June 3 ARRIVE SOFIA
Sunday
Welcome to Bulgaria. We check in to our boutique hotel, Crystal Palace in downtown Sofia, located near the National Library and Sofia University, “Climent Ohridski”. After freshening up a bit, we enjoy a light dinner in a local restaurant nearby. D

Hotel Crystal Palace****

June 4 SOFIA
Monday
In the morning, we drive to the outskirts of Sofia. The first wonder of Bulgaria that we visit on our tour is the Boyana Church. Built and painted between 11th and 14th centuries, this site is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The frescoes dating from 1259 are considered an artistic precursor of the Italian Renaissance, which started two centuries later.

After admiring the serenity of the 13th century portraits of the Bulgarian aristocrats painted on the walls of the church, we are going to see the collections of the National History Museum. The National Museum of History exhibits some of the best archeological and artistic artifacts found on the territory of Bulgaria. Several times its collections have traveled to be included in exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, Le Louvre, L’Hermitage and other famous museums around the world.

We drive back to the city center where our lunch today is at a selected café in downtown Sofia.

Our afternoon tour will start at the Archeological Museum of Bulgaria, which showcases splendid treasures from Thracian times, and artifacts dating back to 8th millennia B.C.

Our leisurely walking tour continues (with the highlights of Sofia all in close proximity), to Russian church of St. Nicolas. From the Military Club, follow the Yellow brick road, a boulevard covered with yellow cobblestones; it is lined with 19th century buildings in various styles. These magnificent examples of architecture now house embassies, palaces, museums and high-end boutiques. We will get to St. Sofia Church, a basilica built in the 6th century over the mausoleum of the early Christian martyrs (prior to that the necropolis). We see another example of Russian Orthodox architecture, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. A cross-domed basilica, built in Neo-Byzantine style, the cathedral is the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in Bulgaria. Both its exterior and interior architectural designs are impressive. At a height of more than 150 feet, gold-covered domes shimmer over the intricate complex of arches and windows, illuminating an interior lavishly decorated with Italian marbles in all possible colors, Brazilian onyx, alabaster and Venetian mosaics. Inside the cupola is the portrait of Father Savaot and the Prayer of God inscribed with gold letters.

Short walk to get back to the hotel (10 minutes) before we continue our adventures in the outskirts of Sofia and partake of a dinner served in a small monastery. During the buffet-style supper we have the opportunity to spend time with authentic “grannies”, who have prepared selected delights of Bulgarian cuisine. We also use this welcome hour to introduce you to the specifics of the tour and to get acquainted with the local traditions, including Bulgarian dos and don’ts. B-L-D

Hotel Crystal Palace****

June 5 SOFIA
Tuesday KOPRIVSHTITSA KAZANLUK
After breakfast we depart to beautiful mountain town of Koprivshtitsa. Visit that remarkable town as open-air architectural museum where the revolution for Bulgarian independence started in 1876. Most of 300 houses, which dated back to first half of the 19th century, are listed as National Heritage of Bulgaria. The wooden architecture, the decoration and elegance of wall paintings are far away echo of the European Baroque and Rococo of the period.

After lunch in selected Koprivshtitsa tavern, we continue to Kazanluk. Located in the geographic center of Bulgaria, the city is the capital of the Valley of the Roses and the Valley of Thracian Kings. We are in perfect time to enjoy the beauty and scent of the rose fields - this is high time for their harvesting. We visit a rose oil distillery and see how the essential oils are produced.
We visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk to admire the magnificent frescos from the 4th century B.C. This beautiful monument is also part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

After this exciting day, we check in at Hotel Zornitza, located near the Thracian tomb. This simple hotel, built in communist times, offers reasonable comfort and great service.

A private choir concert in an Eastern Orthodox Church awaits us before dinner in a traditional restaurant. B-L-D

Hotel Zornitza**

June 6 VELIKO TURNOVO
Wednesday ARBANASSI
We spend the morning in the Kazanluk Valley. The local museum we visit is rich in Thracian gold artifacts. This exquisite collection, recently discovered, shows the mastery of Thracian goldsmith craftsmanship. We also visit the tombs of Seuthes III royal family, where Dr. Kitov – the “Indiana Jones” of Balkan archeology – made the phenomenal discovery.

On our way to Northern Bulgaria, we stop at Shipka Birth of Christ Memorial Church, built in the impressive 17th century Muscovite style. It is a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox Christian architecture with a decorative façade and golden onion-domes. The structure was dedicated to the Russian Imperial Army, which liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century.

We cross the Balkan mountain via famous Shipka Pass, where the important battle of Russo-Turkish War 1877-78 took place. We stop for a lunch at Open Air crafts and arts museum tavern, where BBQ and food are prepared according to the same recipes of the 19th century. A family style lunch gives you the opportunity to taste different dishes.

We expect to arrive in Veliko Turnovo in the late afternoon. Accommodation is in the Arbanassi Palace – a 5-star hotel, formerly the Bulgarian Governmental residence.

Our dinner is at our hotel. Enjoy a spectacular live show of Bulgarian folklore, music, and dances, privately arranged for us on the terrace of the hotel. B-L-D

Arbanassi Palace*****

June 7 VELIKO TURNOVO
Thursday
In the morning drive to Veliko Turnovo to learn about its history as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (12th -14th centuries). It was graced with rich palaces of the Bulgarian Kings, bishops and nobility.

Upon arrival in Veliko Turnovo, we stop at the remains of Tsarevets. Those who wish may climb to the top of the Royal Hill. The site from Baldwin of Flanders Tower is impressive. The others may have a coffee break. Then we have lunch and free time at the arts and crafts street Samovodska Charshiya.

Returning to the architectural museum-town of Arbanassi, we view the 16th century frescos in the Church of the Holy Nativity. Next we see the Arbanassi fortress-houses, built in the 17th and 18th centuries. These fortified homes protected the wealthy Bulgarians from the vicious invasions of roaming bandits, who pillaged the towns and villages in the vicinity.

Our dinner is at monastery near the town of Veliko Turnovo with food prepared by the nuns. B-L-D

Arbanassi Palace*****

June 8 ROUSSE
Friday SVESHTARI - VARNA
Today we drive across the Danube plane to the town of Rousse - the most beautiful Bulgarian city on the Danube River. On the way we will have a detour to see beautiful UNESCO site of Ivanovo Rock cut church of the 14th century.

We’ll enjoy the countryside on our 2-hour ride to another UNESCO Cultural Heritage site – the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (3rd century BC).

For lunch, enjoy a picnic prepared by the local people. Continue our journey (around 120 miles) to the pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea - the city of Varna.

On the way to Varna is Madara – yet another religious center of past cultures. The most impressive monument of this complex is the Madara Rider. Carved high (300 feet from the base of the cliff) into a steep vertical rock, this colossal bas-relief, representing the figure of a horseman triumphing over a lion, glorifies the victories of the 7th and 8th century Bulgarian Khans. UNESCO included the Madara Rider in its World Cultural Heritage list in 1972, because of its historical significance and its monumental quality. Today the bas-relief is in an endangered condition, and it is undergoing fortification work. We may be able to see it.

Continuing to Varna, we pass by many archaeological sites that are an inseparable part of the idyllic rural landscape. Our guide, Rumi, will explain to us their historical significance.

Arriving in Varna on the Black Sea coast, we dine at a local restaurant.

We apply for an authorization to book the official governmental residence in Euxinograd, formerly the summer palace of the Bulgarian kings. The adjacent residence was used for VIP leaders and their guests during communist times. If in use, we settle for a modern hotel in one of the resorts surrounding the city. B-L-D

Euxinograd Residence
or resort hotel

June 9 VARNA - BALCHIK
Saturday
Today we visit Varna Museum of Archaeology to admire the oldest hand crafted gold treasure in the world, created in the 5th Millennium B.C. Discovered in 1972 in the Varna Necropolis (royal burial site), this ancient jewelry once decorated a king who reigned roughly 2000 years before the first pharaohs of the Egyptian Old Kingdom and the building of the pyramids. If time permits, we explore the haunting ruins of the Roman Thermae (Public Baths) in downtown Varna.

For lunch, we enjoy freshly caught fish in a select seafood restaurant in Varna.

In the afternoon, after a short drive to Balchik, we visit the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Mary. Aiming to aesthetically blend her Christian beliefs with the Muslim faith of her lover, the Queen’s architects created a masterpiece of gardens, villas, chapels and fountains, unmatched anywhere in this part of Europe. Mixing Roman pools with Turkish minarets, Bulgarian Revival architecture with Greek classical columns, the entire park is a delight in forms of nature and serenity. With the world’s second largest cactus collection, together with hundreds of tree and plant specimens, the Queen’s residence is a paradise on earth for those who enjoy nature. We stroll among majestic pines, Lebanese cedars, and Mediterranean ivies, beyond which is the Black Sea. Tonight’s dinner is in the hunting lodge, a part of the Euxinograd Palace restaurant and open only for VIP guests. B-L-D

Euxinograd Residence
or resort hotel

June 10 NESSEBAR
Sunday
Today we travel along the Black Sea coast to the town of Nessebar, another jewel in the crown of ancient Thracian, Classic Greek, and Byzantine civilizations. Originally founded in the 2nd millennium B.C. as the Thracian city known as Menebria, Nessebar preserves the rich heritage of Hellenistic and early Christian monuments. In Medieval times it was the place where the Byzantine Emperors exiled their politically incorrect aristocracy. A few of the 6th to 14th century churches – which showcased the picturesque taste of this rejected nobility – still remain. Nessebar was declared a town-museum and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Nessebar’s artistry – past and present – attracts tourists from all over the world.

Stop for a family-style lunch consisting of fish and other local specialties. The Greek family who owns this restaurant is proud to trace its origins back to the 19th century.

In the late afternoon we continue our journey to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, and enjoy the atmosphere of our centrally located landmark hotel Trimontium. We end our day quietly dining in a restaurant near the hotel. B-L-D

Hotel Trimontium****

June 11 PLOVDIV
Monday
In the morning we visit Plovdiv’s Old Town. Situated on three hills, the city was known as Pulpudeva during Thracian times; Philipopolis, honoring the father of Alexander the Great; and Trimontium during the Roman period. It preserves many magnificent examples of Roman, Greek and Bulgarian architecture. Our walking tour includes the Roman Amphitheater, an icon exhibition, and the oldest and richest ethnographic museum in Bulgaria. Provision will be made for those who have difficulty walking. Antique and art galleries set amongst Bulgarian Revival houses with impressive painted façades also beckon us.

Continue 20 miles to the Bachkovo Monastery. The crown jewel of our culinary experience in Bulgaria is lunch at Efrosina House, a private home visited by invitation only to diplomats, nobility and distinguished guests. Today you are honored guests in the 250-year-old mansion, which was built by a wine merchant. The tradition continues as the owner Efrosina delights us with a feast of the finest Bulgarian food and wine. The hostess, author of several cookbooks, will be happy to share her recipes with us.

After lunch we are ready to stroll through Bachkovo Monastery. The buildings of the monastery represent a splendid mosaic of frescos and icons created during centuries of turbulent history. The American writer Elizabeth Kostova describes Bachkovo Monastery as a mysterious place, hiding the secrets of Count Dracula. It’s up to you to decide if the monastery is mystifying…or simply charming with its wonderful art.

Upon our return to Plovdiv, we pause for dinner in a local restaurant. After the lavish lunch at Efrosina’s house, we prefer a light repast. We may have the opportunity to enjoy a concert in the Old Town of Plovdiv (optional). The cultural agenda of the city is very rich, so there is always a great choice of music. B-L-D

Hotel Trimontium****

June 12 RILA MONASTERY
Tuesday SOFIA
We depart for Rila Monastery (4-hour drive) traversing a picturesque mountain road. It is almost the same route, Via Egnatia that the Romans used to transport their armies from the West to conquer the East. During this scenic journey, we view the majestic Rila Mountain, the charming town of Samokov and the Struma River Valley.

After lunch near Rila Monastery, we visit this splendid Eastern Orthodox compound that has survived and flourished for more than eleven centuries. The monastic complex, considered one of the finest masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

During the two-hour monastery tour, in the museum we observe the famous Rafael Cross. A monk who lost his vision after finishing this masterpiece carved it with a needle over a period of twelve years. Following the museum visit, we take pleasure in admiring the monastery church, covered with frescos in the finest example of 19th century ecclesiastical artistry. The old kitchen with its enormous chimney is currently being renovate, but hope it’ll be finished in time for our visit followed with a view of a monastic room. Those who are willing to climb steep staircases may ascend the clock tower where you will find the earliest wall paintings of musicians in Medieval Europe.

In the late afternoon, relax as we continue on the two-hour drive to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

We check in to our boutique hotel, Crystal Palace in downtown Sofia, located near the National Library and Sofia University, “Climent Ohridski”. After freshening up a bit, we enjoy a light dinner in a local restaurant nearby. B-L-D

Hotel Crystal Palace****

June 13 SOFIA
Wednesday
Our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel. We’ll gladly arrange transfers to the airport. B

Meals included
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner