Sofia

Sofia it’s a modern, glorious city, with a lot of historical monuments, churches, surrounded by Roman ruins from 2000 years ago, green parks and gardens, plenty of galleries, restaurants and clubs. Sofia may offers you all you need, one time visited you will be back soon.

Rila Monastery

The monastery is a monument in the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila Mountain. It is one of the best sellers for individual travelers and groups. The Monastery dates back to the 10th century, famous for its ornate interior and colorful frescoes.

Rila Monastery is definitely a must-see if you are a tourist with a free day in Sofia. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation. The arcaded balconies, the unique frescoes – a work of one of the most famous Bulgarian Revival Period painters, the gilded iconostasis, the fabulous mountain view  and the unique combination of them all makes the visit to the monastery extraordinary and memorable one. You will have at least two full hours of free time at the Rila Monastery to explore the most visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria, enter the main church and take photos of the narthex’s gallery, admire the exhibits in the History Museum of the Monastery, try the tasty “mekitsi” with delicious buffalo’s yogurt (local specialty) or even have a short walk in the area.

Valley of Roses

The Valley of Roses is the cradle of ancient Thracian culture, also known as the Valley of the Thracian kings. The symbol of Bulgaria is the ‘Rose Flower’, famous with its precious oil, ingredient of each parfume over the world. The rose oil is obtained here in the Rose Valley, located in the heart of Bulgaria and the symbol of the ancient Thracian culture. Today the Demascena rose attracts visitors from all over the world and they come here just to feel the magic of roses.

Kazanlak

The town of Kazanlak is located in the center of Bulgaria, in the western part of the Kazanlak basin. The town’s population is around 82,000. Kazanlak is the center of the Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian kings, and an attractive tourist destination. The country’s largest and best preserved Thracian tombs are found here, and they are included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with the Museum of Roses. There are two nature reserves and five protected areas in the vicinity of Kazanlak, preserving natural wonders and age-old forests. The town neighbors on the largest and stunningly beautiful reserve in the Stara Planina mountain range, Dzhendema, which is part of the Central Balkans National Park. The park extends almost to the Kazanlak’s western town limits.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans with its first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life. The most visited and admired is the hilly Old Town, built on three hills called “tepeta”. The maze of cobbled streets which meander the area and contain the cuddled up revival houses with their colorful facades and ornate decoration don’t fail to impress and take you back in time.

Arbanassi

The village of Arbanassi is situated 3km to the northeast of the former capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, perching on a high plateau overseeing the Trapezitsa and Tsarevets hills. The settlement saw its bloom in the 17-18th c. when it grew into a wealthy crafts and trade hub. It was during that period that most of its gorgeous houses were erected. The oldest houses of Arbanasi are made entirely of stone and resemble tiny models of fortresses that cannot be seen anywhere else in Bulgaria

Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. It is beautifully situated on a ledge, on the right from the Valley of Chepelarska River, close to the village of Bachkovo, 10 km from Asenovgrad and 30 km from Plovdiv. This easy accessibility makes it the second most visited monastery in the country. During the weekends and on big orthodox holidays large groups of pilgrims and tourists come to pay a visit and spend a few relaxing our in the picturesque surroundings. The climate is favourable, as the spot is in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. The summers are breezy and the winters mild. Therefore, most vegetables and fruits could be successfully grown in the yards. The monastery estate is almost 8000 sq.m and about 440 meters above sea level. It includes two yards and four churches. The monastery has 18 chapels, 10 in Asenovgrad and 8 around it. In the close vicinity, one can find the National reserve “The Red Wall”.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans with its first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life. The most visited and admired is the hilly Old Town, built on three hills called “tepeta”. The maze of cobbled streets which meander the area and contain the cuddled up revival houses with their colorful facades and ornate decoration don’t fail to impress and take you back in time.

DAY 1 WELCOME IN SOFIA

We will wait you at the airport for your private transfer to your hotel. You can choose between 3*, 4* and 5 * hotel in the heart of Sofia.  An intensive tour of the city will follow during which you will visit Sofia’s main landmarks including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Holy Sophia Church, The Russian Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Maker, St. George’s Rotunda, St. Nedelya Church, the Presidential Office Building, Parliament Square, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Borisova Gardens and the National Palace of Culture.

DAY 2 THE SECRETS OF RILA MONASTERY AND PLOVDIV 

After breakfast we will take you to the largest and most prestigious monastery in Bulgaria. The complex of Rila monastery includes an adjoining church and kitchen and is a one of significant representatives of  Bulgarian architecture.  You will have a time for lunch near Monastery, fresh food and fish from nearest river. Here you can feel the taste of typical Bulgarian kitchen. After lunch our adventure continues to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is popular with his history, his monuments like  Roman Theatre, the Roman Stadium and the Aqueduct. St. Marina Church and the Ethnographic Museum. It is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Bulgaria-ancient, but romantic and vibrant. One night stay in Plovdiv at 3*, 4* or 5 * hotel, as you desire. We can provide you a stay in a SPA hotel near Plovdiv- modern and luxury or overnight at the center of town. 

DAY 3  THE STORY OF BACHKOVO MONASTERY AND VALEY OF ROSES

Bachkovo Monastery is the second-largest in the country. He is a major Eastern Orthodox monastery in Southern Bulgaria and famous with its collection of old icons, coins and metal plates. After lunch, we will go to the Thracian tombs of Kazanlak were discovered in 1944 and rebuilt 30 years later. The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is a vaulted-brickwork “beehive” tomb.The monument dates back to the 4th century BCE and has been on the UNESCO protected World Heritage Site list.  During your overnight in Kazanlak, you will visit the unique Museum of Roses that depicts the history of rose oil production in Bulgaria and the Ethnographic Complex of Kulata.

DAY 4 ONCE UPON A TIME KAZANLAK – ETARA – SOKOLSKI MONASTERY- VELIKO TARNOVO 

After breakfast your day will be dedicated to the Etara open-air museum of arts and crafts. Here you will discover the old times, old spirit and great architecture. After lunch we will continue our tour to the Sokolski Monastery. In the late afternoon you will enjoy the marvelous view of Tsarevets fortress and atmosphere of the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. 

DAY 5 WINE SPIRIT IN ARBANASSI 

This day your trip continues to the village of Arbanassi. More than 90 of Arbanasi’s churches, monasteries and mansions are state-protected cultural monuments. Wealthy nobles who resided here during the Bulgarian Revival period have left behind heritage houses, now converted into museums or guesthouses. You will have lunch there with great red wine. Departure to Sofia and overnight at central hotel with optional dinner.

DAY 6 DEPARTURE 

After breakfast your driver will take you to the airport.