1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Accommodation. Guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including 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 centre and main trade area around Vitosha Boulevard. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

2 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Accommodation at the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo – the medieval capital of Bulgaria and the picturesque village of Arbanassi. Visit to the historical Tsarevets Hill, which served as a primary fortress of the capital town during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom – the Balduin Tower, the Patriarch’s Church and the Palace Complex. 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 Veliko Tarnovo. After dinner – the unique audio-visual show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights”/optional/. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

3 DAY
Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv. On the way stop for a visit to the ethnographical Etar Open-Air Museum. 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 Plovdiv via Shipka Pass. Sightseeing tour of Old Plovdiv, including visit to the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, “St Konstantin and Helena” church, etc. Visit to The Roman Ancient 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.

4 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the Rila Monastery, the most beautiful and the most important monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century. A short break in Borovets Resort. Visit to the Rila Monastery and its museum. 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. Free time. Drive to Sofia in the late afternoon. Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
Early breakfast. At 07.30 h. a.m. – departure for Greece. In the afternoon, visit to the town of Edessa, a photo break at the waterfalls of Edessa and walking tour in the center and the old part of the town – the Varosha quarter. Drive to the Olympic Riviera. Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. One day tour to the Meteora locality and the famous rock monasteries of Meteora. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stations of the cultural map of Greece. Visit to two of the six functioning monasteries there. Free time in the picturesque town of Kalambaka, nestled in the shadow of the giant rocks of Meteora. Drive back to the Olympic Riviera, dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
Breakfast. Drive to Thessaloniki. Panorama tour of the city with a local guide, including the White Tower – a symbol of the city, the “St. Cyril and Methodius” Church, the Navarino Square with the Palace of Galerius; the Arch of Galerius; The Turkish Baths; The Roman Forum; the St. Dimitrius Church where the relics of the saint are preserved for worship; the Eptapirgio Fortress. Free time in the old part of the town for visiting the famous market. Departure for Bulgaria in the afternoon. Arrival in Sofia in the evening. Dinner and accommodation. Overnight.

8 DAY
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and departure.

Popularity: 86% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to Koprivshtitsa, accommodation at a local hotel or a country house. Sightseeing tour of the town. Koprivshtitsa is a world famous folk festival centre, representing the typical atmosphere and architecture style of the Bulgarian National Revival period of the 19th century. The town was one of the centres 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 Museum House, etc. Free time for a walk in the cozy cobbled streets of Koprivshtitsa and shopping. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
Traditional breakfast. Drive to Kazanlak. Visit to the Ethnographic Complex and the 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. Drive to the town of Gabrovo via Shipka Pass. Visit to the Etar Open-Air Museum, lunch in the area. 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 village of Bozhentsi, declared as an architectural reserve. Accommodation at a traditional local hotel or in a country house, dinner and overnight.

3 DAY
Traditional “Bozhentsi” breakfast. Visit to some of the old museum houses in the village and departure for the town of Tryavna. Sightseeing tour of the town – the Old Square with the Clock Tower, the Old School, the Daskalova Museum House. Lunch at a local tavern and free time. In the afternoon departure for the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well preserved 17th and 18th century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. On the way stop in the town of Dryanovo and visit to the Dryanovo Monastery. Accommodation in Arbanassi, dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
Sightseeing tour of Arbanassi – visit to the Konstantsalieva Museum House and some of the old churches. Drive to 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 town of Lyaskovets and visit to the Lyaskovets winery for wine tasting. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, free time at the old Samovodenska Street. After dinner the audio-visual show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lihgts” /optional/. Drive back to Arbanassi and overnight.

5 DAY
Departure for Lovech. Sightseeing of the famous Covered bridge and the old quarter Varosha. Drive to the town of Troyan and the village of Oreshak. Lunch. Visit to the Troyan Monastery and the National Exhibition of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts in the village of Oreshak. Accommodation in the village of Chiflik or Apriltsi. Dinner at a local tavern and overnight.

6 DAY
Drive to Sofia. Sightseeing tour of Sofia with a visit to the National Ethographic Museum and the Boyana Church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 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 Royal Palace, the President Department, etc. Accommodation and free time. In the evening traditional dinner with folklore program. Overnight.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 85 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
6 nights accommodation at hotels in Sofia 3*, Koprivshtitsa 3*, Arbanassi 3*, Bozhentsi 3*, Apriltsi area 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;
Audio Visual Show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights”.

DISCOUNTS:
Children up to 12 years – 60 EUR;
3rd person in a double room – 10 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, etc. For early group reservations /min. 6 rooms/, a 4-star hotel can be provided in Sofia and Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 89% [?]

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: 94% [?]

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: 97% [?]

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: 94% [?]

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: 100% [?]

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: 74% [?]

1 DAY
Arrival in Varna and transfer to the hotel, accommodation and short rest. Sightseeing tour of the city – visit to 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. Free time for walk and shopping in the city center. Dinner and overnight in Varna or in some of the resorts nearby.

2 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the town of Veliko Tarnovo. On the way stop at the Pobitite Kamani Natural Phenomenon, which consists of several groups of natural rock formations on a total area of 70 sq.km., most of them are stone columns between 5 and 7 metres high. Visit to the village of Madara and the unique rock relief “Madarski Konnik” (Madara Horseman), dating back to the 8th century. It has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979 Visit to the Roman town Nikopolis ad Istrum, which was founded by the Emperor Trajan around 101-106 AD in memory of his victory over the Dacians. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo in the early afternoon, accommodation at hotel. 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. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, dinner at the hotel. After dinner – the show “Tsarevets in Sounds and Lights” /optional/. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

3 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the town of Tryavna. On the way visit to the Dryanovo Monastery, founded in the 12th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and the Bacho Kiro Cave – a four-storey labyrinth of galleries and corridors with a total length of 3,600 metres, which is located only 300 metres far from the monastery. Arrival in Tryavna and accommodation at a hotel. Sightseeing tour of the town of Tryavna, famous for its Renaissance architecture and well preserved crafts – walk around the old part of the town – the town square with the Clock Tower, the Old School, visits to some of the museums. Free time and dinner. Overnight in Tryavna.

4 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the town of Kazanlak. On the way visit to the Etar Open-Air Museum, which mostly presents 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 museum complex. Drive to Kazanlak via Shipka pass. Accommodation at a hotel. 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. Dinner and overnight in Kazanlak.

5 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for 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 Bysantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Drive to Plovdiv, accommodation at hotel. Sightseeing tour of the Old Plovdiv – 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. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

6 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Black Sea. Exploring of the Southern Black Sea Coast. Visit to the town of Sozopol, which is nowadays mostly a seaside resort, known for the Appolonia art and film festival. Drive to Nessebar. Accommodation at a hotel, dinner. Overnight in Nessebar/Sunny Beach Resort.

7 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Sunny Beach and the old town of Nessebar – recorded on the list of UNESCO of the World heritage. The ancient part of the town is situated on a peninsula and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilisations over the course of its existence. Today Nessebar is one of the most prominent tourist destinations and seaports on the Black Sea. Overnight in Nessebar/Sunny Beach Resort.

8 DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Varna Airport. Departure.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Single room supplement – 70 EUR.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Arrival and departure transfers;
7 nights accommodation at hotels in Varna 3*, Veliko Tarnovo 3*, Tryavna 3*, Kazanlak 3*, Plovdiv 3*, Nessebar/Sunny Beach 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 – 33 EUR.

NOTES:
Special Reservation Conditions are: 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 Plovdiv at the same rate.

Popularity: 62% [?]