Sofia - Rila Monastery - Sandanski - Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - Sofia

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 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.