Introduction

Outdoor lovers take note: walking in the mountains need not stop when the snows come. This unusual break offers the chance to explore on snow-shoes Bulgaria's wild and spectacular Rila Mountains, and to see the wonderful painted monastery of Rila, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tour information

Rila Mountains
From Sofia we head south towards the Rila Massif, pausing en route to visit a traditional Bulgarian house before continuing into the mountains. Donning our snow-shoes for the first time, we should need just a few minutes to master the easy technique, after which we can head off for an introductory walk in the Malyovitsa area. The following day we plan to do a full day of snow-shoeing, taking silent paths up through the fragrant pine forest and deep into the untouched snow-covered wilderness.

Rila Monastery & Sofia
There is time for a further half day of snow-shoeing - ascending Zekiritza Ridge up to Pioneer's hut - before we reboard our vehicles and drive to the world-famous Rila Monastery. Beautifully preserved, covered in breathtaking frescoes and with the pine-clad Rila Mountains as a backdrop, the monastery is a wonderful sight at any time of year; but with a light dusting of snow it promises to be absolutely sublime. No doubt leaving our hearts in the mountains, we return to the capital for some sightseeing.