Upon arrival at Sofia airport, private transfer to Radisson BLU Hotel for overnight.


Half day city tour and lunch at local restaurant in Sofia. Visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the church of St. Sophia, which gave the name of the city, The Round Church of St. George dating back to 4thc., The Russian church of St. Nicholas, see the buildings of the National Theatre and the Parliament. Depart towards Veliko Tarnovo and check in at Grand Hotel Yantra. In the evening, visit to the oldest merchant street in the town called Samovodska Charshia, where you can see masters who pursue their crafts according to old traditions.
Meal: B, L


See the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Enjoy a morning walk on the Tsarevets Hill, where the Bulgarian kings once lived. Proceed to Arbanassi, a small Bulgarian village situated at 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo, interesting for its architecture. See the Konstancalieva Ethnographical House and the church of Nativity, whose mural-paintings are considered a real masterpiece. Leaving behind Arbanassi, we first visit Etara open air museum, representative for its architecture, the life style and the economic past of Gabrovo region during the Revival period. Cross the Balkan mountains through the Shipka Pass, famous for its historical significance. Short stop in Kazanlak, where you will see the UNESCO listed Thracian Tomb with its Hellenistic frescoes from the 3rd century BC. Proceed through the famous Valley of Roses arriving in Plovdiv - the second largest city in Bulgaria. Overnight at Trimontium Princess Hotel.
Meal: B


Plovdiv is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns on the Bulgarian lands. It is famous with its old town, where you can walk the cobbled streets, enjoying the beautiful architecture preserved from the Bulgarian Revival period. You will also visit the Amphitheatre, which dates back from Roman times, the Ethnographic museum and the Church of St. Konstantine and Elena. For lunch we invite you to the nearby village of Brestovitsa where you can enjoy wine tasting and a gourmet dishes prepared by the local Chef. In the afternoon proceed to Bachkovo monastery dating back to the 11th c. Visit the monastery church and refectory. Drive back to Plovdiv. On the way short stopover to see the medieval Asenova fortress. Overnight at Trimontium Princess Hotel.
Meal: B, L


In the morning you will have free time to explore Plovdiv on your own. After free time for lunch, depart for Bansko, the most famous mountain resort in Bulgaria. En route, stop in Dobarsko to visit the 17th century monastery. A typical peculiarity is the presence of the greatest number of female images in comparison to the other Bulgarian churches, as well as the predominating inscriptions in Bulgarian language. Accommodation in Bansko at Kempinski Grand Arena Hotel.
Meal: B, L


After breakfast you will enjoy a trip in the mountains, following the track towards Muratovo, Ribno and Okoto lakes, the most beautiful lakes in Banderitsa valley. Accommodation in Bansko at Kempinski Grand Arena Hotel.
Meal: B


Drive to Rila Monastery – one of the greatest centres of scholarship and religion in Bulgaria during the National Revival Period. Founded in the middle of the 10th century it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language during the centuries. It is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. See the monastery church with its amazing frescos painted by the most famous Bulgarian finest artists from 19 th c. and the monastery museum. Lunch at local restaurant and drive back to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Check into the Radisson Hotel in the heart of the town.
Meal: B, L


Private transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Meal: B

-7 nights accommodation
-7 breakfasts, 4 lunches
-Transportation with modern A/C vehicles.
-English speaking guide
-Itinerary as described and entrance fees to: Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the church of St. Sophia, The Round Church of St. George, The Russian church of St. Nicholas in Sofia, Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Konstancalieva Ethnographical House and the church of Nativity in Arbanassi, Etara open air museum, Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, Amphitheatre, the Ethnographic museum and the Church of St. Konstantine and Elena in Plovdiv, Bachkovo monastery, Asenova fortress, Dobarsko monastery, Rila Monastery
-Private return transfers

This grand tour of Bulgaria has been especially designed for all those who want to experience the the exquisite harmony of breath-taking scenery, ancient past, rich cultural heritage, unique traditions and folklore of the Land of Roses. Join us in an itinerary that will unveil the rich historical inheritance of this country. You will visit UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites - unique churches, monasteries, Thracian tombs and Roman vestiges. You will learn about traditions preserved over centuries and will enjoy the beautiful nature on a scenic drive through marvelous and picturesque landscapes.