Day 1

Arrival at the Sofia Airport. Transfer to the hotel, short rest or we will pick you up directly from your hotel. Walking tour in the center – visit to the Saint Nedelya Church, the Statue of St Sofia – the symbol of the city, the Parliament square, the Presidency, the National Theater, the Ruins of Serdica and the Rotonda St George 4th c. AC, the Russian Church, the St. Sophia early Christian basilica, which has given the city its name, the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the biggest and the most beautiful on the Balkan Peninsula, the Monument of Alexander II – Tzar Liberator (1902), the Parliament. In the afternoon – time at leisure. Dinner. Overnight. 

Day 2

Departure to Sandanski – one of the most famous SPA centers in Bulgaria. Visit of Melnik – the smallest town of Bulgaria, architectural reserve and ethnographic monument, the capital of wine production. Visit of a wine cave. In Melnik we will enjoy the marvelous architecture at the foothills of sandstone pyramids. Visit of the Rojen Monastery – perched on a high hill it is a piece of art that should definetly not be missed. Accommodation. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight.

Day 3

Departure to the Rila Monastery – the richest historical and architectural monument of the Orthodox enclave, founded in 10th century and transformed to the most important spiritual and cultural center of Bulgaria. The site is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world heritage list. The tour continues to the town of Borovets – the most famous ski resort in Bulgaria. Accommodation. Overnight. 

Day 4

Departure to Velingrad- the biggest Bulgarian spa resort. On the way we will pass by the picturesque small towns of Dospat, Devin, Trigrad. The Trigrad gorge will evoke feelings that will make you shiver recalling the stone hell that you have just gone through. The Miracle – how the turbulent river waters disappear into the Devil’s mouth in the underground caves and tunnels and comes again of the surface 500 m down below. Arrive in Smolyan. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 5

Departure to Plovdiv. We will pass by Pamporovo winter resort. Before arriving in Plovdiv we will visit the Monastery of Bachkovo (20 km from Plovdiv) – the second largest monastery after the Rila Monastery. The complex and its neighborhoods have grown into a developed tourist sight where dozens of small shops, stalls, and restaurants stand on both sides of the walkway to the gates and appeal with their variety to visitors. Arrive in Plovdiv. Visit to the Old Town. It is declared an architectural museum reserve with over 150 monuments of culture. Its magnificent houses are turned into museums, galleries, workshops, restaurants. There are also parlours and studios of painters and wood-carvers. Visit to the Ancient Roman Amphitheater (2nd century A.C) and the Roman Stadium. Accommodation. Dinner in a traditional restaurant with folklore program. Overnight.

Day 6

Departure to Nessebar – one of the oldest towns in Europe. One of the undoubted jewels of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, this ancient town has a colorful past and balances it with beaches that shimmer like gold. Boasting a quaint old town of wooden houses, cobblestoned streets, and Basilica all packed onto an island-promontory, it’s the old quarter that sprinkles holidays in Nessebar with magic dust. Time will pass too quickly here as you hunt for souvenirs in the gift shops, explore churches and museums and enjoy the country’s great-value, appetizing cuisine at the traditional mehanas. Overnight. 

Day 7

Departure to Varna – During the Second Bulgarian state, Varna was one of the most important trading and craft centers in the country. Now a day it is the biggest sea port and one of the favorite holiday places. Numerous hotels, restaurants and night clubs make it a preferable seaside centre. Summer is fresh and pleasant and the wide beach strip attracts thousands of tourists. The city lies in the bay of Varna and is 11 km long. The city’s structure resembles an amphitheatre as it follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. Tour of the town. Overnight.

Day 8

Day at leisure. Optional: A trip to Aladja Monastery – situated only 16 km from Varna. The name of Aladzha Monastery comes from the Turkish word for colorful (“aladzha”) due most probably to the bright colors of its wall paintings, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The monks’ cells, common rooms and sanctuaries, dug directly into the limestone rock and situated on two levels high above the ground, were connected via an external staircase. The entire monastery is considered to date back from the 12th century AC. Back to Varna. Overnight.

Day 9

Departure to Veliko Tarnovo – capital city of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom. City tour and visit and visit of the medieval fortress of Tsarevets, the old Marketplace Samovodska Tcharshia, the churches St. Demetrius (12th c.), Holy Forty Martyrs, built in 1230 by Tsar Ivan Assen II, and St. Peter and Paul (14th c.). Only 4 km from Veliko Turnovo is Arbanassi, a charming village with an eventful history and fascinating architecture. Thirty six of its 80 houses and the five local churches have been declared for national monuments of culture. Overnight.

Day 10

Departure to Gabrovo. Visit of Etara – an open-air museum presenting the historic past, economic development and the way of living of the population in 18 – 19th c. The shopping street represents the way crafts were practiced locally in the mid-19th century. The trip continues through the Shipka pass. Visit of Shipka Memorial Church and The biggest Tracian Tomb “Goljamata Kosmatka” – founded in 2004. Departure to Koprivshtitsa. Accommodation. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight.

Day 11

Tour of Koprivshtica – The town boasts a large number of architectural monuments from the Revival period, 383 in all, most of which have been restored to their original appearance. Collections of ethnographical treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewelry has also been preserved. Departure to Sofia.

Optional: Visit of the Museum of History and Boyana Church – UNESCO site - one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture. Accommodation. Overnight.

Please note that we can modify every itinerary according to your disposal, budget, interests and hotel accommodation preferred. That is why the price is variable. Please send us your requirements and we will send you the quote including:

·     Accommodation /4 overnights/

·     transport – car A/C, fuel costs, vignette, parking fees

·     transfer airport/hotel/airport

·     entrance fees

·     guide services 

For any further questions or information, please contact us:

Mobile: 00 359 878 956 414 

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com

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