Day 1

Arrival at 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 Veliko Tarnovo town – the capital of the Second Bulgarian State. Tarnovo was the second most greatest and magnificent city in the Balkans after Constantinople. The city is situated in the plains of Stara planina (The Balkan), bisected by the Yantra river and its feeders. It rises in tiers, which gives it a special architectural outlook. The hill of Tsarevets, which houses the king`s palaces is the most significant site of the town. Here are the remains of the throne- room and the palace church. 47 churches and 400 residential houses have been discovered in the whole complex. Fortified walls and defensive towers surround the city. The tower of Baldwin is the most famous and it is an evidence for the power of the Bulgarian Kingdom. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 3

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.

Optional: Visit to Sokolski Monastery – It was founded in 1833 by archimandrite Yossif, called later Sokolski. The monastery is a monument of culture. 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 4

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 

or use the contact form:

The Cherepish Monastery, named “The Assumption of Virgin Mary

The origin of the Cherepish monastery dates to the Second Bulgarian State. It was built during the rule of Tsar Ivan Shishman (1371-1393), if judging from a document, preserved in the Sofia church, historical and archeological museum. During the time of the Ottoman domination, the cloister was ruined and set on fire more than once. At the end of the 16th century, it was reconstructed by St Pimen of Sofia. During the times of the Bulgarian Renaissance, the monastery grew into a cultural and educational centre. It hosted a monastery school, while books, saints’ biographies and gospels were written and rewritten there. Relics such as the Cherepish Gospel, enclosed in golden bindings in 1512 and decorated with scenes from the bible, as well as the Gospel of Monk Danail and the Book of the Apostles of Jacob, all date to that period. St Sofronii of Vratza seeks and finds shelter in the monastery in 1797. Between 1872 and 1876, the monastery is visited by the Vratza revolutionary committee, plotting against the Turks, and the central revolutionary committee. The Rashov Dol place, where the last battle of Botev’s detachment of rebels against the Turks, led by Georgi Apostolov, lies in the neighbourhood of the Cherepish monastery. In addition, the cloister was visited by the famous Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov in 1889 and 1907, while in 1897 another renowned author, Aleko Konstantinov, dropped by here during his tour of the region. Following his visit to the monastery, Konstantinov publishes one of his popular travel notes, Bulgarian Switzerland. Old Christian churches have been found in the area surrounding the monastery. A large part of the cloister was renovated and restored in recent times. A monastery school has been open for year at the monastery, the theological institute and the Sofia orthodox seminary. The numerous picturesque buildings of the cloister, most of which were build leave a strong impression on visitors around 1836 by father Yosif. The St George’s church which keeps its original design and a part of its frescoes (painted in the 19th century by a priest, Yoanikii) despite repeated reconstructions, together with the bone-vault, which perches from a steep rock over one of the buildings, stands out among the buildings in the complex. The church represents a one-nave building with a spacious entrance, an open gallery and a pointed dome. An iconostasis with fine woodcarvings and a representation of the burial of Christ, embroidered in 1844, are some of the impressive items of the interior. The Cherepish monastery is a declared monument of culture of national significance.

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and is a modern European city nowadays, the main political, administrative and cultural center of the country. It is also one of the oldest cities in Europe. The first inhabitants settled there in the 4th century BC, because of the good location of its territory – among mountains and mineral springs. 

The tour of Sofia offers you to see the real mixture of tradition and modern culture. It will acquaint you with Sofia’s most famous points of interest – The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, The Russian Church, The Church of St. Sophia, The Round Church “St. George”, The National Theatre, The mineral baths, The Jewish Synagogue, The National Art Gallery, The Archeological Museum and  Parliament square, The Presidency, the Ruins of Serdica and many more exciting views that will make you fall in love with this magnificent city. Blossoming, growing, contemporary and traditional, Sofia is waiting to be discovered and explored. More than 3000 coffees, bars, restaurants, clubs, discos and places of entertainment offer national and foreign cuisine and pleasant atmosphere.

Destination: Sofia – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv – Sofia

Situated 20 km away from Plovdiv it is the second largest in Bulgaria. On all sides, the monastery is surrounded by the hills of the Rhodopi mountain, which together with its size and ancient spirit make it one of the most visited monasteries in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine military commander of Georgian origin, Grigorii Bakuriani and his brother Abazii. Yet only the two-storey bone-vault, which lies about 300m to the east of the present-day complex, is still kept from that time. The bone-vault is a must-see building there, for its unique wall-paintings, which rank among the most valuable works of Orthodox art of the 11th – 12th c.
Visit Plovdiv with its most impressive sightseeings – Antique Amphitheatre, The Roman Stadium, The Old Plovdiv…. - nowadays it is an original living museum, an architectural phenomenon with many of the houses of those times’ most prominent Bulgarians turned into museums, galleries hosting various art exhibitions and festivals.

Duration: 8 hours approximately

Price includes:

• transport car / mini van A/C
• fuel costs,
• guide services
• VAT

For more information and reservations:

Telephone: 00 359 878 956 414

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com

Skype: polinkaa1

or use the contact form: (You will receive our response within less than 12 hours): 

Day 1

Arrival at 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 – the oldest building in Sofia dating to the 4th century AD, 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. Diner. Overnight. 

Day 2

Departure to Plovdiv. On the way – visit to Bachkovo Monastery /20km 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. Here you can buy rare herbs, home made honey and products made of buffalo’s and sheep’s milk. Continue to 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. Diner in a traditional restaurant with folklore program. Overnight. 

Day 3

Departure to Veliko Tarnovo. On our way we will pass by the town of Kazanlak where will visit the Tracian Tomb of Kazanlak – the monument dates back to the 4th century BC and has been on the UNESCO protected World Heritage Site list since 1979. Visit of the Russian Church (12 km of Kazanlak) in the foothills of Stara Planina. Its golden domes and the green and pink coloured facade loom against the mountains and attract the attention of the travellers in the Shipka pass. Next stop is to the other side of the pass where we will visit “Etara” - an open air museum. It is the first 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. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo – capital city of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Accommodation in a hotel in Veliko Turnovo or Arbanassi. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

After breakfast -  tour of the city. Visit to “Tsarevets” - a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name. It served as the Second Bulgarian Empire’s primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393, housing the royal and the patriarchal palaces. 47 churches and 400 residential houses have been discovered in the whole complex. Fortified walls and defensive towers surround the city. The tower of Baldwin is the most famous and is an evidence for the power of the Bulgarian Kingdom. We will continue our tour by visiting 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. Departure to Sofia. Overnight. 

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

The price includes:

·     Accommodation / 4 overnights/

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

·     dinner in a traditional restaurant in Plovdiv

·     transfer airport/hotel/airport

·     entrance fees

·     guide services

Mobile: 00 359 878 956 414

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com 

or use the contact form:

Day 1

Arrival at 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 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 Sandanski  – well known SPA resort with mild climate and natural richness. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 3

Departure to Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria – architectural reserve and ethnographic monument. Also this is the capital of the bulgarian wine. Optional : Visit Rojenski Monastery (4 km from Melnik).  Departure to Plovdiv. The road leads through the famous winter resort of Borovetz. Here we will stop for a short break. Arrive to Plovdiv – the capital of Southern Bulgaria, populated since the time of Philip of Macedonia. Accommodation. Dinner in a traditional restaurant with folklore program. Overnight.

Day 4

Visit 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. Departure to Bachkovo Monastery – 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. Departure to Sofia. Visit Boyana Church – UNESCO site. Overnight.

Mobile: 00 359 878 956 414

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:

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com 

or use the contact form: (You will receive our response within less than 12 hours): 

Destination: Sofia – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia 

Koprivshtitsa is located 111km east of Sofia, a bulgarian museum town with romantic atmosphere, picturesque natural landscapes and hospitable householders. Every house is a work of art: blue, yellow, red houses with verandas, bay windows and eaves, rooms decorated with wood carvings, lit up by brightly coloured rugs and cushions. Here you will walk on cobblestone streets, winding between high white stone walls and gardens full of greenery. In such relaxing place you will have the chance to taste the delicious national cuisine. The town was also the birthplace of the inspired leaders of the April uprising, and of hundreds of other activists, enlighteners and revolutionaries, scholars and public figures. 

Duration: 8 hours approximately

Price includes:

• transport car / mini van A/C
• fuel costs,
• guide services
• VAT

For more information and reservations:

Telephone: 00 359 878 956 414

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com

Skype: polinkaa1 

or use the contact form: (You will receive our response within less than 12 hours): 

Destination: Sofia – Veliko Turnovo - Sofia

 Not only a mediaeval capital, it is also a National Revival city. For 800 years now it has towered over the Yantra river which meanders at its feet. The houses are perched one above the other on the steep slopes of the almost sheer banks. Situated 241 km northeast of Sofia, the city is known for its distinct and picturesque architecture which creates a feeling of warmth and coziness.
We will visit the medieval fortress of Tsarevets, the old Marketplace Samovodska Tcharshia with its traditional crafts work shops, souvenir shops and art galleries, 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 national monuments of culture. Veliko Turnovo is brought to you with more than 7000 years of history. The houses, stacked one above the other, situated on the slopy hills of the town show a remarkable, unique architectural style. The bridges, unexpectedly flying over the river, palaces and towers, spectacular museums, ancient columns with writings left by our proud rulers, monasteries with unique murals and the Arbanassi fortress-houses.

The nights are filled with the constant voice of the river, the glitters and dazed lights, playing on the fairy face of the town and the noise of the energy-filled stormy student’s life.

From its rich historical value, to its thriving modern nightlife and lush natural surroundings that provide many excellent opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, Veliko Turnovo offers you everything you could ever want for the perfect holiday.

The historic reserves Etara and Bozhentsi are located nearby.

Sofia - Rila Monastery - Sofia

The Rila Monastery is located in 1147 meters altitude in the middle of the fragrant coniferous forests of Rila Mountain. The monastery is a complex of cultural, dwelling and farming buildings which take about 8800 square meters. The Rila Monastery has an unique architecture. Outside, the monastery looks like a fortress. It has 24-meter stone walls which forms irregular pentagon. That’s why when some tourist enters the monastery’s yard from some of the two iron gates he is surprised by its architecture: arches and colonnades, covered wooden stairs and carved verandas and the 300-400 monastic cells. The temple has five domes, three altars and two chapels. Maybe the most important thing in the church is the iconostasis which has incredible wood-carving.

The church of the Nativity of the Virgin is the monastery’s main church and the core of the architectural ensemble. Its construction began in 1835. That was an event of paramount importance for the entire Bulgarian nation. The innovative daring and the flexibility with which tradition has been interpreted in the architectural design of its imposing church reveals the nature of art during the National Revival Period. This church building is unique in the Balkans. It was built by the then widely known master builder Pavel from the village of Krimin who had worked on Mount Athos and from where he borrowed the original spatial design of the church. The compositional scheme includes medieval elements and baroque spatial principles, an approach which distinguishes Bulgarian church architecture and whose features are observed in the art of the epoch.

   Duration: 7 hours (two hours in each direction) 

Price includes:  

• transport car / mini van A/C
• fuel costs,
• guide services
• VAT

For more information and reservations: 

Telephone: 00 359 878 956 414 

e-mail: info@guidesofbulgaria.com 

or use the contact form (You will receive our response within less than 12 hours):