SPA AND RECREATION HOLIDAY

SANDANSKI AND BANSKO AREA

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

Family trip

Mineral springs

Sightseeing

Wellness & SPA

Bulgarian mineral springs

Mineral springs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the leading SPA destinations in Europe, because of the abundance of mineral springs, located throughout the whole its territory. The number of the springs is more than 700, with different composition, temperature and properties of the mineral water. These are the Ancient Thracians that have built some of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria around thermal springs. They were first to discover the healing quality of the water and had built their cities nearby.
Most of these settlements become nowadays some of the best SPA resorts in Bulgaria. We select few of them to present you their treasures.

Sandanski

There are over 80 mineral water springs in the town. The mineral waters are perfect for outdoor swimming all year round and have a strong healing effect. The area is known for its low humidity and high average temperature. Local mineral water is clear, transparent, with pleasant taste; it is used for a treatment of disorders of gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Mineral waters of Sandanski belong to acroterms (42-81°С). The waters are of bicarbonate and sulphate sodium type, with neutral to a slightly alkaline reaction, rich in flour and metasilicic acid – this defines their therapeutic value.

Bansko area – Dobrinishte, Banite, Razlog 

Тhe town of Dobrinishte is well known from ancient times, when the Romans inhabited these lands (4-5 centuries) with its healing thermal waters.

Today, Dobrinishte is an established SPA destination with its 17 mineral springs. In a combination with the Natural Beauties of the Pirin Mountains the place is perfect for both balneology and climatotherapy.

The mineral water in Dobrinishte is hypothermic, with a temperature from 38.4 to 40.3C The content of sulphate, silicon, fluorine, and sodium is between 0.3 to 0.36g/l, and the radioactive content is from 35 to 61 Em, which defines it as slightly mineralized. The water has no specific smell and color, which makes it drinkable.

The Mineral water of Dobrinishte is used for inhalations, various external water therapies, for drinking or for a treatment cycle of at least 7 days.

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.

Melnik Pyramids

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. 

Optional– Outdoor picnic in Vitosha Mountain with stunning views of the capital.

Recommended hotels for your accommodation in Sofia:

3* Hotel Hotel Niky or similar in the heart of the city

4* Hotel Downtown or similar in the heart of the city

5* Hotel All Seasons Residence or similar in the Vitosha mountain, near Boyana Church part of UNESCO Heritage

Day 2

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

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

Arrival in Bansko area  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.

Recommended hotels for your accommodation:

Ruskovets Spa resort 4 * Dobrinishte area or similar

Pirin Golf and Spa Country Club 4 * or 5* accommodation in the complex or similar

Recommended treatments

Aromathery tandeki (indulgence)

Full body massage customized to indulge your senses. Choose a combination of pure therapeutic grade aromatherapy, which will boost blood circulation, improve muscle and skin conditions, influence your mode and calm the mind.

Ikikaeru (revive) therapeutic massage

Remedial massage, combining techniques that aid relieving muscle inflammation and pain. Focused on proper recovery of muscles will prevent chronic fatigue and will recover your body.

Anti-stress massage

Light rhythmic massage combining relaxing with nerve stimulating techniques which will release the muscle tension and will leave your body relaxed and light.

Reflexotherapy

A natural way to detoxify by stimulating and treating specific pressure points on feet responding to organs in human body. This therapy also stimulate energy flow in human body, improve nervous and circulatory system as well as aiming proper organ functioning.

Myofascial release

In result of toxins built, fascia is losing its elasticity in area of muscles which are not active. In result fascia get tight around the muscles and knots formation provoke pain. When released and improved it give a light feeling and pain relief. After treatment like this, silver water and boosting herbal tea provided help to get rid of released toxins faster.

Easy breathing therapy

In result of poor posture and long hours on the desk, back muscles weakened and overstretch while the chest muscles are shortened as in result are slumped shoulders. This influence not only breathing as it doesn’t give enough space to lugs to expand while inhale but also all body functions cause of lack of oxygen. This specific treatment include myofascial release in area of back, shoulders, ribcage, and chest in combination with cleaning the air ways essential oils and improving breath’s length. In result are increased energy levels, better sleep, relieve anxiety, fight fatigue, balance weight, better stress management, clear mind.

Lymph drainage in hydro massage magnesium tub

Slow lymph circulation is one of the main reason for swelling and water retention. With intense lymph drainage in magnesium mineral hydro massage bath with successive water jets in 3 zones will benefit your immune system, reduce water retention and will settle down the stressed body. Silver water and immune boosting tea are complimentary with this treatment.

Detox therapy

This treatment with green Rodopian clay will pull the toxins, dead cells, bacteria and heavy metals away with a magnet power. Known from times of ancient civilizations properties of the mountain clay activate cells biochemical reactions while enrich with important minerals. This therapy include green Rodopian clay mask and specific serial bath that boost the effect of the mask, refreshing detox tea and antibacterial silver water, leaving your body and skin purified and rejuvenated.

Day 3 

After breakfast optional half/fuill day tours near Pirin mountain.

Optionl visit of Baykusevata Moura  If you search the Internet for information for Baikushev’s pine, you will find out that it is a Bosnian pine and is the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria. You will also find that the tree is 1300 years old and is located in Pirin, about 10–15 km from the town of Bansko. Facts – scientific and curious.

Measurements revealed that the tree’s height was 26 meters, it had a thickness of 2.6 meters and a circumference of 7.6 meters. To determine the age of the pine, Konstantin Baikushev used a special tool called Pressler borer. With the help of this high-tech for its time widget, a wooden ring was extracted from the pine and its radius was used to count the years – 1200 up to 1897.

Optional horse riding– Peri Volas Horse Base is located 6 km from Razlog and 12 km. from the town of Bansko in the beautiful area “Perivol”, whose name means “beautiful garden”. In this small hollow you will find a lot of professionalism, smiling faces and a cup of wild tea.

Riding lesson– The riding lesson aims to create and build in the learner certain habits, a correct idea of ​​the seat and the management of the horse, which will contribute to greater safety while riding in nature and a real pleasure from communicating with horses.

Hourly ride

It includes riding in the area of ​​the base for up to 5 hours on a route preferred by the client and in accordance with the possibilities and time for riding (in hours). The hour-long ride takes place in the nature of the beautiful Rila Mountains on diverse terrain and includes crossing various natural obstacles such as rivers, ravines, fallen trees, climbing and descending slopes, drilling in the woods. This is how the idyll of real, free riding is felt.

For the more unprepared we also offer easier routes on flat terrain, for time, at the request of the client. Longer routes include visits to natural and historical sites (fountains, waterfalls, chapels, churches, panoramic views, picnic areas in the mountains)

Horseback riding:

Organizing one-day horseback rides with visits to historical and natural landmarks lasting up to 6 hours

Day 4 

After breakfast our program will continue to town of Sandanski.  We will visit first

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. Overnight at your selected 3, 4, 5 * hotel in Sandanski.

Recommended hotels for your accommodation in Sandanski:

Park Hotel Pirin 5* accommodation in the complex or similar

Interhotel Sandanski 4* or similar

Medite Spa Resort 4* or similar

Day 5 

After breakfast our walk will show you 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. Overnight at hotel in Sandanski.

 

Day 6

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! “

Day 7 and day 8 are dedicated only for your SPA treatments , relax and free time to discover Sandanski.

Day 9 

After breakfast departure to Sofia. Accommodation and good bye dinner at typical Bulgarian restaurant.

Day 10

After breakfast private transfer to Sofia airport.

Price per person in DBL room for group 6 persons 

  • 2 nights in Sofia, 3* hotel, bed and breakfast
  • Transfers Sofia-Airport-Hotel
  • Transfers Hotel-Sofia Airport
  • 2 nights in Bansko/Dobrinishte area ,HB basis breakfast and dinner included  4*/5* hotel SPA hotel
  • 2 treatments included in Bansko/Dobrinishte area
  • 5 nights in  Sandanski, HB -breakfast and dinner included
  • 2 treatments included in Sandanski hotel
  • 2 official dinners in Sofia typical Bulgarian restaurant
  • Guided tours in Sofia, Rila Monastery, Bansko, Sandanski, Melnik, Menik pyramids, Rupite, Rozhen 
  • Private driver whole time 
  • Private English-speaking guide 
  • Medical insurance
  • All mentioned transfers between cities 
  • City taxes

Price per person in dbl room – 1245 euro

The mentioned price excludes

  • Air- tickets – Malaysia- Bulgaria- Malaysia- we can issue your air-tickets and offers you best available rates from any airport in Malaysia to Bulgaria –average price per ticket with 1 checked luggage and 1 hand luggage -760 еuro
  • Food and drinks not mentioned in the program
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Supplement treatments and SPA procedures

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.

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