Monasteries are the true treasures of Bulgaria. These monuments of Bulgarian spirit and culture have protected the National consciousness for centuries. Explore the cultural values which are guarded jealously between the walls of the monasteries and discover fantastic frescoes, terrific icons and masterpieces of woodcarvings.

 

Day 1. Arrival

Arrival at Sofia Airport. You will be welcomed by a professional tour guide. Transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time short bus tour of Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.

 

Day 2. Sofia

Sightseeing tour of the Bulgarian capital Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities. See the churches of St. Nedelya and St. Petka of the Saddlers, the rotunda St. George, the Russian church St. Nicolas the Wondermaker, the Alexander Nevski Patriarchal Cathedral and the precious icon exhibition in the Crypt of the Cathedral. In the afternoon drive to the foot hills of the Vitosha Mountains to visit the Church in Boyana (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, valuable murals from the 10th-11th and 13th century) and the National Museum of History. Folk Style Evening out in Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.

                                 

Day 3. Sofia - Rila Monastery - Sandanski

After breakfast drive to the famous Rila Monastery - a must-see for Bulgaria visitors. The monastery is situated in an altitude of 1147 m in the heart of the majestic Rila Mountains. This age-old guard of the Bulgarian spirit and culture is included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. Enjoy the original architecture and breathtaking murals, exceptionally valuable icons and superb woodcuts. Visit the monumental monastery church, the museum which presents the monastery’s history and hosts the Raphael’s Cross - an unique work of art, and see the old monastery kitchen with huge cooking vessels. Follow then  the route further to the south-west part of the country to the town of Sandanski, popular for the curative properties of its mineral waters. Overnight in Sandanski.

 

Day 4. Sandanski - Melnik - Rozhen Monastery - Bansko

Start the day with a drive to the tiny town of Melnik known for the good wine and picturesque sandstone pyramids. Take a walk and enjoy lovely houses perched on the slopes of steep sandstone rocks. See the ethnographic house of Kordopulov  dating back to the 17th century and sample the delicious local wine in the house’s cellar. Continue to the nearby Rozhen Monastery where you will find magnificent murals from   16th, 17th and 18th century and impressive wood carving work. Old-village-style lunch awaits you in the tiny village of Rozhen and then you continue to Bansko - an old small town museum and a famous ski resort nowadays. Overnight in Bansko.

 

Day 5. Bansko - Dobarsko - Plovdiv

Sightseeing tour of Bansko including a visit to the “Holy Trinity” church  and the ethnographic house of Velyanov.  Drive to the small picturesque village of Dobarsko and see the church “St. Teodor Tironus&Teodor Stratilatus”, known for its precious frescoes. Continue to the second largest city of Bulgaria - Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv

 

Day 6. Plovdiv, Bachkovo Monastery

Take a walk in the morning in unique Old Plovdiv and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the National Revival Period. See the Ethnographic Museum, the Church of St. Konstantin and Helena and the Roman Theatre (2nd century AC). Leave the city in the afternoon and drive through the gorges of the Rhodope Mountains to visit the country’s second largest monastery Bachkovo. Explore the treasures of the monastery with wondrous 17th century frescoes in the church and the refectory. See the Ossuary-the only building of its type preserved on the peninsula. Overnight in Plovdiv

 

Day 7. Kazanluk - Shipka - Etara - Kilifarevo Monastery - Veliko Turnovo

Follow the route to the town of Kazanluk known as the capital of the Valley of the Roses. Trace the Thracian culture by visiting the Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk (4th century BC, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) and the  newly discovered tomb “Golyama Kosmatka”(Seuthes III.). See the Russian Church in Shipka  and continue the Etura open-air museum, where you will find the romantic atmosphere of Bulgarian National Revival – old houses, workshops and small souvenir shops will take you on a journey back through history. Continue through the gorges of the Balkan Range and explore a major cultural centre from the Revival period - the Kilifarevo Monastery. Overnight in Turnovo/ Arbanassi.

 

Day 8. Veliko Turnovo - Preobrazhenski Monastery - Arbanssi

Sightseeing tour of the old royal capital Turnov - a city on the edge of modern style and traditions. The old capital welcomes its visitors with impressive views - the Medieval fortress of Tsarevets and numerous churches and monasteries on the nearby hills. Visit the fortress and see the modern frescoes in the church, feel the spirit of traditions in the old church “St. Peter & Paul”. Take a walk in the old part of Turnov. Visit the Preobrazhesnki Monastery known for its valuable murals and wood carving work dating back to the 19th century. Follow the route to the old museum town Arbanassi - a monument architecture from the 17th-18th century. A visit to the Nativity with amazing frescoes showing scenes from the New and Old Testament and the ethnographic house of Konstantsaliev. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.

 

Day 9. Veliko Turnovo- Troyan - Koprivshtitsa - Sofia

After breakfast the tour will take you to the third largest Bulgarian Monastery of Troyan. See the monastery and continue to the architectural reserve Koprivshtitsa to engulf again in the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival - take a walk in the narrow cobbled streets, visit the old houses and enjoy the calmness of the town and the beautiful surroundings. Continue to Sofia. Farewell dinner in an authentic tavern in Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.

 

Day 10. Departure

Transfer to the Sofia airport.

 

Would you like to take this tour? Contact us for more information and reservation. This tour can be booked for groups of minimum 6 guests. Costs depend on the number of participants and selected accommodation.