“On the Thracians’ trails” are series of thematic tours dedicated to the magic world of the Thracians and the traces of their culture, scattered amongst the Thracian valley and the Rhodopes. From the ancient city of Perpeikon – where the famous temple of Dionysius is believed to be, through the numerous tombs lined along the Rose valley and the discovered gold treasures with their originality and extreme fineness to the rock sanctuaries in the mountains – the Thracian culture holds something cosmic that calls to the heart and makes the traveler come back again and again.
Highlights:
- Discovery of the thracians’ history – the ancient city of Perperikon, the sanctuary of Tatul and Belintash
- Guided tour of the Rila and Bachkovo monasteries
- Guided tour of Plovdiv, Sofia and Koprivshtitsa
14 March – 21 March
04 April – 11 April
02 May – 09 May
09 May – 16 May
12 September – 19 September
19 September – 26 September
26 September – 03 October
05 October – 12 October
Day 1 : Arrival in Sofia/ Koprivshtitsa
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to Koprivshtitsa (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 : Starosel/Bachkovo monastery
Transfer to Starosel and visit of the Thracian tomb. Transfer to the history museum of Panagyurishte where we can see a replica of the famous tracian gold treasure. Transfer to Bachkvo monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Accommodation in a family-run guesthouse.
Day 3: Belantash/ Utrobata cave/Borovitsa lake
A visit of the stone plateau of Belantash considered the second largest Thracian sanctuary after Perperikon.Transfer to the village of Sokolite and visit of the rock formation “The Mushroom”. It is one of the multitude of single rock formations in the Rhodeopes dotted with cult niches – cut by the civilization of the “stone people”. Hike to the Utrobata cave. Accommodation in a hotel.
3-3.5 hours on trail. Ascent 400 m/ Descent 400 m
Day 4 : Perperikon/ The “Stone wedding”/ Kardzhali
Transfer to the ancient city of Perperikon. Discoverd in 2000 it is believed to be the temple of Ionysius and is the largest megalith ensemble at the Balkans. In the afternoon hike to one of the several hills around the Studen kladenec dam. Transfer to Kardzhali. Accommodation in а monastery.
4-5 hours on trail. Ascent 400 m/ Descent 400 m
Day 5 : Tatul/ Petrified forest/Harman kaya
Today’s hike will start from the ancient sanctuary in Tatul, take us 30 milllion years back in time – when the “petrified forest” was formed and lead us to the rock sanctuary Harman kaya. Transfer back to Kardzhali.
4 hours on trail. Ascent 200 m/ Descent 200 m
Day 6 : Kardzhali/Plovdiv
Transfer to Plovdiv. Visit of the old town – the Roman theater and stadium, the typical 19th century bulgarian houses. Transfer and accommodation in Samokov.
Day 7 : 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 a hotel.
Day 8 : Sofia guided tour/Departure
Remark: Days 1 and 8 could be modified, depending on the flights’ time.
Price: 615 €
The price is valid for a group of 7 people.
The price includes: transfers according to program, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners, English speaking mountain guide.
The price excludes: flight ticket, insurance, meals and beverages not mentioned, other personal expenses.
