BULGARIA ON A SHOESTRING

TOUR OVERVIEW

From ancient times the people inhabiting the Balkans have been highly susceptible to different cultural and economic influences. Its turbulent history has left the varied landscape of local ethnographic specialties, enigmatic antique findings, and unsuspecting huge variety of traditions. With this intensive itinerary, we utilize your time to visit the most important and memorable sites in just four full days of sightseeing. There are astonishing experiences ahead of you in a tour specially designed to exceed your expectations.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1. Welcome to Sofia. Meet and greet at Sofia airport

Welcome to Sofia Airport and transfer to a 3-stars hotel in the center of Sofia for 4 nights. (http://sofiaplacehotel.com or similar)

Day 2. Sofia – Rila Monastery –  Boyana Church – Sofia

Today you will join our best selling day tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and receive an extension with a guided tour of Sofia. Pick-up and drop off from your hotel is included. 

Rila Monastery (10th century) impresses and expires with its baroque arcaded balconies, masterfully decorated main church (19th century) and its supreme location among the over 2000 m asl peaks of a nature park. Tour of the history museum, which among other interesting exhibits presents the amazing Rafael’s Cross, a wood carving masterpiece made over 12 years of hard work. 

Boyana Church possesses unique frescoes dated back to 1259. They have features of a Renaissance artwork, but actually, predate the Renaissance period that was started in Italy. 

Sofia is a town of symbiosis between the antique and the avant-garde, a quintessence of the Bulgarian history and its nowadays administrative center. The guided walking tour starts from the famous “St. Alexandar Nevski” Cathedral – an approved symbol of Sofia and one of the largest Orthodox basilicas on the Balkans. Then we take the road of the notorious yellow pavement to follow the intriguing history of the Bulgarian capital and seeing the Parliament, the former king’s palace, the monumental communist era building of the Presidency, “ St. George” Rotonda Church (4 century) and others. Overnight in Sofia. (B/-/-)


Day 3. Sofia – Plovdiv – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia

Today you will join our long, but a very rewarding tour to Plovdiv and Koprivshitsa with pick-up and drop off from your hotel included. 

Plovdiv – the artistic capital of Bulgaria. A guided tour of the Old Town – an architectural complex of medieval churches, neat houses from the late Bulgarian renaissance and numerous well-preserved Roman buildings (2-5 century). We visit the ethnographical museum located in a revival period house with 130 windows! Internationally famous painters and artists find their inspiration and muse in the Old Town of Plovdiv. A cup of aromatic coffee from some of the shops with breathtaking views over the town and then we continue along the cobble streets towards the Main Street and the modern center. Free time. Transfer back to Sofia. (B/-/-) * A wine tasting in a famous winery near Plovdiv can be organized upon request. Additional payment is required. ** A folklore evening in Sofia can be organized upon request. Additional payment is required.

Day 4. Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi – Sofia

After early breakfast, you will leave for Veliko Tarnovo – the medieval capital of Bulgaria. The town has a strategic position between the East and the West, and its safety is guaranteed by the idyllic hills and meanders of Yantra River. The sight of the walking tour is naturally Tsarevets fortress – the visit card of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon we explore on foot the nearby village of Arbanassi. Special attention will be drawn to the Konstantseliev’s fortress-house (17th century) and the nearby Nativity Church (16th century), with its unique fresco ensemble. (B/-/-)

Day 5. Sofia City Center – Sofia Airport Breakfast and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule
 

Prices:

1 pers. – 540 Euro; 2-3 pers. – 310 Euro/pers.; 4-7 pers. – 270 Euro/pers.; 8-12 pers. – 250 Euro/pers.
 

Single room supplement: 80 Euro
 

WHAT’S INCLUDED: 

  • Accommodation for 4 nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel in Sofia on BB
  • All transportation costs
  • Guide throughout the day tours
  • Entrance fees

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Personal expenses
  • Food besides the  breakfast in the hotel
  • Drinks
  • Tips 

For inquiries and booking please contact us at:info@traventuria.com or phone us at: +359 2 489 08 85