1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including a visit to the 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; the Rotunda “St George”, the Church “St. Sophia”, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, the President hall, etc. Free time in the city center and the main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Optional tour upon request: half day visits to the National History Museum and Boyana Church in Sofia. Dinner at the hotel or, optional, dinner with folklore program and dances at a traditional restaurant in Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia, or, optional: full day trip to Plovdiv. 8 a.m. – departure for Plovdiv. Sightseeing tour the Old Town, including a visit to The Roman Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv, which was build in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trayan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria, visit to the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, “St. Konstantin and Helena” Church, etc. Free time. Drive back to Sofia in the late afternoon. Duration of the tour 8 hours. Arrival in Sofia in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. A free day in Sofia for shopping and sightseeing or, optional: full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. 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 17 and 18 century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. Visit to the Konstantsalieva Museum House. Drive back to Sofia. Dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the airport and departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:Full day trip to Plovdiv /entrance fee to the Ethnographic museum included/ – 47 EUR;
Full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi – 65 EUR;
Half day tour in Sofia – visits to the National History Museum and Boyana Church (entrance fees included) 35 EUR;
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances /transfer to the restaurant is included/- 25 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
3 nights at a 3* hotel in Sofia;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor-coach throughout;
Guided sightseeing tour of Sofia in English.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Full day trip to Plovdiv;
Full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi;
Half day tour of Sofia with visits to the National History Museum and Boyana Church;
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 59 EUR;
3rd person in a DBL room – 26 EUR.

NOTES:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia at the same rate.

Popularity: 37% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Walking tour: visit of the 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 , the Church of “St Sophia”, built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, the President Hall, etc. Free time in the city centre and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit of the National Natural Science Museum. Drive to the Vitosha Mountain. Free time for hiking. Vitosha Natural Park covers about 90 % of the mountain territory. The characteristic plant and animal communities, the geological phenomena and the impressive landscapes attract visitors to the mountain. This is the first National Park on the Balkan Peninsula, declared in 1934. Visit of the Dragalevtzi Visitors’ Center, the Dendrarium and the National Botanical Garden. Dinner in a folk style restaurant with live music, dances and wine. Overnight in Sofia.

3 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to the Rila Mountain. Visit of the Panichishte Visitors’ Center at the Rila National Park. Visit of the unique natural reserve “Marichini Ezera” (the lakes of Maritza). The nature lovers can admire the relict and rare plants – Geum bulgaricum, Viola orbelica, Primula deorum, etc. Drive to Plovdiv. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv. Visit of the Plovdiv Botanical Garden to see the unique Astragalus phisocalyx. Drive to the Bachkovo Monastery and the Red Wall natural reserve, protecting the famous Haberlea rhodopaensis. Drive to Kazanlak. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
Breakfast. Visit of the Valley of Roses and observation of rose picking. Visit of the Museum of Rose – the only one in the world. Drive to Balchik – a gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
Breakfast. Walk around the Romanian Queen Mary’s Palace and its famous gardens of more than 35 ha. The gardens are the “residence” of 3000 or so plant species of which cacti alone over 250 – Europe’s second most important collection. The Palace Park is an imitation of the famous Cretan Labyrinth. Drive to the Kamchiya River and tour by boat. A real jungle can be seen today in an area of 150 ha where over 40 tree species grow. Drive to Varna. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Varna, including the Marine Gardens which are the largest in the Balkans and unique in the whole Mediterranean Basin for their size (8 km long), arrangement and scenery. Visit to the Euxinograd Palace in a lovely park, surrounded by spectacular vineyards. In the park one can see over 200 plant species from East Asia, the Mediterranean and South America, selected by King Ferdinand himself, who used to be an avid naturalist. Dinner and overnight in Varna.

8 DAY
Breakfast. Transfer to the Sofia Airport and departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 101 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Sofia 3*, Plovdiv 3*, Kazanlak 3*, Balchik 3*, Varna 3*;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor-coach throughout;
All excursions;
Professional tour-guiding;
Special lectures on bus during long rides;
All entry taxes and service charges.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Personal expenses and entry taxes for museums visited individually.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years accommodated in 1 double room with their parents – 106 EUR;
3rd person in a DBL room – 20 EUR.

SPECIAL RESERVATION CONDITIONS: Hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September, etc. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 97% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Accommodation. Visits to the National History Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing of the town – the Samovodska street, the Church “St. Dimitrius”, the Mother Bulgaria Monument, and the Tsarevets Hill – the administrative and religious center of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. After dinner, the evening show – “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights” /optional/. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

3 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to Shumen. Visit to the Veliki Preslav historic and archeological reserve and the museum at the reserve, where the Preslav gold treasure is exposed. Drive to the village of Sboryanovo. Visit to the Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari, discovered in 1982. The 3rd century BC Thracian tomb reflects the fundamental structural principles of thracian cult buildings. The tomb’s architectural dйcor is considered to be unique, with polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. Walk around in the area. Drive back to Shumen. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Shoumen.

4 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to Varna. Sightseeing tour of the town of Varna – The Assumption Cathedral in Varna, one of the symbols of the city, which contains a finely carved iconostasis and bishop’s throne, some interesting murals and stained glass; the Roman baths, constructed in the second half of the 2nd century and considered to be one of the largest buildings in the eastern part of the Roman Empire; the Palace of Culture and Sports with its unique architecture; the Dolphinarium – one of the greatest attractions Varna can offer to its guests. Visit to the Varna Archeological Museum where the Gold treasure from the Varna Necropolis is exposed. The treasure dates from the V-IV millennium BC and is proved to be the oldest cultivated gold in the world. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Varna.

5 DAY
Breakfast and departure. Drive to the town of Kazanlak via Bourgas. Walk around the historic area of the town and the Ethnographic Complex. Visit to The Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, 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. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Kazanlak.

6 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Visits to some of the other Thracian tombs in the region of Kazanlak. Drive to Starosel and walk around the latest excavations of Thracian tombs at Starosel. The village is known for its abundance of ancient Thracian sites, with finds dating as fas back as the 5-6 millenium BC. Drive to the spa town of Hisar. Although famous for its mineral water springs, the town is a genuine pearl of antiquity. The Hisar’s Fortress, an archaeological reserve, is an excellent example of early fortification art and perhaps the best monument of this kind in Bulgaria. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Hisar.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Plovdiv. Visit to the Museum of History in the town. Sightseeing of the Old town – the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman stadium, “St. Konstantin 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. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

8 DAY
Drive to Sofia. Departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 121 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Sofia 3*, Plovdiv 3*, Hisar 3*, Kazanlak 3*, Shumen 3*, Veliko Tarnovo 3*;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor-coach throughout;
All excursions;
Professional tour-guiding;
Special lectures on bus during long rides;
Entry taxes for the visited in the program tourist sites.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Personal expenses and entries for museums visited individually.
The “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights” Show in Veliko Tarnovo is subject to additional confirmation and payment.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 88 EUR;
3rd person in a DBL room – 18 EUR.

SPECIAL RESERVATION CONDITIONS:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September, etc. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 100% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Direct transfer to the town of Plovdiv. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

2 DAY
Breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the Old town of Plovdiv. Walk around the romantic cobbled streets of the Old Town and visit to the Ethnographic Museum, Hindliyanova and Balabanova Houses, Zlatyo Boyadjiev’s House-museum and the Ancient Roman Theatre. Departure for the village of Bachkovo. Visit to the medieval Bachkovo Monastery. Walk around the weird-shaped rock formations Chudnite Mostove (The Marvelous Bridges) – a real natural phenomena. Drive to the town of Smolyan. Accommodation. Dinner in a local tavern. Overnight in Smolyan.

3 DAY
Breakfast. Visit to the art gallery in Smolyan. Walk in Dolno Raikovo Quarter, known for its ancient architecture. Visit to the Planetarium. Free time. Dinner. Overnight in Smolyan.

4 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Walk in the area of the Smolyan lakes. Climbing up Snezhanka Peak by lift. A cup of coffee on the Panorama floor of the Snezhanka Tower. Getting down by lift to Pamporovo Ski Resort. Departure for Laki. Visit to Kormisosh Forestry and Hunting Enterprise. Departure to the village of Momchilovtsi. Visit to the National Astronomic Observatory in Rozhen (if the weather is fine). Drive to Smolyan. Dinner. Overnight in Smolyan.

5 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to the village of Mogilitsa. Visit to the architectural complex “Agushevi konatsi” and the Uhlovitsa Cave. Drive back to Smolyan. Dinner. Overnight in Smolyan.

6 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for the village of Shiroka Laka. Walk in the old quarter, bearing the atmosphere from the Bulgarian National Revival period. Drive to the village of Trigrad. Rest among the magnificence of the Trigrad Gorge and getting down into the “Devil’s Throat” cave. Accommodation in a family hotel in Trigrad. Overnight in Trigrad.

7 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for the village of Teshel. Pass through the picturesque Buinovo Gorge by a cart and 30 min in the impressive Yagodinska Cave. Departure for Sofia. Farewell dinner with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

8 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Sofia – visit to the 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; the Rotunda “St George”, the Church “St. Sophia”, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, the President hall, etc. Free time in the city center and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Transfer to the airport. Departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 74 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Plovdiv 3*, Smolyan 3*, Trigrad 2*, Sofia 3*;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor-coach throughout;
All excursions;
Professional tour-guiding;
Special lectures on bus during long rides;
All entry taxes and service charges.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Personal expenses and entry taxes for museums visited individually.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years old in the room of their parents – 49 EUR;
Adult on an extra bed in a DBL room – 24 EUR.

SPECIAL RESERVATION CONDITIONS:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September, etc. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 96% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival at Sofia International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the National History Museum and the medieval Boyana Church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Panorama bus tour around Sofia. Visit to the 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; the Rotunda “St George”, the Church “St. Sophia”, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, the President Hall, etc. Free time in the city center and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

3 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the 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 valuables is the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Walk around the monastery – the Hrelyo Tower, the old kitchen, the History Museum. Drive back to Sofia, dinner. 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, dinner at the hotel. After dinner – the show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights”/optional/. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

5 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Plovdiv. On the way stop at the Dryanovo Monastery. Visit to the Etar Open-Air Museum, representing the Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship. The park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and the tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Walk around the complex. Drive to the town of Kazanlak via Shipka Pass. Visit to The Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, 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 Museum of Rose or the Ethnographic Complex. Drive to Plovdiv. Accommodation and dinner. Overnight in Plovdiv.

6 DAY
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv, including visit to the Old town – the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, “St Konstantin and Helena” Church, etc. Visit to the Roman Theater, 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 the 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. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Koprivshtitsa. Walking tour of the town. Koprivshtitsa is a world famous folk festival center, representing the typical atmosphere and architecture 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: the Oslekov’s House, which is nowadays an ethnographic museum; the Church “Dormition of the Virgin”, built in 1817, the Kableshkov’s Memorial House, etc. Free time for a walk in 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 center. Transfer to the Sofia International Airport and departure.

Popularity: 91% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Half day walking tour of Sofia. Visit of the 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; the Rotunda “St. George”, the Church “St Sophia”, built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, the President hall, “St. Nedelya” Church, etc. Free time in the city center and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for the town of Melnik – the smallest one in Bulgaria, famous for producing probably the best wine in the country. On the way visit of the Rila Monastery – the largest and the most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, built in the 10th century. Free time for lunch. Drive to the spa town of Sandanski. Walk in the city center. Visit of the Damyanitza wine cellar. Drive to the Rozhen Monastery /13th century/ – one of the biggest monasteries in the Pirin mountain, well preserved until today. The monastery reached its peak in the 19th century, when it became a regional center of Orthodox Cristianity. Walking tour of Melnik. Dinner and wine tasting in the Kordopoulova House Museum. Overnight in Sandanski/Melnik.

3 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv – the second biggest city in Bulgaria. On the way visit to Borovets Resort. Arrival in Plovdiv, accommodation and short rest. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of the Old town with a visit of the Ancient Roman Theatre – built in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan, nowadays it is considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria; visit of the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, “St. Konstantin and Helena” Church, etc. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

4 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for the village of Brestovitsa. Wine tasting in the “Boutique Todoroff” wine cellar in Brestovitsa. Drive to the town of Assenovgrad for a walk in the town centre. On the way stop for a photo break at the medieval Assenova Fortress. Drive to the village of Bachkovo. Visit of the Bachkovo Monastery – dating back to the 11th century, it is considered to be one of the most important and well preserved in Bulgaria. Nowadays it is well known and appreciated for the unique combination of Bysantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Visit of the monastery church of the Virgin Mary /dating from 1604/, which treasures the wonder-working icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310. Drive back to Plovdiv, dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for Veliko Tarnovo. On the way visit of the Ethnographic Complex in Kazanlak. Visit of The Thracian Tomb. Cross the mountain via Shipka Pass. Stop for a visit to the Etar Open-Air Museum. The museum-park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses. Here you will see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Accommodation. Sightseeing of the historical Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo – administrative and religious center of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Walk along the Samovodska Charshiya (an old market place). Visit of the Lyaskovets Wine Cellar. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

6 DAY
Breakfast. Visit of the village of Arbanassi, famous for its houses and old churches dating back to the National Revival period. Departure for Pleven. Sightseeing of the Panorama Monument “Pleven Epopee” and other places of interest, related to the Russian – Turkish War (1877-78). Visit of the Institute for viticulture and wine production in Pleven and the “Gamza 1922″ wine cellar. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Pleven.

7 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to the town of Lovech. Visit of the old quarter Varosha and the “Covered bridge”. Visit of the Troyan Wine Cellar and tasting of plum brandy in Troyan. Walk through the permanent Exhibition – Market of the Folk Arts and Crafts in the village of Oreshak. Visit of the Troyan Monastery where the miraculous icon “Three-handed Virgin” is kept. Drive to Sofia. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Sofia.

8 DAY
Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the airport and departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 84 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Sofia 3*, Melnik 3*, Plovdiv 3*, Veliko Tarnovo 3*, Pleven 3*;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor-coach throughout the route;
All excursions;
Professional tour-guiding;
Special lectures on bus during long rides;
All entry taxes and service charges.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:Personal expenses and entry taxes for museums visited individually.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 45 EUR;
3rd person in a DBL room – 16 EUR.

SPECIAL RESERVATION CONDITIONS:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival; For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed; Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September, etc; For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 96% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival at Sofia International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast. Full day trip to the Rila Monastery. It is 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 valuables is the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Walk around the monastery – the Hrelyo Tower, the old kitchen, the History Museum. Drive to the town of Bansko – one of the best mountain ski resorts in the country. Although it has inherited century-long history, in recent years it gains popularity with the annual Jazz Festival. Visit to the “St. Trinity” Church, which is the largest, most interesting and rich in the Pirin area. The ceiling features a sky with stars; the icon screen of Master Velyan Ognev is a big fantasy in wood. Of great value is the icon collection of the town. Accommodation and welcome dinner, overnight in Bansko.

3 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Melnik. Walking tour of the smallest town in Bulgaria, resting amidst gently rounded hills covered with vineyards and orchards and the incredible sand pyramids that look like the Colorado Grand Canyon. Visit to the Rozhen Monastery /13th/ – one of the biggest monasteries in the Pirin Mountain, well preserved until today. The monastery reached its peak in the 19th century, when it became a regional centre of Orthodox Cristianity and owned a lot of land in the area. In the afternoon departure for Sofia. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to the Bachkovo Monastery. The monastery dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most important and well preserved bulgarian monasteries. It is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Bysantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Visit to the monastery church of the Virgin Mary /dating from 1604/, which treasures the wonder-working icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310. Walk around the monastery. Drive to Plovdiv. Accommodation at the hotel. Free time for walk in the Old Town of Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the town of Shipka and the Shipka Monastery. Visit to the Shipka Memorial Church, designed in a 17th century Moscow style. It has been raised in memory of the Russian, Ukranian and Bulgarian soldiers, who gave their lives for the liberation of Bulgaria during the Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878. Drive to the Sokolski Monastery /built in 1833/ and tour of the monastery. The monastery chapel treasures icons painted by Zahari Zograf. The eight-spout fountain constructed by Kolyo Ficheto is in the middle of the monastery courtyard. Drive to the Dryanovo Monastery “St. Archangel Michael”. During the April revolt in 1876 it was the scene of a heroic battle between the Bulgarian revolutionaries and the numerous Turkish army. Tour of the monastery. Drive to Veliko Tarnovo in the late afternoon. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

6 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Preobrazhenski Monastery. Tour of the monastery. It is a remarkable example of the Bulgarian Revival Art. When the monastery was reconstructed in 1825, the master builder Nikola Fichev did the construction of the church, while the great painter Zahari Zograf is the author of the wall paintings of the same church. The icons in the smaller church, painted by the famous Stanislav Dospevski, are also of high artistic value. Drive to the town of Ruse, located ot the right bank of the Danube River. Walking tour of the city and free time. Drive to the village of Ivanovo. Sightseeing of the unique Ivanovo Rock Monasteries, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is noted for the beautiful and well preserved medieval frescoes. The monastery complex owes much of its fame of 13th and 14th century paintings in 5 of the rock churches, fine examples of the Bulgarian Medieval Art. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo. After dinner – the show “Tsarevets in sounds and lights” /upon request/. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Troyan Monastery, located in the village of Oreshak and tour of the monastery. The miraculous icon “Three-handed Virgin” is kept in the church of the monastery. Drive to the Glozhene Monastery and tour of the monastery. In the afternoon departure for Sofia. Accommodation at the hotel. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

8 DAY
After breakfast visit to the Dragalevski Monastery, located in the foothills of Vitosha Mountain. Transfer to the airport and departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 110 EUR;
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances – 25 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Sofia 3*, Bansko 3*, Plovdiv 3*, Veliko Tarnovo 3*;
Meals on HB basis included – breakfast and dinner;
Air-conditioned motor coach throughout;
All excursions;
Professional tour-guiding;
Special lectures on bus during long rides;
All entry taxes and service charges.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Personal expenses and entry taxes for museums visited individually;
The “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights” show is subject to extra confirmation and supplement;
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 96 EUR;
3rd person in a DBL room – 13 EUR.

SPECIAL RESERVATION CONDITIONS:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September, etc. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 76% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival at Sofia International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Half day walking tour of Sofia. Visit to the 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; the Rotunda “St George”, the Church “St. Sophia”, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”, the former Royal Palace, the President hall, etc. An optional tour with visits to the National History Museum and Boyana Church in Sofia. Advanced booking is required. Free time in the city center and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Dinner at the hotel or, optional, dinner with folklore program and dances at a traditional restaurant in Sofia. Overnight.

2 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. ? free day in Sofia or, optional: One day tour to Borovets Resort and Tsarska Bistritsa Palace. Advanced booking is required. 8 a.m. – departure for Borovets. The Palace Tsarska Bistritsa was being built between 1898 and 1914. It was used as a hunting hut by the Tsars Ferdinand and Boris III. You will enjoy the splendid furniture of the rooms, the trophies and of course the original electro generator Siemens built in 1912 and still supplying the Palace with electricity. Borovets is the oldest winter ski resort in Bulgaria. It is situated among the thick pine tree forest in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila. Today there are about 5000 beds. Here you will be able to have a free time in the resort or catch the lift to Yastrebets – a place with a specific panorama view towards the mountain , the valley and the ski tracks. A perfect place for having lunch and drinking some hot tea. Duration of the tour – approx. 8 hours. Drive back to Sofia. Dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia or, optional: One day tour to the town of Kyustendil and Zemen Monastery. Advanced booking is required. 8.00 a.m. – departure for Kyustendil. Kyustendil was founded in the 5th century B.C. by the Thracian tribes who settled here attracted by the hot mineral water springs. In the 1st century the Romans turned it into a town named Pautalia which translated means “the city of the spring”. They built ancient baths as well as strong fortress wall which still remains and can be seen nowadays. Here is the Art Gallery named after the greatest Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master. You will be able to visit the Museum of Dimitar Peshev – the man who helped saving the Bulgarian jews during the Second World War. The 11th century church “John the Evangelist”, part of the Zemen monastery complex is a typical representative of the Bulgarian Mediaeval church architecture. Its greatest treasure are the murals presenting moments from the Holy Bible together with portraits of the church donors. Duration of the tour – approx. 8 hours. This tour finishes at Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

4 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia for shopping and visiting museums or, optional: full day trip to the town of Koprivshtitsa – a world famous folk festival center, representing the typical atmosphere and architecture 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: the Oslekov’s house, which is nowadays an ethnographic museum; the Church “Dormition of the Virgin”, built in 1817, the Kableshkov’s Memorial House, etc. Free time for a walk in the cobbled streets of Koprivshtitsa and shopping. In the afternoon, drive back to Sofia. Duration of the tour – approx. 8 hours. This tour finishes in front of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
Breakfast. Free time in Sofia or, optional: full day trip to Plovdiv. 8 a.m. – departure for Plovdiv. Sightseeing tour the Old Town, including a visit to The Roman Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv, which was build in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trayan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria, visit to the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, the Church “St Konstantin and Helena”, etc. Free time. Drive back to Sofia in the late afternoon. Arrival in Sofia in the evening. Duration of the tour – approx. 8 hours. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia, or, optional: full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. 8 a.m. -departure for Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour of the town – 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 17 and 18 century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. Visit to the Konstantsalieva Museum House. Drive back to Sofia in the late afternoon. Duration of the tour – approx. 11 hours. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia or, optional: full day trip to the 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 valuables is the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Walk around the monastery – the Hrelyo Tower, the old kitchen, the History Museum. Free time. Drive back to Sofia in the late afternoon. Duration of the tour – approx. 8 hours. Dinner and overnight.

8 DAY
Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the Sofia International Airport. Departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 121 EUR;
Full day trip to Borovets Resort and Tsarska Bistritsa Palace – 35 EUR;
Full day trip to Kyustendil and Zemen Monastery – 40 EUR;
Full day trip to Koprivshtitsa (entrance fee is included) – 40 EUR;
Full day trip Plovdiv (entrance fee for the Ethnographic Museum is included) – 47 EUR;
Full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (entrance fee to the Tsarevets Hill is included) – 65 EUR;
Full day trip to the Rila Monastery (entrance fee to the History Museum is included) – 45 EUR;
Visits to the National History Museum and Boyana Church in Sofia (entrance fees and transfers are icluded) -35 EUR;
Dinner with folklore program and dances /transfer to the restaurant is included/ – 25 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers with air-conditioned comfortable motor coach;
7 nights accommodation at a 4* hotel in Sofia;
Meals on HB basis included breakfast and dinner;
Guided walking tour of Sofia in English;
VAT is included.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Personal expenses and entry taxes for museums visited individually.
Full day trip to Borovets and Tsarska Bistritsa Palace;
Full day trip to Kyustendil and Zemen Monastery;
Full day trip to Koprivshtitsa;
Full day trip to Plovdiv;
Full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi;
Full day trip to the Rila Monastery;
Half day visit to the Boyana Church and National History Museum in Sofia;
Dinner with folklore program and dances.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 77 EUR;
3rd person in a double room – 75 EUR.

NOTES:
The hotel reservations are guaranteed as a rule, when they are made more than 21 days prior to arrival. For requests made less than 21 days prior to arrival, additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed. Additional confirmation of hotel reservations is needed at National Holidays/Events and Official Orthodox Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, Rose Festival /1st week of June/, 6th May, 6th September, 22nd September. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia at the same rate.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
The optional tours have guaranteed departures.
Professional English guides.

Popularity: 12% [?]