This unforgettable 7 days kayaking adventure leads you to some of the most pristine sites in Eastern Rhodope mountains. The combination of paddling and exploring nature is memorable. If you like tenting under the stars, sharing good thoughts with friends and colouring your mind in front of the campfire, then this is your kind of adventure.

• Tour type: Guided tour. Group tour. Vehicle supported.
• Group size: 2 to 6 people, age 7+
• Distance: average 20-40 km, approximately 6-8 hours per day
• Start city: Kardzhali, Bulgaria
• End city: Kardzhali, Bulgaria
• Period: June 2018 or any requested dates from May to October - ask us.

Tour description:

Day 1

Departure point is the city of Kardzhali from where you will be transferred by bus to the starting point of the kayaking trip - lake Kardzhali.

Day 2-6

Every day will let you experience the divine beauty of Eastern Rhodope Mountains and its rich history. Wildlife diversity is one of the highest in Europe - here is the kingdom of the birds of prey. The kayak experience in day 2 will capture your mind with dramatic scenery of mountains that rise from the lake shores. You will be unfolded the exciting story of the wetlands in the Eastern Rhodope being part of the biggest river in South Bulgaria - Arda river.

Day 3 will reveal before your eyes the impressive wall of the lake Kardzhali with its special round form and 109 m height. Then a short lunch break in the city of Kardzhali will let you dive in the local colourful life. Afternoon paddling in the second lake in this paddling trip will surprise you with spectacular setting of dramatic green slopes, Thracian remains of prophecies on the rocks and majestic fortress walls on top of the mountain hills.

Blue lake water surrounded by picturesque shores and rich flora welcomes you to jump into the kayak and paddle. Rare birds like griffon vulture and black stork roam in the sky. Many herons and cormorants will also share this lake adventure. You will arrive on the shores of a small island where the Follow deer is the host - dozen of them roam freely on the island and give a birth to their babies here. This is a land of absolute peace, managed by the nature itself.

The impressive start of the fifth day will load you up with energy for all day long. Abrasive mineral rocks on Arda river is a place likened to the moon surface. A deep canyon was formed in the rocks by the river flow. The sharp abrasive minerals brought by the the frantic water pace, furrowed the rock surface into tiny sharp fragments. Paddling in the canyon surrounded by these impressive rocks is breathtaking. The kayak trip goes ahead to discover the great area of the ancient volcano of Madzharovo. The river meanders through green forests and rich wildlife territories reaching the dramatically sculpted volcanic rocks. Your eyes will become green and your soul - white of all this beauty.

On this day you make a memorable crossing of Ivaylovgrad lake which features exceptional experience and wild nature. If you need an escape from the noisy modern life, this lake is the perfect location for you. Impressive rocks rise from the water and romantic gulfs capture your eyes and soul. Hidden in the forest camp sites give you opportunity to relax in solitude. The final destination is the end of the lake which comes with a nice meadow for the last camping.

Day 7

On the last day of this amazing kayaking adventure you will visit the Ancient Roman villa to discover more hidden secrets of past and present in this incredibly diverse mountain. A bus will transfer the group back to the city of Kardzhali. Expected time of arrival in Kardzhali is 14:00 o'clock.

The tour is organized with a luggage transportation - a car is carrying the main luggage during the day. You bring only a small backpack with the basics for the day.

Prices include:

• Bus transfers to the starting point of the kayaking tour and back to the departure point
• Luggage transfers between accommodations - supporting vehicle carries the main luggage during the day
• Camp equipment for 6 nights - tent and sleeping pad included, sleeping bag excluded
• Half board meals - breakfast, and dinner included
• Kayak equipment including kayak, paddles, and life save jacket
• Professional English speaking tour leader

Prices exclude:

• Flights to Bulgaria and back. Nearest airport - Plovdiv airport (Ryanair), Sofia airport (Wizzair, EasyJet, BulgariaAir)
• Transfers to the meeting point: you are responsible for arranging transfer to/from the city of Kardzhali. We can provide assistance or rental car if requested.
• Lunches
• Personal expenses
• Insurance

Trip information:

• This kayak tour is outdoors sleeping - tents and sleeping pads are included in the price. Sleeping bag is considered a personal equipment, so you should bring your own sleeping bag.
• Food is included and is freshly prepared on a barbecue in the campsite. Daily food (lunches) is available at some of the spots we pass through or might be ordered to the supporting vehicle.
• Vegetarian and other menu available upon request.

Difficulty grade: You need to be in average physical condition. Some parts could be a challenge, but in general the trip is easy going.

Level of comfort: Sleep in a tent, showers not available, but there will be plenty of fresh lake water, main luggage is carried by a car during the day. The itinerary goes through villages and shelters, where water and some beverages are available.

Kayak experience: Not necessary.

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