Plovdiv - ancient and modern

We can start from any hotel located in Sofia. The best starting time is 9 am local time. we head off to Plovdiv — the second biggest city in Bulgaria taking the highway to the Thracian valey. In about 1 1/2 hrs we make a stop at the Assenova Krepost (Assenova Fortress) to see a church from 13th century and some remains from a guarding fortress from the 2nd Bulgarian Kingdom. Then we continue to the Bachkovo monastery where the visitors will enjoy the beauty of the Rhodope mountain, the fantastically frescoed refractory from 17th century and will have the chance t understand and appreciate Bulgarian history in a combination with the Christian Orthodox religion.

At lunch time — about 1 pm we will be in Plovdiv and have soime lunch (optional) at a restauarant with traditional bulgarian cuisine and interior. After lunch — sightseeing of the Old town, an architectrual reserve, preserved typical Bulgarian architecture from the beginning of 19th century. Some free time may be available for pictures, shopping etc.

Driving back to Sofia, where we will be at about 6 pm.

Visitors will have to cover any additional costs for entrance fees for museums:
For the refractory at Bachkovo monastery - 6 BGN
Ethnographic museum in Plovdiv - 5 BGN
Roman theatre - 3 BGN
Lunch - as per the menu list at the restaurant.
Optional wine tasting divertion with lunch - Todoroff Wine Cellar - adds up 15 EUR to the price of the excursion.