8 Days: Sofia, Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, Starosel, Hissar, Sofia

Tour Overview
Discover the best of Bulgaria in 8 days. In the capital city of Sofia, visit the National History Museum, the mediaeval Boyana Church, and the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe. Explore the 10th century Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery. Travel to the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well-preserved 17th and 18th century churches. In Plovdiv, the European capital of culture 2019, walk in the Old Town and see the Roman Ancient Theatre, built in the 1st century AD.

Day 1: Sofia

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia

Breakfast. Visit to the National History Museum and the mediaeval Boyana Church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral – one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, the Mosque, Central Halls (covered market), St. Sophia Basilica, National Theatre. Free time in the city centre and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 3: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Breakfast. Drive to Rila Monastery – the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, built in the 10th century. Visit to the monastery Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Among its greatest treasures are the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Drive back to Sofia. Optional dinner at traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 4: Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo

After breakfast, drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo – visit to the historical Tsarevets Hill, which served as a primary fortress of the capital town during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Drive to the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well preserved 17th and 18th century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo. (B)

Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak – Plovdiv

Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv. On the way visit to the ethnographic open-air museum Etar, representing the Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship. The park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Walk around the museum complex. Drive to the town of Kazanlak via Shipka Pass. Visit to Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, which dates back to the 4th century BC and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its murals and paintings are Bulgaria’s best preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. Drive to Plovdiv. Accommodation. Overnight in Plovdiv. (B)

Day 6: Plovdiv

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv – European capital of culture 2019. Walk in the Old Town, including the Roman Ancient Theatre, which was built in the 1st century AD and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria, visit to the Ethnographic Museum, Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Free time in main walking street, Kapana creative district and city garden. Overnight in Plovdiv. (B)

Day 7: Plovdiv – Starosel – Hissar – Sofia

Breakfast. Departure for Starosel and Hissar. Visit to the Thracian tomb complex in the village of Starosel. In the afternoon, drive to Sofia. Accommodation and overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 8: Sofia

Breakfast. If time permits – shopping tour in the city centre. Transfer to the airport and departure. (B)

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