BEBALKAN
KUKERI FESTIVAL
The itinerary can be changed according to your wishes and needs, the idea is to participate in ongoing Kukeri festival that are happening in different locations in bulgaria during the Weekends, and to enjoy folklore, village life and winter activities in raduil in the week before
The Kukeri is an ancient tradition of Masquerade Games (Winter festivals) that is happening in different locations in Bulgaria from the end of January to the beginning of March. Its a wonderful opportunity to explore Balkan folklore, music and dance and to participate in an authentic festival based on ancient Thracian origins. In every festival and local event there are hundreds of performers and dozens of groups from many parts of Bulgaria and the Balkan
Bebalkan is a seminar and Tourism Center, Located at the edge of the village Raduil. Below the Musala peak, at the confluence of the rivers Maritsa and Ibar. We specialize in Balkan folklore and organize retreats and vacations in the house combined with visits and participation in Kukeri festivals in the area. Bebalkan is only an hour away from Sofia, and most of the festivals are happening in our area, including Pernik which is the biggest one
The house is at the edge of the village, a hundred meters from the river, two houses from the fields and forests. Raduil is a charming village, quiet and close to nature, authentic and alive, located only 7 km from the ski resort of Borovets.
850€
per person
in a group of 6-10 people
800€
per person
in a group of 10-15 people
750€
per person
in a group of 15-24 people
*Supplement for a single person in room: 150€
DAY 1
Village life
Introductory tour of the beautiful village Raduil: meeting place of the 2 rivers – Maritsa and Ibar, hidden chapels in the woods around the village, Church and village center
Afternoon – ‘winter tour of the chapels in the forest around the village
Bulgarian dinner in Raduil
DAY 2
river canyons and Bulgarian dance
we will walk or go with the jeeps to the nearby beautiful Ibar and maritsa canyons.
In the evening we will enjoy folklore group from the village and learn first steps in Bulgarian dance, the unusual rhythms, group and circle dances
Bulgarian dinner in Raduil
DAY 3
hot springs mysterious places
We will enjoy the nearby hotsprings of sapareva banya
In the afternoon we will go to Costenets waterfall and the canyon, and if time permits to Iskar lake
Bulgarian dinner in Raduil
DAY 4
ski lift and local town
We will go to musala ski resort and up with the cable car to musala mountain, after enjoying the beautiful mountain and snow landscape, we will go down to the city of samokov see the history museum and monastery and the local market
Bulgarian dinner in Raduil with singing of the local baba’s
DAY 5
Day 1 Kukeri festival
this will be our first day to the kukeri festival. every week in another location near our guesthouse and around Sofia, on the way to the festival we will visit local sites and get further exposure to Balkan folklore and winter landscape of Bulgaria mountains
DAY 6
Day 2 Kukeri festival
This is our second day of exposure to one of the local kukeri festivals that is happening in the weekends every week from end of janaury to beginning of march, further exposure to the mask tradition and winter folklore rites
Bulgarian dinner in Raduil
DAY 7
Day 3 of festival and sofia
This will be our last and final day of participation in the local festivals, if time permits we will also visit museums and sites in Sofia
dinner in restaurant in Sofia or at the place of the festival
The itinerary can be changed according to your wishes and needs.
The price includes: Participation in local festivals, Good English speaking Bulgarian guide; (If possible from Asen Marinoiv Music group); minibus or minivan for the whole trip; Folklore activity in the village; 6 nights in Bebalkan guesthouse; 1 cable cars; hot Springs; entry fees; Full board (packed lunches)
The price does not include: Flights; Drinks other than water at meals; Mandatory medical insurance; Everything else that is not included