In spring, summer & autumn the whole area is a paradise for all kinds of outdoor activity. You can explore the area’s vast, unspoilt beauty by mountain bike, hiking trails, quad bike or on horse-back, go mountain climbing and rafting (late spring and autumn), fishing and swimming.

Hiking

The Pirin and Rila mountains which face each other across this beautiful valley are very different in character but both equally worth exploring. Both are home to a diverse population of flora and fauna, some of which are protected species and unique to these mountains. We can equip you with directions, a map and packed lunch and let you discover the area for yourself or working with a local company we can arrange guided trips.

Hiking trips of all kinds can be organised, whether it’s a one hour stroll to the Okoto lake and Bulgaria’s oldest tree or an eight hour hike from the Vihren chalet, over Mount Vihren, the Pirin range’s highest peak to the Mocharata chalet. Alternatively the chairlift at Bezbog runs all summer and a 20 minute ride will take you to Bezbog lake at the top of the mountain. Enjoy the mountain air, fabulous views and a picnic lunch before ambling back down the ski runs to the bottom of the chairlift (approx 1hr 45 mins)

New for summer 2009, all-inclusive walking holidays. Seven nights accommodation, return transfers to Sofia airport, all food and drink*, four days guided walking, one full day and one half day excursion – 450 euros per person.

Download the All Inclusive Walking Holiday brochure here...

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*price includes local wines and spirits, imported drinks may be purchased for a small additional charge

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are a great way to discover this beautiful region. A gentle cycle from the hotel along tarmacked roads will take you to the neighbouring villages of Belitsa and the Brown Bear Sanctuary (a further 11 kms on a dirt track), to Banya with it’s hot mineral spa baths or to Dobarsko with it’s famous church and the entrance to the Rila National Park.

For those who prefer their cycling to be more adrenalin filled, there are plenty of dirt tracks through the forests and over the mountains. We can arrange for a local guide to take you on a trip of whatever length and level of difficulty suits you.

Horse Riding

Based inside the National Park in the foothills of the Rila mountains, the Bachevo Horse Riding Centre is an idyllic setting for stables. Novices can book a gentle one hour stroll through the forest with an experienced instructor who, if you wish, will lead your horse until you are confident to ride alone. For experienced horse riders, guides will take you up into the mountains, where you can ride as far as you wish along tree-lined tracks and through alpine-like meadows. Whatever your skill level, the fabulous views, splendid isolation and the sensation of being a small part of this vast landscape make this an unforgettable experience. On your return, the rustic bar perched above the river, between ancient beech trees is a great place for a drink to ease the saddle sores.

More photos can be seen at www.perivolasbg.com

Quad Biking

Quad bikes are for hire in the neighbouring village, only 5 kms from the entrance to the Rila National Park. You can explore the marked trails on your own or we can arrange for a guided safari.

Swimming

In an area famous for its mineral spa baths you are spoilt for choice when it comes to swimming. Each pool has a different mineral content and water temperature and we will be happy to advise you of our favourites. Of course, for those who don’t want to stray too far, our own hotel pool will be open for Summer 2009!

Rock Climbing

Working with a local company, we can arrange for a days climbing, equipment hire and instructor/guide to suit all ability levels.

Rafting

An exhilarating way to spend a day, rafting can be organised along the Struma and Mesta rivers during late Spring and Autumn.

Fishing

A local guide will take you up into the mountains to some of the areas most beautiful lakes and rivers

We organise activities for our guests in conjunction with a company called Bansko Tourism (www.bansko-tourism.com). The company is run by Marin Erinin, a local Bulgarian who speaks good English and who has worked in these mountains both summer and winter for his whole life. In July he takes guests into the Nature Reserve to admire the wide diversity of wild flowers and to search for the elusive edelweiss (this flower is only found at high altitudes so be prepared for a lot of uphill walking!)