The Three "Capitals"
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Bulgaria is a country with a long history from 631 AD. In this long period of almost 1400 years the country had several capitals, and in this trip, you visit three the most important capitals of this fascinating country.
You will visit Sofia with the mighty buildings and Cathedrals, Plovdiv with its ancient old centre and Amphitheatres and of course Veliko Tarnovo with its 5000 years old history, proved by Thracian remaining on the hill of Tsarevets. And if this is not enough, you will visit an ancient Thracian Tomb of 400 years BC, Boyana Church (both church and tomb are an official UNESCO World Heritage Centre), the Shipka Pass where one of the most historical battles in Bulgaria took place, the 2nd largest Monastery of Bulgaria, a winery, Nicopolis ad Istrum ruins, and more.
This trip is an absolute must for people who want to explore Bulgaria in 8 days and love to experience the cultural heritage of this Balkan country. Let us say it this way: when you leave Bulgaria after this trip, we are almost certain - you will come back and explore the rest of this fantastic country and beautiful people.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (ca. 225 km)
Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo
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Meeting at Metropolitan Hotel Sofia
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Lunch in Sofia (included) close to the hotel
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A beautiful drive through the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) to Veliko Tarnovo
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Veliko Tarnovo - Walk together with a local guide, through this fascinating old city and may have some dinner together (not incl.)
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Overnight in cozy (family) hotel
A good night rest for tomorrows exciting day
Day 2 (ca. 100 KM)
Veliko Tarnovo – Tsarevets Royal Hill – Transfiguration Monastery - Nicopolis and Istrum ruins - Hotnishki Waterfall
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Visit Tsarevets Royal Hill and Fortress built in 12th & 13th century, guided tour
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Explore Veliko Tarnovo city on foot, walk through the narrow, cozy, old streets by yourself
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A visit to Transfiguration Monastery “Preobrazhenski” on a rock
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Nicopolis ad Istrum ruins, a Roman & Early Byzantine city founded 101-106 AD
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Visit the Hotnishki Waterfall - a short drive and walk to the falls
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Overnight in cozy (family) hotel
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A good night's rest before a long day tomorrow!
Day 3 (ca. 215 KM)
Etara museum Village – Shipka Pass & Memorial Church – Buzludzha “communist” Monument – Kazanlak Thracian Tomb – Rose museum – Plovdiv
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Visit Etara open-air Museum Village with focus on Renaissance
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Spectacular drive to Shipka Pass & Monument, fantastic views, and an important memorial from the Ottomans war
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We drive to the imposing Shipka Church, memorial to Russian soldiers
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A visit to Buzludzha “communist” Monument, impressive, Ugly, imposing….
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Kazanlak, center of the rose oil industry, visit the Rose Museum
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Valley of Tombs , visit to a copy of an ancient Thracian Tomb from 400 yrs BC
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Overnight in Plovdiv, enjoy a relaxing evening in the European Cultural Capital
Day 4 (ca. 65 KM)
Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery and Falls – Assen’s Fortress
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Visit Bachkovo Monastery (founded 1083) includes a guided tour in the 2nd most important Monastery in Bulgaria
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Walk to beautiful Bachkovo Falls, short 20 min walk to the falls. April, May and June spectacular
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Visit Asen’s Fortress, medieval fortress high on a rock above the river incl. short guided tour
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Driving back to Plovdiv, take an evening walk through the old city and enjoy this vibrating city
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Overnight in (family) hotel in Plovdiv
Day 5 (ca. 70 KM)
Plovdiv – Free time in the morning – Winery
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Free time until 13.00 hour to discover Plovdiv
Visit the ancient Theater of Philippopolis, Plovdiv Roman Stadium, the Old Town with beautiful houses and narrow streets, the Ethnographic Museum of Plovdiv, Dzumaya Mosque… etc. -
Visit to Zagreus Winery incl. lunch with a view….
A guided tour over the winery, including wine tasting of 5 wines -
Heading back to Plovdiv
Have some nice dinner and drink on one of the many terraces tonight -
Overnight in (family) hotel in Plovdiv
Day 6 (ca. 165 KM)
City Sight-Seeing - Sofia
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Drive 2 hours to the present Capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, since 1879
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Sofia city centre walk
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Visits to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, The Russian Church Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski, Church St. George Rotunda and the National Theatre
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If time we will also visit “Women’s Market” (Zhenski Pazar) and Central Market (food) Hall (Tsentralni Hali).
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Option to stay in Sofia and continue to explore & get a taxi back to hotel (€5-8)
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Overnight in hotel in Sofia
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High quality hotel just outside the city center
Day 7 (ca. 120 KM)
Sofia – Boyana Falls and Church – Mount Vitosha
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Hike to Boyana Waterfalls
A nice, 4-5 hours, walk to the beautiful waterfalls of Boyana -
Visit to Boyana Church
Church listed on UNESCO World Heritage List from 10th century -
Drive to Mount Vitosha
Nice drive “to the top” of Mount Vitosha with fantastic view on Sofia -
Farewell dinner in Sofia included
Our last dinner on a great week together -
Overnight in Sofia
Day 8 (Sofia) - Transfer to the airport or stay some extra days in this surprising city
DEPARTURE DATES
01st June, 06th July, 10th August, 14th Sept, 19th Oct 2024
TOUR PRICE
€1295 (Double) €1560 (Single) per person
Extra Nights in Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia
DOUBLE ROOM €108 per night
SINGLE ROOM €93 per night
RECOMMENDATION
This trip is ranked Very Easy
Suitable for most fitness levels
Please check with us if any travellers have disabilities
INCLUDED
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7 x overnights in single or double room
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7 x breakfasts
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Dinner/ Lunch on the days mentioned in the itinerary
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Guiding, transfers & parking costs
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All itinerary activities & entrances
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​During the 5 hiking days in the mountains, a professional and licensed mountain guide will be guiding us through the mountains. So, we will be in good and safe hands!
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to/from Bulgaria (or other transport)
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Optional tours/ activities/ entrances
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Dinners/ lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
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Personal expenses during the whole tour
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Tips