Arrival at Sofia airport, meet and private transfer to Central Park Hotel 4* or similar. Overnight.

Early breakfast at the hotel and departure by minibus with our mountain guide to Beklemeto Pass – 1525 m above sea level, 40 km long, 143 km from Sofia. This is the most convenient starting point for reaching Kozya Stena Hut – a classic hike along the ridge of Stara Planina mountain range in Central Balkan National Park, with smooth curves up and down and expansive views in all directions. The group leaves Beklemeto area to the east along a wide bаck road. After 15-20 minutes, the road ends and turns into a trail. The trail divides into a “winter” and “summer” route. The group can choose whether to climb the opposite peak or go around it. Passing through Kozya Stena Peak adds at least half an hour to the duration of the hike, but the experience and views are really worth it. The entire section with the metal rope is about 400 meters long and the crossing is slower and more careful. After a short steep climb, the group reaches the ridge point of Kozya Stena Peak. Here the terrain is rugged, but still safe and the ridge is easy to follow. On the right side, the slopes are sheer, and the white rocks create a beautiful view against the green Balkans. After Kozya Stena Peak, there is a short descent, followed by a short and steep climb. The surrounding 360* views challenge everyone to capture them with the camera. Often one can see the edelweiss flowers peeking out from between the rocks. Then the group goes down to the next height and climbs up аgain to the small saddle opposite between Boba Peak and the neighboring unnamed peak. The total time up to this point is 1:45 hours. Kozya Stena Hut is already in sight and it seems close, but there are still 15 minutes to get to it. The slope here turns and is only downwards. The path cuts through both Boba Peak and the neighboring Kucheto Peak. The total time from Beklemeto to Kozya Stena Hut is around 3:00 hours. Time for lunch at the hut, against the backdrop of endless heights, peaks and forests. The way back will be on the same route but taking the easier option. At Beklemeto area the group will visit a giant concrete monument: The Arch of Freedom. Enthralling mountain freshness and vigor dominate the entire trip to the 1595 m peak, where the monument is situated. Magnificent views are revealed from there - to Stara Planina mountain and its highest peak Botev, to Sredna Gora mountain, to Rila and to the Rhodope mountains, to the valleys of Troyan town and Beli Osam river. The monument is a solemn embodiment of gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the thousands of Bulgarian and Russian soldiers who gave their lives for the Bulgarian freedom from the Ottoman occupation, which lasted 500 years. The Arch of Freedom is an expression of worship for the spirit of all freedom fighters from every historical era. This is the perfect place to capture the sunset. Transfer to guesthouse “Chardaka” in Kalofer or similar, dinner with traditional meals and soft drinks and overnight.

The group will begin the day with a rich breakfast and start the trek to “Rayskoto Pruskalo” / Paradise Fountain/ waterfall. Unlike the day before, today the group will enter the heart of the mountain. Rayskoto Pruskalo is a beautiful waterfall in Central Balkan National Park and with its height of 125 m it is actually the highest one on the Balkan Peninsula. The waterfall is constant, with a large stream of water and most attractive in spring and early summer, when supplied by the melting snow drifts. It is situated at the southern foot of Botev peak (2 376 m) – the highest peak of Stara Planina mountain. This part of the mountain itself has the shape of a huge dome with gentle grassy slopes from the east and west and steep and rocky north and south slopes. A small river drops from a vertical section of peak Botev’s southern slopes and runs further down into a wild, narrow valley, known as South  Dzhendem (The South Hell). The White River runs at the bottom of the gorge, which is a restricted area – Dzhendema Reserve, the biggest one in Central Balkan National Park,  which also covers the area around the waterfall. The gorge is home to some rare species, like the Golden Eagle and the Eastern Imperial Eagle. The hike Panitsite - Rai Hut is about 3-4 hours long, following a marked tourist trail, which goes through a nice deciduous forest in the Dzhendema Reserve area.  The path at the beginning crosses Tundzha River and with a short steep climb comes out at the entrance of the Central Balkan National Park. The route to the hut continues with a slight slope. Tourists can admire the amazing views of Botev peak all the time. When the group enters deep into the mountain, the route turns into a narrow path and walking in a column of one by one is necessary. Then comes the crossing of the Bazovitsa River and a steep climb through a beech forest. After leaving the forest, the group reaches under Malak Raiski Kupen Peak, from where the view of the hut and the Rayskoto Praskalo waterfall is exceptional. Hut "Rai" (Paradise Hut) is one of the most popular and frequently visited huts in Stara Planina mountain. It was built in 1935 on the southern slopes of Botev peak. The hut is situated on a beautiful location with incredible views both to the waterfall and to the deep labyrinth of the Dzhendema reserve. It offers rustic accommodation and food in the summer. The last goal of this trekking day -  the Rayskoto Pruskalo waterfall is accessible by a trail from hut Rai –  The walk takes only 15-20 minutes. Lunch and trek back to Panitsite area. Transfer to Sofia, accommodation in Central Park Hotel 4* or similar. Overnight.

 After breakfast, free time in Sofia if departure flight allows, private transfer to the airport and flight back home.