BULGARIAN WINE TOUR

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Guided walking tour of Sofia. Visit of Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, the National Theatre, the former Royal Palace, the President Hall, St. Nedelya Church, etc. Optional dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore program. Overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv - European Capital of Culture 2019 and second biggest city in Bulgaria. On the way - visit to the famous Starosel Thracian Tomb and wine tasting at Starosel winery. Arrival in Plovdiv, accommodation and short rest. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Plovdiv, including a visit to the Ancient Roman Theatre, which was build in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria; visit to the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Free time along the main walking street, Kapana creative district and city garden. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Breakfast and departure for the village of Brestovitsa. Wine tasking in local wine cellar. Photo break at the early christian Red Church near Perushtitsa. Drive to the village of Bachkovo. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, dating back to the 11th century and considered to be one of the most important and well preserved Bulgarian monasteries. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Visit to the monastery church of the Virgin Mary (dating from 1604), which treasures the wonder-working icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310. Drive back to Plovdiv and overnight.

Breakfast. Departure for Veliko Tarnovo. On the way visit to the unique Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, included in UNESCO world cultural heritage list. Cross the mountain via Shipka Pass. Stop for a visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Etara. The museum-park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and the tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Wine tasting in local wine cellar near Veliko Turnovo. Accommodation and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Breakfast. Guided tour of the historical Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo - administrative and religious centre of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Walk along the Samovodska Charshiya market street. Visit to the village of Arbanassi and walking tour among the houses and old churches from the period of the National Revival. Departure for Pleven. Sightseeing of the Panorama monument Pleven Epopee and other places of interest, related to the Russian - Turkish War (1877-78). Visit to the Institute for viticulture and wine production in Pleven and its museum with wine tasting. Overnight in Pleven.

Breakfast. Departure for village of Oreshak and Troyan Monastery. Visit to the permanent Exhibition - Market of the Folk Arts and Crafts in the village of Oreshak. Visit to Troyan Monastery - one of the largest Bulgarian Orthodox monasteries famous for the magnificent murals in the main church. Drive to Sofia. Accommodation and overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the airport and departure.