Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1
Arrived at Sofia Airport. Transfer. Accommodation. Overnight.
Day 2
Breakfast. Departure to Borovets, known by the middle of the 20th century as Chamkoria, the first mountain resort in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The beginning was set in 1896 when Prince Ferdinand built his summer residence and several hunting lodges in the area and turned Chamkoria into a favorite place for relaxation of the royal family. His example is followed by many aristocratic and wealthy families from the capital, who also build their own villas in the resort. In 1928 the villas now number 74. Long time for Chamkoria is only referred to as a summerhouse. Gradually, the owners of villas start to spend one month in the winter here. It was not until the 1930s, however, that the ski sport of Chamkoria began to be seen as a place ideal for the needs of winter recreation and sport.
Visit to the palace „Tsarska Bistritsa“, a former palace of the rulers of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. It is located above the Borovets resort in Rila. It was built between 1898 and 1914. It performed the functions of a hunting lodge for Kings Ferdinand I and Boris III. The architectural appearance is influenced by the traditional Bulgarian Renaissance style, but it also shows European architectural influences. In 1898, the first wing of the palace, known as the Old Palace, was built, consisting of several rooms, a study and bedrooms. Hotel accommodation. Free time for practicing winter sports. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 3 – 5
Breakfast. Free time for practicing winter sports. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 6
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 theAncient 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 7
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.
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. Send off the group. Transfer to the airport. Flight.
