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Great Orthodox Heritage – 6 days

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Great Orthodox Heritage

The main religion in Bulgaria is the orthodox christianity since the year 865. Bulgarian monasteries and churches were cultural and educational centers for all Bulgarians, during the ages and especially during the Ottoman rule. In our days there are many remarkable monasteries, with typical architecture, keeping a lot of icons and other christian relics and symbols.

Itinerary

Day-1

Arrival at Sofia airport. Transfer to Blagoevgrad. Overnight.

Day-2

Breakfast. Tour of Rila Monastery, which is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and second in the Balkans. Transfer to Plovdiv, which is best known for its Old Town and the ancient theater.

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery is one of the symbols of Bulgaria and is also a popular tourist destination.  Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational and cultural center of Bulgaria. It is listed in UNESCO heritage sites.

Day-3

Breakfast. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, tour of Plovdiv, transfer to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight.

Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, which dates from the middle ages. The monastery was founded in the year 1083 by the Georgian Gregoriy Bakuriani, who donated the land. For a long time the monastery was Georgian.

Roman Amphitheatre, Plovdiv

Roman Amphitheatre, Plovdiv

Plovidv is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here you will see the remains of a Thracian fortress (5th century BC) and well preserved remains from the Roman times to our days.

The Old Town is a marvelous site, with its picturesque churches, the mosque and many houses with the architecture, the specific atmosphere and the spirit of Bulgarian Revival period.

Your guide will show you the fabulous remains from the Ancient Roman Empire – the Roman Stadium, the Roman Forum, the Amphitheater. Bachkovo-Monastery-1

Day-4

Breakfast. Tour of Patriarch Monastery, Transfiguration Monastery, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight.

Patriarch Monastery and Transfiguration Monastery are two of the most spectacular monasteries in Bulgaria.

The village of Arbanasi is located on a high plateau at 5 km from the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Patriarchal-Monastery

It is known, that the village existed during the time of the Second Bulgarian State (1185 – 1396). At that time the Bolyari (nobles), living in the capital Tarnovo, used it as a summer residence. According to the legend, the Tsar of Tarnovo minted coins here.

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country, as its history dates back to more than five thousand years, which is proven by the archaeological excavations made here.

The upsurge of Veliko Tarnovo is related to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 – 1396). In 1185 the town was declared capital of the restored Bulgarian State by the brothers Asen and Petar, which marked the end of the Byzantine dominion, that continued for 167 years.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

After its selection for a capital, the town developed fast, as within the period 12th – 14th century it was the most unconquerable Bulgarian fortress, as well as a cultural and intellectual center of Bulgaria and the Balkan peninsula.

Day-5

Breakfast. Visit to Troyan Monastery. Transfer to Sofia. Tour of Sofia, with a visit to Boyana church, which is part of the UNESCO treasures.

Troianski manastir

Troyan Monastery

Troyan Monastery, as a monastery complex, is the third in size in Bulgaria, a remarkable monument of culture of national significance. According to the historical documents, the monastery was first founded in 1600 and reconstructed in the period 1830 – 1865 in its present look. Its architectural style of the buildings is associated with the School of Revival.

Sofia – panoramic tour with transport and on foot, during which you will be able to see the main sights – Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Parliament, Banya Bashi Mosque, The Synagogue, the National Theater, the Kings’ Palace

Day-6

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Additional Days

You may add more days to your tour at special price for accommodation to explore Sofia by yourself or to join Zelanos one-day tours.

Prices: Upon request

  • Person in DBL / TRPL

  • Person in SNGL

  • Child 2 – 11.99 y.o.

  • Infant 0 – 1.99 y.o. – FREE

Included in the prices:

  • 5 BB in 3* centrally located hotels

  • Arrival, departure transfer

  • Seat in luxury mini-van or mini-bus

  • English speaking guide

  • English speaking chauffeur

  • All entrances in the sites visited during the tour

Supplements – optional:

  • Lunch

  • Dinner

  • Accommodation in 4* and 5*  hotels supplement per person

Additional nights in Sofia, per person, per night:

  • Hotels 3*

  • Hotels 4* / 5*

Notes:

Please, send request for rates

Optional excursions:

  • Wine tasting in Brestovitsa or Lyaskovets

  • Folklore Dinner in Plovdiv

  • Folklore Dinner in Sofia

  • Visit of Boyana Church, UNESCO world heritage site in Sofia