This tour consist the Bulgaria’s Unesco World Heritage sites. Seven cultural and two natural sites will give you good impression about our culture, history and nature.
The tour starts on 25 June
(Suitable period: 1 May - 30 September)
Itinerary
Day 1
Depending on the arrival times of the group members at the Sofia Airport, we will see some of the Sofia landmarks. Accommodation in hotel Kremikovtzi.
Day 2
In
the morning - visit in the Boyana Tzarkva church, situated
on the slopes of the Vitosha Mountain. The eastern church building has been
constructed in 10th century AD, and another one in the 13th century. The mural
paintings are dating back to 1259 and are an extraordinary treasure of the East
European medieval art.
Afterwards we continue to our next spot – the Rila Monastery.
This world famous heritage is the most visited historical and cultural landmark
of Bulgaria. It is established in 10th century AD by the hermit Ivan Rilski
who has been later acknowledged and proclaimed a saint by the Orthodox Church.
For several centuries of Ottoman rule the monastery has been a spiritual and
cultural center of Bulgaria, with its rich library of more than 16 000 volumes
and 134 manuscripts. Here you will see marvelous mural paintings, woodcarving
and icons. Overnight accommodation in a nearby hotel or in the very monastery.
Day 3
Transfer to the town of Bansko and from here to Yavorov hut (1700m) in Pirin Mountain. From here we enter the Baiuvi Doupki biosphere reserve. At the ridge (2100m) we continue to the east through the panoramic mount chain by passing the narrow ridge Koncheto, and after 5-hour hike we reach the Pirin’s highest peak Vihren (2914m). From here we step down to the beautiful valley of Banderitza river passing through the century-old coniferous forests. We arrive in Vihren hut (2195m). Hike duration – about 9 hours.
Day 4
We continue by hiking through the beautiful Banderishki circus, passing many tiny lakes and ascending to the Todorini Porti pass next to the Peak Todorka (2750m). From here we step down trough the Vassilashki circus to the Damianitza hut (2050m). Duration of the hike – 6-7 hours
Day 5
We start to climb the rock formation Strazhite. Through their eastern ridge we reach peak Polezhan (2845m) and after 40 min the panoramic peak Bezbog(2645m). From there we step down to the hut bearing the same name (2200m). We continue by chair lift to the Gotze Delchev hut (1500m). From here by bus we go to Dobrinishte (15km) and Bansko (5km). Hike duration – 9 hours. In Bansko we have a final traditional dinner and take a rest. Staying overnight in a good hotel with authentic atmosphere.
Day 6
In the morning we head off to the Trakyiska Grobnitza in Kazanlak. This is a Thracian tomb discovered in 1944 and dated back to 4th century BC. On the way we pass through the beautiful mountains Rila and Pirin, where we will stop for rest and picnic. In the afternoon we arrive in the city of Kazanlak and the tomb. Inside we will see beautiful mural paintings describing the Thracian burial rituals and culture. Hotel accommodation in Kazanlak.
Day 7
Transfer to Nessebar on the Bulgarian seaside, where we will see its Old Town. The town has been established as a Thracian settlement more than 3000 years ago, and later evolved as an ancient Greek colony on the Black Sea coast. A total of 13 churches are discovered until now, together with other historical remnants. Being destructed several times in the past, now the town is full of wooden houses, most of them built in 19th century AD. Evening free program and hotel accommodation.
Day 8
We head for Madara. Near the town the famous Madarski Konnik (Madara horse rider) is located. Even though the monument is in reconstruction at the moment, the bas-relief carved in the 100 meter high rocks featuring a rider who has pierced a lion with his pike, is an impressive view. A picnic is following up on the mountain plateau. Hotel accommodation in the city of Razgrad.
Day 9
In
the morning we depart for the Royal Thracian Tomb near the
village of Sveshtari. Discovered in 1982, the tomb is unique architectural monument
of the rich culture of Ghetti, one of the numerous Thracian tribes inhabiting
this area in the ancient past and culturally influenced by the Greek civilization.
After it, transfer to the Srebarna lake, the second natural
site and eighth in our trip. We will discover the birds world in the lake and
especially the breeding colony of the globally threatened Dalmatian Pelican.
Overnight in the nearest village of Vetren.
Day 10
In the morning we are going to visit the museum in the village of Srebarna. After it a visit to the last spot on our tour map: the Ivanovski Skalni Tzarkvi (Ivanovo Rock Churches). Hollowed out in the rocks of the picturesque valley of the Roussenski Lom river by still unknown hermit monks in the 14th century, these churches are the most significant landmark of the Bulgarian medieval art. Overnight accommodation in a private house located in the nearby village of Cherven.
Day 11
Leaving for Sofia, with more or less stops on the way depending on your travel schedules. Arrival in Sofia. Departures.
Group size: 5 -14 persons + leader
Price: 895 EUR per person
Individual: 1- 4 persons + leader
Price: 1090 EUR per person
Single supplement: 100 EUR
Deposit: 100 EUR
Price include: all ground transfers (comfortable mini-bus), accomodation in good hotels, full board, all entry fees, guide.
The
price does not include: airfares, travel insurance, hard drinks and
all items for personal use.
Official language
for the tour: English. German
and French speaking guides are also available.
We can also offer you a great variety of customized tours according to your preferences.
Should you have any questions or special requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us