wildlife and unique plant life. If time and energy allow, continue on the off-road trail to the Black Rock area, where the dramatic Black Rock viewpoint rewards you with breathtaking vistas and a peaceful pause in the wilderness.
Rila Range and the Seven Rila Lakes
Seven Rila Lakes - Start your day with a scenic drive through the charming villages near Borovets, nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. From there, take the open cable car up through dense forests to reach the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes, a stunning alpine region perfect for a family-friendly hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes. After exploring the lakes on foot, continue your off-road journey along the slopes of the Rila Ridge. This trail offers panoramic viewpoints over the vast Balkan Range and the shimmering waters of Lake Iskar—one of Bulgaria’s largest lakes—before descending back toward your accommodation through wild, rugged terrain.
Alpine coaster, Off-road, Lake Belmeken, Visit to a Local Home
Bansko - Spend the day surrounded by the magical landscapes of the Rila Mountains, combining light, family-friendly nature walks with unforgettable experiences. Start with a visit to the peaceful shores of Lake Belmeken, where serenity meets alpine beauty. From there, enjoy a thrilling off-road trail through forested paths leading to a high plateau where the Rila, Rhodope, and Pirin mountain ranges converge. Add some adrenaline with an exciting ride on an alpine mountain coaster, perfect for both kids and adults. The day is topped off with a special visit to a local home, where you’ll enjoy warm Balkan hospitality and a traditional lunch—an authentic and engaging cultural experience for the whole family.
Rafting, Pirin Ridge, mountain air, joyful folklore
Pirin National Park - Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly day exploring the wild beauty of the Pirin Range and beyond, packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural flavor. Start with an exhilarating rafting trip on the Struma River, gliding through lush vegetation and willow-lined banks. Then, take on a breathtaking off-road trail along the high ridges of the Pirin Mountains, passing through alpine meadows, remote seasonal villages, and ancient forests. Ride the cable car up to Lake Bezbog for a gentle walk around its tranquil shores, surrounded by mountain views. In the evening, head to Bansko for dinner at Machnaya, a beloved local restaurant, where the day ends on a high note with delicious food and live gypsy music in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
To the Rhodope Range: Slate villages, Pomak people, Devin
Adrenaline Day: Eco Trail, Zip Line, Via Ferrata
Devin - Prepare for an action-packed, family-friendly day filled with nature, culture, and adrenaline near the Greek border. Start with a forest hike along a scenic eco-trail that leads to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Smolyan, then feel the thrill of soaring over a deep canyon on a zip line. For an added rush, take on the Via Ferrata—a professionally guided, secured climbing route along a dramatic cliff face. After the adventure, continue your off-road journey along remote trails near the Greek villages, winding through beautiful landscapes. A short hike brings you to the home of a traditional bagpipe maker, offering a glimpse into local craft and culture. The day wraps up with a spectacular off-road drive to the Devin viewpoint, perched high on a ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Wooden bridges in Devin Canyon and flight back home
Devin - Begin your day with a beautiful morning hike along the floating bridges of Devin Canyon, where the trail transitions from wide paths to charming bridges suspended above the canyon’s clear waters. Afterward, return your SUV and travel back to Sofia for a city tour before catching your evening flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

- Pre-trip advice session with a local expert
- 7 nights in quality 4★ hotels
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation
- Traditional lunch in a local home on day 4
- Dinner with a live folklore performance on day 5
- Suv 4x4 Ssangyong Rexton, or similar, rental car for 8 days
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On-trip support from local expert: daily 09:00-18:00, emergency 24/7
-…
- Pre-trip advice session with a local expert
- 7 nights in quality 4★ hotels
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation
- Traditional lunch in a local home on day 4
- Dinner with a live folklore performance on day 5
- Suv 4x4 Ssangyong Rexton, or similar, rental car for 8 days
- On-trip support from local expert: daily 09:00-18:00, emergency 24/7
- Navigation & Guiding App: offline and seamless navigation, location based tips
- Alpine coaster
- Guided Via Ferrata
- Rafting on the Struma River
- Zipline
- Personal expenses
- Any items that are not explicitly listed as included
- Personal expenses
- Any items that are not explicitly listed as included
Embark on a self-guided, self-drive off-road journey through Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes, including the Rila Mountains, the steep and dramatic Pirin Mountains, and the majestic Rhodope Range. These areas, with their towering marble cliffs and timeless lifestyle, provide a truly immersive experience away from the usual tourist paths. Ideal for…
Embark on a self-guided, self-drive off-road journey through Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes, including the Rila Mountains, the steep and dramatic Pirin Mountains, and the majestic Rhodope Range. These areas, with their towering marble cliffs and timeless lifestyle, provide a truly immersive experience away from the usual tourist paths. Ideal for families looking for both adventure and cultural engagement, this trip leads you through picturesque villages, natural hot springs, lush valleys, and hidden caves. Along the route, you’ll encounter friendly locals, experience ancient traditions, and enjoy authentic Balkan cuisine. This family-friendly 4x4 tour combines breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Self-drive tour featuring off-road adventures in a 4x4 SUV vehicle
- Navigational App: offline and seamless navigation, location-based tips
- Live support from a local expert during your trip
- Perfect for families with teens seeking adventure and bonding time
- Car rental is subject to the terms and conditions of local rental companies, and local laws
- Package price is based on sharing one vehicle
- Drivers must be at least 24 years old
- Our off-road routes follow only permitted trails that are already in use by local communities
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.