TOUR OF BULGARIA
CLIENT: MRS GLENDA STRIPLING
OFFER DESIGNER: PAVLINA DOCHEVA
DATE: 26/04 – 06/05/2017
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – April 26 – Arrive in Sofia. Transfer to your hotel. The reminder of the day – time at leisure. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Sofia in hôtel Premier Best Western Thracia ****
Day 2 – April 27 – Sofia – Sightseeing tour of Sofia
In the morning visit the Boyana Church (Unesco site). Admire its beautiful freascoes dating to 1259. In the National Museum of History you will get acqueinted with the rich history of Bulgaria. Here is the Gold Thracian Treasure dating to the 4th c. BC. Return to the central part. Continue with a walking sightseeing 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. Finish the tour at around 2 pm at your hotel. Afternoon at leaisure – time to enjoy the central part of Sofia. Accommodation in Sofia in hôtel Premier Best Western Thracia **** (two nights)
Day 3 – April 28 – Sofia – The Rila Monastery – Plovdiv
Departure to the Rila Monastery – 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 visitor’s first sight of Rila monastery huge towering walls gives the impression of a fortress. However, a step through the archway produces a wonderful surprise. The Monastery’s unrivalled architecture and murals will captivate you. Departure to Plovdiv. After arrival take a sightseeing tour of Plovdiv – the second largest town of Bulgaria, an area since the time of Philip, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great. The most impressive building of Roman time that has come to us rising above the city is the Antique theatre by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the 2nd c. A.D. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. You will also visit the Roman Stadium dating to the 2nd cetury, the yellow school, the house of La Martin, the Old Pharmacie, the church St Constantin and Helena, the house of Kuyumdjioglu, today turned into museum, the Nebet tepe where have been discovered parts of the Thracian walls that fortified the hill.
B Accommodation in Plovdiv in hotel Odeon *** (two nights)
Day 4 – April 30
In the morning enjoy a walking sightseeing tour of PLOVDIV: The second largest town of Bulgaria, an area since the time of Philip, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great. The most impressive building of Roman time that has come to us rising above the city is the Antique Amphitheatre by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the 2nd c. A.D. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Theatre and opera performances are still staged here on warm summer nights. The Roman Stadium is 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. The Old Plovdiv nowadays is an original living museum, an architectural phenomenon with many of the houses of those times’ most prominent Bulgarians turned into museums, galleries hosting various art exhibitions and festivals.
B Accommodation in Plovdiv in family hotel Odeon
Day 5 – April 30 – Plovdiv – Hissarya – Kazanlak – Jeravna
In the morning deaprture 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 balneological resorts renowned for its more than 20 springs of curative mineral water. Continue to Kazanlak. Visit the Golyamata Kosmatka Thracian tomb dating to the 4th century BC. Next to it is the Russian church built in 1902 to commemorate the Russian soldiers who died in the war for our liberation.
Departure to Jeravna – a living museum village with houses built some 250, even 300 years ago. Spend the overnight in an old house, without being deprived from convenience and facilities. In the evening taste some local dishes in the house.
B D Accommodation in Jeravna in Iovina Kashta
Day 5 – May 1 – Jeravna – Nessebar – Varna
After breakfast departure to Nessebar (UNESCO) – an undoubted jewel of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, historical and archaeological reserve with ancient archaeological remains of various periods, original churches from the 5th – 17th centuries and more than hundred authentic Revival houses. Continue to Varna. During the Second Bulgarian state it was one of the most important trading and craft centers in the country. Now a day it is the biggest sea port and one of the favorite holiday places. Numerous hotels, restaurants and night clubs make it a preferable seaside centre. We will make tour of the town – The city center, the Cathedral, the Archaeological museum where is being kept the oldest gold treasure in the world dating back 4000 years B.C. If time permits your last visit will be the Roman baths.
B Accommodation in Varna in hotel Splendid **** (two nights)
Day 6 – May 2 – Varna – the Kaliakra Cape – the Palace in Balchik – Varna
Today enjoy driving along the sea coast as far as Kaliakra cape. The coast is steep with vertical cliffs reaching 70 metres down to the sea. Kaliakra is a nature reserve, where dolphins and cormorants can be observed. It sits on the Via Pontica, a major bird migration route from Africa into Eastern and Northern Europe. On the way back visit the Botanical garden in Balchik also famous as the Palace of the Romanian Queen. The Palace is the former summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria de Edinburg (1875 – 1938). It is situated approximately 2 km south-west of Balchik in a beautiful locality between the Balchik rocks and the sea. The Palace is a designated archeological and constructional monument of culture and a monument of the gardening and landscape art. Just next to the terraces is formed beautiful waterfall, high 25meters. Another smaller waterfall lours from “Allah’s garden” through thick wall to three-flow fountaininto deep stone pool.
In the afternoon return to Varna. Reminder of the time – time at leisure.
B Accommodation in Varna in hotel Splendid ****
Day 7 – May 3 – Madara – Sveshatry – Veliko tarnovo – two UNESCO sites in one day
In the morning deaprture to the Madara Horseman (UNESCO) – a bas-relief cut in a rock some 23 meters above the ground dating to the beginning of the 8th century.
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 Roman 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.Continue to the Sveshtary 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.Departure to Veliko Tarnovo. Accommodation. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo in hotel Gurko *** (two nights)
Day 8 – May 4 – Veliko Tarnovo
Start exploring the city with the Tsarevets Royal hill. The neighboring Arbanassi museum village is a genuine gallery of art. A must here is the 15th century Church of the Nativity, repainted in the 17th century. Because of its more than 1200 frescoes, It is also called the Sistine Chapel on the Balkans. Located on the hills above the meandering river Yantra, this city, once a glorious mediaeval capital (1186 – 1393), is now attracting thousands of romantic travelers with its irresistible atmosphere. Mixing the legends of the past with bursting joy of hundreds of young students – this is Veliko Tarnovo today, the second most important University City after Sofia. The reminder of the day – time at leisure. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo in hotel Gurko ***
Day 9 – May 5 – Veliko Tarnovo – Beklemeto pass – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
In the morning departure to the village of Koprivshtitsa through the Beklemeto pass (1525 meters above sea level). The village boasts a large number of architectural monuments from the Revival period, 383 in all, most of which have been restored to their original appearance. Collections of ethnographic treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewelry has also been preserved. Departure to Sofia. Drop off in your hotel. Overnight.
B Overnight in hotel Thracia Premier Best Western ****
The trajectory of the tour please see here: https://goo.gl/maps/Jw9P47FfqpF2
The tour price is based on a private tour of two people with private English speaking tour guide (to drive) and based on double occupancy in rooms.
The trajectory of the tour please see here: https://goo.gl/maps/6rWqbEbGsz72
PRICE INCLUDES:
ACCOMODATION
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 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.
For visa regime and customs restrictions
Please use the following link
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, earthquaqe 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.
ACCOMMODATION
Own Accommodation in Sofia – hotel THRACIA PREMIER BEST WESTERN ****
The BEST WESTERN 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 BEST WESTERN 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.
Plovdiv – hotel Odeon
Centrally located in Plovdiv, Hotel Odeon offers colourfully designed accommodation just 50 m from the Main Square and 150 m away from the Roman Theatre Plovdiv. Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Air-conditioned rooms and apartments feature carpeted floors and stylish decorations in baroque-inspired classical style. A refrigerator and cable TV are provided. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.
The Odeon Hotel’s restaurant features oakwood furniture, painted glass murals, a fireplace and precious paintings. The restaurant serves vegetable dishes, traditional Bulgarian and international cuisine, as well as a wide selection of wines. Special vegan menus are available on request.
Room Size: 20 m²
Bed Options: 2 twin or 1 king
Colorful room featuring a private bathroom with a shower. Cable TV, a seating area and a sofa are provided. Each room of this type is individually decorated.
Room Facilities: Air conditioning, Iron, Desk, Ironing facilities, Sitting area, Carpeted, Sofa, Mosquito net, Wardrobe/Closet, Fold-up bed, Sofa bed, Shower, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Bathtub or shower, TV, Telephone, Cable channels, Tea/Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Electric kettle, Wake-up service
Jeravna – Iovina Kashta
In guest house ”Yovina House Jeravna” you will find peace, quiet, clean nature and hospitality. The perfect place to escape from the big-city stress and reload a lot of energy and strength. The beauty of nature and traditional Bulgarian culture will turn the time spent with us in an unforgettable experience. The meeting with the spirit of Jeravna will diversify and enrich your free time. Delicious traditional dishes in an atmosphere of regenerating silence, interfered only by the whisper of legends and stories, help you forget the quickened pace of everyday life.
Yovina House Jeravna has maintained ethnographic look and revival atmosphere that will return back in time, but will not rob your vacation of convenience and luxury. The colours of the stripped rugs and comfort of wood claddings and carvings will give you pleasure, which will combine with hospitality and attention to each guest. The house has 5 rooms totally 11 guests can be hosted. Each room is equipped with bathroom and hairdryer, satellite TV, local heating and free WiFi. There is a small restaurant where we serve delicious traditional dishes. The floors are covered with Kotlenski carpets woven by hand of grandmother Mika Zafirina. The house has a spacious summer garden on two levels, own parking for 4 cars, barbecue terrace.
Varna – Hotel Splendid ****
Hotel Splendid is located in the centre of Varna next to The Cathedral of The Assumption. It offers air conditioned rooms with free WiFi access and SAT TV.
The hotel is housed in a 100-year-old renovated building and close to the pedestrian shopping street, the Opera House and Varna’s theatre.
Hotel Splendid is next to the stop of the airport bus 409. You can easily get to the promenade and the beach of Varna or to Golden Sands resort.
An airport shuttle is available on request.
Room size: 28 m²
Bed options: 2 single beds or 1 large double bed
These rooms are individually decorated.
Room facilities: City view, TV, Telephone, Satellite Channels, Cable Channels, Flat-screen TV, Air Conditioning, Desk, Heating, Carpeted, Bath, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Minibar, Wake-up service, Towels, Linen
Free WiFi 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 a 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, Minibar, Wake-up service, Towels, Linens
Free WiFi is available in all rooms.