Snowshoeing in Bulgaria
Discover two very different sides of Bulgaria on a winter break that pairs Sofia’s standout sights with guided snowshoe walks in the Rila Mountains – the nation’s tallest range. It all starts with a guided tour of the capital which includes highlights like the remarkable 4th‑century Church of St George, the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Serdica, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Then, move on to the mountain ski resort of Borovets, our base for exploring Rila National Park’s forests and frozen lakes on snowshoes. We’ll also enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hotsprings of Sapareva Banya and visit UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery to follow in the footsteps of its patron saint on a walk to the sacred cave of St Ivan Rilski.
What you’ll love
- A guided walking tour of Sofia, Bulgaria’s charming capital
- Snowshoeing walks in Rila National Park, home to Bulgaria’s tallest mountain range
- Soaking in the natural hot springs at Sapareva Banya
- Visiting the remarkable UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
- Discovering the history of the monastery and its patron saint on a walk to the Cave of St Ivan Rilski
What’s included
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Sofia
- 3 nights' accommodation in Borovets
- Half board: breakfast & dinner
- An English-speaking tour and mountain guide
- Chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes
- Entrance to Rila Monastery
- Guided walking tour of Sofia
- Snowshoes and trekking poles
- HF Tour Manager
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Arrive in Sofia and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide and get to know the rest of the group at a welcome dinner.
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Sofia, taking in the city’s best-known landmarks. Highlights include the “Yellow Brick Road”, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Roman ruins, and the 4th-century Church of St George. This afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure before meeting in the evening to go for dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Distance: 4.6 miles (7.5km)
After breakfast, learn the basics of snowshoeing before transferring (around 2 hours) to the Rila Mountains. Today’s gentle snowshoe walk follows the Beli Iskar Eco Trail, an easy route beside the Beli Iskar River – a great introduction to walking on snow. At the end of the walk, transfer to Borovets, one of Bulgaria’s most popular ski resorts and our base for the next 3 nights.
Distance: Approx. 5.6 miles (9km)
Transfer (around 30 minutes) to Malyovitsa, where today’s snowshoe walk begins. Starting on easier, flatter terrain, we pass ski runs before reaching the frozen Yonchevo Lake. We then descend to Ovnarsko for our pick-up and return to Borovets.
We make an earlier start and transfer (around 1 hour) to Panichiste. Take the chairlift to reach Rila Lakes Hut, then begin a scenic snowshoe loop around several of the famous lakes, gradually working up towards the fifth lake. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Sapareva Banya before returning to Borovets.
After breakfast, transfer to the Rila Monastery. Before our visit, we walk to the cave of St Ivan Rilski, following in the footsteps of the monastery’s patron saint. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed monastery. Later, return to Sofia for our final night and a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Crystal Palace Hotel – Sofia
Set beside the Doctor’s Garden and within easy reach of the National Library, Sofia University, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, this boutique hotel is a comfortable 4-star base in central Sofia. Behind its listed, historic façade you’ll find 63 smart, spacious rooms and apartments, all with modern comforts. The lobby bar is ideal for a relaxing drink after a day of sightseeing, and the hotel also boasts a wellness centre, and a restaurant that comes highly regarded by locals.
Hotel Ela, Borovets
The 4-star Park Hotel Ela is located in Bulgaria's popular mountain resort of Borovets. At 1350 m. above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountain, it sits amongst spectacular winter landscapes and on the doorstep of excellent mountain walking routes. After a day of exploring, return to the comfort of stylish, modern rooms furnished with natural materials, and reward yourself with a glass of local Bulgarian wine by the fireplace. When it's time to dine, the hotel's sleek, spacious restaurant serves up the best of both Bulgarian and international cuisine.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ||||||||
|
25 Jan - 31 Jan 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,323 £2,273 Double from £1,999 £1,949 pp |
from £1,999 £1,949 pp |
from £2,323 £2,273 |
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|
22 Feb - 28 Feb 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,353 £2,303 Double from £2,029 £1,979 pp |
from £2,029 £1,979 pp |
from £2,353 £2,303 |
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|
15 Mar - 21 Mar 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £2,373 £2,323 Double from £2,049 £1,999 pp |
from £2,049 £1,999 pp |
from £2,373 £2,323 |
Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ||||||||
|
25 Jan - 31 Jan 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,123 £2,073 Double from £1,799 £1,749 pp |
from £1,799 £1,749 pp |
from £2,123 £2,073 |
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|
22 Feb - 28 Feb 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,153 £2,103 Double from £1,829 £1,779 pp |
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from £2,153 £2,103 |
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|
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|
15 Mar - 21 Mar 2027 6 nights |
Itinerary Single from £2,173 £2,123 Double from £1,849 £1,799 pp |
from £1,849 £1,799 pp |
from £2,173 £2,123 |
Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
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