Rhodope Mountain Ride

The Rhodopes don’t announce themselves. The mountains rise gradually from the Plovdiv plain — then suddenly the road tips into a gorge, the temperature drops ten degrees, and you’re somewhere else entirely. Three days, two overnight stops, one loop through the part of Bulgaria that most visitors never see.

Overview

This is a circular route from Sofia, heading south through Plovdiv and into the heart of the western Rhodope massif. We ride through river valleys and over high passes, stopping overnight in Devin before looping north through the Trigrad Gorge and back via the Plovdiv plain.

The roads are a mix of fast valley runs and tight mountain switchbacks above the treeline. Traffic is light once you leave the main arteries. Villages along the route are small, traditional, and almost entirely unvisited by foreign tourists — the food is better for it.

Maximum 12 riders. Lead and sweep provided throughout. A support vehicle joins us for the Day 2 mountain section.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Sofia to Devin (approx. 240 km)

We leave Sofia via the Trakia motorway and branch south at Plovdiv, picking up the first mountain roads above Assenovgrad. The route climbs through the Bachkovo Monastery valley — one of the oldest active monasteries in Bulgaria, worth a short stop — before continuing south through forest into the Rhodope interior.

Overnight in Devin. The town sits at 750 m elevation and is known for its mineral springs. The hotel has proper parking, secure and covered. Dinner is on your own — the main street has a handful of good restaurants, all within walking distance.

Day 2 — Devin into the Rhodope massif and back (approx. 180 km)

The best day. We head west out of Devin on a road that climbs to the Shiroka Laka plateau, passing through traditional villages where the houses are built from local stone in a style unchanged for three centuries. The road narrows, the views open up, and for long stretches there is nothing but the sound of the engine.

Lunch at a family-run tavern in one of the villages — Rhodope cuisine, which means slow-cooked lamb, smoked cheese, and flatbreads cooked on an open fire. This is included in the expedition price.

In the afternoon we descend into the Trigrad Gorge. The gorge walls rise 300 m above the road. At the head of the gorge is the Devil’s Throat — a cave where the Trigradska river disappears underground. If you want to go inside, allow 45 minutes. We then retrace back to Devin via an alternate valley road.

Second night in Devin.

Day 3 — Devin to Sofia via Plovdiv (approx. 200 km)

An easier day after two mountain stages. We drop east from Devin, rejoin the Plovdiv plain, and ride through the Valley of Roses — worth the detour in June when the roses are in bloom. Stop in Plovdiv’s Old Town for lunch (on your own — the options are excellent) before the motorway run back to Sofia.

We arrive in Sofia mid-afternoon, which allows enough time for those with onward travel the same day.

What’s included

See the included list in the expedition details above. Accommodation is twin-share as standard; a single supplement is available on request when booking.

What’s not included

You need your own motorcycle, insurance, fuel, and most meals. See the full list above. Travel and medical insurance is mandatory — we do not provide it, and we will ask for proof of coverage before departure.

Requirements

This expedition is rated intermediate. You need a valid category A or A2 licence and at least two years of experience riding on varied roads. Day 2 involves sustained mountain riding — tight bends, elevation changes, and occasional gravel wash at the road edges. It is not suitable for new riders.

Full safety gear is required: helmet (ECE 22.06 or equivalent), jacket with armour, gloves, and ankle-supporting boots.

Booking

A 30% deposit (€135) secures your place. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. Places are limited to 12 — once the group is full, we open a waiting list for the next date.

If you have questions before booking, use the contact form and we’ll reply within 24 hours.