Cycling Tour “From the Rhodopes to the Aegean Sea”
Duration
3 days
Activity Type
Guided road cycling tour with own road bikes
Bikes
own road bike
Difficulty
Conventional
Difficult
Accommodation
Comfort
Tour Concept
Еxpedition style
Region
Bulgaria – Greece
Highlights
Cross-border adventure
We ride from Bulgaria to Greece and back — a true sense of expedition.
Elidje Pass
One of the most scenic and peaceful border crossings between the Rhodopes and the Aegean Sea.
Xanthi and the Aegean coastline
Xanthi – oriental architecture, mild climate, and a Mediterranean atmosphere.
The coastal rhythm
Fanari – sea horizons, smooth asphalt, long straight stretches, and salty air.
Culinary experience
From Mediterranean cuisine to traditional Rhodope specialties.
Final in the heart of the Rhodopes
Zlatograd – authenticity, tranquility, and mountain spirit.
Safety and support
Organized logistics – accommodation, meals, support vehicle throughout the entire route, water, energy breaks, and the option for transport if needed.
Small group
Controlled pace, sporting spirit, and a personal approach.
Memories captured in motion
Video recording with action cameras and a drone, when conditions allow. This way, the experience doesn’t remain just a memory, but becomes a real story you can keep and share.
About the Tour
This is not just an ordinary cycling ride.
It is a journey from the cool ridges of the Rhodope Mountains to the warm breeze of the Aegean Sea.
Three days, two countries, different climate zones, ever-changing landscapes, and a true sense of distance — not only in kilometers, but in experience.
We will set off from the heart of the Rhodopes — the town of Smolyan, pass through the newly opened Elidje border crossing, descend into the Greek part of the Rhodopes and the town of Xanthi, feel the smooth rhythm of the coastal roads near Fanari, and return back to the mountains through the wild and peaceful areas around Zlatograd.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in the town of Smolyan, cycling route: Smolyan – Rudozem – Elidje border crossing – Xanthi – Mandra area. Route distance: 118 km, elevation gain: 1000 meters.
After a short briefing and preparation for the tour, we set off at 11:00 from the heart of the Rhodopes – the town of Smolyan.
We pass through the town of Rudozem, climb towards the Elidje Pass, and enjoy a long descent to Xanthi and the Aegean coastline.
After crossing the border, the landscape begins to change, temperatures rise, and the scent of the sea becomes noticeable.
Finish in the area of Mandra – tranquility, a seaside sunset, and a well-deserved rest. We check into the hotel and prepare for a delicious dinner at a carefully selected taverna.
Day 2. Mandra area – Fanari – Komotini – Makaza – Zlatograd. Route distance: 125 km, elevation gain: 1500 meters.
A coastal start along flat and peaceful roads with views of the Aegean Sea.
We pass through Komotini and head back towards the Bulgarian border.
The second half of the day is more challenging – a gradual climb back into the Rhodope Mountains.
Finish in Zlatograd. Once again, a well-deserved rest, Rhodope hospitality, and delicious traditional Rhodope cuisine.
Day 3. Zlatograd – Smolyan. Route distance: 56 km, elevation gain: 1000 meters.
A classic Rhodope profile – rhythmic climbs with beautiful panoramas, fresh air, and fast descents.
Finish in Smolyan.
Three days, 300 kilometers, 3500 meters of elevation gain. An unforgettable experience and true sporting satisfaction.
Included in the price
Included in the price
- Two nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy);
- Meals – two breakfasts;
- Professional guide;
- Support vehicle;
- Video recording with an action camera and drone (when conditions allow) – with prior consent;
- Transfer along the route if necessary;
- Travel insurance for the duration of the cycling tour.
Not included in the price
- Transport to and from the town of Smolyan. Upon prior request and for an additional fee, comfortable transport for you and your bicycle can be arranged.
- All other meals not listed above;
- Personal expenses.
Optional Extras
- For single occupancy for the entire period+€80 / 156 BGN
- Transport to and from the starting point – additional fee depending on the distance and the number of people.
Bicycle Information
What to bring
Tour Difficulty Level
Moderate to difficult
We recommend that you are a confident cyclist with good physical fitness and experience in longer rides. You will be on the saddle for five to seven hours a day and should be able to handle some longer climbs and descents.
• Physical effort: moderate to high
• Maximum distance per day: around 125 km
• Maximum elevation gain per day: around 1500 m
• Technical difficulty: low to moderate
• Characteristics: longer daily stages, noticeable elevation gain, steeper climbs and descents, concentration required, with longer intervals between breaks
Suitable for:
• Regular and advanced cyclists
• Couples in good physical condition
• Active people with a sporting mindset
• Families in good physical condition
Tour Calendar:
Calendar & Pricing
| Date | Availability | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
29.05.2026—31.05.2026 Shoulder Season | Group collection | €299 / 585 BGNwith personal bike | Book Now |
Legend
Availability
- Available— There are available spaces
- Limited— Limited spaces
- Occupied— Occupied
Status
- Guaranteed departure— there is a minimum number of participants and the bike tour will definitely take place
- Group collection— in the process of accumulating the minimum number of participants for the tour
- Completed— the bike tour has been conducted
Optional Extras
- For single occupancy for the entire period+€80 / 156 BGN
- Transport to and from the starting point – additional fee depending on the distance and the number of people.