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Brandl & Partner
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A - 6020 Innsbruck
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Orpheus's Mountain Motorcycle Tour

We are pleased to invite you on a great motorbike adventure taking winding panoramic mountain passages along lakes, natural phenomena, ancient Roman roads, Roman bridges, Thracian sanctuaries and megalithic monuments, natural preserves from East to West Rhodope Mountain.

You will get in touch with the authentic atmosphere of the Orpheus's Mountain enjoy outdoor activities - horseback riding, spelunking (cave exploration), rock climbing, hiking. Please note that all suggested itineraries are modifiable according to your preferences. Time period: May to October. A minimum number of tourists: 2 A maximum number of tourists: 6 Average hours for riding: 4-5
Accommodation: In authentic rural Rhodopean houses with unique atmosphere in family hotels




- in the village of Trigrad  - cozy family two stars hotel Silivriak (fire place, local heating, where every room has a private bathroom)
- in the Old town of Zlatograd (the southernmost town in Bulgaria)- Ethnographic Areal complex in the village of Dolen - an architectural and historical preserve situated in the Western Rhodope- at an ancient 260 years old house, that combines old-style furnished rooms, fire places and modern bathrooms. In the town-museum of Melnik - The Lumparov's house is reconstructed of one of the most interesting old houses, built in the 18th century. It is rising against the slope of the sand pyramids in which the two-wine cellars are dug into.

Meals: all-inclusive; ecologically clean food; international and traditional Rhodopean cuisine. Breakfast and a dinner in the hotels. Lunch will be served at local restaurants OR at the open during riding trips. The program includes: 8 days, 7 night, 7 full days of riding accompanied by a professional guide with excellent knowledge of the route, an interpreter, and a professional motorbike mechanic.

Additional activities: fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing, visiting of the Yagodinska cave, the Devil's Gorge cave, visiting of The National Astronomic Observatory "Rojen", visiting of unique ethnographic, architectural, natural preserves, rare birds and wild animals observation, photography. Meeting point: Sofia Airport Price(20 % commission included):  a group of 2-3 people 895.61 Euro per person  a group of 4-6 people 714.93 Euro per person

Price for attendant: (20 % commission included):
a group of 2-3 people 745.61 Euro per person
a group of 4-6 people 564.93 Euro per person

The price includes 7 overnights, 7 full boards, rental of Enduro motorbikes, professional guide, professional mechanic, and entrance fee for planned landmarks, transfers. Motorcycles Type -  Enduro:
Honda XL -  600 cubic cm
Kawasaki KLR-   250 cubic cm
Yamaha XT-600-  600 cubic cm

Itinerary of off roads: Trigrad- Zlatograd- Trigrad - Dolen - Melnik -Trigrad. First day-Transfer from Sofia airport to the village of Trigrad. Accommodation in family hotel Silivriak. Welcome dinner near the fireplace in the tavern of the hotel. Second day- Breakfast at the hotel and then on the road with the following itinerary: Village of Trigrad - preserve area Chairi Lakes- village of Mugla- village of Mogilica, Agushevi Konatsi - Perperikon - Diadovo, Devil Bridge - Zlatograd. Starting from village of Trigrad - to the picturesque place Chairi Lakes.

The name comes after the seven natural landslide lakes, formed by the sliding down glaciers during the Glacial Period. One of them is called The Magical Lake. Enveloped with mists and vapors, surrounded by trees in whimsical forms, it is truly a mysterious tale-story. Numerous legends are afloat indicating fairies that entice and bewitch shepherds with their sweet songs and beautiful dances haunt lake. The lakes are amazingly beautiful, with crystal clear mountain spring water, abundant with playful trout.

The vicinity is surrounded by over 2000 dka of vast meadows, where numerous Thracian sanctuaries and mounds are noticeable, testifying the land originally belonged to the Thracians. Agushevi Konatsi - True monument of Rhodopean architecture, this early 19th century estate was once the residence of a Turkish feudal lord. This remarkable ensemble of residential and agricultural buildings is situated near the Spring of Arda River, in the village of Mogilitsa. The palace is unique for its 221 windows, 86 doors and 24 chimneys.

*The Sacred City of Perperikon
Rich stratigraphy

The Fortress of Perperikon is located 20 kilometers north-east of the town of Kardjali in Southern Bulgaria. This archaeological ensemble is typical for its rich stratigraphy, with the earliest discovered strata dating to the Iron Age. The fortification, which was built in antiquity, had been continuously developed and reconstructed through the Middle Ages: documents from the 13th and 14th centuries mention it under the name of Hyperperikon.

Recently, the excavations at the site revealed that the grandiose religious center Perperikon was built some 3,500 years ago. The Bulgarian archaeologists also found a monumental building and an ancient temple with marble columns.
In ancient Greek history the Perperikon sanctuary was as important as that of Apollo at Delphi.

Perperikon was the capital of an ancient civilization called "The Mountain people". Some pottery with pentacles on it was found and experts claim the five-pointed stars might have been the symbol of the civilization. Accommodation, dinner, and overnight in the Ethnographic complex of the town of Zlatograd We have chosen to offer accommodation in a Renaissance - style Guest House with modern amenities. The house is part of The Areal Complex in Zlatograd and it is an architectural and cultural monument.

We are certain this place will leave a deep impression from the past in you! Third day - itinerary-Rojen Astronomic Observatory - famous Mountain Resort Pamporovo - Shiroka Laka- Mursalitsa Mountain - Trigrad After breakfast heading in the direction of Rojen Astronomic Observatory The national astronomic observatory "Rojen" (NAO) is located about 14 kilometers from the town of Chepelare and 15 kilometers from Pamporovo. It is located at 1720 - 1750 meters above sea level and is one of the five biggest European observation complexes in the field of optic astrophysics. The facility has four telescopes the largest of which is a two-meter reflective telescope.

Together with the Planetarium of Smolian, NAO is a unique tourist destination. Visit the ethnographical complex of Shiroka Luka. The Shiroka Luka village is declared an architectural and ethnographic reserve. The name of the village was derived from an Old- Bulgarian language, meaning a wide riverbank. The houses are amphitheatrically located on the two banks of the Shirokolashka River. The old houses in the village have massive stone construction, bowed/arched windows; wood carved sealing and stone-made chimneys. The cobblestone streets, bridges, thick white walls of the tall houses with their miniature windows, the cobblestone backyards, and the typical stone fountains have unique face and charm characteristic for that period of time. The oldest houses date back to the beginning of the 19th century.

Beside the architectural spots, the village has preserved its traditions, customs, and holidays. It is famous with its annual bagpipe competition, where musicians from all offer Bulgaria are competing. Pamporovo is an alpine resort, nestling in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains at the foot of the peak Snejanka (1926 m). Winter is long and open and summer is cool and fresh. The resort was founded in 1933. Since then, many hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and ski tracks have been constructed. The resort offers more than 8500 beds. Most hotels feature rehabilitation centers. The third day of the tour ends in village of Trigrad - accommodation, dinner, overnight in family hotel Silivriak. Forth day - Following breakfast the itinerary is as follow: Village of Trigrad - Buynovsko GORGE- Videnitsa Peak- village of Zmeica-village of Brashen - village of Kovachevica, architecture preserve village of Dolen, Accommodation, dinner, overnight in RhoDea House in village of Dolen The Buynovsko GORGE The gorge is located on both sides of the Buynovska River, a tributary of the Vacha River. Soon after the deviation at the village of Teshel, the rocks narrow over the river, forming an impressive deep gorge. The turbulent mountain waters have cut their way through the limestone rocks creating a natural site of unique beauty in the Rhodope.

The sheer cliffs come so close together that it seems easy to jump from one to another. The spot where rocks almost meet has been called by local people "the Wolf's Jump" because of the fact that at that place hungry wolves hop over to reach the sheep pens. The gorge was declared landmark in 1971.

*Videnitsa Peak is located two kilometers from the village of Chala. The Turkish name for the peak is Gioztepe. This name comes from its height, 1652 meters, and the view from the top in all directions. On the peak you will find large boulders and ancient walls. There is speculation that on this peak was located the temple of Dionysus used by the Thracian tribes of Beci. In ancient history there was a rotunda with colonnades and round opening in the roof and a sacrificial alter. The ancient walls and other relics, which can be found on Videnitsa, are most likely from this temple. From Videnitsa there are impressive views towards a sea of green forests with islands of imposing cliffs.

* If you wish to be overwhelmed by long-forgotten feelings, or to be immersed in the enchanting glamour of bygone days, you must visit Kovachevitza! Kovachevitza is simply out of this world - so very detached from the modern-day surroundings. It is like a piece of Heaven created by Mother Nature and molded by the deft hands of the local craftsmen - master-builders, stonemasons and wood-carvers. In Kovachevitza you can feast your eyes on a variety of Nature's gifts gathered in one place - picturesque canyons, a crystal-clear river, thick forests, incredibly fresh and cool, towering peaks offering breath-taking views. All this will transport you to the long-forgotten days of the past. About the village of Dolen The village of Dolen is a unique architectural and historical preserve situated in the Western part of the Rhodopes. Archaeologists have discovered remains of old settlements dating II - IV century in this area and the first written documents are traced back to the XVI century. A few Thracian sanctuaries are within a walking distance in the close vicinity of the village. The RhoDea House The guests will be accommodated at the RhoDea House - an authentic 260 years old house that has preserved the simplicity and the coziness of the traditional Bulgarian home. There are 5 authentically furnished rooms, 3 modern bathrooms, 4 fireplaces and 2 huge trellises (interior sofa areas between the rooms). There is a large table in the covered yard and a fireplace. Visiting Dolen will get you in touch with the rich folk and ethnographic heritage of the area. Fifth day - After breakfast starting in itinerary: Village of Dolen - village of Paril - old Roman road between the Mountains - Pirin and Slavianka - town-museum of Melnik- The Rojen Monastery

Melnik is the smallest town-museum in Bulgaria which hugs its flock of houses in the skirts of the sandstone pyramids. The surrounding hillsides once guarded the town against enemies, but today they are just like a giant curtain of a scene and Melnik on it. As in so many other places history has left its marks. The beginning of Melnik is connected with the times of the Thracians. Then the Romans and the Slavs come. So, Melnik's fame  has a long history. High dignitaries of the Byzantium Empire used to send their wives and daughters among the healing power of the sand pyramids. Other sources insist that the Byzantine emperors used to send  to exile the unsuitable and disgraced dignitaries. There is also some talk about the "exiled" nobles not to be unhappy from their stay in this paradise spot famous for its wines. The tradition of vine growing and wine producing is preserved in Melnik  until present days. A lot of wine cellars are at disposal of everybody who would like to take the challenge to judge the best wine and the best wine producer.

The Lumparov's house - perching on the height, sun lit from sunrise till sunset, the house has a breathtaking view towards the town and the slopes on the other side of the river.

The last reconstruction of the house finished in early 2006 added some of the typical for the epoch and the status of the house interior details - wall paintings and stained glass.

The guests can enjoy all delicious fruits of Melnik on the ground floor in the complex of wine cellar and a folk restaurant. The cellar is dug deep into the rock and wine tasting there is a real indulgence. The food is prepared from fresh locally produced products. Following a good meal, in front of the fireplace, guests would be relaxing with a ruby glass of the house wine or beer.






*The Rojen Monastery
The "Rojdestvo Bogorodichno" (Virgin Mary's Birth) Monastery of Rojhen is situated south of the village of Rojen, in Pirin Mountains. The monastery was founded in the 13th century and is among the oldest ones in Bulgaria. The monastery is remarkable with its architectural design. The church in its current outlook has existed since the end of the 16th century. The church has three vaults, an antechamber and a small chapel in the north part.

There are many well-preserved chancel- screens, dating from the 16th - 18th century. The icons on the iconostasis such as the big miraculous icon of Bogoroditsa Platitera are also interesting. During the Turkish yoke the monastery became a religious and a cultural center. A transcript called "An interpretation of Jove" was created in the 14th century; it was decorated with 117 hand made miniatures. It has been preserved up to the present day in Jerusalem in the church of the holy Sepulcher. The monastery is functional till date and it celebrates the birth of Virgin Mary on 8th of September. Accommodations in Melnik - Lumparov's house. Wine tasting and free time. Dinner at the wine cellar.

*Sixth day - After breakfast riding in the following itinerary: Town of Melnik-The place of Rupite-at the foot of the Slavianka Mountains-intersect the valley of Mesta river - past the Greece border
- Dospat Lake - village of Trigrad

*The place of Rupite is situated in the Sandansko - Petrich valley, 8 km northeast of Petrich, and 20 km southwest of the town of Melnik. It attracts not only with its beauty, but also with the abundance of curative mineral springs and the variety of its flora and fauna.

According to the well-known Bulgarian prophet Vanga the whole area of Rupite is filled with cosmic energy and based on Vanga's idea the church of "St. Petka" was built in the village of Rupite, where her home and grave are located.

A site of interest in the region of the village of Rupite is the volcanic peak Kojuch. Once there was an ancient town called Petra. It was a cultural and religious center.

*You will pass through centuries-old pine forests, limpid mountain brooks and picturesque The Dospat Lake The Dospat dam lake is known for its high elevation and size, but seeing it for the first time is a breathtaking experience. Centuries-old forests of pines and spruces are surrounding the lake by forming a huge green ring. And the air is saturated with the smell of oleoresin. The lake is plentiful of fish - perch, carp, chub, rod and , off course - trout. A wonderful place for fishing. Accommodation, dinner, overnight in family hotel Silivriak in village of Trigrad.

Seventh day - After breakfast riding in the following itinerary:
Hotel Silivriak(Trigrad)-preserve Shabanitsa - preserve Kazanite - preserve Kastrakli- Yagodinska cave - the Devil's Gorge cave - village of Yagodina - Hotel Silivriak(Trigrad)

"The Old Forest - Shabanitsa Reserve" was established in 1956 and is located along the upper part of Chairska river, some 40 km. to the south-east of Trigrad, quite close to the frontier with Greece. The protected area comprises 23 hectares and includes age-old pine forest more than 200 years of age. Some spruce trees are more than 350 years old and 35 m. high.

"Kazanite" (The Cauldrons) Preserve is located near the village of Mugla, some 20 km. from Devin and comprises an area of 161 hectares. It has been established with the purpose to preserve the strange shapes, created by nature, as well as the mixture of different species of pine trees and the typical fauna of the region.

"Kastraklii" Preserve is located some 20 km. from Devin, along the Malka Reka river and Kobilino Branishte forest reserve, near the village of Borino, at 1000 - 1200 m. above sea level. It comprises an area of 124 hectares, where virgin forests of black pines have been preserved intact. A large number of the trees are more than 200 years old. Some trees reach 50 cm. in diameter and are more than 30 m. tall. Besides black pines the reserve also has some beech and hornbeam trees, 60 years old. The rich variety of flora is complemented by the presence of 337 species of plants, some of which extremely rare. The reserve is surrounded by a buffer zone of 120,1 hectares. Yagodinska cave It is one of the longest caves in Bulgaria with a total length of 10 500m with the length of the tourist route being 1100m. The cave is 275 000 years old. Beautiful secondary Karsts formations could be seen here - stalagmites, stalactites, stalactones, cave pearls, corals, cyntral lakes etc.  A Neolithic dwelling (museum), dating back from the Stone-Copper Epoch (4th millennium B.C.), has been discovered at the natural entrance of the cave.  Following your visit to the Yagodinska cave, you will have the opportunity to rest and refresh yourself with lunch at the pub next to the entrance of the cave. Devil's gorge cave is 300 000 years old. According to the legend this is the place where Orpheus went down into the kingdom of shadows, in search of his beloved Euridica. Accommodation in the village of Trigrad. Eight day - After breakfast you will visit our horse stable and say good-bye to the guides. Transfer to airport Sofia.

Depending on your departure time you could stop for an hour and visit the Bachkovo Monastery and later continuing to the Sofia airport.