Bulgaria- culture, nature and history
8-day coach trip for small groups 4 - 12 persons
We would love to show you some of the most interesting sights of the country!
 

The tour introduces a great mixture of cultural landmarks from different ages, old and modern towns, beautiful mountains and lovely coast.
Visit the cathedral of Alexander Nevski in Sofia, the biggest monasteries in Bulgara - Bachkovo monastery and the magnificent Rila monastery (UNESCO sight), the UNESCO sights Thracian tomb in Kazanlak, Boyana church in Sofia, the Old town of Nessebar, the old capital Veliko Tarnovo and the medevial village Arbanasi, Plovdiv- the oldest town in Europe and Bansko situated in the Pirin mountain.
This tour gives you the opportunity to meet the local hospitality and to taste the Bulgarian cusine too.
Our program is not exhausting: we offer you 2 overnights in Nessebar, 2 overnights in Sofia and 1 overnight in Plovdiv, Bansko and Veliko Tarnovo but still you have the chance to see the best of the county!

1. Day : Arrival at Sofia airport, transfer to the hotel and sightseeing in the capital featuring the cathedral of Alexander Nevski, the church of St. Sofia (4 c. AD), the rotunda of St. George (3-4 c. AD), Boyana church ( 11 c. AD  UNESCO sight), the ruins of the ancient Serdica. Overnight in Sofia.

2.  Day:  Sofia –  Veliko Tarnovo
After the breakfast we will take direction North-East and travelling through the Balkan mountain range will arrive in the pear of central Bulgara- the old capital Veliko Tarnovo.
Sightseeing tour in the Old town featuring the fortress Tsarevets.
At the afternoon departure to the picturesque village of Arbanasi
where we will visit one of the most interesting churches in Bulgaria from 16-17 c. AD. Overninght in Veliko Tarnovo.

3.  Day:  Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak – Nessebar
Early breakfast and departure to Etara- an open-air ethnological museum with lovely old houses and tiny craftshops. A picturesque drive through Shipka pass and arriving in the Valley of roses and thracian kings near the town of Kazanlak. The valley is hidden between the Balkan range and Sredna gora mountain. This makes the climat very specific and as a result this is the only one place in the county where roses are grown. Here we will see a demonstration about the spets of rose extracting and rose oil producing. After that we will visit the marvelous Thracian tomb preserved from 4 c. BC (UNESCO sight) and then will depart in direction east, to the coast. Arriving in Nessebar. Overnight in Nessebar.

 4.  Day: Nessebar
We have the whole day to enjoy the beauty of Nessebar (UNESCO sight). The old town will charm you with its little cobbled streets, many churches, wooden houses and shops. We will visit the Arcaeological museum, the Church of St. Stefan showing some wonderful examples of frescoes and the Church of St. Spass.
The region at the Black sea is an important wine-growing region as well famous most of all for its production of white wine and brendy. A wine tasting as an option for this afternnon, and it is always a great idea!
At the evening we will have our dinner of course- a special fish menu-  in a restaurant in the Old town. Overnight in Nessebar.

5.  Day: Nessebar – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv
Departure to Plovdiv. On our way to the city we will stop for a visit to the second largest monastery in Bulgaria- Bachkovo monastery from 11 c. AD.  Arriving in Plovdiv. Sightseeing in the Old part featuring the Old quarter, the Roman stadion and the Amphitheatre from 2. c. AD. Overnight in Plovdiv.

6.  Day:  Plovdiv – Bansko
Departure to Bansko- the most popular ski resort in the contry. The road is taking us through Rila and Pirin mountain ranges, showing us some little villages nad towns.
A nice stop in the one of these villages- the village of Dobarsko where we will be welcomed by the local women wearing traditional national costumes, singing and showing us some of the customs nad habits of the area. A short walking in the village will take us to its center and the local church interesting because of its frescoes from the 16. c. AD.
Arriving in Bansko, walking tour showing the most important sights in the centre of the town: the church, the house museum of the first Bulgarian encyclopedist and more. Overninght in Bansko.

7.  Day:  Bansko – Rila Monastery – Sofia
We are leaving the cosy Bansko and are taking a direction to the Rila monastery (UNESCO sight). Beeing the largest and one of the oldest preserved  monasteries in the coutry Rila monastery carries the national spirit of the people and shows the best tradions in the orthodox art too.
At the afternoon departure to Sofia. Free time in the capital. Overnight in Sofia.

8.  Day:  transfer to Sofia airport
After breakfast, transfer to Sofia airport for a departure flight.


INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
• 7 overnights at 3- and 4-star hotels;
• All sightseeing as per itinerary;
• Services based on half board (breakfast and dinner). The programme starts with dinner on Day 1 and ends with breakfast on Day 8;
• All transfers and transportation as per itinerary;
• All service fees and VAT taxes;
• Guided assistance throughout;
• All entrance fees as per itinerary;
• Dinner in a folk-style restaurant.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airfare to/from Bulgaria;
• Visa fees;
• Personal insurance;
• Sound & Light Show in Veliko Tarnovo ~ euro 15,- per person;
• Customary tips to guides and crew;