Authentic Villages of Bulgaria

Experience the flair of authenticity in the small Bulgarian villages that have preserved their traditional everyday life.

 

Day 1 Sofia / Arrival
Arrival at Sofia International Airport.

Day 2 Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Tryavna (260 km)
Departure to Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the second Bulgarian kingdom. Discovery of Veliko Tarnovo with its cobbled streets leading to the Tsarevets fortress. Discovery of the village of Arbanassi, which overlooks the town and has retained its 18th-19th century authenticity.
Continue to Tryavna, a small picturesque village in the mountains, which has preserved the only authentic public square from the Revival period (19th century) and is the center of the best masters of woodcarving of the time. Sightseeing tour through Tryavna. Possibility to visit the Museum of Wooden Sculptures and the Museum of Icons.
Overnight stay in Tryavna.

Day 3 Tryavna – Kazanlak – Koprivshtitsa (180 km)
Departure in the direction of the Valley of Roses and the Thracian Kings. Walk through Kazanlak, center of the ancient kingdom of Odryssen, visit the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO) and the historical museum, which preserves some of the treasures discovered in the region. Demonstration of rose products – rose oil, jams, honey, beauty products and others.
Continue to Koprivsthitsa – town museum, tour of the town. Overnight stay in Koprivshtitsa.

Day 4 Koprivshtitsa – Plovdiv – Bansko (240 km)
Departure to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe and European Capital of Culture (2019). Discovery of old Plovdiv with its cobbled streets, typical Bulgarian architecture and houses with colorful facades and Orthodox churches. Past the ancient theater, the House of Lamartine, the Djoumaya Mosque, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen and the Roman stadium.
Continue to Bansko. Overnight stay in Bansko.

Day 5 Bansko – Ribnovo – Leshten – Kovatchevitsa – Melnik (160 km)
The day is dedicated to the villages in the mountains - the village of Ribnovo, which does not seem to belong to the modern world. The wedding customs influenced by Muslim traditions can still be observed today – the faces of the newlyweds are covered in glitter. We continue to Leshten and Kovachevitsa, probably the most beautiful villages in Bulgaria with magnificent panoramas.
Overnight stay in Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria, world-famous for its wine, which is typical of this region.

Day 6 Melnik – Rila Monastery – Sofia (240 km)
Departure to the Rila Monastery (UNESCO) and discovery of this imposing place. Founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, the monastery is characteristic of the Bulgarian Renaissance and is still a true symbol of the country today.
Return to Sofia. Discovery of the Bulgarian capital – visit to the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest on the Balkan Peninsula, landmark of the city with its golden domes, the 6th century Hagia Sophia Basilica, which gave the city its modern name, the remains of the old Serdika in the center of the city, the Parliament, the Presidium.
Overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 7 Sofia / Departure
Transfer back to Sofia International Airport.

Groups of 4 to 14 persons

Included in the price:
> 2 nights in Sofia, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Tryavna, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Koprivshtitsa, family hotel, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Bansko, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Melnik, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> Transportation in an air-conditioned coach
> English-speaking tour guide during the trip