DAY 1

You are met upon arrival and taken to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including the 6th century Church of St. Sofia, the 4th century St. George Rotunda and the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevski.

Sheraton Sofia Balkan, Sofia

DAY 2

This morning take a scenic drive towards Rila Mountain to visit the most significant monument of the Bulgarian National Revivalperiod, the Rila Monastery. The exquisite colonnades and arches along with the monastery’s rich murals and delicate fretwork are a delight to explore. This Bulgarian treasure houses a vast collection of icons, jewelry and carpets, as well as a library of more than 16,000 books and manuscripts. After lunch, drive back to Sofia, en route stopping to visit Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with perfectly preserved 13th century frescoes. (B,L)

Sheraton Sofia Balkan, Sofia

DAY 3

Depart Sofia this morning, stopping to tour the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, scenically secluded in a valley along the Yantra River. Explore the town, including the Medieval fortress of Tsarevets, the old St. Peter & Paul Church and Samovodene Market with its original craft workshops. Continue on to arrive at the 17th century museum town of Arbanassi. Visit the Nativity Church and its frescoes of scenes from the Bible, and tour the ethnographic house of Konstantsaliev. (B)

Arbanassi Palace, Arbanassi

DAY 4

On route to Varna, stop in the sacred village of Madara to view the Madara Horseman, a towering figure of a knight over a lion, carved into a 325‐foot high cliff. Next, stop to visit Pobiti Kamuni, or The Stone Forest, natural stone pillars arising on a now‐barren plain. Arrive at Varna, “the pearl of the Black Sea Coast” in the afternoon. Enjoy a tour of this city founded in the 6th century BC, with its well‐preserved remains from the Roman and Byzantine times, as well as art and architecture from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Visit the 19th century Cathedral of Assumption of the Virgin, an imposing landmark, with finely carved iconostasis, murals and stained glass. (B)

Hotel Musala, Varna

DAY 5

Today enjoy a full day trip to the unique museum town of Nessebar, a UNESCO Heritage site. One of the oldest towns in Europe, you will see evidence of the Thracians, Romans, Slavs and Bulgarians. Known for its treasure trove of churches, visit the Byzantine style Old Bishop’s Residence; St. Stefan’s, with its valuable 12th century murals; and the medieval Christ Pantocrator and Aliturgetos Churches. Enjoy lunch while in Nessebar, and then tonight, dinner in Varna, complete with local wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Hotel Musala, Varna

DAY 6

Drive back to Arbanassi, en route visiting Pliska, the Bulgarian capital during 681‐893 AD, and Veliki Preslav, the first capital of the Bulgarian Empire and today a national archaeological reserve. (B)

Arbanassi Palace, Arbanassi

DAY 7

This morning drive to visit the Dryanovo Monastery, then continue on to Etara to explore the Etara Ethnographic Museum, the Assumption Sokolski Monastery famous for it’s stone fountain and the golden domed Shipka Monastery. Continue to Kazanluk and visit the 4th century BC Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Relax over lunch in this scenic “Capital of the Valley of the Roses,” before continuing on to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. (B,L)

Trimontium Plovdiv, Plovdiv

DAY 8

Plovdiv holds 24 centuries of history, and a plethora of unique well‐preserved treasures. Explore the old town with its cobblestone streets and romantic atmosphere; see the 4th century BC Thracian wall paintings, the ancient Roman amphitheater, and 15th century Ottoman mosques. After lunch, travel outside the city to tour the Bachkovo Monastery, one of the oldest in Bulgaria. Founded in 1030, it hosts rich collections of old icons, jewelry, coins, manuscripts and countless paintings that adorn almost every wall. (B,L)

Trimontium Plovdiv, Plovdiv

DAY 9

This morning drive to Starosel, and tour Chetinyova Hill, Thracian sanctuaries built in the 5th century BC. Enjoy lunch in town then take a tour of the new Starosel Wine Complex with some local wine tasting. Arrive in Sofia in the afternoon, and tonight, enjoy dinner with lively folkloric entertainment. (B,L,D)

Sheraton Sofia Balkan, Sofia

DAY 10

Today you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (B)

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Sheraton Sofia Hotel
Sofia, Bulgaria

Located in the heart of Sofia, the hotel is a visual delight with its archways of ceiling-high columns, distinctly constructed doors and moldings, and imported Italian marble floors. It is recognized as one of the city’s grandest hotels and architectural landmarks. Highlights of the hotel features and service include a 24-hour business center, shops, hairdresser/beauty salon, a fitness center, 24-hour room service, butler service, laundry, and dry cleaning. The Stardust restaurant offers fine dining and opulence with the finest crystal and live piano music.

The uniquely carved guest room doors reveal bedrooms rooms exquisitely appointed and feature modern technology with a classically restored style. Travcoa rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini bar, coffee/tea maker, satellite TV, Wi‐Fi internet access, in-room safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. Room Categories: Select – Executive Smart King (1 bed) or Executive Twin (2 beds); Grand – Executive Suites (Note: Suites only have 1 bed.)

Arbanassi Palace
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The Hotel features 6 double rooms, 8 luxurious double rooms, 2 junior suites and 3 luxurious suites. All the rooms are air-conditioned, with TV, mini-bar, and telephone. 24 hours room service is available. The bathrooms are luxury equipped and with a bathtub.

Hotel Musala
Varna, Bulgaria

In the heart of the city has a small cozy boutique hotel with 100 years of history and unique design. The unique appearance of the building, preserved until today, ranks it among the recognized European architectural monuments. The hotel has 24 luxuriously furnished and elegantly decorated rooms, cozy lobby bar and distinguished gourmet restaurant.

Trimontium Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Dedeman Trimontium Princess Hotel enjoys a superlative position right in downtown at one end of the main shopping and business centre, adjacent to the city's most preferred amenity - the sunken in greenery and quietness City garden, facing the most attractive local historical attraction - the Ancient amphitheatre and the Old city, close to the railway station.

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