Find a mix of beautiful villages, ancient ruins and urban nightlife in Bulgaria, a country that offers vibrant beaches, forested hills and steep mountains. Uncover rich culture and history at every stop, in the cities of Sofia, and out towards the spectacular Seven Rila Lakes.

Pedal through Bulgaria’s heavily forested countryside with scenic, navigable bike routes. Many cyclists love its stunning mountain range and find the steep climbs worth the journey with views to waterfalls, glacial valleys and rolling meadows.

Along the Black Sea, a biking adventure brings generally flat terrain and views as far as the eye can sea. In between, experience a country of contrasts—where donkey carts and horse carriages are often as prevalent as late model cars.

• What makes Bulgaria a great destination for a bike tour?

  Bulgaria is an underrated destination for a bike trip, offering diverse landscapes and a range of routes, from gentle hills to alpine challenges. It is also one of the best-value cycling destinations in the world, with prices much lower than the rest of Western Europe.

  Cyclists can enjoy scenic journeys along the Danube Cycle Path (EuroVelo 6), as well as through rose valleys, wine regions, and the seaside towns of the Black Sea coastline.

  Many biking trails pass through centuries of Bulgarian history and heritage sites, including Thracian tombs, Orthodox monasteries, Ottoman towns, and Roman ruins, as well as national parks.

  Re-fuel on your cycle tour with farm-to-table cuisine, local wines, and traditional Bulgarian yogurt in charming, family-run guesthouses.

• When is the best time to take a bike tour in Bulgaria?

  The best time to take a bike tour in Bulgaria is May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny and there's little chance of rain.

• Are Bulgaria bike tours suitable for beginners?

  Whilst Bulgaria is known for its Rhodope Mountains and Balkan Mountains, many of its routes are beginner-friendly, especially the Danube Bike Path (EuroVelo 6). The EuroVelo 6 runs through the Danube Plains of northern Bulgaria and is perfect for first-time bike tourers.

  The Rose Valley and Thracian Plains (central Bulgaria) are also beginner-friendly, with rolling terrain and light traffic. 

  The Black Sea Coast is ideal for relaxed riding, with relatively flat seaside routes.

  More adventurous and intermediate riders can discover mountain bike trails and dirt roads amongst Bulgaria's mountains.