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MTB Tour “In the Heart of the Rhodope Mountains”

Experience the Rhodope Mountains

Duration

3 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

What is E-bike?

Difficulty

Electric

Easy

Conventional

Moderate

Learn more about difficulty levels

Tour Concept

Center-based

Learn more about tour concept

Region

Bulgaria, Rhodope Mountains

See Dates

with E-bike rental

€440 / 861 BGN

with personal bike

€299 / 585 BGN

Highlights

Amzovo Panoramic Viewpoint

One of the most beautiful views over Smolyan and the Rhodope Mountains – a perfect place for your first encounter with the mountain.

Rufinka’s Grave

A legendary site connected to Rhodope folklore and the song of Rufinka – a symbol of self-sacrifice and love.

Nadarska Cave

A hidden natural landmark with a sense of wilderness and mystique.

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

1

Day 1. Arrival in Smolyan, cycling route: Smolyan – Amzovo – Kremene – Rufinka’s Grave – Nadarska Cave – Smilyan. Route distance: 34 km, elevation gain: 720 m.

We gather in Smolyan, where our adventure begins.
After a short briefing and bike setup, we set off towards the Amzovo panoramic viewpoint – our first encounter with the vast views of the Rhodope Mountains.

We continue through the village of Kremene to Rufinka’s Grave – a place rich in history and legend.
The route passes through varied terrain and leads us to Nadarska Cave – a hidden gem in nature.

The day ends in Smilyan, where we check in at a three-star hotel. A delicious dinner featuring traditional Rhodope specialties awaits us.

2

Day 2. Smilyan – Gorovo – Cheplyat – Zmievo – Smilyan. Route distance: 37 km, elevation gain: 790 m.

The second day is the heart of the tour.
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.

3

Day 3. Transfer: Smilyan – Mogilitsa. Mogilitsa – Borikovo – Lisa Gora – Varhat – Arda – Mogilitsa. Route distance: 18 km, elevation gain: 510 m.

After a transfer to the village of Mogilitsa, our final day begins.

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.
After the ride, we return with a transfer to Smilyan.

The tour ends around midday.

Included in the price

Included in the price

  • Two nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy);
  • Meals – two breakfasts;
  • 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 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

  • Single accommodation for the entire period+€80 / 156 BGN
  • Transport to and from the starting point – additional charge depending on the distance and number of participants.

Bicycle Information

To find out if you need physical preparation to ride an electric bike and what it is, read here.

What to bring

For more detailed information on what to bring, read here.

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

For more detailed information about difficulty levels, read here.

Tour Calendar:

Calendar & Pricing

DateAvailabilityStatusPrice
22.05.202624.05.2026
High Season
AvailableGroup collection
€440 / 861 BGNwith E-bike rental
€299 / 585 BGNwith personal bike
Book Now

Legend

Availability

  • AvailableThere are available spaces
  • LimitedLimited spaces
  • OccupiedOccupied

Status

  • Guaranteed departurethere is a minimum number of participants and the bike tour will definitely take place
  • Group collectionin the process of accumulating the minimum number of participants for the tour
  • Completedthe bike tour has been conducted

Optional Extras

  • Single accommodation for the entire period+€80 / 156 BGN
  • Transport to and from the starting point – additional charge depending on the distance and number of participants.