Essence of Bulgaria

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and transfer to the city centre. The rest of the day is at leisure, with no guided activities. If you wish to arrange extra sightseeing or excursions please get in touch prior to your departure. Overnight Hotel Niky or similar. No meals included today. 

Sofia

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria since 1879, rich with over 2,000 years of history, used to be an old Roman, Byzantine, Medieval Bulgarian and well-known Ottoman city. A royal palace, parliament house and various government ministries were built in the eastern part of the centre, providing Sofia with a quarter of fine buildings which still exist to this day. The Roman, medieval and Ottoman-era buildings that also dot Sofia give some idea of the city’s ancient origins, Monumental public buildings from the Communist period add a melancholy grandeur to downtown squares and intersections. 

Day 2: Sofia

After breakfast take a walking city tour through the fascinating historical city of the capital. Starting with the golden-domed Aleksander Nevski Cathedral and Sveta Sofia, one of the capital’s oldest churches which gave the city its name. Walk by the fountain-splashed City Garden overlooked by the Neo-Classical National Theatre and continue to the vibrantly decorated Russian Church. Walking through the red-brick Market Hall, we arrive face to face with the third world’s largest Art-Nouveau Synagogue. After a traditional style lunch, continue to explore the capital at your own leisure. The evening is yours to discover the mouth-watering local culinary scene - your tour guide will provide you with recommendations. Overnight Hotel Niky or similar. (BL) 

Day 3: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Melnik (Approx. driving time today: 3.5 hours – 4 hours)

Leaving Sofia behind, head to the majestic Rila Mountains. Visit Rila Monastery, the country’s most famous cultural heritage and also one of the most picturesque orthodox structures. Experience the tranquillity of the site and admire the magnificent church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno with its apocalyptic frescoes. Glance at the immense Monastery’s kitchen with its surprisingly gigantic cauldrons before taking an easy walk (flat terrain – distance: 3.5km) to the cave of St. John the Hermite of Rila. Lunch will be taken by the picturesque Rilska River before continuing our journey south. Notice the change in vegetation, shifting from pine forest to endless sunflower fields and a nice Mediterranean climate. Travelling through rolling landscapes, stop at lush Kresna gorge and soon thereafter emerge into the heart of the wine region, ending in Bulgaria’s smallest town - Melnik for our overnight stay. Overnight Hotel Melnik or similar (BL) 

Note: For those who do not wish to do the walk, it is possible to be transferred by car to the cave. Tonight, your hotel is located walking distance from the main street, however you may wish to bring a headtorch/flashlight with you to guide you on the way back. 

Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Rila Monstery was founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. Its ascetic dwelling and tomb made him a sort of medieval superstar admired by the local people, the Bulgarian tsar Peter and even the royals in neighbouring Constantinople. Some one thousand years later, this monastic complex is arguably Bulgaria’s most iconic building and was enlisted to UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. 

Day 4: Melnik – Excursion to Rozhen Monastery (Approx. driving time today: 30 minutes)

This morning take a picturesque trail (gentle uphill on a marked path – maximum 2 hour walk), twisting through an acacia forest up to the highest part of intriguing natural rock formations known as the “sand pyramids”. Visit the 13th century Rozhen Monastery, located on a tranquil plateau with dramatic views over the region’s sandstone cliffs. Admire the ancient frescoes in the company of one of the monks before indulging in local cuisine at mehana (tavern) nearby in the village of Rohzen. Later in the afternoon, visit the home of one of the area’s wealthiest wine merchants, beautifully restored to its 19th century appearance. Here enjoy wine tasting in the natural cellars lying right beneath the building. Return to the hotel and any remaining time this afternoon is at leisure to stroll in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight Melnik Hotel or similar. (BL) 

Note: For those who do not wish to do the walk this morning, it is possible to be transferred by car from Melnik to the Rohzen Monastery and from there take a very short walk to the best viewing point (gentle walk uphill – 30 minutes in both directions). 

Melnik

The enchanting small town of Melnik is tucked away in a valley formed by rocky, arid hills crowned with pyramidal sandstone formations and a canyon of beautifully eroded rocks. Once a thriving centre of winemaking and the capital of a principality, Melnik is now a quiet town with less than 400 inhabitants living all-year round. 

Day 5: Melnik – Kovachevitsa – Trigrad (Approx. driving time today: 3.5 hours)

Heading east from Melnik across the southern spur of the Pirin Mountains, access the foothills of the Rhodopes, a region studded with quaint traditional villages. Take a detour from the main road to the stone-built highland settlement of Kavachevitsa, gaining an insight into the everyday lives of the Rhodopi inhabitants – a mixture between Bulgarian Christians, Bulgarian-speaking Muslims - Pomaks and Turks who have co-existed peacefully for centuries. The village itself is an enchanting and peaceful architectural reserve, many artists from the capital retreat here during the weekend holidays. Explore the alpine style village with its stone tile roofs and small galleries, before continuing our journey to the pine-covered central Rhodopes, stopping en-route for lunch. Travelling through diverse landscapes of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and valleys, arrive in the isolated picturesque village of Yagodina. Overnight Hotel Mursal or similar. (BL) 

Day 6: Trigrad Gorge – Yagodina – Eagle’s Eye viewpoint - Trigad (Approx. driving time today: 1.5 hours and optional: 40 minutes Jeep transfer on track)

In the morning we take a walk down the spectacular stalagmite-filled Yagodina Cave. Stretching for about 10 km over five levels, we walk about 45 minutes through stunning galleries with interesting curtain-like rock formations comprising evidence of prehistoric occupation. Return to Yagodina and embark on a 4WD Jeep for a 30-minute drive (one way) of steep ascent to the sightseeing Eagle’s Eye platform built at 1,563m above the sea level, next to the St Ilia peak. The walkable platform reveals a 680m shear drop looking down dramatically on Buynovsko Gorge. A breathtaking 360-degree panorama is revealed over the mountains in the distance. Look out for Golden Eagles which can sometimes be seen soaring on the thermals. We drive back to Yagodina for lunch. Afterwards  a short cooking class (optional) can be arranged to learn how to make Banitsa, one of the most traditional and delicious Balkan specialties. Also we could depart following the Trigradska River via the astounding 7-kilometer-long Trigrad Gorge, a nature reserve with numerous caves. Ascend through the Devil’s Throat boarded by its steep and dramatically narrow marble cliffs. Overnight Hotel Mursal or similar (BL) 

Notes: Be aware that the access to the Eagle Eye viewpoint requires a drive off-road on a steep and bumpy mountainous track. The local drivers are experienced and there are no particular risks involved. Nevertheless, we advise to keep your belongings stored in a bag during the drives. Although we really believe the experience is worth the rough journey to the top, if you suffer from vertigo or feel uncomfortable taking part, you may wish to remain in Yagodina and take an easy walk through the nearby pine forest and vast meadows.   

Day 7: Trigrad – Gela - Shiroka Luka – Bachkovo Monastery – Asen’s Fortress - Plovdiv (Approx. driving time today: 3 hours)

Today we head north, to the architectural reserve of Shiroka Luka, nation-wide renowned for its folklore music academy and, in particular for its bagpipe tradition. Take a walk (easy walk on marked trail, soft ground – about 1h30 in total) through nice pastoral landscapes up to the small village of Gela.

Descending to the delightful village of Shiroka Luka, we get the chance to meet Kalin, a bagpipe master, who will explain how to make the unique and traditional Kaba Gajda (literally “rude bagpipe”), and of course play a few tunes. Continuing via the famous Pamporovo ski resort, stop for a visit at the country’s second largest monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery, renowned for its fine architecture, sumptuous iconostasis and dramatic frescoes in the Church of Sveti Nikola. Finally, enter the Thracian Plain, stopping for a short visit to the medieval Asen’s fortress with its tiny church perched on high atop a steep rock. Later this afternoon, arrive in the beautiful city of Plovdiv, home to a host of Roman, Ottoman and 19th century Bulgarian architectural marvels. Overnight Evmolpia Boutique Hotel or similar. (BL)

Note: For those who do not wish to do the walk, it is possible to be transferred by car directly to the village of Gela, or to take a shorter walk of about 45 minutes in duration. 

Shiroka Luka

This quaint and atmospheric village was originally founded in the late 14th century by villagers fleeing forced Islamization and hiding in this hard-to-reach mountain region. Shiroka Luka characterizes a rebirth of Bulgarian identity in religion, traditions, art and architecture and above all, is particularly associated with folk culture as the village is also the home of the National School of Folklore Arts. 

Bachkovo Monastery

Situated at the foot of the forested slopes of the Rhodope Mountains, the Bachkovo Monastery lies with its serene courtyards filled with flowerbeds, exotic trees and drinking fountains. The monastery was founded in 1083 by Grigori and Abbasi Bakouriani, Georgian brothers who were commanders in the Byzantine army. In the 13th century, the monastery was sponsored by Tsar Ivan Assen II and his successor Ivan Aleksander. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it was restored by the 17th century. 

Day 8: Plovdiv

Revel today in the streets of Plovdid, starting this morning with a guided city tour within its romantic old town packed with colourful and creaky 19th century mansions. Visit the exquisite merchant house of Stepan Hindlian, built in 1835 and kept as original, walk by the impressive marble Roman amphitheatre, and enter the Cuma Cammi Mosque, dated from 1364. This afternoon is at your own leisure to explore the countless galleries, artisan’s workshops, and cafes hidden in the meandering cobblestone streets. Stunning views over Plovdid at sunset are not to be missed from the vantage point of Nebet Tepe. This evening, meet up with your guide again for a memorable dinner right in the heart of old Plovdiv. Overnight Evmolpia Boutique Hotel or similar. (BD) 

Plovdiv (European Capital of Culture 2019)

Plovdiv (a.k.a. Philippopolis) was founded by Philipp the Great, father of Alexander, known under the same title. Plovdiv’s geographic position made it a glorious centre of trade in beween Europe and the far/middle East over the centuries. Plovdiv old wealthy merchant’s homes were crafted by the most skilled artisans of the time and present probably the finest display of 18th and 19th century architecture in the Balkans. In addition, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres is located in the city centre, and was constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD). Like Rome, Plovdiv straddles seven hills but as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, it is far more ancient. 

Day 9: Plovdiv – Kazanlak (Rose Valley) – Kalofer (Approx. driving time today: 1.5 hours)

Leaving Plovdiv and the Rhodopes Mountains behind, we depart to the city of Kazanlak, famous for being the epicentre of the worldwide renowned Bulgarian rose oil production. Here we walk through the city Rose Park (Rosarium) and enter the recently opened Rose museum which gives excellent facts about the rose production. We have our lunch by the Koprinka dam and later on, visit the superb Thracian tomb of Kazanlak, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This royal tomb reveals great examples of Early Hellenic mural depictions. Following the stairs outside of the tomb, visit the Ethnographic museum for rose liquor and rose jam degustation in a peaceful atmosphere. Continue to Kalofer for the night. Overnight Chardaka Hotel or similar. (BL) 

The Valley of Roses

Framed by the lofty Balkan Mountains to the north and the dense forested Sredna Gora Hills to the south, the Valley of Roses is a predilected area of production of rose Damascena and Alba varieties. The valley is names after the rose plantations which for centuries have supplied Bulgaria’s rose-oil industry. Today, 85% of the world’s rose oil production originates from here and the Valley of Roses is a popular destination, especially during the harvest season in late May – mid June. 

Day 10: Kalofer Eco-trek walk - Shipka – Kalofer (Approx. driving time today: 1.5 hours)

After an early breakfast, start our morning at the heart of the Balkan Mountains with a scenic 1.5 hours walk (round-trip on marked path with a few stairs and moderate uphill – comfortable walking shoes with good grip recommended) above the White River crossing numerous wooden bridges. The views are spectacular and keep a close out for local flora and fauna. After a picnic lunch by the river, we go for a visit to Enjo Bonchev rose distillery and take a look at the superb Golden Church of Shipka.Overnight Chardaka Hotel or similar. (BL) 

Note: For those who do not wish to do the whole round-trip walk, it is possible to shorten the distance. 

Day 11: Kalofer – Karlovo – Sofia (Approx. driving time today: 2.5 hours)

We start our day visiting a micro-farm where we observe the farmer producing white traditional cheese. We continue our way to the town of Karlovo, following the footprints of the 19th century revolutionary Vasil Levski. On arrival, take a walk in the old part of the city, protected as an architectural reserve and visit two of the most remarkable houses in the town. In Pateva House, enjoy for the first time the magic of locally produced roses and herbs, while in Buhalov Khan House we learn about the traditional art crafts and drink a Turkish coffee prepared on sand. Continue to the 15th century old Kurshum Mosque (literally meaning the “Bullet” mosque), named after its leaden roof and later and continue back to Sofia. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight L’Opera Guest House or similar. (BLD) 

Day 12: Departure from Sofia

The final day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport and you onward flight. If time allows you may wish to spend some more time wandering in the streets and observing the monuments of the capital. (B)