Bulgaria in 10 days – 5 cities, 3 monasteries, 3 mountains and 7 lakes!
Highlights:
- The 3 largest and most important monasteries – Rila, Troyan and Backovo monastery
- Guided tours of Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia
- The Tracian tombs in the valley of roses
- The 7 Rila lakes
- Musala – the highest peak in the Balkans
Situated at the crossroad between Europe and Asia, populated and traversed by multitude of tribes (celts, thraces, romans, slavs, ottomans and even crusaders) Bulgaria surprises with the richness of archeological monuments (3rd after Italy and Greece).
Founded in 681 Bulgaria had a turbulent history which left its prints in the everyday life, the religion, the customs and the language of people and a strikingly diverse nature compared to the small territory.
4th – 13th
18th – 27th
1th – 10th
15th – 24th
22th – 31st
Day 1 : Arrival in Sofia/ Koprivshtitsa
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to Koprivshtits (110 km) – a historic town with a large number of archeological monuments from the period of Bulgarian National Rivival (19 c). Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.
Day 2 : Beklemeto / Troyan monastery / Aprilci
Transfer to Aprilci by Beklemeto pass. A panoramic hike following the Balkan’s ridge. In the afternoon we will visit the Troyan monastery – the third largest monastery in Bulgaria. Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.
3 hours on trail
Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast transfer to Veliko Tarnovo – the old capital of Bulgaria. Visit of Tsarevets fortress and the street of crafts. Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 4: Shipka/Kazanlak
Transfer to Kalofer by the pass Shipka and visit of the memorial where during the War for Libaretion a 3 day crucial battle took place. The afternoon is dedicated to the tomb of the Thracian king Sevt. Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.
1.5 hours on trail. Ascent 150 m/ Descent 150 m
Day 5 : Byala reka/Plovdiv
Hike on the Byala reka eco trail (3h). Transfer to Plovdiv. Visit of the old town. Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 6 : The “Wonderful bridges”/ Bachkovo monastery
Transfer to the typical mountain village of Zabardo. A nice hike through the Rhodepes forest to the Wonderful bridges – carved by water in the limestone. In the afternoon visit of the Bachkovo monastery – the second largest and important monastery. Accommodation in Plovdiv.
2,5 – 3 hours on trail. Ascent 100 m/ Descent 100 m
Day 7 : Borovets/ Musala/Samokov
Transfer to Borovets – the first winter resort in Bulgaria. Ride with the gondola to 2 300 m and hike to Musala peak. Being the highest peak at the Balkans Musala is a famous hike. We start with an easy walk to the hut, then continue past several lakes to reach the summit. The peak hosts a Meteorological station since 1932. Accommodation in Samokov.
6-7 hours on trail. Ascent 600 m/ Descent 600 m
Day 8 : 7 Rila lakes/ Sapareva banya
Transfer to Panichishte. Today’s hike is dedicated to the 7 Rila lakes. The Seven lakes are situated at different altitude and each one is given a name – The Twin lake, The Kidney, The Eye, etc. We go on a circular hike visiting at least five of the lakes with possibility to climb to the highest ones. Accommodation in Sapareva banya.
5 hours on trail. Ascent 500 m/ Descent 500 m
Day 9 : Rila monastery/ Sofia
Transfer to the Rila monastery (130 km). Founded in 10th century it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and is regarded as the most important cultural, architectural and historical monument. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to Sofia. Accommodation in 3* hotel.
Day 10 : Sofia guided tour/Departure
Remark: Days 1 and 10 could be modified, depending on the flights’ time.
Price: 845 €
The price is valid for a group of 7 people.
The price includes: transfers according to program, 4 nights in a family-run guesthouse, 5 nights in a hotel , 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners, lift tickets (Panichishte, Musala), English speaking mountain guide.
The price excludes: flight ticket, insurance, meals and beverages not mentioned, museum entries, other personal expenses.
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- Tzarevetz fortress at Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria.
