Overview
With a fascinating menu of things to see, and prices below
Western European levels, diverse Bulgaria is a fine tourist destination. This
wonderful vacation focuses on Bulgaria’s long rich history with plenty of
chances to see its lovely countryside. Starting in the ancient capital Sofia,
featuring many wonderful cultural and historic monuments as well as stunning
relics from former times, our tour continues via the amazing Rila Monastery, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, to 3,000-year-old Plovdiv with exquisite Roman
remains. We travel onward through charming old towns and ancient villages,
taking in the best sights along the way such as beautiful Tryavna and the
dramatic fortress on Tsarevets hill.
Itinerary
Touring: Sofia - Plovdiv -
Kazanlak - Shipka Pass - Tryavna - Veliko Turnovo -
Arbanassi
Day 01: Sofia
Arrival in
Sofia, Bulgaria’s ancient capital with dinner after
checking into your hotel. (D,O)
Day 02: Sofia
Sightseeing tour of 7000-year-old Sofia exploring
many fine cultural and historic monuments, including
the lovely Nevsky Cathedral with its rich icon
collection, the fabulous 4th century St George
Rotunda, St Sofia Basilica and the ruins of Serdica.
(B,L,D,O)
Day 03: Sofia - Plovdiv
A visit to the
10th century UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery,
Bulgaria’s largest and most impressive monastery,
with a lavish collection of precious antiquities,
then on to Plovdiv via Rila, the highest Bulgarian
mountain. Overnight in Plovdiv. (B,L,D,O)
Day 04:
Plovdiv - Kazanlak
Sightseeing in ancient Plovdiv
with superb architecture and fine Roman remains,
such as the amphitheatre with impressive marble
statues, decorative columns and arcades. Onward to
the 11th century Bachkovo Monastery and Kazanlak in
the famous Rose Valley. (B,L,D,O)
Day 05: Kazanlak
– Shipka Pass - Tryavna
Visit the newly discovered
Thracian golden treasures in Kazanlak Museum. Onward
to Golyamata Kosmatka Tomb and the UNESCO World
Heritage 4th century BC Thracian Tomb, then on to
lovely Tryavna via the historical Shipka Pass.
(B,L,D,O)
Day 06: Tryavna – Veliko Turnovo
Walking
tour of Tryavna, featuring 17th century vaulted
stone bridges, houses, churches and a square with a
clock tower. Sightseeing of the royal city of Veliko
Turnovo and gorgeous Tsarevets hill, with amazing
views and dramatic medieval fortifications.
(B,L,D,O)
Day 07: Veliko Turnovo - Arbanassi -
Sofia
After an overnight in Veliko Turnovo, onward
to the museum town of Arbanassi, boasting a
fantastic gallery of art in its Church of the
Nativity. Following this we return to Sofia, where
we spend our last night. (B,L,D,O)
Day 08: Sofia
Breakfast followed by transfer to the airport for
your flight home. (B)
B=Breakfast; L=Lunch;
D=Dinner; O=Overnight;