Cycling Weekend “In the Heart of the Rhodopes”
Experience the Rhodope Mountains
Duration
2 days
Activity Type
Guided mountain bike tour with rental e-bikes and/or your own conventional or electric bikes
Bikes
Electric rental, own mountain bike
Difficulty
Electric
Easy
Conventional
Moderate
Accommodation
Comfort
Tour Concept
Center-based
Region
Bulgaria, Rhodope Mountains
Highlights
Smilyan and the Arda Valley
An authentic Rhodope region, known for its tranquility, nature, and traditions.
The panoramic routes around Lisa Gora and Varhat Peak
Views that reveal the true vastness and beauty of the Rhodope Mountains.
Arda Village – one of the most picturesque in the Rhodope Mountains
A place where time slows down.
High-end electric bikes
Accessibility and comfort even in mountainous terrain.
Small groups and personalized service
Focus on the quality of the experience.
Memories captured in motion.
Video recording with an action camera and drone (when conditions allow and with explicit consent).
About the Tour
The Rhodope Mountains are not just elevations.
They are a feeling.
Here, everything is softer, quieter, and deeper — the roads, the people, the air.
This cycling tour will immerse you in some of the most beautiful and authentic parts of the Central Rhodopes — around Smolyan, Smilyan, and the Arda Valley.
We will ride along panoramic roads, pass through small Rhodope villages, discover hidden spots, and stop wherever the views are truly worth it.
This is not just riding.
This is an experience that reconnects you with nature — and with yourself.
Itinerary
Day 1. Smilyan – Gorovo – Cheplyat – Zmievo – Smilyan. Route distance: 37 km, elevation gain: 790 m.
Our route takes us through some of the most authentic and sparsely populated areas of the Rhodope Mountains.
We ride through small villages, forest roads, and open panoramic sections.
Here, the Rhodopes reveal their full beauty – silence, green hills, and a sense of infinity.
The day is well-balanced in terms of effort, with plenty of time for breaks, photos, and enjoying the scenery.
We return to Smilyan for a well-deserved rest.
The day ends in the village of Arda, where we check into Hotel Izvorat Arda — a cosy hotel highly rated by guests, set amid the beautiful natural surroundings of the upper Arda River valley. The evening offers time to relax and enjoy traditional Rhodope cuisine.
Day 2. Mogilitsa – Borikovo – Lisa Gora – Varhat – Arda – Mogilitsa. Route distance: 18 km, elevation gain: 510 m.
We ride towards the Lisa Gora panoramic tower and the “Varhat” viewpoint – places offering some of the most impressive views in the region.
The route continues to the village of Arda – one of the most beautiful villages in the Rhodope Mountains.
The ride is shorter but highly impactful – a strong and memorable finish to the tour.
The tour ends around midday.
Included in the price
- One night in 3-star hotel (double occupancy);
- Meals – breakfast;
- Professional guide;
- Carefully selected routes;
- Video recording with an action camera and drone (when conditions allow) – with prior consent;
- Insurance coverage for the duration of the tour.
- The e-MTB package also includes: a high-end electric bike and a helmet.
Not included in the price
- Transport to and from the village of Arda. 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
- Single accommodation for the entire period+€20
Bicycle Information
What to bring
Tour Difficulty Level
Difficulty level with an electric mountain bike:
Easy
Riding from three to five hours per day. Longer distances will involve less elevation gain. Some previous experience with mountain biking is helpful but not required. We recommend being in reasonably good physical condition.
• Physical effort: low to moderate
• Maximum distance per day: up to 37 km
• Terrain: asphalt, gravel roads, forest roads, easy trails
• Technical difficulty: low
• Characteristics: shorter daily distances, gentle climbs, frequent breaks, focus on scenery and experience rather than effort
Suitable for:
• Beginners and newcomers in good physical condition
• Occasional cyclists
• Riders for whom enjoyment is the main priority
• Families with children and teenagers aged 14–18
Thanks to the e-bike concept, the focus is on the experience rather than fatigue.
Difficulty level with a conventional mountain bike:
Moderate
We recommend that you are a confident cyclist with good physical fitness and some experience with longer rides. You will spend around 5 hours per day on the bike and should expect some steeper climbs or longer distances.
• Physical effort: moderate
• Maximum distance per day: up to 37 km
• Terrain: asphalt, gravel roads, forest roads, easy trails
• Technical difficulty: low
• Characteristics: longer daily rides, noticeable elevation gain, steeper climbs
Suitable for:
• Regular and advanced cyclists
• Couples in good physical condition
• Active individuals with a sporty mindset
• Families in good physical condition
Tour Calendar:
Calendar & Pricing
| Date | Availability | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17.10.2026—18.10.2026 Shoulder Season | Available | Group collection | €249with E-bike rental €129with personal bike | Book Now |
Minimum participants:6 | ||||
24.10.2026—25.10.2026 Shoulder Season | Available | Group collection | €249with E-bike rental €129with personal bike | Book Now |
Minimum participants:6 | ||||
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
- Single accommodation for the entire period+€20
Contact us to reserve your spot on this amazing adventure!
Cycling Weekend “In the Heart of the Rhodopes”
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