Rila monastery

The Rila Monastery is a magical place worth visiting. The Rila Monastery is located 120 km from Sofia and 41 km from Blagoevgrad. Located in the depths of the Rila Mountains. 

The Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the most revered in the whole Orthodox world. 

The history of the monastery is related to St. Ivan Rilski, who settled in the area and devoted himself to fasting and prayer. The Rila Monastery carries a magical energy and is a strong energy point of Bulgaria. The monastery is a large religious center. The monastery’s library holds 16,000 volumes, among which there are especially valuable copies from the 15th to the 19th century. 

The museum of the monastery has over 380 exhibits – icons, weapons, priestly garments, liturgical objects, gifts and gift certificates. One of the most interesting exhibits in the museum is the first geographical globe in Bulgaria, made in 1836. by Neophyte Rilski for the Convent School and the Raphael Cross.

The Melnik Pyramids

The Melnik Pyramids – One of the most interesting natural landmarks in the country. They are rock formations that cover an area of 50 square km. The Melnik Pyramids were declared a natural landmark in 1960. They are conditionally divided into three sections – Melnik, Karlanovski and Rozhen pyramids.

They are a unique natural formation that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is believed that this type of pyramid was acquired by erosion of clay soil. The pyramids of Melnik are in the process of layout and their appearance and shape change over time.

These fabulous natural sculptures have a variety of shapes and outlines, resembling rock mushrooms, bowls of hay, minarets, alpine ridges and peaks, swords, obelisks, Egyptian pyramids, Gothic temples and more.

An extremely interesting place that is worth a visit.

Rupite 

Rupite is a picturesque area,  considered as a holy place,  surrounded by a mystical atmosphere. It is related to Prophet Baba Vanga- called the Bulgarian Nostradamus and brings to every visitor a rich energy charge. It is situated on the banks of the Struma River, at the eastern foot of the Kojuh Volcanic Hill, just 10 km from Petrich. In Rupite is located the temple built by Vanga “St. Petka Bulgarska”, which is a place for worship of thousands of believers. The ruins of one of the largest ancient cities of Herakleia Sintikas, which existed since 4th century BC, are also very close. 

Thousands of people come every year to this magical place to worship in the temple “St. Petka Bulgarska”. It is built as a gallery and you can see the non-standard icons, painted by the famous artist Prof. Svetlin Rusev. In the courtyard of the temple is the grave of Baba Vanga, where believers pray for salvation. Not far from here is the modest house of the prophetess, in which she spends the last years of her life.

Everyone who has ever visited this place defines it as a little corner of paradise. It fills you with a sense of greatness and peace of mind. It is not by chance that Baba Vanga says: “This place is very special here, it serves as a battery, and I draw energy and strength from it, and there has once been a terrible fire, and this ridge hides a great secret over us. According to the prophetess, it is precisely in the volcanic heights that Kojuh conceals the key to unraveling our ancient past.

Program of the trip

Day 1

Welcome to Bulgaria -a country with an impressive history and unique natural and anthropogenic landmarks. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It is the 14th largest city in the European Union, with a population of 1,241,675 people. Here you can dive into the atmosphere of old historic buildings and monuments, and take advantage of the nightlife of the capital.

You will be meet at Sofia Airport by our representative and drived to your chosen 3,4 or 5* hotel in the center of Sofia.  

Your guide will show you the most significant sights in Sofia like Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church, the famous rotunda of Saint George, the symbol of the city St. Sofia statue and Vitoshka square where you will have a time for shopping. 

We recommended dinner in one of the most delicious restaurant in the center of Sofia, named “Moma”. There you will be able to taste all the traditional Bulgarian dishes. 

Overnight  in Sofia. 

Day 2

After breakfast departure by bus or private car to Sandanski and stop at Rila Monastery. 

After the monastery and delicious lunch  we continue  with our program to the town of Sandanski. 

Arrival in Sandanski and accommodation in the selected 4 * or 5 * SPA Hotel.  Options for conducting spa treatments in the complex with the abundance of mineral healing waters in the region, such as healing procedures, steam and mud baths, jacuzzi, massages, specialized baths, sauna and numerous treatment packages.

Walking tour and exploring the town of Sandanski. Overnight.

Day 3

Before lunch, walk to the interesting St. Vrach city park. Sightseeing of the complex and time for relax. It is one of the largest parks in Bulgaria and the only one with natural sand alleys. It spreads over 344 acres on both banks of the Sandanska Bistritsa River. The park has an artificial lake where ducks and swans are found, many children’s corners, a water wheel and many fountains. Today, Sveti Vrach Park is a favorite place for recreation, sports, tourism and entertainment. It breeds extremely rare and valuable plant species.

After lunch, walk to the town of Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria, with the opportunity to visit the following sites, such as:

The Melnik History Museum – It is part of a hundred national tourist sites. The main livelihood in the area is winemaking, and the people there are extremely proud of the famous Melnik vine. Here, wine is a cult and a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Creating wine for the Melnik people is an art and a matter of honor. Nowadays, the picturesque town is inhabited by 240 people.

Visit to the village of Rozhen and the impressive Rozhen monastery. The Rozhen Monastery is located 6km from the town of Melnik. The monastery is a wonderful place, well maintained with great views of the Melnik Pyramids and dotted with lots of greenery and various kinds of flowers.

Accommodation in the selected 4 or 5-star hotel in Melnik, or overnight in Sandanski – optional. 

Day 4

After breakfast- Visit to Rupite locality.

Thousands of Bulgarians still believe in the power of Vanga. They will flock to Rupite every week to pray to a prophetess. 20 years after the death of Grandma Vanga, her spirit is still alive. Many people are convinced of her talent not only to predict the future but also to heal.

Today people pray at Vanga’s grave. In 1996 at the age of 85. He goes from this world, leaving the covenant “Love, strive for good thoughts and deeds, promised this is the best medicine for all.” * Visitors must also light candles in the St. Petka Temple. The church is built with the help of Grandma Vanga and donations of people. In 1994, such a municipality was established. Vanga tells her that St. Petka and I joined her and told her to come to live in Rupite, where to build a temple. Next to it is Vanga’s grave. Visitors’ churches are appealing – they want to help you help them and help them. Wooden boxes contain health, baby and marriage sheets for another personal problem.

People’s expectations for a miracle by Vanga are also reinforced by the charisma of this place. Here, the breeze of tranquility and only the light breeze breaks the silence. It’s sunny even in the cold days. There are also the quiet cheers of the people who are fascinated by nature. Some are whispering about Vanga’s healing powers, others talk about her life, and some just sit on the arbors and look at a large marble cross built high up in the hill. The area is located in the inner part of the extinct Kojuh volcano. There are many animal and plant species here. It is believed that the place has a concentration of cosmic energy. There is a lake of fish and turtles, as well as a mineral spring, whose water has 72 degrees of heat. There is also a fountain where you can fill water, drink or wash, because it is believed that the water is curative. The most interesting thing for everyone is to visit the house where Vanga lived. Unfortunately, access to the rooms is limited. You can only go through the corridors, immerse yourself in the world of a prophetess and peep through the fences. Everything is left untouched. The clock, the photos, the bedding, the armchair and other belongings belonging to the prophetess. You will also see the room where she received the people seeking her help. You must also stop at the exhibition hall where you will find details of her life.

Her birth name is Vangelia, which from Greek means an evangelist. Vanga, as everyone knows, was crying in Strumica (today’s Macedonia) in 1911. Her mother died while she was very young. Her father raised her with the help of her neighbors, and later with the help of his second wife. Vanga’s life is changing forever at age 14. One wind blows me, a whirlwind turns me around, my eyes are filled with a song, and the screams of the eyes are broken. “Then Vanga shines, and four years later they appear and her first visions. She herself says she talks to both the living and the dead. It is believed that the first time Vanga revealed her power to predict the future was when she predicted that her neighbor’s husband would return soon. “I see it. He is now in a gully and not too far away from the city, “says Vanga. Over the years, crowds of people have been waiting in front of Vanga’s home. It was known that she had to give her consent for a man to come in. It also helps the poor and the rich. They were looking for a lot of ordinary people with their pains, as well as famous politicians and public figures, even Todor Zhivkov

When you step on Rupite and listen to Vanga’s voice coming from the TV, you think about the supernatural. In some, faith is born more strongly not only in Vanga but also in God. For others, doubts are reinforced – if you have not seen her experience, how can you believe in her abilities now? But for faith, Vanga said, “You do not believe in God, but you want to help. Without faith in me, do not come because I do not help you! “

 

ТHE MOST INTERESTING PREDICTIONS OF VANGA

• The nuclear submarine Kursk – In 1980, Vanga prophesied: “Kursk will sink under water and the whole world will complain.” On August 12, 2000, the Russian nuclear submarine “Kursk” was sank. All 118 members of the crew are killed.

• Prediction on September 11, 2001 – US Attacks – “Fear, fear! Two American brothers fall out of iron birds. The wolves swarm from the bush and innocent blood shed like a river. ” Predicted as early as 1960, the prophecy comes on September 11, 2001. New York City’s World Trade Center skyscrapers are called “brothers” or “twins.” “Iron Birds” are the terrorists’ aircraft. “Wolves from the bush” clearly refers to the reaction of President Bush’s government, whose name means “shrub”.

• Predictions for 2005 – 2006 – Cataclysms – “Mankind will experience many natural and social upheavals, stormy events. Social consciousness will gradually change. Hard times will come, people will be divided into groups of faith. The oldest teaching will come to the world. “Last year’s cataclysms in America and a year earlier in Asia are proof enough of the words of the Bulgarian prophetess. Typhoons and tsunami waves took hundreds of thousands of lives. Following were the terrorist attacks in Madrid and London. Then came the excitement in France and the current anti-press action in the Scandinavian countries where they published cartoons related to Islamic ideology.

Free time in Sandanski and overnight in your 4 or 5-star hotel.

 

Day 5

Return to Sofia and free time. Оvernight in Sofia. Dinner at typical Bulgarian restaurant.

Day 6

Breakfast. Private transfer to the airport. 

 

Bulgaria Travel Tips

The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev. 1 Lev = 0.6 USD = 0.45 GBP = 0.81 AUD.

• Tipping is standard practice – aim for 10%.
• Bulgaria is typically a very safe country 
• Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of GMT in the winter and 3 hours ahead in the summer.
• You’ll need a European style 2 prong plug to travel Bulgaria.
• You can arrive into Sofia airport from various destinations around Europe, or you can cross the border overland from Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia or Romania.