DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TRASURES OF

BULGARIA

Bulgaria - the land with breathtaking scenery, crystalline lakes and spectacular rock

formations, waterfalls and caves, broad sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast, great

cultural and historical heritage, ancient monasteries and unique folklore.

History:

Thracians were the first settlers in the Bulgarian lands. Тheir civilization is evidenced by the

numerous archaeological finds, uncovered tombs, discovered gold and silver treasures. The

long-century history of Bulgaria divides into 4 major periods.

Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful and diverse crossroads in Europe today. Located on a

prime part of the Balkan Peninsula, this country has become a multicultural must-see. The

astonishing historic landmarks all around the country are vivid proofs of the architectural

and artistic wealth accrued over the centuries and are well worth exploring. The United

Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have acknowledged

the legacy of the cultural and natural heritage of Bulgaria and have inscribed nine sites

around the country.

Culture:

Bulgaria has 36 culture reserves, 160 monasteries, some 40 000 monuments of history, 7 of

which are on the UNESCO world heritage list.

There are several monuments from various historic eras: prehistoric finds, Thracian tombs,

artifacts from the Hellenic age, Roman and Byzantine castles, monuments from the First

and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms, from the National Revival period, as well as entire towns

and villages which have preserved their authentic looks.

The oldest gold in Europe was found in a necropolis in Varna. Famed all over the world are:

the Valchitran gold treasure (the Bronze age), the Panagyurishte etc. Bulgaria is scattered

with several monasteries and churches. Some of the most visited are: the Rila, the

Bachkovo, the Rozhenski and the Troyan.

Beach & Sea

Pontus euxinos - hospitable sea, this is how the ancient Greeks referred to the Black Sea. A

sea that is indeed alluring and welcoming- clean, calm, without strong tides or dangerous

sea species. The Bulgarian Sea Coast faces east and extends over 378 km, dotted with vast,

fine sandy beaches and occasionally giving way to deep-cutting coves and rugged shores.

Forest hills and romantic peninsulas, vineyards and orchards, fishing towns and secluded

campsites, luxury resorts and uninhabited shores all find a unique place on the Bulgarian

coast.

Spa Getaways With over 500 natural water sources, with greatly varied mineral composition, water

temperatures from 20ºC to 110ºC, Bulgaria is heaven for spa lovers. Thracians were the first

to discover the healing power of the springs, but it is during Roman times that the

establishment of settlements and baths around them began. Spread all over the country-

inland, in the mountains and along the Black Sea coast, these isothermal water springs are

enjoyable year round and attract visitors for a relaxing stay and recreational procedures as

well as for balneology treatments. Each natural spring is healing in its own way, mainly

determined by the chemical composition and the types of dissolved mineral salts, curative

mud and biologically active micro components.

Mountain Vacations

The mountains of Bulgaria, majestic and magnificent, are the cradle of the country’s history

and literature, each with impressive landscape and their own character. Home to alpine

peaks and eternal meadows, mountain lakes and ancient forests, picturesque villages and

historical towns, endless trails and world class ski resorts, Bulgaria will give you

unforgettable experiences and hold you captive with its vast beauty.

Golf in Bulgaria Golf may be a recent travel reason to visit Bulgaria, but it is becoming a popular one and defines

Bulgaria as the premier golf destination in Eastern Europe. Bulgaria's golf courses may still be few,

but they are nothing short of amazing.

Wine Tasting

Bulgaria is one of the major wine producing regions in the world, a tradition originating

with the Thracians, the earliest settlers on the Balkan Peninsula of more than 3000 years

ago. The Thracian worshiped Dionysius, the God of wine and fertility, and considered wine

a precious elixir.

Folklore

Rich. Mysterious. Unique. Renowned. Admired. Distinct.

Those are only a few of the words describing the mixture of sounds, rhythms, instruments,

rituals, traditions and dances that make the Bulgarian folklore a cultural treasure, while the

ethnographic costumes and crafts add yet another dimension. It is amazing that a country so

small, boasts an enormous variety of dances, songs and musical styles, so different from one

folkloric region to another, sometimes with another distinct sub-regional flavor.

Bulgarian cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is one of its kind. Gourmets all over the world have been attracted for

ages by the culinary temptations that Bulgaria offers. The traditional Bulgarian cuisine is a

mixture of classic Bulgarian meals, intertwined with heritage from Slavonic, Greek,

Turkish, and lately, other central and western European cuisines.

Your custom made itinerary begins now!

Day one

We welcome you to Bulgaria and will make sure you have an unforgettable trip to one of

the oldest countries in the world. You deserve a little rest after the long journey so we have

decided what would be better than The Winery of Starosel where you will have the exquisite

opportunity to try excellent wines in a once in a lifetime atmosphere. After a wine tasting

you will have free time for lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight.

About Wine Complex Starosel

The idea implicit in the complex is aimed at creating an atmosphere of calm, comfort and

warmth without which we could not survive the dynamics of everyday life. We allow the

wine to open our senses to the good things in life: the joy of communication, sharing of

feelings, a sense of intimacy and good humor. Wine is made in typical Bulgarian Revival

style and also captivates with its uniqueness.

Check here: http://www.starosel.com/

Day two We start you off in the morning with a typical Bulgarian Breakfast at the hotel. After

checking out of the hotel, we head for Plovdiv, the second biggest city in the country only

58 km away from Starosel. Here the cultural crossroads and picturesque nature consumes

you with its awe and beauty. You head off on a guided tour of the old town, after which you

check in at your hotel. You will then have free time. Overnight.

About Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a picturesque town, with many parks and gardens, museums and archaeological

monuments. Its old part, called the Old Town, with houses from the National Revival period

(18-19th century), is an imposing open-air museum situated on the three hills of the ancient

Trimontium. One of the most remarkable sights of the town, the Ancient Theatre (a well-

preserved Roman theatre), is located there and is still used for open-air performances.

.

Day three

You once again start your day with breakfast at the hotel. After checking out it is time to

leave this outstanding place and head off to the capital of Bulgaria – Sofia, where you will

meet your professional tour guide. The tour of Sofia offers you the opportunity to see the

real mixture of tradition and modern culture. It will acquaint you with Sofia's most famous

points of interest and will give you an overall idea about the life of Bulgarians today.

Leisure time. Overnight.

About Sofia:

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and its largest city. Founded thousands of years ago, today the

city continues to develop as the country’s cultural and economic centre. At present, the city

has a population of 1,250,000. Sofia preserves many valuable monuments as legacy to its

long and storied past. Visitors exploring the city’s streets can see remnants of The Eastern

Gate from the days when Sofia was Serdika and Sredets, dating from the 2nd-4th centuries.

Day four

The day starts with an early breakfast. Leaving the capital city of Sofia, we head off to The

Seven Rila Lakes, which are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on

the Balkan Peninsula, a dream destination not to be missed. During the last few years this

destination has become one of the most popular places for one-day hiking tours in the Rila

Mountains. The reasons are several: impressive natural beauty, easy access by chairlift, a

wide variety of paths and hiking routes in the area. Their beauty touches the thousands of

Bulgarian and international visitors who visit them. You will experience a unique adventure

– hiking to the highest point where you will be awestruck by an outstanding view of the

mountains and the lakes. After the long day it is time for relaxation & leisure at your cosy

hotel in Sapareva Banya. Overnight.

Day five

After breakfast you cruise off to one of the jewels in Bulgaria and Balkan Peninsula - Rila

Monastery which is one of the symbols of Bulgaria and is also a popular tourist destination.

The journey will take approximately 2 hours.

About Rila Monastery:

Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational and

cultural centre of Bulgaria. During the Bulgarian Revival Period (18th – 19th centuries) Rila

Monastery set up approximately 50 metochions in the large Bulgarian towns and villages

where some of the most well-educated Rila monks performed their religious rites,

established schools, and brought pilgrims to the monastery. You will have 1 & 1/2 hours to

explore the Ancient Relics here.

You then depart and head to Pravets. This journey will take approximately 4 hours. On

arrival at your luxury golf & SPA Hotel you have time to freshen up. After which you can

enjoy a complimentary massage, have a lovely stroll in the stunning gardens that surround

you, hit a few holes of Golf, or simply relax with a glass of wine. Leisure time. Overnight.

Check here: http://riupravets

Day six (Nothing scheduled) The only thing that is required is to enjoy the peaceful ambience that

surrounds you. Overnight.

Day seven

Yes, you guessed it, breakfast. Then it is time to go on your next memorable excursion. An

intensely adventurous day follows. Cave Sueva Dupka is one of the most beautiful and

famous caves in the country. If you have a rich imagination you can discern many figures in

the cave’s lavishly decorated walls and ceilings which give visitors the impression they have

entered a cathedral. The cave has also been used as a setting in films. You will have 1 & ½

hours to enjoy this beautiful cave. Your next stop will be the magnificent Krushuna

Waterfalls. The journey will take approximately 1 & ½ hours, arriving around noon. The

first impression this place creates is one of a scene from an exotic island movie. The

dripping water smacks of adventure and the streams, formed by the river`s clear water,

reassure and comfort you. You will then have free time for lunch. After this you head off to

Arbanssi. This journey will take approximately 2 hours.

About Arbanassi:

The village of Arbanassi was founded in the late 15th century by Christian settlers from the

South-Western parts of the Balkan Peninsula. In the early 15th century it was still a

settlement of little importance belonging to several Ottoman officials.

In the picturesque village of Arbanassi, which lies hidden on a plateau 4 km northeast of

Veliko Turnovo – a previous capital of Bulgaria, there are now several (7) monasteries and

churches from the period of the 16th to the 18th centuries, that are of special interest. There

are also numerous imposing well-preserved houses that evoke the wealth of the settlement.

They look like strongholds with their high stone walls, but their outer facades contrast with

their inside cosiness and comfort. Present day construction of Arbanassi houses and hotels

imitate this authentic style or architecture. Leisure time. Enjoy the dreamiest SPA treatment

and authentic cuisine. Overnight.

Day eight:

Day Eight

After breakfast, it is time for a scheduled tour of Veliko Tarnovo – The old capital of

Bulgaria.

About Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Turnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, comes with more than 7000 years of

history. The houses, stacked one above the other, situated on the hilly slops of the town

show a remarkable, unique architectural style. The city offers bridges, unexpectedly flying

over the river, palaces and towers, spectacular museums, ancient columns with writings left

by our proud rulers, monasteries with unique murals and the Arbanassi fortress-houses. You

will have free time for a stroll in the narrow cobblestone streets. Returning to Arbanassi

you will enjoy another peaceful evening. Overnight

Day nine

Breakfast. Heading off to Stara Zagora and village of your hosts, you will experience the

unique atmosphere of a real Bulgarian family. Here you will be greeted by the hosts and will

enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine. You will have the chance to see how the Bulgarians

produce their own fruits and vegetables in their small villages. You will try home-made

rakiya and banitca and the famous Bulgarian yogurt. After which you will head back to

Stara Zagora and your hotel accommodation.

About Stara Zagora:

Stara Zagora is the centre of Stara Zagora province. With more than 8000 years of history, it

is one of the oldest continuously populated places in Europe. Centre of booming industry,

remarkable cultural life and numerous tourist attractions, the beauty of the city of the

Linden tree continues to be an appealing destination for travellers. Free time. Overnight.

Day ten

After breakfast it is time to say good bye to Bulgaria and head off to Istanbul where you will

take your return flight home.

Date Place to visit Nights in

hotel

23.04.2015 Arrive in Bulgaria. First stop Wine

Complex of Starosel 1

24.04.2015 Scheduled tour in Plovdiv. Free time 1

25.04.2015 Scheduled tour in Sofia. Free time 1

26.04.2015 Visit Seven Rilski Lakes. No tour guide

needed. All day activity. Overnight in hotel 1

27-28.04.2015 Visit to the famous Rila Monastey in the

morning, head off to Pravetz. Overnight in

Golf & SPA Complex

Second day – free time.

2

29-30.04.2015 Head off to Saeva Dupka cave & Krushuna

waterfalls. Overnight in Arbanassi

Second day scheduled tour in Veliko

Turnovo, free time, returning to Arbanassi

2

1.05.2015 Head off to Stara Zagora, free time,

overnight 1

2.05.2015 Transfer to Istanbul airport

Total nights 9