SOFIA - THESSALONIKI 10 days, 9 nights
Sofia ↠ Seven Rila Lakes ↠ Rila Monastery ↠ Delchevo ↠ Strumica ↠ Kilkis
↠ Thessaloniki ↠ Epanomi Beach ↠ Agia Triada Beach, Thessaloniki
560 km by bike in 8 days, or 70 km on average per day, so less than for our other routes, but the elevation gain in the first stages is significant ! Good physical preparation will therefore be required, but it remains cycle tourism, everyone at their own pace, with as many stops as necessary, if only to appreciate the sublime landscapes ! Good dinners and premium accommodation will compensate for the effort spent cycling during the day...
The first 4 stages cross the southern Balkans, in Bulgaria and North Macedonia, in a magnificent rural and mountainous setting, with significant elevation changes and some highlights, such as the Seven Rila Lakes where you will stay in a lodge in the middle of the mountains to go for a morning hike in the most beautiful natural space in Bulgaria, before cycling by road to the no less exceptional Rila Monastery. The 5th and 6th stages cross the plains of northern Greece, through cultivated fields, lakes and forests, to reach the very lively Thessaloniki. And the last 2 stages, the shortest, form a loop in the magnificent Chalkidiki peninsula bordered by the Aegean Sea, with beaches and small coves to enjoy without moderation. Last night on the beach, in a 5* resort, like near the Rila Monastery on the 3rd evening !
Stages with varied relief, amazing and contrasting natural landscapes, surprising towns (Sofia, Strumica, Kilkis, Thessaloniki, etc.), small typical villages with welcoming locals, interesting cultural visits, delicious local culinary specialties, etc. This is a complete program, with the guarantee of returning home in great shape, with a rested head, in fact full of good memories !
HIGHLIGHTS
* The exceptional setting of greenery and mountains in the southern Balkans (in Bulgaria and North Macedonia)
* The two most exceptional sites in Bulgaria (outside Sofia) : The Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery
* The lakes, plains and small peaceful villages of northern Greece
* The relaxing 2-day tour on Chalcidiki peninsula
* The crossing of small towns and villages, in contact with quiet and welcoming natives
* The Orthodox monasteries and churches with rich architecture and bright colors along the cycling route
* The capital Sofia and the metropolis Thessaloniki, rich in history, monuments and architecture
* The gastronomy in the three countries, which really deserves to be known
Forget the stress of everyday life, take a little break to spend a few days in fabulous landscapes !
Route Map
D0 Arrival in Sofia Bulgaria
D1 Sofia - Seven Rila Lakes (81 km) "
D2 Seven Rila Lakes - Rila Monastery (77 km) "
D3 Rila Monastery - Delchevo (69 km) North Macedonia
D4 Delchevo - Strumica (91 km) "
D5 Strumica - Kilkis (81 km) Greece
D6 Kilkis - Thessaloniki (55 km) "
D7 Thessaloniki - Epanomi Beach (47 km) "
D8 Epanomi Beach - Agia Triada - Thess. (56 km) "
D9 Leaving Thessaloniki "
THE BIKE GUIDE : Yes or No ?
* The bike guide is responsible for leading and managing the group throughout the different stages of the Bike Tour. He/she speaks several languages, including English.
* He/she is your first interlocutor for all subjects related to cycling (itinerary monitoring, small repairs,...).
* He/she carries the first aid kit and, if necessary, activates external services (insurance, mechanical repair, rescue,...).
* Always with the group, he/she regulates cadence so that everyone arrives at the end of the stage. But each one is free to ride with the group or solo, to meet the group later in the day or in the evening at the hotel.
* He/she facilitates check-in and check-out in hotels, restaurant orders, border crossing procedures, access to tourist sites.
BUT... If you prefer adventure alone or with your friends, already know how to regulate your pace to complete the stages in time (preferably before dark), and speak at least fluent English, you can do this cycle route without a bike guide. You will receive detailed itineraries before leaving, with recommended stops (landscapes, site visits, etc.) and will self-guide with your mobile phone or tablet, as long as you have a good internet connection on the move.
Dream Sports Adventure will provide the same advanced logistics (bike rental, reservation of hotels and activities included, etc.), and a hotline to resolve any unforeseen events.
THE RENTAL BIKE, with accessories and adapted to your route
Our rental bike package includes :
* Touring Bike adapted to your route with rear rack to attach panniers
* 40L Rear Panniers (2 x 20L Panniers)
* Helmet
* Bike Lock
* Repair Kit, Spare Tubes, Pump & Tools
* Take the bike in Sofia and leave the bike in Thessaloniki
OBS. : If you intend to bring your own bike, please let us know and Dream Sports Adventure will compensate you for the value of the bike rental, noting however that the transport (air, trail,...) of your bike requires special packaging and can easily cost more.
Accomodation
Comfortable single, double, twin suites with breakfast included and personalized customer service
Charming Hotels, Spas and Resorts in quiet and lovely areas, preferably surrounded by nature
Cycling Stages
Day after day, discover each stage of the Sofia - Thessaloniki Bike Tour, through the pretty landscapes of western Bulgaria, eastern North Macedonia, the Chalkidiki peninsula and the Aegean Sea... And think no more : sign up for this wonderful experience !!
Local Gastronomy
3 days in Bulgaria, 2 days in North Macedonia and 5 days in Greece:
Let's discover three different gastronomies, one of the rewards of cycling efforts !
Prices 2025
PRICE PER PERSON
With a rental bike and accommodation in a double or twin room $ 2.042
With a rental bike and accommodation in a single room $ 2.745
Supplement for an e-bike (Electrically Assisted Bicycle) $ 135
PRICE FOR THE GROUP (Optional)
Permanent bike guide and coordinator $ 2.857
If you intend to bring your own bike, please let us know and Dream Sports Adventure will compensate you for the value of the bike rental, noting however that the transport (air, trail,...) of your bike requires special packaging and can easily cost more.
* Fixed prices established in $ (USD)
** Payment by bank transfer directly to our account (amount converted into your local currency at the daily exchange rate)
The invoice for your purchase will be sent to you by e-mail after your payment.
Included
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Accomodation in hotel with breakfast (9 nights)
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Rental bike with accessories from Sofia to Thessaloniki (8 days)
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Seven Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (Return)
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Full entrance fee and guided visit (in English) of Rila Monastery
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Tourist bus (guided tour) OR 360º aperitif in the OTE Panoramic Tower in Thessaloniki
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Permanent bike guide and coordinator
Not Included
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Transport to Sofia and from Thessaloniki
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Drinks, lunches and dinners
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Entrance fees for non included visits
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Eventual mechanical repair during the tour
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Local taxis & Personal expenses
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Private Travel insurance
CANCELLATION POLICY
Rescheduling or Cancellation by Dream Sports Adventure
Dream Sports Adventure reserves the right to cancel the package in case of insufficient registration, force majeure or any other valid reason, and in such circumstances will propose to reschedule according to availabilities or to fully refund the packages already purchased, without however giving entitlement to compensation.
Rescheduling or Cancellation by Customer
Rescheduling (according to availability) :
- Free of charge up to 45 days before the start of your package
- With 25% increase less than 45 days before the start of your package
Cancellation :
- Refund of 50% up to 45 days before the start of your package
- No refund less than 45 days before the start of your package
