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If you are looking for "big" countryside and an authentic atmosphere, then Rodopi is the
place to visit. Not only a beautiful sounding name, but hospitable people and a preserved
Bulgarian spirit are to be found in the region. The Rodopi Mountain is well known in Bulgaria
for its exquisite beauty, charm and the magic it radiates. According to Greek mythology,
the Rodopi Mountain is the birthplace of Orpheus and Euridyce. We suggest you enjoy it for
its traditional way of life, merry people and music wherever you go.
With a Budget Bulgaria hotel and car rental package, you will be fully equipped to experience an
unforgettable holiday:
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Suggested 4 night route is:
Sofia > Plodvid > Bachkovo (overnight) > Chepelare > Pamporovo (overnight),
Smolyan > Trigrad (overnight) finally, Velingrad > Sofia (overnight)
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Local cuisine includes some of the dishes we cannot resist such as cheverme (a lamb spit
roast dish) and the various potato meals for which the Rhodopi region is famous. You
should also try banica with milk and rice.
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The local Rhodopeans are modest, hard-working, hospitable and cheerful people. The
folklore of the Rhodope Mountain, the singers and the musicians are famous worldwide.
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Rodopi Mountain
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Make sure you see in this region:
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Plovdiv / Plovdiv
Pronunciation: [plov-div]
Located about 130 kilometers from Sofia, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria
and is situated on the Maritsa River. Like other old Bulgarian cities, it is located at
an ancient crossroads that brought about strong economic, cultural and political influences
from Eastern and Western civilizations. Plovdiv is older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or
Constantinople and is a town built upon layers of towns. These "layers of culture" and
the numerous minority groups of Greeks, Turks and Armenians who live together make Plovdiv
a fascinating city to explore.
The oldest section, called "The Old Town", has houses from the National Revival period
(18-19th century) and feels more like an open-air museum. Check ahead and see if you can
visit the one of the most remarkable sights of the town, the well preserved Roman Amphitheatre,
still used for open-air performances today.
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Rodopi Mountain / Rodopi Mountain
Pronunciation: [ro-di-pi]
The Rodopi mountain is known in Bulgaria as a place of tranquility, calmness and
majestic nature. The Rodopi mountain is home to a large number of Bulgarian Muslims
who still have very traditional lifestyle. Rodopi is also the home of the mythical
poet and singer Orpheus. In the summer, Rodopi comes alive with many folk music festivals
spilling out on the street, unlike anything you'll have seen before - a great chance to
immerse yourself in the real Bulgaria.
Insider tip: The Bridges of Wonder is a bridge formed over a river by a cave that
collapsed during an earth quake.
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Chepelare, Pamporovo and Smolyan / Чепелареഀ, Pamporovo and Smolyan
Pronunciations: [che-pe-la-re], [pam-po-ro-vo], [smo-lyan]
After the winding road south from Plovdiv, a chain of charming smaller villages await you.
Chepelare, Pamporovo and Smolyan are each 10km from each other and you reach them by
traveling along the same road.
Chepelare has turned into a major resort featuring a variety of hotels. Chepelare is
said to be the sunniest town in Bulgaria with an estimated 270 days of sunshine a year.
Pamporovo is among the top three skiing locations in Bulgaria together with Bansko and Borovets.
Its climate in winter is rather moderate with a Mediteranean influence. Pamporovo is a great
place to visit not only in a winter holiday but in any other season as well due to the
magnificent sights and great hiking immediately on your doorstep.
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Trigrad Devil's throat cave and Yagodina cave / Триградഀ and Yagodina cave
Pronunciations: [tri-grad], [ya-go-di-nska pesh-te-ra]
The total length of the cave is over half a mile long, you can get access to the first
350 metres which is enough for some awe inspiring sights. In the main hall you will find
the highest cascade of waterfalls on the Balkan peninsula (60m). According to legend,
this is the place where Orpheus went down into the kingdom of the specters in search of
his beloved Eurydice. You can go for an exciting river-boat trip into the dark Devil's
Ass (ahem, yes, not a typo!) at the back of the cave. Follow your guide's instructions
carefully, this is not to be missed but somewhere you need to explore with care!
10 kilometers away is the Yagodina cave, the longest cave in Bulgaria and the whole
Balkan region, this is one of the most visit places in Bulgaria. Trigrad's Devil Throat
has several guided tours every day. The cave is five stories tall with many labyrinths
and abysses inside. Part of the cave contains artificial lighting that reveals mysterious
formations such as draperies, pipe-like stalactites, cave pearls, leopard skin and many
hanging stalactites.
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Velingrad / Velingrad
Pronunciation: [ve-lin-grad]
Velingrad, located in the Rodopi mountains and surrounded by magnificent nature, includes
a number of spa and mineral water resorts. Relax in one of the many spa resorts, enjoy the
calmness of the mountains whilst and forget all about work.
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