The Rhodopes are the greenest and most picturesque Bulgarian mountain range, known as the homeland of the mythological singer Orpheus. They offer a lot of snow and sun, clean air, and mild climate with a Mediterranean influence. The Rhodopes have a rich cultural heritage including ancient Thracian sites such as Perperikon and Tatul; medieval castles, churches, monasteries and picturesque villages with traditional Bulgarian architecture from 18th and 19th century. In addition, the region is famous for the original folklore, superb cuisine, and friendly and hospitable local people as well as for the largest ski resort – Pamporovo and the most popular place for ecotourism in Bulgaria - Momchilovtsi. Where to go? The Rhodope mountains can satisfy every taste as they encompass vast planes, snow-capped peaks, rugged rocks, deep lakes, interesting caves, and beautiful villages. No matter where you go in the Rhodopes you will definitely get a taste of the Bulgarian culture. Shiroka luka for example is a village famous for its folklore and architecture located 25km west from the city of Smolyan. 50km away to the east of the city you can visit Orlovi Skali (Eagle’s Rocks). This place is called “a monument of the ancient Thracian culture”, because of the 100 man made small niches carved in the rocks (specialists assume that the Thracians used them to put urns or ritual vessels inside). 20 km north of Smolyan is Pamporovo - a ski resort, from which you can take the lift almost up to peak Snejanka and go to the 8 Smolyan Lakes. Some other great places you should visit for sure are Plovdiv, Devin, Trigrad gorge, Devil’s Throat cave and Yagodinska cave. Which routes? 1st route: Rila monastery – Bansko – Trigrad gorge – Devil’s Throat cave – Yagodinska cave – Devin (3days) 2nd route: Plovdiv – Pamporovo – Devin – Bansko (3days) How to get there? Bansko: take the road E79; pass by Pernik, Dupnica and Blagoevgrad and after Simitly continue along road 19 Devin: take road E80; exit road E80 and take road 37 to Pazardžik; exit Pazardžik through road 8004 and follow it until you reach Krichim, then continue along road 866. Trigrad: after Devin continue along road 197 Plovdiv: take the road E80 and then continue along road 64 Pamporovo: after Plovdiv continue along road 8604 and then along 86 Shiroka luka: after Pamporovo continue along road 864 and then along 866 Smolyan: after Pamporovo continue along road 8641 and then take the road 866