EXPLORE BULGARIA
BULGARIA
Start
Sofia
Finish
Sofia
Length
6 Nights, 7 days
Distance
1,200 km
Start
Sofia
Finish
Sofia
Length
6 Nights, 7 days
Distance
1,200 km
Ride Bulgaria’s legendary mountains, mineral springs, and ancient cities
This tour is for you if you want to a journey through a captivating landscape, experience winding mountain passes, ancient Thracian history, and vibrant local culture.
We travel from the dramatic peaks of the Balkan and Rhodope Mountains to the serene charm of traditional villages and through mineral‑rich spa towns,
This tour blends adventure with authenticity, offering a unique blend of scenic roads, UNESCO-listed sites, hearty cuisine, and warm Bulgarian hospitality.
FORTRESS OF TSAREVETS
GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a mix of winding mountain roads, quiet villages, and stretches of open countryside where you can just settle into the rhythm of the bike as we travel through locations with deep history, stop for simple but good food, and meet locals who are genuinely curious about travellers.
As the scenery shifts, probably more than you may expect—from rugged peaks to wide valleys and old towns that feel lived‑in rather than staged. This is the kind of trip that’s less about ticking off sights and more about enjoying the ride and seeing a country at its own pace as we move from one valley to the next
Expect a mix of old Soviet-era buildings and centuries‑old churches that pop up without warning. The roads aren’t perfect, but that’s part of the charm; some stretches are smooth and sweeping, others a bit rough around the edges.
Meals tend to be straightforward and hearty, and there’s something grounding about ending a day with simple food and a cold drink in a place you’ve never been before.
What stands out most is how unhurried the country feels. You ride through towns where people still sit outside their homes in the evenings, and no one seems bothered by the pace of life. The scenery shifts often enough to keep things interesting—mountains one day, rolling farmland the next, and the occasional historic site that reminds you just how old this part of the world is. This is not a trip built around big, dramatic moments; it’s more about the steady accumulation of small, real experiences that stay with you long after the ride is over.
ROUTE
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ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Sofia.
Welcome! You arrived in Sofia, the largest city and capital of Bulgaria. You will be met at the airport and transported to the hotel. During the evening, you will get acquainted with the members of the crew, where we will provide an overview of the planned route, answer any last-minute questions and brief you on local etiquette.
Day 2. Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - ±270 km.
We leave the western part of the Balkan Mountains and head to the Central Balkan Natural Park. We stop at the Beklemeto pass at an altitude of 1595m for the panoramic views of the valley. Beklemeto pass is crossed by a Roman road built during the reign of the emperor Trajan to connect the ancient town of Ulpia Oescus from the north and Philippopolis (today’s Plovdiv) in the south.
We then continue to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo for our overnight stop. For almost two centuries (from the end of the 12th till the 14th century), Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. There will be time to explore the fortress of Tsarevets – one of the historic symbols of Bulgaria.
Day 3. Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv - ±220 km.
Today we ride one of the most famous passes in Bulgaria – Shipka. On the way, we visit Etara - an open-air ethnographic museum, where you can explore the daily life of Bulgarians during the second half of the 18th & 19th centuries.
On reaching the top of the Shipka pass, there is a stunning view of the Shipka Monument of Freedom – a memorial honouring those who lost their lives for the freedom of Bulgaria. Close to the top we will also visit the Buzludzha Monument, built in 1981 by the communist government of the time and locally known as the “Space Ship”, quite an apt name as it was used in the 2023 movie "The Flash" as the Russian base/lab where Supergirl is held.
After descending from the Shipka Pass, we head towards Plovdiv – the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, contemporary of Ancient Troy and Mycenae, still standing proudly by the 7 hills and 8 millennia of rich cultural heritage.
Day 4. Plovdiv - Devin ±200 km.
From Plovdiv we are submerged in the greenery of the Rhodope mountain - the start of another beautiful road and one of the most spectacular in Bulgaria – expect a great twisty road with views over the Vaca Dam.
As we head to Trigrad Gorge, formed by the destructive forces of the Trigrad River, which cut its way into the rocks, forming this natural phenomenon of impressive proportions. We will visit Dyavolskoto garlo (the Devil’s Throat cave), which is connected with the myth of Orpheus, who descended to the underworld from here to search for his beloved Eurydice.
Our overnight stop is in Devin, a city famous for its mineral water of (allegedly) miraculous properties.
Day 5. Devin - Velingrad - ±200 km.
Today our route continues around Rhodopes, as we drop to Orlovo oko (Eagles’ Eye) – a peak in the mountain range with a cantilever bridge jutting out of the abyss..
We will stop the bikes at Yagodina (Strawberry) village, and take a 4-wheel ride to the peak of the mountain before continuing to the local village for lunch.
Our journey then continues along the southern parts of the Rhodopes to the city of Sarnitsa, passing through the high view of Krastava to the city of Velingrad, which in July 2009 was declared the SPA capital of the Balkan Peninsula.
Day 6. Velingrad - Sofia - ±230 km.
This morning we head to Belmeken Dam, located on top of the mountain with scenery over the peaks of Rhodope Mountain. Continuing along the southern parts of the Rhodopes, we visit the city of Razlog, before reaching the junction point where three mountains join together - Rila, Pirin, and the Rhodopes. There, we'll find the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko.
We will ride the Predela pass and visit the Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonised by the Orthodox Church. The monastery was a hub of a strong spiritual and artistic influence over the Eastern Orthodox world during medieval times (11th-14th c.) under Ottoman rule.
We finally return to Sofia, for a final evening meal and to discuss your impressions and pictures with the other participants of the tour!
Day 7. Sofia - Last day of the tour
Today, your adventure finishes, and we will transport you to the airport for your flight home..
What's Included |
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What's Not |
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ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Sofia.
Welcome! You arrived in Sofia, the largest city and capital of Bulgaria. You will be met at the airport and transported to the hotel. During the evening, you will get acquainted with the members of the crew, where we will provide an overview of the planned route, answer any last-minute questions and brief you on local etiquette.
Day 2. Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - ±270 km.
We leave the western part of the Balkan Mountains and head to the Central Balkan Natural Park. We stop at the Beklemeto pass at an altitude of 1595m for the panoramic views of the valley. Beklemeto pass is crossed by a Roman road built during the reign of the emperor Trajan to connect the ancient town of Ulpia Oescus from the north and Philippopolis (today’s Plovdiv) in the south.
We then continue to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo for our overnight stop. For almost two centuries (from the end of the 12th till the 14th century), Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. There will be time to explore the fortress of Tsarevets – one of the historic symbols of Bulgaria.
Day 3. Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv - ±220 km.
Today we ride one of the most famous passes in Bulgaria – Shipka. On the way, we visit Etara - an open-air ethnographic museum, where you can explore the daily life of Bulgarians during the second half of the 18th & 19th centuries.
On reaching the top of the Shipka pass, there is a stunning view of the Shipka Monument of Freedom – a memorial honouring those who lost their lives for the freedom of Bulgaria. Close to the top we will also visit the Buzludzha Monument, built in 1981 by the communist government of the time and locally known as the “Space Ship”, quite an apt name as it was used in the 2023 movie "The Flash" as the Russian base/lab where Supergirl is held.
After descending from the Shipka Pass, we head towards Plovdiv – the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, contemporary of Ancient Troy and Mycenae, still standing proudly by the 7 hills and 8 millennia of rich cultural heritage.
Day 4. Plovdiv - Devin ±200 km.
From Plovdiv we are submerged in the greenery of the Rhodope mountain - the start of another beautiful road and one of the most spectacular in Bulgaria – expect a great twisty road with views over the Vaca Dam.
As we head to Trigrad Gorge, formed by the destructive forces of the Trigrad River, which cut its way into the rocks, forming this natural phenomenon of impressive proportions. We will visit Dyavolskoto garlo (the Devil’s Throat cave), which is connected with the myth of Orpheus, who descended to the underworld from here to search for his beloved Eurydice.
Our overnight stop is in Devin, a city famous for its mineral water of (allegedly) miraculous properties.
Day 5. Devin - Velingrad - ±200 km.
Today our route continues around Rhodopes, as we drop to Orlovo oko (Eagles’ Eye) – a peak in the mountain range with a cantilever bridge jutting out of the abyss..
We will stop the bikes at Yagodina (Strawberry) village, and take a 4-wheel ride to the peak of the mountain before continuing to the local village for lunch.
Our journey then continues along the southern parts of the Rhodopes to the city of Sarnitsa, passing through the high view of Krastava to the city of Velingrad, which in July 2009 was declared the SPA capital of the Balkan Peninsula.
Day 6. Velingrad - Sofia - ±230 km.
This morning we head to Belmeken Dam, located on top of the mountain with scenery over the peaks of Rhodope Mountain. Continuing along the southern parts of the Rhodopes, we visit the city of Razlog, before reaching the junction point where three mountains join together - Rila, Pirin, and the Rhodopes. There, we'll find the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko.
We will ride the Predela pass and visit the Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonised by the Orthodox Church. The monastery was a hub of a strong spiritual and artistic influence over the Eastern Orthodox world during medieval times (11th-14th c.) under Ottoman rule.
We finally return to Sofia, for a final evening meal and to discuss your impressions and pictures with the other participants of the tour!
Day 7. Sofia - Last day of the tour
Today, your adventure finishes, and we will transport you to the airport for your flight home..
INCLUDED
Transfers to and from the airport
Accommodation in first-class hotels
Breakfast and dinner
Lunches while on tour
Escort vehicle
Motorcycle rental
Professional guide on a motorcycle
Tours along the route
Souvenirs
Ferry tickets
Road taxes
Petrol
EXCLUDED
Aeroplane tickets
Personal expenses
Alcohol and drinks
Lunches on rest days
Toll roads
DATES & PRICING
Per Person
$
.
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Date Note
Reserve with a 90% deposit
If you are viewing this page, you have been invited.
This tour is to evaluate a potential M8 MOTO partner who specialises in tours through Bulgaria, Romania and the surrounding areas on BMW Motorcycles.
A 10% discount will be applied when you hit the book button. There is no more to pay for the tour itself.
There is a £1000 refundable security bond, which will be sent separately and must be paid prior to the tour start date. This will be refunded on completion of the trip with the bike returned in good order with no damage.
In exchange for this discount, you agree to give us feedback on the tour.
Dates on request
We can run this tour on any date of your choice, subject to the availability of resources needed (Staff/Bikes/etc).
We can adjust the itinerary to your specifications, including changing the number of days, length, road/off-road elements, etc.
Pricing for an on-demand tour will be dependent on the number of participants and any changes you wish to make to the itinerary. Get in touch and let's have a chat.