A Company Built on Expertise

Balkan Trek is a fully licensed in-coming Bulgarian ecotourism tour operator founded in 2002 by Siya Cholakova and Julian Perry. The company quickly established itself as one of the leading eco-tourism operators in Bulgaria on account of its expertise, professionalism, quality of product, excellence of service, and commitment to responsible tourism.

Balkan Trek is a company built on experience. Siya Cholakova's organisational and logistical skills are combined with a deep understanding of the contemporary ecotourism market. Having completed a Masters Degree in Responsible Tourism, she is fully up-to-date with the latest principles and practices of responsible tourism, and thus helps ensure not only the smooth operation of all our walking and wildlife holidays in Bulgaria, but also their environmental and cultural sensitivity.

One of the leading authorities on the Bulgarian Mountains, and author of 'Walking in Bulgaria's National Parks' and 'The Mountains of Bulgaria: A Walker's Companion', Julian Perry has spent the last 25 years exploring every corner of Bulgaria, researching in detail its flora and fauna, and has a particular expertise in the ecology and ethology of brown bears. Julian's intimate knowledge of the country and its outstanding biodiversity, makes him uniquely qualified to design and lead some of the most informative and highest quality wildlife and walking holidays in Bulgaria, ensuring that the itineraries offered are highly rewarding, and provide the best chance of observing the greatest range of flora and fauna, as well as the opportunity to experience and enjoy the rich culture and history of the country and its traditional way of life.