ROUNDTRIP OF BULGARIA from Sofia

Welcome to BULGARIA!!! Your guide will meet you at the airport to start exploring this beautiful land. Begin your journey with a sightseeing tour of the Capital’s center to discover the mixture of civilizations that lived in ancient Serdika. Visit one if the largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals in the world - Alexander Nevski, impressing with its gold – plated cupola. Afterwards, your driver will take you to the unique “Museum of Wine” in Pleven, one of the best wineries in Bulgaria. The only museum of this kind is located in one of the caves in Kaylaka park. Inside the museum you will learn more about the process of wine production as well as try one of the best wines for the region. Depart to Veliko Tarnovo. On the way stop and visit of the covered bridge in the town of Lovech. It is constructed in 1874 by a self-educated builder Kolyu Ficheto. Its foundations were made of stone, and the rest of it – of wood. The bridge is unique and there are only three of its kind in Europe - in Lucerne, Florence and Erfurt. You can find typical Bulgarian art craft souvenirs in the shops inside the bridge. Continue your journey and visit the village of Arbanassi, to find out what the lifestyle of the wealthy merchants was in the past in Konstantsaliev’s House. Then visit the church “St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel” where an a-cappella orthodox choir will impress you with a special concert for you. For a perfect end of this interesting day, enjoy a tasty dinner in a cozy restaurant in this small historical village.

Accommodation in hotel ***/**** in Veliko Tarnovo.

2 day: Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak – Bourgas

Wake up in Veliko Tarnovo, the former Medieval Capital of Bulgaria. Experience the unique atmosphere of the town and climb to the top of the bell tower of Tzarevetz hill to enjoy a panoramic view of this historical town. Then, continue your journey to the Rose Valley. Visit an Ethnographic and rose-oil production complex, where you will have the possibility to observe how the rose products have been produced hundred years ago. Take a walk around to explore the BIO rose fields and the ethnographic part of the complex. Pick yourself a Bulgarian rose from the field! The next stop on this exciting day will be Kazanlak where an UNESCO monument awaits you - The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (visit the copy of the tomb). It dates back from the Hellenistic period, around the end of the 4th c. BC. The walls are painted with battle scenes, gracefully cantering horses, geometric patterns, and a fresco depicting a man doing farewell to his wife. Then, your way will lead you to the Bulgarian Black sea coast and the town of Bourgas.

Accommodation and dinner in hotel ***/**** in Bourgas

3 day: Bourgas - Nessebar - Plovdiv

Enjoy your breakfast and depart to the UNESCO designated old town of Nessebar, where romance and history are perfectly combined. Follow you guide through the cobbled streets and explore the architecture of the numerous old houses and churches. One of the most important monuments here, with remarkable mural paintings and iconostasis - Church “Saint Stephen” will reveal its charm to you. Enjoy your free time in Nessebar before going straight to Plovdiv – the second largest town in Bulgaria. You will take a walk in the old part of the town. Listen to the guides stories and observe the small cobblestone streets with its houses from the National Revival period, an imposing open air museum. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre - one of the best preserved antique theatres in the world and Hindlyan House – the most richly decorated house, built to the taste of a rich merchant and landowner. Dinner in the old town in a typical for the region restaurant.

Accommodation in hotel ***/**** in Plovdiv

4 day: Plovdiv – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Start your last day with a drive through the beautiful mountains. Visit the most famous Bulgarian UNESCO monument - Rila Monastery. It creates a great impression on the visitors with its renaissance architecture and frescoes. It is the largest monastery complex in Bulgaria and one of the most remarkable ones on the Balkan Peninsula. Depart to Sofia for an end of this interesting trip.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 3 overnights in ***/**** Hotels
• Visit of the Rila Monastery and Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, UNESCO Monuments
• An a cappella orthodox choir in Arbanassi
• Visit of a Rose Oil Destillation Complex
• Wine tasting in Pleven
• Dinner in a typical for Plovdiv restaurant in the old town

Price of BGN 399

Price includes:

• 3 overnights
• 3 half-boards
• Wine tasting
• Air-conditioned coach acc. to group size
• German/ English/ Dutch/ French speaking guide (or other upon request and availability)
• VAT

Price does NOT include:

• Entrance for the museums as per the above program (circa 51 BGN/ 26 EUR)
• Lunch
• Tips and personal expenses
• Supplement for SGL room – 89 BGN

Remarks:

• The program is subject to changes. TUI Bulgaria reserves the right to change the route.
• Minimum participants for operating the tour: 25
• TUI Bulgaria will inform the clients for cancellation of the trip because of not reached minimum participants, not later than 5 days before the departure date.