Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 1
Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Dinner.
Day 2
Departure to Plovdiv. Visiting the church „St. Nedelya“, known as a monument of construction and art from the time of the Bulgarian Revival. Built at the beginning of the 18th century, at the time of the greatest constraints of the Ottoman authorities towards the religion of Christians Most icons in the temple were painted by Zachary Zograf, Dimitar Hristov Zograf and his son Zafir, better known as Stanislav Dospevski. The iconostasis is a perfect work of Renaissance church carving with predominant plant ornaments. Viewing the house of Dimitar Georgiades, where is housed the „Bulgarian Renaissance“ Exposition at the Plovdiv Regional History Museum, built in 1848. In the popular 19th century architectural style of the Plovdiv symmetrical house, the building is a monument of culture of national importance. Examination of the building of the Regional Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in the Kuyumdzhiev house, built in 1847. By master Hadji Georgi. She is a typical representative of the Plovdiv symmetrical Revival house. The specialists define it as the peak of Baroque architecture in Bulgaria. Its owner is Argir Kuyumdjioglu – wealthy Plovdiv trader. The eastern façade of the house has „set foot“ on the old fortress wall and is an integral part of the ensemble of Hisar Kapiya. Visiting the Ancient Theater – the symbol of ancient Philippopolis. Apart from being a cultural center, it has played an important role in the social and political life of the city and the Roman province of Thrace. Built during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the beginning of the 2 nd century. Discovered during archaeological excavations from 1968 to 1979 by the Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv. It is one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world and the only antique theater building on the Bulgarian lands. There are inscriptions and exquisite statues included in the architecture of the building. Adapted to the contemporary cultural life of Plovdiv there are various performances of about 5 000 spectators. Visit to the Regional Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv. Its collections are housed in the center of the city, and the renovated and fully refurbished building was opened in October 2010. His seven halls show findings from the Plovdiv region from prehistory to the Middle Ages. From the period 5th – 4th century BC. Is a rich collection of works of ancient Greek art – silverware, golden female body ornaments and clothes. Among the interesting exhibits of the museum are numerous antique sculptures, votive plates and more. Visit to the Metropolitan Church of St. Marina, built probably in the 5th century. Today it is the main temple of the Plovdiv diocese and its church management – the Plovdiv bishopric. It was rebuilt as a metropolitan temple in 1853. On the remnants of a 16th-century medieval church. Here is one of the most valuable carved wooden iconostasis of 21 meters long. Above the northern entrance there is a multi-storey wooden bell tower, built in 1870, with a unique architecture for Bulgarian traditions. The walking tour ends with a visit to the Trakart Cultural Center, where ancient floor mosaics from 3 – 4 century BC are exhibited. There are three permanent expositions – „The Glass in the Ancient Art“, the Prototrachian portrait from 5 – 3 thousand BC. And Miniature Roman portrait from 1st century BC – 1st century BC The Trakart Cultural Center has a chamber hall and is a good example of reconciling its museum character with various cultural events – exhibitions, chamber concerts, theater productions, seminars, conferences. Accommodation. Overnight.
Day 3
Breakfast. Departure to Ustina village. A visit to the wine cellar „Vila Justina“ is situated in a region rich in wine history. It was established at the end of 2006 with the idea of building a small boutique winery, processing 300 tons of grapes from its own masses and aging quality wines in oak barrels. Tour and acquaintance with wine production technology. Visit of the Brestovitsa winery in the village of the same name. It was built in the late 1930s. It is a classic model of a French „above-ground cellar“ built on the project of French engineers. The cellar handles deliciously hand-picked grapes, which ferments the classic technology for high-quality wines. Tour and acquaintance with wine production technology. Visiting the wine cellar „Todorof“, the first of its kind in Bulgaria wine cellar, offering unique wines for amateurs and collectors, created the basis for the new wine style changes and the development of the wine culture in Bulgaria since 2001. The present owner undertakes major reconstruction and modernization, combining the most modern production technologies with the Bulgarian Revival architecture, turning it into a neat and modernly equipped complex. Departure to Asenovgrad. Visiting Assen’s Fortress, the most attractive and frequently visited tourist landmark around Asenovgrad. It is located on a rocky peak on the left bank of the Asenitsa River. Due to years of archeological research and excavations from the medieval fortress, the foundations of a feudal castle containing a complex of residential buildings, a home church of the fortress manager, two water reservoirs, a tower, all connected by stone stairs. Under the feudal castle is the so-called. A courtyard with the well preserved two-storey church „St. Virgin Mary Petrich „. Visiting the church „St. Virgin Mary – Annunciation „, also called the“ Fish „, the most remarkable Orthodox church in Asenovgrad. An ancient belief is connected with the temple. Below the temple there is a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist in front of the altar of which, in a crystalline spring, a man who had a genuine pure prayer to God can see three fish in confirmation that his request was heard. It is very interesting that the altar is protected by a glacier overhang stone with expressive scenes of battle from the time of the Roman rule on these lands. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery „Assumption“. It was founded in 1083 by the Georgian Grigory Bakuriani, who made a donation for his construction. For a long time the monastery was Georgian. This is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. It contains the Virgin Mary of Wallachia, one of the three miraculous icons on the territory of the country. Accommodation in Pamporovo. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 4
Breakfast. Departure to Trigrad Gorge. Visit to Devil’s Throat Cave. This is one of the few caves that does not shine with exquisite formations. What attracts and enchants people is the ability to touch a real element, a piece of the mysterious and terrifying underground world. The cave is craggy and unbroken. The waters of the Trigrad river flow into the „throat“ from a height of 42 meters, forming the highest underground waterfall on the Balkan Peninsula. Because of the deafening thunder that is being created, the waterfall hall is called the Punching Hall. It is huge – the second largest cave in Bulgaria. Visit of the Bear Museum. The interactive exhibition allows visitors to learn more about the behavior of large predators, their habitats, lifecycle, hazards related to their population, and tips on how to deal with them. The museum has visualized and recreated interesting facts related to the life of the brown bear. Departure to Shiroka Laka. Walking around, exploring the main sights. A visit to the Ethnographic Museum is arranged in the Zgurovski Konak building. The house was built in 1853 and is called „Konak“ because it was owned by an administrative officer. It has a preserved Renaissance architecture typical for this region – two-storey, with bay windows, a high stone chimney, thick walls, forged doors, small windows, internal wooden stairs. The museum exposition shows the customs and customs of the people from this region and the arrangement of the old Rhodope house. Visiting the church of the Virgin Mary. It is part of a complex with other adjoining buildings and facilities connected with church cult and enlightenment, united by a high stone fence. The northern part of the wall rests on the waters of the Broadway River Ljudja. In 1835, a low one-storey annex was built for the old church school. In the same building the Chitalishte was housed for some time until it acquired its own home, built in 1934. The church was registered as an immovable cultural value of local significance and artistic value in 1973. Climbing with a lift to Snejanka peak. The Rhodope peak rises at an altitude of 1926 m. The majority of the ski slopes of the resort start from the summit and their altitude varies from 1926 to 1400 m. A tower of Snezhanka stands out, revealing a splendid panorama to The whole neighborhood. The beautiful nature in the area attracts tourists all year round. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 5
Breakfast. Departure to Velingrad. Walking tour in the city center. Visit to the Kleptuza karst spring, a symbol of the town of Velingrad. In 1966 it was declared a natural landmark. The spring is captured and its waters are brought to the surface of the earth. There is a flow rate of 270-1020 dm³ / s, which is highly variable. The water is clear and cold with a temperature of 8.1 ° C, relatively solid. It is suitable for drinking and part of it is captured and used for water supply in Velingrad. Accommodation. Free time for spa treatments. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 6
Breakfast. Departure to Sofia. A visit to the Presidency courtyard and the Rotunda St. George, which is one of the oldest architectural monuments in Sofia and the only one building in the city preserved up to the roof dated back to the Roman Empire. The tour passes along the Cathedral “St. Nedelya” – one of the spiritual beauties of the capital and a bearer of a centuries-old tradition.
The newly discovered Ancient complex “Serdika” is going to be visited afterwards. The greatest attraction is the main street of ancient town Serdika – named Dekumanus Maksimus, which authentic pavement is almost entirely preserved. Three underground levels form an outdoor underground museum that shows three separate neighborhoods. Under the glass dome, an art space is created for concerts and productions.
Visiting the National Ethnographic Museum. The museum is housed in the former Princely Palace, one of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Sofia. It contains elements of Renaissance, Viennese Baroque and resembles French palaces from the 18th century. In 1954, it houses the National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum, and since 1978. The building is declared a cultural monument of national importance.
Next is a visit of the Church „St. Nikolay“, built in 1907 – 1914, designed by the Russian architect M. Preobrazhenski. In the crypt of the temple is the tomb of St. Seraphim Sobolev, who was officially canonized on 25 and 26 February 2016 by the Russian and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, considered as the symbol of the Bulgarian capital is going to be visited next. The Cathedral was built in honor of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, whose army in 1878 liberates Bulgaria from the five centuries of Ottoman domination. Its construction began in 1904 and ended eight years later. The temple’s interior is unique and impresses with magnificent marble decoration and frescoes.
A visit to the National Museum of History. Emphasis is given to Hall 2, where the peak achievements of the Thracian culture during the 6th century BC are presented. – 4th century BC. The centerpiece of the shop is the showcase of the famous Panagyurishte gold treasure, a magnificent work of goldsmiths from the early Hellenistic epoch. Special attention is paid to Hall 3, dedicated to the history and culture of Bulgarian lands during the Middle Ages.
The next object to be visited is Boyana Church „St. Nicola and Panteleymon“, which is located at the foothills of Vitosha Mountain in Boyana district. It is one of the few medieval monuments of Christian art that have come to our day. The church is part of the 100 National Tourist Sites and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Transfer to Sofia airport. Departure.
