6 Days: Sofia, Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Plovdiv, Sofia

Tour Overview:
This 6-day program uses Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria as your base. On a city tour of Sofia, visit Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre, former Royal Palace, housing the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum. Optional tours are available to the Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, Boyana Church and the town of Plovdiv.

Day 1: Sofia

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Guided sightseeing tour of the city centre, including 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, St. Sophia Church, built by emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, housing the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, Presidency, etc. Free time in the city centre and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. Upon request – evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 2: Rila Monastery

Breakfast. Free time in Sofia for shopping and visiting museums or, optional one day tour to Rila Monastery. Rila Monastery is the most exquisite example of monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Visit of Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miraculous icon of the Virgin and splendid gilded iconostasis, the Monastery kitchen, the museum, keeping the long and heroic history of the monastery and the wonderful wood-carved cross made for a period of twelve years by a monk called Rafael, Hrelyu’s Tower. Return to Sofia. Tour duration – approx. 8 hours. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi

Breakfast. A free day in Sofia for shopping and visiting museums or, optional one day tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, is superbly situated on four hills. The houses are at the foot of the hills, perched one above other, crowning the steep streets with their gables. Here are preserved the remains of the old fortress built around the banks of Yantra River. Several mediaeval churches connected with Bulgarian history can be seen as well. The houses in the village of Arbanassi resemble fortresses on the outside and are artistically fashioned and beautifully decorated inside. A former residence of the communist leader Todor Zhivkov is also situated here. Return to Sofia. Tour duration – approx. 11 hours. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 4: Sofia Surroundings

Breakfast. A free day in Sofia or, optional visit of Boyana Church and the National History Museum. Visit to Boyana Church (in the List of UNESCO), located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in the suburb of Boyana. Visit to the National History Museum. Most interesting among its exhibits are the collections of Thracian and Old Bulgarian gold and silver treasures, rich collection of icons, church plates and cloths, numismatics, manuscripts and early printed books, ethnographic exhibits. Tour duration – approx. 3 hours. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 5: Plovdiv

Breakfast. A free day in Sofia or, optional one day tour to Plovdiv – European capital of culture 2019. Sightseeing tour 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. Drive back to Sofia. Tour duration – approx. 8 hours. Overnight in Sofia. (B)

Day 6: Sofia

Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the airport and departure. (B)

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