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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 –March 29 – Arrive in Sofia. Transfer to your hotel. The reminder of the day – time at leisure. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Sofia in hôtel Premier Thracia **** (two nights)
Day 2 –March 30 – Sofia – Sightseeing tour of Sofia
In the morning depart to the National Museum of History you will get acquainted with the rich history of Bulgaria. Here is the Gold Thracian Treasure dating to the 4thc. BC. Next stop is the Boyana Church (UNESCO) situated in the foothills of the Vitosha mountain. Admire its beautiful frescoes dating to 1259. Return to the central part and have lunch in a local restaurant. Start your walking tour of Sofia. Visit the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the biggest and the most beautiful on the Balkan Peninsula, the Monument of Alexander II – Tzar Liberator, the Parliament, The Statue of St Sofia – the symbol of the city, the Presidency, the National Theater, the Ruins of Serdica and the Rotonda St George 4th c. AC, the Synagogue, the Russian Church, the St. Sophia early Christian basilica, which has given the city its name. After lunch continue your tour with visit to the local vegetable market known as the “Womens’ market” where you will feel the local ambience of the merchands.
Day 3 –March 31 – Sofia – the Rila monastery – Melnik
Departure to the Rila Monastery (UNESCO) – the richest historical and architectural monument of the Orthodox enclave, founded in 10th century and transformed to the most important spiritual and cultural center of Bulgaria. The Monastery’s unrivalled architecture and murals will captivate you. In the monastery visit the Ethnographic museum – very rich with its carpets and rugs exhibition, jewelry, customs, buckles. Also you will visit four rooms decorated according to the typical styles of decoration of four regions of Bulgaria.
Departure to Melnik – the smallest town of Bulgaria. Visit the villa Melnik winery and taste some of the local wines that have won numerous awards.
In Melnik visit the Kordopulova house – the oldest Revival house in Bulgaria built in 1754.
B Accommodation in Melnik in hotel Melnik ***
Day 4 –April 1 – Melnik and the surroundings – Gorno Draglishte
After breakfast departure to the nearby Rozhеn monastery nested in a beautiful area surrounded by the sand pyramids. On the way to the monastery have a small detour and reach the tunnel cut under one of the pyramids by the locals to assure shorter access to the next village Lyubovishte. In the Rozhen monastery is kept one of the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims from all over the region visit the cloister to pay respect to the icon.
Departure to the Rupite area. Visit the Heraclea Sintica archaeological complex – a cosmopolitan center for different tribes, ethnicities and peoples, reveals its ancient heritage on the territory of the municipality of Petrich near the village of Rupite and close to the extinct volcano of Kozhuh. Its lands were inhabited first by the Thracian tribe of Sintians (1300-1200 BC), who gave the name of the city. And when Macedon ruler Philip II conquered Sintica, he added Heraclea to the name, believing that his genealogy derived from the mythical hero Heracles.
Next visit is the town of Sandanski, the sunniest town of Bulgarian known for its mild climat and curative hot mineral springs. Walk on the main street and visit the archaeological musem « in situ ». Departure to bansko. Visit the Velyanova kashta (the Velyanov’s House), one of the best models of the Revival architecture. It was built in the 18th century, and nowadays it is declared a monument of culture with national significance and a model of the architectural type of reinforced house. The unique wall paintings and fretworks on the ceilings are made by the artist Velyan Ognev. Drive to the village of Gorno Draglishte where your hostess will demonstrate preparation of a local salty pastry called “banitsa”. Have a home hosted dinerprepared for you by the hostess. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Gorno Draglishte at “Pri Deshka” guest house
Day 5 – April 2 – Bansko – The Narrow Gauge train – Plovdiv
At 10 :58take the narrow gorge train from the village of Banya to Avramovo – the highest train station in Bulgaria – 1400 meters above sea level. The train passes through the picturesque pass of Yundola. The guide will pick you up from Avramovo and you will continueto Plovdiv.
Head to Plovdiv –thesecond largest town of Bulgaria, an area since the time of Philip, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great. Its unique location on these ancient crossroads has stimulated cultural and political influences from East and West civilizations and yet maintained its unique cultural identity.
B Accommodation in Plovdiv in villa Antica (two nights)
Day 6–April 3 – Plovdiv Sightseeing
In the morning take a sightseeing tour of Plovdiv. Visit the most impressive building of Roman time that has come to us rising above the city is the Antique Amphitheatreby Emperor Mark Avrelii during the 2nd c. A.D. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Visit the Ethographic museum housed in the biggest and the most beautiful house of the Old town – the Kuyumdzhioglu’s House. The Roman Stadiumis also constructed during the II century and reproduces the layout in Delphi, Greece. Within the centre of the ancient major town of the Roman province of Thrace remains of stone paved streets, foundations of buildings and columns and ancient fortress walls and gates reside. After lunch visit the Roman house « Eirene » where you will admire extremely well preserved mozaics “in situ”, originals from the 4thcentury. Last visit for today is the Small Bishop’s Basilica dated to the late 5thcentury and today is one of the Plovdiv’s landmarks with its mozaic floor with geometrical motifs and a small chapel and a baptistery. Relinder of the day – time to explore the art quarter « Kapana » and have coffee in one of its little cafés.
B Accommodation in Plovdiv
Day 7 –April 4 – Plovdiv – Hissarya – Kazanlak – Shipka Pass – Veliko Tarnovo
In the morning departure to Hissarya where you will see absolutely well preserved fortress wall dating to the Roman period – 4th century. Visit the Roman tomb dating to the same period. Hissarya is also one of the most popular balneology resorts renowned for its more than 20 springs of curative mineral water. Continue to Kazanlak. Visit the Thracian tomb dating to the 4th century BC (UNESCO). You will visit the copy as the original has been closed for visitors. Next stop will be another very interesting Thracian tomb – the Golyamata Kosmatka dating to the 4th century. Next to it is the Russian church proudly standing with its beautiful guilted domes. Cross the Shipka pass and have a stop at the Shipka monument – here is the place where the decisive battle between the Ottoman army and the Russian troops took place in 1878. Once you cross the pass stop at the Etara open air craft museum where have been preserved 22 crafts practiced locally in the 18th and the 19th century.
Head to Veliko Tarnovo. Arrive in the late afternoon. Time at leisure to enjoy the beautiful view from your hotel towards the river.
B Accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo in hotel Gurko *** http://www.hotel-gurko.com/index_en.php
Day 8 –April 5 – Veliko Tarnovo and the Arbanassi village
Spend the day in Veliko Tarnovo and feel its mediaeval spirit. For more than two centuries Tarnovo is the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (the end of XII – XIV century.). It is the center, where were decided the most important political, religious, administrative and cultural issues in the life of the mediaeval state. Contemporaries spare the epithets calling it “Great Tarnov”, “Queen of the Cities” “… second in words and deeds after Istanbul,” its fame wore in distant lands, reaching to the “North Ocean”.
First visit today is the Tsarevets Fortress – the stronghold of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th – 14th century) when Tarnovo was its capital.During the excavations there were found 470 residential buildings, 23 churches, 3 monasteries and an inn. When visiting Tsarevets, make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, as visiting the fortress involves some degree of hiking on cobbled pathways. From the Patriarchal Church you have a beautiful view over the city.
Take the funicular to the Trapezitsa hill and walk around ruins of Mediaeveal palace and ruins of 17 Mediaeval churches. Continue to the village of Arbanassi (4 km away) where is situated the richestly decorated church in Bulgaria of « The Nativity of Christ » called the Sistine Chapel on the Balkans. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Reminder of the day – time at leisure.
Day 9 –April 6 – Veliko Tarnovo – Zheravna – Madara – Kyulevcha
In the morning depart to one of the most picturesque villages in Bulgaria – Zheravna. Here you will admire 200 years old houses, cobble stone streets, stone walls surrounding yards with beautiful flowers and fruit trees. Today the village is an architectural reserve. It has been used as a natural decor for many Bulgarian and foreign movies.
Visit the building of the school, constructed in 1867, houses a picture gallery that comprises more than 450 paintings of Bulgarian and foreign artists. Every year it hosts travelling exhibitions of artists and ethnographical exhibitions from museums around the country. Visitors of the House of Rusi Chorbadzhi (House of Master Rusi) can see an interesting exhibition where the different crafts practiced in Zheravna during the Bulgarian Revival Period are demonstrated. The enormous hand loom and the skillfully-weaved delicate linen fabrics produced by the women of Zheravna are particularly impressive. In Zheravna was born and raised one of the most renown Bulgarian writers – Yordan Yovkov. His books have been translated in more than 20 languages.
Departure to the Madara Horseman (UNESCO) – a bas-relief cut in a rock some 23 meters above the ground dating to the beginning of the 8thcentury. The relief depicts a horseman in a natural pose with a sword in his hand. At the feet of the horse is a lion, and behind the rider is depicted his hunting dog. One legend has it that a Byzantine emperor was hunting on the plateau when he fell off the cliff and died. His relatives memorialized him by engaging a master to carve his image on the cliff. Few kilometers further is the village of Kuylevtcha where you will spend the overnight in a very nice family complex.
Optional: If time permits and you are interested the guide can take you to the “The founders of the Bulgarian state” monument situated nearby. The biggest outdoor mosaic-triptych in Europe can be seen here. Together with 21 sculptures they symbolise the establishment, development and progress of the Bulgarian state in the period 7th – 10th centuries. A granite lion weighing 1000 tons is placed on the top of the memorial.
B Accommodation in Eco Bulgara complex – http://www.villabulgaraeco.com/index.php?language=english
Day 10 – April 7 – Kyulevcha – Sveshtary (UNESCO) – Ivanovo (UNESCO) – Ruse and transfer to Bucharest, Romania
After breakfast departure to the Sveshtary Thracian tomb (UNESCO) dating to the 4th – 3rd century BC. The tomb has a unique architectural decor, with polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. It is a remarkable reminder of the culture of the Getes, a Thracian people who were in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean worlds, according to ancient geographers. Continue to the Ivanovo Rock Church (UNESCO) situated in the picturesque area of the Russenski Lom natural park. Rousse – the biggest border town of Bulgaria situated on the Danube river. Have a walk in the central part and admire the beautiful buildings from the 19thcentury. Rousse in also called “the Little Vienna” for its Vienniese architecture. In the afternoon meet your Romanian driver and say good-bye to your Bulgarian guide. End of your Bulgarian leg and transfer to Bucharest.
Price per person: 1434 euro
Price is based on a private tour of two travelers accommodated each in double rooms (two double rooms allover) with a private vehicle and a private English speaking tour guide.
DRIVING DISTANCES:
DAY 3
Sofia – the Rila monastery – 125 km – 2 hours
the Rila monastery – Melnik – 120 km – 2 hours
DAY 4
Melnik – Bansko – 110 km – 1 h 50 mins
Bansko – Gorno Draglishte – 16 km – 15 mins
DAY 5
Gorno Draglishte – Banya – 7 km – 10 mins
Banya – Avramovo – BY TRAIN 2 hours
Avramovo – Plovdiv – 120 km – 2 h 15 mins
DAY 6 – Plovdiv – no driving
DAY 7
Plovdiv – Hissarya – 45 km – 1 hour
Hissarya – Kazanlak – 70 km – 1 h 15 mins
Kazanlak – Shipka monument – 15 km – 25 mins
Shipka monument – Etara – 15 km – 25 mins
Etara – Veliko Tarnovo – 60 km – 1 hour
DAY 8 – Veliko Tarnovo – driving for some 10 mins to the village of Arbanassi
DAY 9
Veliko Tarnovo – Zheravna – 130 km – 2 hours
Zheravna – the Madara Horseman – 130 km – 2 hours
The Madara Horseman – Kuylevcha – 17 km – 20 mins
DAY 10
Kuylevcha – the Sveshtary Tomb – 85 km – 1 h 30 mins
the Sveshtary Tomb – Ivanovo – 115 km – 1 h 40 mins
Ivanovo – Rousse – 25 km – 30 mins
Rousse – Bucharest – 70 km – 1 hour
The trajectory of the tour from day 1 to day 4please see here:
https://goo.gl/maps/erFWxo936L22
The trajectory of the tour from day 5to day 7 please see here:
https://goo.gl/maps/NAK8J5b8zEU2
PRICE INCLUDES:
ACCOMMODATION IN TOTAL 9 OVERNIGHTS
TRANSFERS AND TRANSPORTATION
TOURS / GUIDES / FOOD
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Additional private expenses of a client
All that is not mentioned in section “Price includes”
Travel insurance package
Other meals than stated
Photo/video fees at sites and museums
Bank, credit card and pay pal fees
The above stated price is based on cash payment.
Using another method of payment: All taxes and fees are at the expense of the customer: supplement for paying by Visa card – 2,5%, Master card – 2,5 %, pay pal – 4%.
Our vehicles: Our company is owner of the vehicles that we provide for the tours of our clients. All of them are very comfortable and fully insured. We are aware that your safety is most important, that is why we regularly renovate our car park. Our vehicles pass technical check every month and all of them have perfect air conditioners.
You can see our fleet here.
Confirmation: The travel arrangement and full-day or half-day tours will be officially booked once we have received a 30% deposit payment. After that you will receive a booking confirmation via e-mail. We kindly ask you to pay the balance not later than 7 days prior to your arrival, unless the booking is made 1 week prior to your arrival or if there is not an agreement for paying cash upon arrival. Once we have received the payment, we will send the following to your e-mail address: the invoice, the vouchers (if you have booked self-guided tour), and all the other necessary travel-related documents and information.
Cancellation Policy
The customer can cancel the travel arrangement and full-day or half-day tour at any moment; however, Easy Bulgaria Travel shall keep a certain portion of the paid amount which will depend on the cancellation period, and which is specified as follows:
21 days prior to departure – no cancellation fee will be applied
21 to 14 days prior to departure – 30 % of the price of a travel arrangement or tour
14 to 7 days prior to departure – 50 % of the price of a travel arrangement or tour
7 to 3 days prior to departure – 80 % of the price of a travel arrangement or tour
3 to 0 days prior to departure – 100 % of the price of a travel arrangement or tour
After the departure or no-show – 100 % of the price of a travel arrangement or tour
In cases of extraordinary circumstances (like flood, fire, earthquake or other), Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd reserves the right to change itineraries. Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd will certainly always try to meet customers’ requests and return all the funds that were not spent for the purpose of same travel arrangement or a tour.
Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd wishes you a very pleasant stay in Bulgaria and will be extremely happy to be your host and to show you the beauty of our country!
Regards, Pavlina
Accommodation in Sofia – hotel THRACIA PREMIER ****
The PREMIER Thracia Hotel is situated between the busiest central city boulevards, Hristo Botev Boulevard and Vitosha Boulevard. Located in the proximity of all major institutions and numerous entertainment places, the property offers easy access to multiple tourist sites.
Whether you are there for business or pleasure, the PREMIER Thracia Hotel is ideal for International travelers who seek the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel. The hotel has been built in accordance with the latest styles of accommodation and elegance with comfortable accommodations which await you in the spacious rooms and suites, and offering a high level of service to its guests.
All units have electronic lock systems, central air-conditioning, cable television, a working area with direct phone line and Internet access, indoor-safe box and mini-bar.
Room Size: 16 m²
Bed Options:1 queen or 2 twin
Please note there is no extra bed possible.
Room Facilities: Safe, Air conditioning, Iron, Desk, Ironing facilities, Sitting area, Carpeted, Sofa, Soundproof, Shower, Hairdryer, Bathrobe, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Pay-per-view channels, TV, Telephone, Satellite channels, Cable channels, Minibar, Wake-up service, Alarm clock
Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
Veliko Tarnovo – hotel Gurko
Hotel and Tavern Complex Gurko is situated on Gurko Street in the Old town where you can see lots of traditional Bulgarian buildings from the XVIII and XIX century. The amphitheatrical position of all houses around creates a fascinating picture in the same heart of Veliko Tarnovo. As an important part of this landscape, Hotel Gurko provides romance and comfort by the banks of the river, overlooking the Sveta Gora Hill and Four-Horseman monument. Being in the immediate vicinity of the famous Samovodska Street, where you can enjoy the various small workshops that present typical Bulgarian crafts, makes it comfortable for the tourists during their holiday. At the same time the hotel is just a few minutes away from the centre and well-known Carevec Hill, where you can watch unique “Sound and Light Show”, which presents the history of the town.
Room Size: 30 m²
Bed Options:1 queen or 2 twin
– air conditioning
– free WiFi
– flat-screen TV with cable channels
– minibar
– bathroom with a shower or bath, free toiletries and a hairdryer
Room Facilities: Air conditioning, Hardwood/Parquet floors, Wardrobe/Closet, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Bathtub or shower, Cable channels, Flat-screen TV, Mini bar, Wake-up service, Towels, Linens
Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
Kyulevcha – Eco Complex Bulgara
The boutique rooms vintage sound in style, imbued with shadow of flower scents and romance, stylishly decorated with attention and care, feeling of comfort is complemented by a soft cotton sateen fabric Van Clefee.
Rooms : Twin beds or double bed, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, Free Wi-Fi internet, WC
In our restaurant we see food as art. Food as life-sustaining essentials. Food as health. Food as a physical form.Every meal and every snack offer us the opportunity to change ourselves and the world around us. We can enrich our life with those contained energy in food. To live well we need to eat good food. Similarly, to be happy we must be able to control our lives. We take care where products come from and how they are grown.
The menu that the Villa Bulgara eco restaurant offers is well-balanced and consistent with seasonal green products that specifically are select for you. The dishes are made with passion and inspiration, so as to leave saturated senses and desires.
Villa Bulgara Eco has a fully equipped conference room for 50 people, located separately from the hotel area, free wireless internet access, photocopying, scanner, fax, multimedia projector.
Organization of seminars, trainings, presentations, team building.
More photos please see in the Eco Bulgara Facebook Page
Plovdiv – Villa Antica
Situated in a renovated historical building dating back to the early 1900s, Villa Antica offers rooms, suites and self-catering accommodation units with free Wi-Fi and access to a garden. A breakfast buffet is available to guests. All air-conditioned, brightly decorated rooms and apartments offer a view to the garden and few historical monuments nearby. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and a flat-screen TV with satellite and cable channels.
Villa Antica is located just a minute from the main pedestrian and shopping street of Plovdiv and is facing the Roman Odeon.