• Arrival by plane
• Bus transport
• 10 days
• Classic tour in Bulgaria

Bulgaria – a country in the heart of the Balkans – is a place of undiscovered beauty, as culture and tradition have left significant traces here. Bulgaria was once the homeland of the Thracians, the ancient Greeks and the Romans. Here, you can witness the splendour of the Byzantine world and discover the main attractions that the Black Sea coast has to offer: the Aladzha rock monastery, the Balchik royal palace and its famous gardens, the Pomorie tomb, the Roman public baths in Varna, the Thracian treasure, as well as the amazing museum-town of Nessebar.

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
Arrival at the airport in Sofia and meeting with the tour guide. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. First encounter with the capital city of Bulgaria. City tour of Sofia, including Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, Parliament Square, the monument of King Liberator, the Russian Church, the National Theatre, the National Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, the Presidency, St. George’s Rotunda, St. Nedelya. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko
After breakfast, we visit Rila Monastery, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was founded in 10^th century and it was the largest Bulgarian medieval spiritual center. The monastery has a significant collection of icons, wall paintings and old-printed books – about 15.000 volumes. In the afternoon, we drive to Bansko. The entire city resembles a museum. The old buildings give the city a unique appearance while Church Sveta Troiza stands out as a landmark. Dinner and overnight stay in Bansko.

Day 3: Bansko – Melnik – Rojen Monastery – Bansko
After breakfast, departure to Melnik, the town of the sand pyramids and also the smallest town in Bulgaria (roughly 18.000 people lived here once, and nowadays there are no more than 700-800). The town of Melnik is famous for its red wines. Next, we visit the village of Rozhen and the local monastery, founded in the 11^th century. Dinner and overnight stay in Bansko.

Day 4: Bansko – Dobursko – Plovdiv
Drive to Dobarsko. The most imposing sight in the village is the church of St. Theodore Tiron and Theodore Stratilat. The church was built in 1614 but it has been repeatedly restored since then. This sanctuary has impressive wall paintings that are relatively well-preserved. The church is half-hidden beneath the surface of the ground. The construction of low churches conformed to an order of the Ottoman authorities that Orthodox churches could be built only if these did not rise higher than the neighbouring mosques. Moreover, the lower the church, the less likely it was to attract the attention of Ottoman troops and risk a raid.
In the afternoon, departure to Plovdiv, the city of the seven hills. Visit of the Old Plovdiv, built in the 4^th century BC by King Philip of Macedonia, the Ethnographic Museum, the oldest church St. Constantine and Elena, the Antique Theatre and the Roman Stadium. Dinner and overnight stay in Plovdiv.

Day 5: Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Nessebar
In the morning, visit of Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. The monastery was built in the 10^th century and is famous for the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. The large number of temples in the area made it known as “Rhodopes Holly Mount”. Next, we visit of the ancient town of Nessebar. The town is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and has more than 40 churches. The old buildings and the romantic narrow streets create a special atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in Nessebur.

Day 6: Nessebar
This day will be spent on the beach. Dinner in a fish restaurant in the old city. Overnight stay in Nessebar.

Day 7: Nessebar – Varna
Drive to Varna. The city of Varna is about a thousand years old and an important center at the Black Sea. Tour of the old city. Dinner and overnight stay in Varna.

Day 8: Varna – Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast, we drive to the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. We visit the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, the Royal Palace and the Emperor Bolduin’s Tower. Panoramic tour of the town, stroll along the old Trade Street – “Samovodska charshia”. Dinner and overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia

After breakfast, drive back to Sofia to visit the National History Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 10: Sofia – Transfer to Airport

Included services:

– 9 overnight stays with half-board;

– All entry fees;

– One free single room for every 20 paying guests;

– Transport with bus according to the program;

– English speaking tour guide from/to Bucharest;