A tour in the very center of Eastern Europe, where the influences of Orient & Occident came together. Bulgaria, lies in the Balkans and in spite of its small size was an important cross- road for many civilizations: the Trachians whose burial sites were discovered in the last decades; then, the Greeks, the Romans, the Slavs, the Byzantines and especially, the Ottomans who dominated the country before being excluded by the Russian Armies. Discover the Bulgarian culture, with its innumerable influences:the richly painted monasteries; the traditional peasant homes in the middle of nature; the castle fortresses and their medieval centers; the icons and iconostases of Orthodox churches; the treasure of Trachian graves; the Bulgarian voices and their mystery...
Bulgaria is an authentic and pure country which has not yet been affected by an overcrowded tourism.

Day 1:

Reception at the airport in Soa by an English-speaking guide and transfer to the 4* hotel Rodina by a luxurious bus with air conditioning. Depending on the arrival time, a short tour of the town, including a visit to the Al. Newski Cathedral, the Rotonda St. George and other places of interest. Dinner in a rustic restaurant in town.

Day 2:

After breakfast we continue our tour of Soa. Departure to Rila Monastery. Afterwards we head south. Dinner and accommodation in a 4* hotel in Sandanski.

Day 3:

Departure to Melnik. Visit of the Rojen Monastery. We return to the picturesque small town of Melnik, famous for its red wines. Visit to the houses of Kordopulova, and a short wine tasting in special cellars. Departure to Bansko. Dinner and accommodation in the new 4* hotel Perun.

Day 4: Bansko - Jundola Pass - Plovdiv.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Plovdiv. Sightseeing of the historical side of the town, visit to the St. Constantin and Helen Church, the Ethnographic Museum and the Roman Amphitheatres. Dinner in a rustic restaurant in the historical center.

Day 5:

Plovdiv - Kazanlak. We take part in the festival of the roses. We will visit the rose elds, see how the roses are picked and taste some brandy and cake made from roses. Lunch - picnic with wine from barrels - as much as you can drink. Late in the afternoon we will drive through Schipka - Pass to Trjavna. Accommodation and overnight at a 3* hotel in Trjavna.

Day 6:

After breakfast we visit the Etara - ethnographic open air museum and proceed to Veliko Tarnovo. We visit the Zarevez Hills and the picturesque countryside of Arbanassi, where you can admire Christ’s Birth Church. Dinner in a typical restaurant in Arbanassi. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 7:

Departure back to Soa. Visit of the National History Museum. Accommodation at hotel Rodina. Folkloric evening with traditional food and drink.

Day 8: Good bye.