What better way to discover rewilding than by living it directly?

Program

Programme Starting point: Mandritsa The experience begins in Mandritsa, the only Albanian village in Bulgaria, known for its distinctive architecture and preserved cultural heritage. Off-road journey through the White River region The route continues mostly along dirt roads through the remote and unspoilt landscapes of the Eastern Rhodopes. Stop 1: Gorno Lukovo Explore this picturesque village where time seems to have stopped in the late 19th century, with its beautiful stone houses and authentic rural atmosphere. Stop 2: Dolno Lukovo Visit the Church of St. Constantine and Helena, considered the oldest church in the Eastern Rhodopes. In the area, guests may also see Bulgaria’s only strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). Stop 3: Kostilkovo Pass through the abandoned village of Kostilkovo, where wild Karakachan horses can sometimes be seen. Stop 4: Plevun Discover local flavours and traditions, with the opportunity to enjoy regional products such as tahini and trahana. Stop 5: Lyutitsa Fortress Visit one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the Rhodope Mountains. Stop 6: Villa Armira Continue to the ancient Roman villa near Ivaylovgrad, one of the most important archaeological sites in Bulgaria. Stop 7: The Two Rivers, near Belopolyane Enjoy the beautiful natural area where the Byala River and Luda River meet. Return to Mandritsa After a full day of exploration, the programme ends back in Mandritsa. Optional meal Food can be included at an additional cost.

What's Included?

✅ Full-day off-road experience by 4x4 vehicle ✅ Guided route through the White River region and surrounding villages ✅ Visits to cultural, historical, and natural landmarks along the route, some taxes are payed separately (Like the aincent Roman Villa Armira) ✅ Local insights and interpretation throughout the experience ❌Not included Meals and drinks Entrance fees, where applicable Personal expenses Price: EUR 180 per group/ Food can be included at an additional cost.

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

By joining this experience, you directly support nature-based livelihoods in one of the wildest and least explored parts of the Eastern Rhodopes. The trip creates value for local communities by promoting responsible tourism, supporting local guides, producers, and small businesses, and encouraging visitors to discover the region beyond the main tourist routes. It also helps build appreciation for the area’s natural and cultural heritage, showing that healthy landscapes and thriving rural communities can go hand in hand. In this way, your visit contributes to a local economy that is linked to the protection and long-term vitality of the region.

Rewilding landscape

Rewilding vision

Rhodope Mountains | Bulgaria

Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, the Rhodope Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria are a true biodiversity hotspot. Boasting rugged peaks, sweeping forests, lush meadows, and steep gorges, the area is a stronghold for vultures and other raptors. Carnivores such as wolves and golden jackals roam the landscape, brown bears are recolonising the area, and an array of reptiles, amphibians, and rare plants also thrive here

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Seasonal Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

This experience involves

• Hiking
• Gastronomy (local)
• Farm (co-existence)
• Educational experience
• 4x4 experience

Wildlife in this landscapePlease note that the presence of wildlife doesn’t guarantee sightings — these animals live freely and may remain out of view.

Location