ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
Arrival in Sofia. Welcome by an English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. Panoramic city tour in the capital of Bulgaria. Overnight in Sofia.
Day 2: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sandanski
In the morning, departure to the Rila Monastery (10th century), situated on the Balkan Peninsula, which is both UNESCO World Heritage and the biggest monastery in Bulgaria. Drive to the town of Sandanski – a famous Bulgarian Spa resort. Overnight in Sandanski.
Day 3: Sandanski – Melnik – Bansko
Morning departure for the town of Melnik – the smallest Bulgarian town (300 inhabitants) famous as a center of viticulture and red wine industry. Lunch in a special restaurant with wine tasting. Visit fo the Rozhen Monastery (1217) and departure to the town of Bansko – situated in the foothills of Pirin National Park (UNESCO site). Overnight in Bankso.
Day 4: Bansko – Velingrad – Plovdiv
Morning sightseeing tour of Bankso with its cobbled lanes and stout timber framed houses. Visit to the Holy Trinity church with its phenomenal iconostasis, murals and icons. Afternoon departure to Velingrad – an excellent spa resort with 80 sources of mineral water. Departure to Plovdiv and overnight stay.
Day 5: Plovdiv – Kazanluk
Morning sightseeing tour of the Old town in Plovdiv with its unique charm. Visitation of the Roman Amphitheatre (2nd century), the Bynzantine and medieval fortifications. Afternoon departure for Kazanluk. Visits to the Thracian Tomb (4th century) located at the UNESCO site. Overnight in Kazanluk.
Day 6: Kazanluk – Shipka Pass – Veliko Turnovo
In the morning departure to the Shipka Cathedral and to the Etura open-air museum. Drive to the town of Veliko Turnovo – capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th – 14th century). Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
Day 7: Veliko Turnovo – Arbanassi – Sofia
Sightseeing tour of the town. Visit also the Arbanassi village – on architectural reserve with houses and churches dated form 17th – 19th century. In the afternoon ride to Sofia. Farewell dinner in a restaurant and overnight in Sofia.
Day 8: Departure from Sofia
After the breakfast transfer with bus and English-speaking guide to the airport and flight back home. |
