The Natural Splendor of the Devetashko Plateau

About

If you’re looking for a weekend trip to Bulgaria filled with awe-inspiring natural formations and woodland scenery that looks straight out of a fairytale, then this excursion to the Devetashko Plateau is just what you need. Enjoy a weekend trip to the Troyan Monastery, with an overnight in a boutique hotel artfully decorated in the rural style typical of the area. Explore the most spectacular natural landmarks in the area – the amazing Devetashka Cave and the Krushuna Waterfalls.

Highlights

• Visit the beautifully decorated Troyan Monastery and see its miracle-working icon

• Spend the night in an atmospheric boutique hotel 

• Explore the breathtaking Devetashko Plateau area

• Walk down the Krushuna Waterfalls eco-trail, home to a series of cascading waterfalls

• See the Devetashka Cave, a spacious natural cave marked by 7 large openings in its ceiling

Description

Day 1

We’ll meet up in Plovdiv and set off on our route, starting with the Troyan Monastery – the third largest monastery in the country. 

It is located in a picturesque part of Stara Planina Mountain, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery on all sides. The Troyan monastery is a gorgeous example of Medieval church architecture, with spectacular frescoes lining the church interior and exterior, drawing people from all over the country with their beauty. It was built around the 16th century.

The monastery is home to a miracle-making icon of the Virgin Mary, depicted with a third arm. It is said to be able to heal ail ailments suffered by believers and non-believers alike. The story goes that when a passing monk was on his way to taking the icon north, he stayed at the monastery for a few days. People from far and wide came down to see the miracle-working icon and pay their respects. When it was time for the monk to leave, his horse tripped and fell before he even reached the gate. The monk took it as a sign, and postponed his trip by a few more days. However, when he tried to leave again, the horse tripped again in the same spot. The monk decided that the icon does not want to leave the Troyan Monastery, and left it under its care.

The monastery, the natural scenery around it and the pleasant atmosphere they provide make this suitable for a more leisurely sightseeing tour. Visitors are advised to set aside some extra time in order to enjoy their trip to its fullest. The nearby inns offer delicious local dishes that would make the perfect lunch for the day.

Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll head for our accommodation – a gorgeous boutique hotel that combines the rustic style of Bulgaria’s villages with all the modern-day comforts we’re used to. The hotel offers mountain bikes in case you want to enjoy a nice ride through the forest, and it has its own horse stables with horses available for rent. In the summer, you can go for a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. In the village, you can try the most scrumptious einkorn wheat bread you’ve ever seen.

Overnight at the boutique hotel.

Day 2

On the second day, we’ll explore the breathtaking natural landmarks of the Devetashko Plateau – the Krushuna Waterfalls and the Devetashka Cave.

The area around the Krushuna Waterfalls and the eco-trail leading up to it are like paradise on Earth. The untouched greenery, lush forests and rumblings streams come together in a scene of utter tranquility that engages all the senses at once. The waterfalls themselves are among the most stunning in Bulgaria. They cascade into turquoise pools throughout the forest, each as beautiful as the last. 

Just 15 km away is another stunning sight – the Devetashka Cave.

The Devetashka Cave is a truly spectacular natural phenomenon, imposing in size and unique in its shape. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be struck by the sight of the high domed chamber, with light streaming in through the 7 vast natural openings in the ceiling and a small stream flowing through the cave. With an interior of 20,400 square meters and a height of 60 m, this stunning piece of natural beauty is one of the largest caves in Bulgaria. Interestingly, it used to be a secret military base – the man-made wall and doorway at the entrance of the cave still stands to this day. Today it is open to the public and home to a wide range of rare and endangered special amphibians, birds, bats and other mammals.

We’ll explore the cave to our hearts’ content and head back towards Plovdiv.

Price per person

• For a minimum of 6 people: 150 €

• For a minimum of 4 people: 190 €

• For a minimum of 2 people: 230 €

The price includes

• The services of a professional English-speaking tour guide

• Car transfers and a professional driver

• Accommodation in a classy boutique hotel that embodies the local architectural style

• Half board (breakfast and dinner)

The price does not include

• Lunch

• Any of the guest house’s extra services

• Single room: +20 €