Discover Bulgaria

ITINERARY: SOFIA — RILA MONASTERY — VELIKO TARNOVO — KAZANLAK — PLOVDIV — KOPRIVSHTITSA — SOFIA

1 DAY

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY            

Breakfast. Visit to the National History Museum and the mediaeval Boyana Church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral — one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, the Presidency, etc. Free time in the city centre and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. Overnight in Sofia.

3 DAY            

Breakfast. Drive to Rila Monastery — the largest and the most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, built in the 10th century. Visit to the monastery Church Nativity of the Virgin. One of its greatest treasures is the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Walk around the monastery — Hrelyo’s Tower, the old kitchen, the history museum. Drive back to Sofia. Upon request — evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

4 DAY            

After breakfast, drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo — visit to the historical Tsarevets Hill, which served as a primary fortress of the capital town during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Drive to the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well preserved 17th and 18th century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo. In the evening (upon request) — audio-visual show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights”. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

5 DAY

Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv. On the way visit to the ethnographic open-air museum Etar, representing the Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship. The park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Walk around the museum complex. Drive to the town of Kazanlak via Shipka Pass. Visit to  Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, which dates back to the 4th century BC and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its murals and paintings are Bulgaria’s best preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. Visit to the Rose Museum or the Ethnographic complex. Drive to Plovdiv. Accommodation. Overnight in Plovdiv.

6 DAY

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv, including visit to the Old town — Ethnographic Museum, Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Visit to the Roman Theatre, which was build in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman emperor Trajan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria. Drive to the village of Bachkovo. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most important and well preserved Bulgarian monasteries. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Drive back to Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv.

7 DAY            

Breakfast. Drive to Koprivshtitsa. Guided tour of the town. Koprivshtitsa is a world famous folk festival centre, representing the typical atmosphere and architectural style of the Bulgarian National Revival period of the 19th century. The town was one of the centers of the April Uprising in 1876 and it was here that the first shot against the Ottoman occupation was fired. Visit to some of the most beautiful museum-houses in Koprivshtitsa: Oslekov’s House, which is nowadays an ethnographic museum; Dormition of the Virgin Church, built in 1817, Kableshkov’s House, etc. Free time for a walk through the cozy cobbled streets of Koprivshtitsa and shopping. In the afternoon, drive to Sofia. Accommodation and overnight in Sofia.

8 DAY            

Breakfast. If time permits — shopping tour in the city centre. Transfer to the airport and departure.

- Arrival and departure transfers; - 7 nights accommodation on BB basis at 3* hotels in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv; - Air-conditioned motor-coach or minivan; - All excursions mentioned in the itinerary; - Professional English guide; - Special lectures on coach during long rides.

- Entry taxes for the visited in the itinerary sights; - Personal expenses, meals (lunch, dinner) and drinks, entry taxes for museums visited individually; - The audio-visual show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights” is a subject of a request and extra payment; - Evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances (optional) - 45 euro. - Single room (optional) - 106 euro. - Children up to 18 years of age should be accompanied by an adult. - Discount is valid for children up to 12 years of age.

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.