Eco Tours Plovdiv

About
In the central Rhodope mountains, near Smolyan, lie 7 beautiful lakes. This trail will take us on a journey to the three highest-situated ones located just under Snezhanka peak. Highlights Enjoy the beautiful scenery and rejuvenating air in the Smolyan area Sit down and relax near the banks of the Grassy lake Hike to the Clear lake See the Murky lake and the unusual trees nearby Description
There used to be 20 lakes strewn across the valley of the Cherna river, but over the centuries most of them have dried up or turned into swamps. Today, 7 remain.
Just before the road to the lift leading up to Snezhanka peak, we turn left and head towards the first and largest of the three lakes – the Grassy lake. This area is popular amongst nature-lovers, and the smell of barbecue and the sound of campers enjoying a nice day surrounded by nature is the first indication that we’re on the right track. Amidst a clearing is a small chapel that is sometimes open during the weekend.
The second lake, called the Clear lake, is further down the path. Past the second lake is where the terrain starts getting steeper, but the beauty of the forest more than makes up for it. There are wooden handrails and bridges along the way to ease the trek.
Not much farther, and we reach the third lake – the Murky lake, named for its murky waters that look almost black in some places. At 4.5 m, it is the deepest of the three lakes, and the highest situated – 1500 m above sea level. Along the trail we’ll also see the unusually shaped trees “Eurydice’s Throne” and “Orpheus’s Lyre”. Eurydice’s Throne is actually several trees, which at their base come together in the shape of a throne, and Orpheus’s Lyre splits into three, akin to a lyre. At the end of the trail there are benches where we’ll be able to sit, rest and enjoy the view and ambience of the area. The price includes A guide Transfers from Plovdiv to the starting point of the trail Notes
This trail is light, suitable for people of all ages and just perfect for a nice family trip.
This trail is within driving distance of Pamorovo.

About
This ecotrail takes you to Waterfalls Canyon – one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the Rhodope mountains. With more than 40 waterfalls of varying sizes, a lush forest, and vantage points offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain slopes, and designated rest areas along the way is a nature-lover’s dream come true! Highlights See Orpheus Falls, 68 m – the highest waterfall on the trail Visit 40 other waterfalls of varying shapes and sizes Explore a beautiful forest Enjoy a view from the highest point of the trail towards the canyon, with the city of Smolyan visible in the distance Close to other natural attractions - Yagodina cave, Devil's Throat cave, mineral pool and aquapark Learn about the flora and fauna from our guide Binoculars available Pick up from and drop off at the hotel Description
Waterfalls Canyon is in the Rhodope mountains, near the city of Smolyan. The trail itself is part of the Soskovcheto nature reserve.
Our journey takes us over small bridges, past benches, gazebos, greenery and wildlife, and gorgeous views in every direction. The main draw to this area are, of course, the waterfalls – between 40 and 50 in number, the most distinct of which have names. The so called “Cascades” are a set of several waterfalls that run down the cliffs in a wide flow like a veil. The tallest waterfall is “Orpheus” (68 m), named after the mythical musician, due to the way the water disperses in rivulets like a lyre. The so called “Heart” owes its name to its heart-shaped flow. The “Reservoirs” flow into the gaps in the cliff side, filling them with water like natural reservoirs. The culmination of the trail, just past the last waterfall, are the three vantage points offering a view towards the canyon itself and the landscapes beyond it.
The trail is 6 km long and takes about 4 hours at a regular pace and loops back to its starting point, so we won’t have to backtrack. There will be break pauses at the designated benches along the way, and plenty of time for pictures.
Bulgaria is home to many breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. If you enjoyed this eco-trail, you'll also like the Bachkovo waterfall and Slivodolsko Padalo waterfall.
Notes
The best time to go on this hike is in the spring, when the rivers (and, by extension, the waterfalls) are at their fullest.
No special equipment is needed, just comfortable walking shoes.
Denivelation: 700 m
Highest point: 1800 m above sea level

About
Orehovo village is known for the large number of natural landmarks in its vicinity. Just within walking distance are the Duplevo, Skakaloto and Kosten Kamak waterfalls and the latter’s eponymous rock formation as well as the Cheleveshka Cave. Enjoy a trip to the remarkable Asen's Fortress from 13th century and the second largest monastery in Bulgaria - Bachkovo Monastery, with the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin. Highlights
• The unrivalled beauty of the Rhodope mountains
• Visit to Bachkovo Monastery and Asen's Fortress
• Duplevo, Skakaloto and Kosten Kamak Waterfalls
• The Kosten Kamak rock formation and Cheleveshka Cave
• Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner

Description

The village of Orehovo is the starting point of several tourist routes and ecotrails, making it perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet with the option to travel out to many interesting destinations within the region. It is situated in a picturesque part of the Rhodope mountains, a little over an hour away from Plovdiv where it overlooks the Oreshitsa river. Among the many natural marvels in the area are the three waterfalls nearest to the village and the Kosten Kamak protected natural landmark. This is where “At Niko’s” guest lodge resides.
With breakfast and dinner provided, the food can be prepared according to the guests’ preferences or if they so choose, they can take over in preparing the meals. And for guests looking to treat something other than their taste buds, they can enjoy a wonderfully relaxing massage on request or let off some steam in the infrared bath or so called dry sauna.
Here you have the freedom to decide where the day will take you. Going for hikes in the mountains, exploring the region of the mountains or simply sitting back and enjoying the view. A place where friends and family can gather for a fun vacation with opportunities for many activities.
For the inquisitive there is much to learn from the friendly hosts who’ve accumulated many interesting facts about all aspects of the region. During the summer, guests can partake in organized hikes to Persenk peak or walks through “Sunny plains” to The Wonderful Bridges and excursions to: Krastova Gora, Devil’s Throat cave, Yagodina cave. Other activities include mountain bike riding, cooking traditional Bulgarian dishes and visiting wine cellars.

While there is much to see near Orehovo village that could be reached on foot, there's even more waiting just a short drive away! Founded in the 11th century, Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria, is an important cultural landmark and the first place you will be able to explore. From the many stalls selling trinkets, folk craft, homemade jam, honey and spices to the museum holding crucifixes, ceremonial garbs, manuscripts, icons and donated jewelry. The "Assumption of the Holy Virgin" cathedral, situated in the monastery's larger courtyard, holds an icon from 1311 known as the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, with a silver repousse cover, which is believed to have miraculous powers.
Our second stop is Asen's Fortress - a medieval structure built into the natural cliff massif of the Rhodope mountains overlooking the Asenitsa river. This strategic place was first the location of a Thracian fortress, later used by the Romans, the Byzantines, and eventually the Bulgarians. It was renovated in the 13th century during the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II to be used as a line of defense against the Latin Empire. It was destroyed in 1410 by the invading Ottoman armies. Today, the fortress lies in ruins, with a small church functioning within what remains of its walls. The “Holy Virgin of Petrich” Church is the only preserved building in the complex and one of the most remarkable examples of Medieval Christian architecture.