Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, Central | Eastern Europe reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.

Welcome to mesmerizing Bulgaria where soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife & art. Located at the crossroads between Europe & Asia, the land of Bulgaria, has been inhabited since ancient times & it is no coincidence that the first European civilization was born here. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature & history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.   

Arrive in the ‘eternal’ city of Sofia, Bulgaria’s pleasingly laid-back capital & its largest city today.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Sofia International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it is a largely modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques & stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. Recent excavation work carried out during construction of the city’s metro unveiled a treasure trove of Roman ruins from nearly 2000 years ago, when the city was called 'Serdica'.

Ancient History| Churches & Religious Art |Cultural Treasures | Beaches

Founded thousands of years ago, Sofia is often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the coast or the ski resorts, but they are missing something special.

The city is located at a strategic crossroads as the route from Western Europe to Istanbul passes through Sofia via Beograd & Skopje, then through Plovdiv to Turkey. Sofia also connects The Near East & the Middle East, lying between the banks of The Danube & the shores of The White Sea on the one hand, and between the Black Sea & Adriatic on the other.

Away from the buildings & boulevards, vast parks & manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and the ski slopes & hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre. Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants & clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around & explore further.

Sofia preserves many valuable monuments to its long & storied past. Visitors exploring the city’s streets can see remnants of the Eastern Gate from the days when Sofia was Serdika & Sredets, dating from the 2^nd – 4^th centuries CE. These remains are exhibited in the underpass connecting the Presidential Palace & the Ministerial Council, surrounded by shops selling traditional Bulgarian souvenirs & rosewater. 

Evening at 07.00 pm, you will be picked up & transferred to enjoy Dinner & a Folklore Show at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant. If you love folk culture, you will adore this evening outing - Sofia is at its most beautiful by night.

Discover the beauty of Sofia as you soak up the illuminated sights on the scenic drive, passing by St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the largest in Bulgaria & the 2^nd biggest in the Balkans, Monument to the Deity All-Holy Sofia, Amphitheatre of Serdica, Banya Bashi Mosque (the only functioning mosque in Sofia) & the “Roman Wall” – an open-air prayer site from 15^th century. 

Continue to the main Square of Narodno Sabranie to see the Parliament building & magnificent statue of Bulgaria’s King Liberator, Tsar Osvoboditel Alexander II,

Marvel at the onion domes of the Saint Nikolas Russian Church & pass the ornate façade of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. See the serious buildings of the Presidency & Council of Ministers, National Palace of Culture & National Stadium of Vasil Levski, located in the expansive Borisova Garden near Lake Ariana.

Reach Veselo Selo restaurant, situated in the beautiful forest of Borisova Garden.  

Savor a 4 course hearty Bulgarian buffet dinner menu of typical Bulgarian dishes as you enjoy a fantastic folklore show with traditional songs, dance, music & costumes.

Come back to the hotel by 10.30 pm.

Bulgaria's largest city is one of Europe's most compact & walkable capitals - offering guests a real cosmopolitan east-meets-west vibe. Uncover the cultural charms of Sofia on this guided walking tour. Discover the city's fascinating historic centre, pass impressive sights like the National Theatre & the King's Palace.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing ‘walking’ tour.

See the gold domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral - built to honour the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence in 1878.

Also visit the Crypt - a precious Museum of Orthodox Art located here. During the construction of the Cathedral, they planned the ground floor be a Tomb for the Bulgarian kings. But none of the Kings were buried there. Therefore in 1965, the space under the Church was converted into a branch of art National Art Gallery for Orthodox art.

The Museum of Icons inside the Cathedral crypt houses what is claimed to be the largest collection of Orthodox icons in Europe. The collection of works covered a long period - the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4^th century to the Bulgarian National Revival (XVIII - XIX century) & the exhibition includes over 200 icons from the 13^th - 19^th centuries, 3 fragments of wall paintings, engravings & other antique religious artifacts.

A big impressive exposition of icons from all parts of Bulgaria is exquisitely exhibited in the Crypt. Artisans & artists have worked for 30 years in order to establish the Cathedral crypt where you will admire the 300 frescoes & decorative elements of marble, onyx, alabaster & gold. Actually, Bulgarian icons have always fascinated people, evoking profound respect & admiration.

Next stop will be the famous UNESCO World Heritage listed early 4^th century red-brick Christian St. George Church & Rotunda.

Hidden away in a courtyard of the Presidency & the dainty Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica, rises the famous Roman Rotunda, a red-brick building transformed into the present day UNESCO listed St. George Church.

Today, this early Christian Church built in the 4^th century, is the oldest Eastern European Orthodox Church as well as the 2^nd oldest preserved structure which still serves its original purpose in the Sofia city. With a really dramatic history, first it was destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt as a Church, then turned into a Mosque by the Ottomans. The Roman Rotunda has been recently restored & it is worth seeing due to its simple, but still exquisite architecture, remarkable remnants of frescoes & the entire complex of ruins behind the altar.

Visit the Church of St Petka of the Saddlers (a.k.a. St. Petka Samardzhiyska) - a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church located in a small one-naved building partially dug into the ground, in the very centre of the city.

It was built under the Ottoman occupation with donations from the region’s master saddlers. At that time, the building of Churches was tolerated if their height does not exceed that of a soldier on horseback. This explains why it was half buried under the ground level. The Church was first mentioned in the 16^th century & today, is a monument of culture known for its mural paintings from the 14^th - 19^th centuries depicting biblical scenes & it is still operational.

Enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant (not included – direct payment).

Later, drive to UNESCO World Heritage listed Boyana Church, in the eponymous Sofia suburb at the foot of Mt. Vitosha. It is one of the few complete & perfectly preserved medieval monuments with especially fine wall paintings, testifying to the significant contribution of Bulgarian monumental painting to European culture in the Middle Ages.

The Church owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259. They form a 2^nd layer over the paintings from earlier centuries & represent one of the most complete & well-preserved monuments of Eastern European mediaeval art. A total of 89 scenes with 240 human images are depicted on the walls. The name of the painter was recently discovered during restoration. The inscription reads: “Zograph Vassilii from the village Subonosha, Sersko & his apprentice Dimitar”.

There are several layers of wall paintings in the interior from the 11^th - 19^th centuries which testify to the high level of wall painting during the different periods. The paintings with the most outstanding artistic value are those from 13^th century. Whilst they interpret the Byzantine canon, the images have a special spiritual expressiveness and vitality and are painted in harmonious proportions.

Last stop will be the National Museum of History.

Founded in 1973, it is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans with 650.000 items and the largest archaeological & historical archive. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in as broad an European context as possible. The Museum’s collections are its greatest treasure. They comprise materials from Prehistoric ages till our days

The Tour concludes & you return to the hotel (if you want to continue exploring, you will return to the hotel on your own). 

Later, meet the Journeys Rep & embark on a ‘wellness’ experience directly connected to Bulgaria’s ancient history.

Proceed to a Turkish Hammam. (traditional Turkish bath) & pamper yourself in true Middle Eastern style with a 2 hour ‘hammam’ experience.

A public Turkish hammam is a steam room where people go to clean themselves, similar to a Scandinavian sauna or a Roman bath. It is based on the same principles as the steam bath but the focus is on water rather than steam. Either the Turkish bath has 2 sections, one for each sex, or it admits men & women at separate times of the day.

The beneficial properties of a Turkish bath can also help people suffering from localised aches & pains since better blood circulation carries more oxygen to damaged areas and inevitably brings about an immediate reduction in pain & more rapid healing.

The average temperature in a Hammam is 107 degrees F, while saunas & steam baths usually exceed this temperature. The treatments use hot steam to encourage a deep & invigorating cleanse. Many treatments also use vitamin-E rich, olive-based soap known for its skin-nourishing & exfoliating properties.

A traditional package includes 45 minutes of washing; traditional body scrubbing with handwoven wash cloth known as a kese (exfoliating mitt), a foam wash & a massage. Treatments vary by different Hammams but the general process is first soaking in a pool or sitting in a steam room, then enjoying an invigorating body scrub, being rinsed, exfoliated & gently massaged - a time honored procedure dating back to the Ottoman Empire that was central to Middle Eastern culture.

Head inside, and be shown to a locker room to don your nahn (wooden clogs) & pestemal (traditional, towel-like robe). Then, enter the steam room; a tiled, dimly lit room filled with hot, moist air. Take a seat & relax into the steam, waiting as you build up a light sweat & the humidity teases toxins & impurities out of your skin.

After a maximum of 15 minutes here, relax on a warmed stone or in the rest areas & pour soothing warm water over your body from the copper bowls. Then, stretch out & enjoy an invigorating body scrub performed by one of the skilled attendants. Bask in the long, sweeping movements designed to cleanse your pores, stimulate circulation & remove any dead skin.

Next, relax into a soapy scrub as the attendant smothers you in clouds of soft suds & enjoy a wonderful 15 minute massage, perhaps with rose water & oils.

After the 2 hour experience, you will come away feeling totally rejuvenated & renewed.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent explorations or perhaps, try one of the many optional activities available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B  

Today, get up early, Check-out, meet the Journeys Rep / Tour-guide at 07.00 am & depart for Bansko, with a couple of stops in between.

On the scenic journey to the Monastery situated within the scenic Rila Mountains, listen as the Tour- guide provides information about Bulgarian history & culture, its modern economy and its educational & civic achievements.

Reach the 10^th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Rila Monastery holy cloister, the biggest & most spectacular in Bulgaria & one of Europe’s oldest.

Upon arrival at the still functioning Monastery, enter the complex through the breathtaking Dupnitsa Gate & snap some photos of the balconies surrounding the inner courtyard. Learn about the life of the intriguing first Bulgarian hermit, St. Ivan of Rila, who settled in the region & devoted his life to fasting & prayers & gave his name to the Monastery which was initially situated near the Cave where the saint dwelled & found solitude. After he passed away in 946, the Hermit was buried here. The entrance to the Cave of St. Ivan of Rila, lies after a narrow passage between the rock & the Church of the Assumption of St. Ivan of Rila approximately 4 km away from the Monastery.

Tsar Peter (who reigned in the period 927 - 969) brought the relics of the wonderworker from Rila to Sredets (Sofia). It was probably then when he was canonized as a saint. The relics were returned to Rila holy cloister in 1469. Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational & cultural centre of Bulgaria.

During the Bulgarian Revival Period (18^th - 19^th centuries) Rila Monastery set up approximately 50 metochions in the large Bulgarian towns & villages where some of the most well-educated Rila monks performed their religious rites, established schools & brought pilgrims to the Monastery.

In 1961, the Monastery was designated a National Museum. In 1991, the state restored the monastic status of the cloister & closed Rila Monastery National Museum institution. Rila Monastry, Hrelyo’s Tower & the other buildings were declared a group architectural, artistic & historical complex of national importance.

Rila holy cloister got its present appearance in the 19^th century & only the new part of the eastern wing of the Monastery dates from the 20^th century. Hrelyo’s Tower, the oldest building in the holy cloister was built in the 14^th century. It was the fortress & also the place where monks dwelled in times of trouble. The Chapel of the Transfiguration of God is on the 5^th & last floor of the 24 meters high Tower & some of the 14^th century wall-paintings can be seen through the window niches of the Chapel.

The total area which the holy cloister takes, together with the Church, the residential & the farming buildings, is 8800 sq meter. The Monastery courtyard, the Birth of the Virgin Mary Temple, Hrelyo’s Tower, the Museum, the residential & the farming buildings are surrounded by 22 meters high stone walls. There are around 300 rooms, 100 of which are monastic cells.

The Birth of the Virgin Mary, main Church of the Monastery was built in the place of an old temple in 1834 - 1837. It is a 5 domed, cross-in-square building with 2 side Chapels & 3 Altar niches. The wood-carved iconostases & the wall-paintings by masters from Samokov & Bansko are impressive. Many artists & wood-carvers worked in the temple but only Zahari Zograf left his signature.

The Church preserves the coffin with the relics of the founder of the Monastery St. Ivan of Rila, the 12^th century Virgin Hodegetria wonderworking icon, the 17^th century St. Ivan of Rila wonderworking icon & many other iconostasis & icons for believers to kiss.

A Museum that exhibits items providing information about the history of the Monastery throughout the centuries was established in Rila holy cloister at the end of the 19^th century. The exhibition comprises valuable examples of Bulgarian & foreign art from the 14^th - 19^th centuries. The most valuable exhibit is the wooden cross decorated with exquisite miniature wood-carvings by Father Rafail. The master wood-carver used the finest chisels & tools and worked for many years until he finally finished his masterpiece in 1802 when he lost his sight as a result of the hard toil. It depicts 36 biblical scenes – 18 on each side & over 600 miniature figures.

The exhibition of the farming equipment of the Monastery is displayed near Samokov Gate & includes the water-mill, the old furnace & other items related to the farming activities of the Monastery – forestry, livestock breeding, agriculture, etc. The old kitchen located on the ground floor of the northern wing has a 22 meters tall cone-shaped smokestack & large cauldrons in which the monk-cooks used to make boiled mutton (soup) for the guests of the Monastery on big holidays.

Weaved national costumes from different ethnographic regions & various vessels donated by different towns & visitors are displayed at the Ethnographic Museum (extra Admission Fee to be paid directly) & in the guestrooms from the Revival Period in the northern wing of the Monastery.

Feast your eyes on the elaborately decorated Church of the Nativity of Virgin Mary. Then feel free to take a complimentary guided short trek through the surrounding Nature Park. Icons, albums, cards, souvenirs & traditional Bulgarian crafted items are sold at the monastery bookstore, the shops at Hrelyo’s Tower & in the vicinity.

Partake lunch in a restaurant near the Monastery (not included, direct payment).  

Hop on the vehicle & continue to the next experience.

Stop at Melnik, - declared a historical & national cultural reserve & Museum-town.

In the sunniest side of the Pirin Mountain, among the exquisite draperies of bizarre sandstone pyramids sheltered lies Melnik - the smallest town not only in Bulgaria, but in the whole world, with only 280 inhabitants, near the Bulgaria - Greece border.

Melnik has changed hands numerous times as war swept Europe over the centuries, at different times belonging to the Bulgarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, Russia & then Bulgaria once more. In the Middle-Ages it was a big city between Bulgarian & Byzantine empire, on the main road to Thessaloniki. It was a place where the Byzantine emperors used to send in exile some aristocrats, they were not happy with. This is why Melnik developed mostly in Byzantine style. Even now you can see ruins of Byzantine buildings around the town. Only a century ago more than 10,000 people lived here. Well, in 1912 the town was inhabited mostly by Greeks & there were over 1000 houses. However, after it was included into Bulgaria’s territory, most of them moved to Greece.

Situated at the foot of a unique nature phenomena - the beautiful steep sandstone Pyramids forming bizarre shapes. These natural rock formations, formed over the centuries as a result of wind, rain & the constant erosion of the limestone cliffs, some 100 meter in height, resemble wizard hats & mushrooms, are located on a 17 square km area around the town & they gave the village its name (the old Slavonic word mel means ‘sandy chalk’)

The ruins around the town tell the most of the history of this town. The town is an architectural park & nearly 100 of its buildings are designated historic landmarks. All newly built houses must comply with the Bulgarian Revival architecture stipulations.

The 18^th - 19^th century houses date from the National Revival period, with their interesting & unique architecture. The town is an architectural reserve & 96 of its buildings are cultural monuments, built in the typical Melnik, style, arranged in tiers because the steep terrain. Perched one above the other, the houses with tall white chimneys & cupolas peek behind dozens of ancient churches. The ground floor is very high & almost no house that does not have a cellar dug in the limestone rock.

Upon entrance in the town, you will notice beautiful houses with architecture typical for the Ottoman period. In the centre of the town is still standing Turkish Konak (built in 1821). Here were the headquarters of the Ottoman ruler. After 1912 it became a government building & later a school & school boarding house. The building very well recalls the Ottoman period of the town.

One of the most famous landmark is the Kordopulov House, now transformed into a beautiful private Museum now. Built in 1754, it is the largest typical Melnik building on of the Balkan Peninsula. It was purchased by the wine, tobacco & silk merchant - Manolis Kordopulos (the richest man in Melnik) & there is a legend that the house rests on a curse because all the men in the House lived less than 40 years. Now the house is transformed into a beautiful Museum.

The most impressive feature in the House is the wine cellar - the largest in Melnik, dug in the limestone rock. It occupies 200 square meters & you can see the old barrels, of which the largest gathered 40,000 litre of wine. Inside the cellar, thousands of coins from around the world have been placed by visitors in the soft wall for good luck & shine like stars in the dim light. One of the secrets of a good matured wine lies in the constant temperature maintained in the cellar all year - 10-12 degrees. Beneath the House, are the ruins of the family’s St. Barbara Church.

The region of Melnik is famous for its specific sort of grape. The town is the perfect place for wine tasting, and there are numerous very special wine cellars in the area, where one can learn the history of the magic drink.

It is no wonder then, that Melnik has developed a robust & celebrated winemaking tradition, that most ancient of crafts & one which is perfectly suited for its agrarian surroundings famous for its specific sort of grape.. Of course, that wine is the main cash crop of the sleepy town & delight the locals as well as visitors. Sir Winston Churchill reportedly ordered 500 liters of Bulgaria’s Melnik wine every year leading up to & through World War II.

In the year 1215, Melnik emerged as a capital of an independent feudal principality, ruled by Despot Alexis Slav. The ruins of his fortress near the town are preserved till the present days.

Perched one above the other, the houses with tall white chimneys & cupolas peek behind dozens of ancient Churches. Once over 70 Churches in town, only 3 are still functioning. One of the most important ones is the Church St. Antony, the only one dedicated to this saint in Bulgaria. In the center of the Church is placed a metal plate with a double-headed eagle, a sign of the Patriarchate in Constantinople. The location of the plate shows extremely strong energy fields. It is believed that mentally ill patients can cure themselves by spending several nights under the Church’s roof. Unlike most Bulgarian orthodox Churches, the walls in this one are covered not in biblical scenes, but in more tranquil paintings of flowers & plants.

But it is a 600 year old wine culture that has made Melnik famous & the village's wonderfully restored National Revival architecture looks all the better after a glass or two of the town's signature 'Melnik 55' red in one of the many special wine cellars where one can learn the history of the magic drink.

Near the Kordopulov House is situated probably the most famous wine cellar in Melnik - Shestaka’s cellar where you can taste & buy different types of wine & enjoy the amazing view of the sand pyramids from the nearby hills. There are also many souvenir shops, where you can find delicious homemade forest berries jam & more.

You will visit a small family-owned Winery where you will be welcomed into their family home & wine cellar for a unique tasting of local wines.

Depending on available time, you may also visit the medieval Rozhen Monastery, one of the few well-preserved Bulgarian Monasteries with a unique architecture.

Continue driving to your final destination.

Arrive at the hotel in Bansko by evening & Check-in.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B  

Morning at leisure to explore beautiful parks & lakes and take advantage of the numerous free tours offered by the city - including a city walk or bike tour, a food tour, a hiking tour & many others.

Buzzing Bansko, Bulgaria’s premier Ski resort, is an old town, located on the north foot of the mighty Mt. Pirin mountain range, with the 3^rd highest peak in the Balkans - 2914 metres Vihren Peak. Pirin offers great opportunities, not only for winter sports but also for hiking, trekking, wildlife researching & adventures.

The place is fast becoming a known international center for winter tourism, taking full advantage of not only the snow but also the numerous lakes, old pine woods & thermal springs and competing with renowned resorts in both France & Switzerland with always improving quality keeps & much lower costs.

Sunshine, thumping apres-ski culture & pistes at altitudes from 900 - 2600 metres draw locals, Brits & Russians each winter. Approximately 75 km of well-groomed Pistes of various difficulty levels; 5 blue, 9 red & 2 black- as well as 9 km of high adrenaline cross country Skiing, modern Lifts & Gondola, over 150 snow guns to reinforce the free-falling snow.

Bansko isn’t just a faceless resort town though & presents a traditional culture & architecture of the 19^th  century. The city’s landmarks are incredible; offering more than 2,000 years of rich history & fascinating architecture. The cobblestoned old town is speckled with 19^th century National Revival Mansions & worthy Museums. These stone & timber houses were buttressed by fortress-style walls, once holding hidden escape routes, protecting their inhabitants from the Turks.

The food here is fantastic; the cold yogurt soup (tarator), Shopska salad, stuffed vegetables with rice & herbs are to die for and meat is plentiful, seasoned heartily & grilled to perfection – spicy lamb chops, chicken skewers & kebab accompanied by many small sides & grilled vegetables. And while there are many good high-end restaurants in Bansko, the traditional Bulgarian Eateries – called the Mehanas- are where you will experience the true culinary culture of Bulgaria in all its glory.

Hot Mineral Springs, in the neighboring town of Banya, produce water containing various minerals with therapeutic value. The temperature of the water can vary from mild to extremely hot & is normalized by mixing fresh hot water from the spring with already cooled water from the same spring. There is a plethora of pampering sessions at the hotels’ Spas. You can’t go wrong the Grand Hotel that boasts 7 different saunas as well as hammams, steam, vapor rooms, infrared pools & Jacuzzis.

Explore beautiful parks & lakes and take advantage of the numerous free tours of the city – including a city walk or bike tour, a food tour, a hiking tour & many others. Unlike many other Ski towns, Bansko doesn’t hibernate in summer & it makes a convenient base to explore pristine Pirin National Park, south of town. Visitors charmed by Bansko can only hope that development eases off, to preserve the character of this snow & sunshine town.

Later, around 02.00 pm proceed to the magnificent Bachkovo Monastery, on the outskirts of the city.

The Monastery was founded in 1083 by Georgian brothers Gregory & Abasius Bakuriani, aristocrats in Byzantine military service. It flourished during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 - 1396) but was ransacked by Turks in the 15^th & 16^th centuries. Major reconstructions began in the mid17^th century onwards, with the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa (1604) as its colourful centrepiece.

The Church is decorated with the extraordinary 1850s frescoes by renowned artist Zahari Zograf, relating the Monastery’s history. During the 1840s, Zograf painted the superb Last Judgment inside the Chapel; note the condemned, nervous-looking Turks on the right & Zograf’s self-portrait (no beard) in the upper-left corner. The Church houses a much-cherished icon of Virgin Mary & a cupola featuring a beautiful mural of Christ, the 17^th century iconostasis. Believers claim that this miracle-working icon was painted by St Luke, though art historians date it to the 11^th - 12^th centuries. Pilgrims regularly pray before the silver- & gold-encased Madonna; if you see queues, it is likely to be a line to place items before the icon to be blessed.

Around 50 metres from the Monastery entrance, the restored 11^th century Ossuary features wonderful medieval murals. More beautiful murals can be found in the former Refectory. A gate beside the Refectory leads to a (rarely open) courtyard of the Church of Sveti Nikolai (1836). A small Museum of Icons also opens when there is sufficient demand.

Continue driving to Bulgaria’s cosmopolitan 2^nd city - Plovdiv, which has always been hot on the heels of Sofia & served a stint as European Capital of Culture 2019. With an easy grace, Plovdiv mingles invigorating nightlife among millennia-old ruins & it seems sure to give it an edge.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

An amiable waystation between Bulgaria & Greece or Turkey, straddling 7 hills & known as the “City of the 7 Hills”, it is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, older than Athens, Rome & Constantinople. It was called Philippopolis in the 4^th century B.C. in honor of King Philip II of Macedonia.

Plovdiv claims to be the oldest continually inhabited European city, with more than 6,000 years of history & cultural heritage, dating back to the Thracian times - the oldest population, for which written sources were found on the Balkan Peninsula. Evidence of that can be seen in many architectural landmarks dating back to Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine & Ottoman times. The Thracians had a great culture, which incorporated with other cultures, flourished in the period of heyday of the Roman & Byzantine empires & has preserved to some extent over the years of the Ottoman Empire & reached its rise during the Renaissance.

It is best loved for its romantic old town, packed with colourful & creaky 19^th century Mansions that house the city’s several Museums - Historical, Archaeological, Ethnographic & Natural Science - as well as an Art Gallery & a Drama Theatre. The Regional Archaeological Museum chronicles the city’s history, with exhibits including mosaic panels, clay lamps & early coins. One of the most famous landmarks is the architectural complex of the ancient Plovdiv, where many beautiful houses from the times of the Bulgarian Revival had been preserved & restored, many are still inhabited.

But cobblestoned lanes & National Revival - era nostalgia are only part of the story. Music & art festivals draw increasing crowds, while renovations in the Kapana artistic quarter & Tsar Simeon Gardens have given the city new confidence. The Roman-era ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which once seated around 6,000, now hosts Opera & Concerts. A 3D movie at the Emperor Hadrian–era ancient Stadium re-creates Plovdiv of 2^nd century A.D.

Surrounded by unique combination of culture & architecture from Antiquity, Middle-ages & Bulgarian revival and located on 3 of Plovdiv's Hills, the old town is one of the most amazing places for a walk, full of antiquary stores & house Museums on every corner. The city on both sides of the Maritsa River,  known for its ethnic diversity, is an important economic, transport, cultural & educational center.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Enjoying the sunset from all the different hills is a must. Walk all the way to the top, pick something to drink & stay there for the sunset. Go down to enjoy the nightlife once it is dark. On the Mladeshki, there is a miniature train that can be ridden up & down.

Overnight. B  

Morning, Check-out, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & proceed for a 2 hour walking tour of the city.

Stroll in the compact Old Town of Plovdiv built on three hills, which is full of art, free of cars & very enjoyable with its unique atmosphere of cobbled streets lined with 150 year old beautifully painted residences. Ulitsa Saborna is by far the most popular street, carving its way through the Old Town from Ploshtad Dzhumaya right up to Nebet Tepe. Many of the Museum Houses are on this street as are a plentiful supply of antique shops.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum located in the 1847 house of the merchant, Argir Kuyumdzhioglu, in the Old Town. The Museum features 6 exhibitions, each occupying a separate room & has a collection of over 40,000 exhibits distributed among the agriculture, crafts, fabrics & clothing, furniture & interior, musical instruments, religious items & works of art exhibits. In addition, the Museum boasts a scholarly archive, a library & a photo archive.

Approaching from one of the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town, walk to the 2^nd AD Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres built by Emperor Trajan, which can seat 7000. Damaged during an invasion by Attila the Hun, and covered by centuries of buildings. it was only rediscovered and excavated in 1972. What strikes you first as you step onto TaksimTepe (hill) is the uninterrupted view of the city below you & the Rhodope mountains in the distance.

See the stunningly intact Theatre falling away in front of you, its rows of seats staggering down the hillside & pieces of the far wall broken off, as if the columns had just fallen backwards off the hill. The silence is astounding, giving you every opportunity to dwell on what this place must have meant to the ancient peoples who came to watch theatrical performances here. You can go inside & walk around the new steps & carefully work your way down to the stage - now wooden - which hosts Concerts & Opera performances in the summer months. You might be even lucky enough to catch a Performance if one is happening during your stay.

Next stop will be one of the oldest & most beloved Church here - Church of Sveti Konstantin & Elena. Dedicated to Emperor Constantine the Great & his mother Helena, it was built on the spot where 2 Christian martyrs were beheaded in the year 304.

Admire the marvellous frescoes & a colourful carved ceiling in the exterior colonnade and a baroque-style Viennese iconostasis & religious art spanning the 15^th – 18^th centuries. The separate bell tower, bright white with a coppery cap, stands 13 meters tall.

Immediately after, depart for the small town of Kazanlak situated in the middle of Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian king.

The country’s largest & best preserved UNESCO World Heritage listed Thracian Tombs are found here, along with the Museum of Roses. There are 2 Nature Reserves & 5 protected areas in the vicinity of Kazanlak, preserving natural wonders & age-old forests.

The Rosa Damascena, known as the Damask or Castile Rose, is the greatest treasure in the region of Kazanlak. The Rose was imported into Bulgaria centuries ago & today, it is one of the nation’s symbols. Under the influence of the country’s unique climate & soil, this Rose gradually developed into a Bulgarian strain distinct from Damask roses elsewhere. That is why at the beginning of the 19^th century, this Rose was named the Kazanlak Damask Rose & the valley to the south of the Central Balkans came to be known as the Valley of the Roses. Kazanluk’s roses are used not only in perfumes, but also as a precious ingredient in rose honey, rose-flavored chocolates, rose liqueurs, rose jams, rose water & pharmaceuticals.

When is the best time to “stop and smell the roses?” No time is better than during Bulgaria’s Kazanluk Rose Festival in early June.

These days the rose harvest is one of the most important activities in the Valley of the Roses, undertaken with great ceremony. The Festival of the Roses first held in 1903, is one of the most notable Bulgarian holidays, festooned with the beautiful roses in bloom & it has become a tradition to hold it the first weekend in June, since this is when the Kazanlak roses bloom. The Festival has become an international attraction, when the city hosts thousands of guests & features the traditional rituals of rose picking & rose boiling, recreated in authentic environment with many songs, dances & a Carnival Parade. The festivities continue for 2 - 3 days.

On arrival in the town, proceed straightaway to visit to the rose fields where the early morning rose picking rituals take place. The Bulgarian rose oil is the best in the world & it is used mainly in the luxury French perfumery. Rose oil is extracted from roses that are picked in the period between the end of May & the beginning of June, early in the morning before the morning dew falls.

All guests are welcomed by young girls wearing typical national costumes & with live folklore music. The girls then accompany guests into the rose gardens, showing them personally how the rose buds are picked. Each one of them is carries a wicker basket. Baskets will be distributed among the guests too so they can participate in the plucking. Spend 30 minutes in the fields.

From here, proceed to visit an authentic Rose Distillery where you will be welcomed at the entrance with homemade bread & salt, which is a typical Bulgarian ‘welcome’ tradition. An expert will then introduce visitors to authentic rose-boiling process demonstrating the old traditional ways to extract oil from roses & also highlight the introduction of new technology in the production of rose oil. You will have an opportunity to taste the delicious rose liqueurs & rose jam & enjoy a 20 minutes Folklore program.

Spend a little time at the Museum of Roses founded in 1984. The exhibits are arranged in three separate halls and include original photographs & documents related to the cultivation of roses during the Bulgarian Age of Awakening (18^th - 19^th centuries) and in the 20^th century. There is a display of tools used to cultivate the rose gardens, along with vessels used to store & transport rose oil & rosewater. You will also visit the adjacent Ethnographic Complex where you can observe the practice of traditional local customs and sample food & drinks made from Kazanlak roses.

And now comes the highlight of the day. The Carnival Parade of the Rose Festival.

Every year, during the first weekend of June, local community in Kazanlak organizes the annual Rose Festival which started back in 1903. Celebrations were held annually, at the beginning of the rose- harvesting period. Manufacturers from the whole valley gather dressed up in rose flowers. Mummers, called “koukeri” take part in the street parade.

People sing & dance in the streets during the whole fest. The processions & the celebrations last for 2 days & the climax of the Festival is on Sunday when the Parade takes place along the main streets of Kazanlak & each village.

Young men & women, dressed in national costumes, welcome the guests & decorate them with garlands of rose blossoms. The most beautiful girl on the festival is nominated and crowned as the Queen of Roses. Guests are treated with the traditional banitsa, rose jam & rose liquor. There are other interesting events, taking place during the festival weekend - choir a cappella & folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tasting, gourmet-shows etc. The Parade is over by late afternoon. The Rose Festival & the fame of the Bulgarian oil-yielding rose attract numerous visitors from all parts of the world, most notably Japan, Taiwan & France.

Enjoy a traditional BBQ Lunch while enjoying a folklore program.

Later in the afternoon, depart to see the UNESCO listed 4^th century Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, one of the most significant monuments of the Thracian culture in the Bulgarian lands. 

Discovered in 1944, the monument owes its global fame to the remarkable wall-paintings in the corridor & the dome. It is a unique aesthetic & artistic masterpiece of the Thracian creative spirit from the early Hellenistic age. With a vaulted-brickwork "beehive" design, it is part of a large Thracian necropolis. The tholos has a narrow corridor & a round burial chamber, both decorated with murals representing Thracian burial rituals & culture. The exceptionally well preserved frescoes & the original condition of the structure reveal the remarkable evolution & high level of culture & pictorial art in Hellenistic Thrace. The unknown painter had worked in 4 basic colors: black, red, yellow & white.

These paintings are Bulgaria’s best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. The wall decoration imitates in colors the front wall of a rich construction, coated in marble tiles & ending in architectural details. The warriors presented on the 2^nd frieze in the corridor represent a meeting between 2 enemy troops & a fight scene is presented on the west wall. The scenes represent a historical event related to the life of the distinguished Thracian ruler buried in the Tomb.

Figures of a man & a woman who are sitting by a small table covered in fruits are painted opposite to the entrance, in the dome premise in the center of the main frieze & around them are presented their servants who are bringing gifts. A scene of a funeral feast with a procession is pictured. The distinguished married couple is crowned with laurel wreaths - a sign of heroisation which was widely popular during the Hellenistic age. The wall decoration in the upper area of the dome ends with a 2^nd small frieze, which pictures 3 chariots pulled by 2 horses. The Tomb is a part of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, which also includes the Temples & the Tombs found in the mounds Golyama Kosmatka, Golyama Arsenalka, Shushmanets, Helvetsia, Gryphons, Svetitsa (Female Saint) & Ostrusha.

Drive on & stop again at the Russian Church in Shipka, also known as the Shipka Memorial Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Bulgaria. The Church itself is a part of a bigger religious complex known as the Shipka Monastery.

After spending an hour there, continue driving towards Veliko Tarnovo but one more stop on the way.

Do you want to feel the whiff of the past, to see the miraculous power of the water, flowing in a chute, to enjoy the Renaissance architecture, to observe ancient national customs? On the northern edge of the Bulgarka Nature Park, village of Etar feels like a movie set with its costumed performers & traditional handicrafts.

Usually, visiting Museums is not the best way for everyone to discover a culture & more generally, a country. Etar is different - a smaller model of the craft town of Gabrovo. This Etar - a typical reconstituted village - presents the architecture & life style in Gabrovo

Stop at the Etar Ethnographic Museum, an open-air experience in northern Bulgaria, showcasing Bulgarian customs, culture & craftsmanship. The Museum displays the architecture, the life style & the economic past of Gabrovo region during the Revival period - the 2^nd half of 18^th & 19^th centuries. This period also corresponds to a boom & a revival of business & art in the region.

Ambling down cobbled lanes with a stick of halva in hand sounds like an agreeable foray into Bulgaria's past. Nearly 50 shops & workshops of bakers, cartwrights, cobblers, furriers, glass workers, hatters, jewellers, leather workers, millers, potters, weavers & more, cluster along the lanes of this historic complex of 19^th century National Revival style gaily painted in peach & periwinkle blue buildings housing craft workshops along a central commercial street, set between trees along a tributary of the Yantra River.

For visitors looking to take home a memento of bygone days in the Balkans, there are quality goods from silverware to pottery traditional made in front of them by the craftsmen (upon a preliminary request, the artisans can organize trainings in traditional crafts). It is a dynamic way to learn more about a culture, how the products are created & to interact with the Artisan. More than 26 main crafts were developed in the town & the goods were sold in different parts of the country & in the region - Bucharest, Vienna, Marseille, Anatolia & other.

A unique collection of the old-times water-driven machinery in Bulgaria, some of the workshops in the Etar village are powered by water from a stream running through the Karadzheika Watermill dating back to 1780. Important to note that all the primitive, water-powered facilities - laundry mills, flour mills, a fulling mill, a grinding wheel, etc. are still in active use.

Aside from shopping, it is possible to peer inside traditional cottages, a school & pause inside the Holy Epiphany Church, a replica of an 1868 temple in Radovtsi village. There is a Cavern where visitors can eat typical Bulgarian meals.

For visitors looking to take home a memento of bygone days in the Balkans, there are quality goods from silverware to pottery traditional made in front of them by the craftsmen (upon a preliminary request, the artisans can organize trainings in traditional crafts). It is a dynamic way to learn more about a culture, how the products are created & to interact with the Artisan. More than 26 main crafts were developed in the town & the goods were sold in different parts of the country & in the region - Bucharest, Vienna, Marseille, Anatolia & other.

After spending a couple of hours there, continue driving to your destination of Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest towns in the country, its history dating back to more than 5,000 years ago which is proven by archaeological excavations.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions).  

Medieval history emanates from Veliko Tarnovo’s fortified walls & cobbled lanes & the upsurge is related to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 - 1393). In 1185, the town was declared a Capital of the restored Bulgarian State by the brothers Asen & Petar, who declared the end of the Byzantine dominion, which continued for 167 years. After its selection to be a capital, the town developed fast, as within the period 12^th - 14^th century, it was the most unconquerable Bulgarian fortress, as well as a cultural & intellectual center of Bulgaria.

During the period (1185 - 1395) of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was the largest & the most powerful state in Southeastern Europe.

During the Age of Revival too (18^th - 19^th century) Veliko Tarnovo was an attractive place for the Bulgarian intellectuals. Bulgaria’s 19^th century National Revival splendour is easy to relive along historic lanes such as ul Gurko; similarly evocative is the handicraft market, Samovodska Charshiya, which retains much the same atmosphere it had 2 centuries ago. Here, you can see lots of small family-run craft shops, from which you can buy a variety of hand made souvenirs & trinkets.

The town was also a center of the First Revolutionary Region during the April Uprising of 1876 against the Ottoman dominion.

Its most significant centrepiece of culture is the magnificent restored medieval Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire, situated on the homonymous peak, is tucked into the dramatic bends of the Yantra River on 3 sides, clasped by an amphitheatre of forested hills.

There is also another historical hill near Tsarevets - Trapezitsa whose historical richness has not been fully discovered yet. The archaeological excavations on the hill continue & new interesting finds constantly appear on the surface.

Historic “modern” Tarnovo located between Bucharest & Istanbul, has burst these tidy seams. It has Bulgaria’s 2^nd largest University & is home to a multi-cultural expat scene. The town offers rich possibilities for entertainment & nightlife - discotheques, bars, restaurants, etc. The restaurants in the town are famous for their delicious cuisine & you can taste popular Bulgarian dishes & those that are typical for the region.

Some of the most popular Bulgarian Monasteries - Patriarsheski, Preobrazhenski, Arbanashki, Plakovski, Kapinovski, Kilifarevski, etc., are situated in the vicinity of the town.

It is not accidental that Veliko Tarnovo was declared a Balkan Capital of Cultural Tourism & a few times, it was awarded the prize the Most Beautiful Town in Bulgaria, as a result of annual research conducted by the media.

See it from the heights of its Fortress down to its ramshackle lanes.

Overnight.   B   

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing tour of the town.

The town with a rich history of attractive landmarks is magnificent with its beautiful houses, perched along the river banks.

The most significant monument of culture here is the medieval fortress Tsarevets, situated on the homonymous peak, surrounded on three sides by the river Yantra. Excavations show that, although surrounded by a fortified wall, it was not a closed fortress, but a real medieval town which encompassed the King's Palace, Throne Hall, the Church “St. Petka”, royal Chambers, multiple residential & economic buildings, water reservoirs & battle towers, surrounded by an inner stonewall.

The Patriarch’s Residence raising its walls high towards the sky, was on the highest part of the Fortress & his Church “Ascension of Christ” was also in close proximity. It was restored in 1981 in honour of 1300 years from the creation of Bulgaria & painted in 1985 in honour of 800 years from the liberation of Vizantia. The interior of the Church has been decorated with modern wall painting, representing miscellaneous moments of the history & culture of medieval Bulgaria.

In those years, well back in time, the slopes of the hill were studded with residential districts, Craftsmen's quarters, numerous Churches & Monasteries. More than 400 residential buildings & 18 medieval Churches have been excavated by archaeologists on the hill.

The main street offers a large variety of shops, hotels, restaurants, bars & entertainment venues.

Visit Tsarevets Holy Hill & the medieval Fortress.

The Hill itself was inhabited as early as the 2^nd millennium B.C. The ancient settlement existed even during the Iron Age but was abandoned in the first centuries of the Roman rule. In the 4^th century, it was populated again & at the end of the 5^th century, it had already become a strongly fortified early Byzantine town. The medieval Fortress had been raised during the 12^th century on top of the foundations of the early Byzantine one.

The site lends an impressive aspect with the ancient unassailable fortification system, consisting of strong stonewalls, stupendous gates, towers & embrasures, as well as with its residential & ecclesiastical architecture.

After exploring Veliko Tarnovo, come back to the hotel to Check-out & depart for Sofia.

Enroute, stop at the Museum village of Arbanasi. located on a high plateau nearby.

An architectural & museum reserve where you will discover the way of life of 18^th century Bulgarian merchants & craftsmen. You can also get to try the local cuisine specialties!

The first written confirmation of the village’s existence is in a decree by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538. The main activities practiced by the residents of Arbanasi during the Ottoman rule were animal husbandry & trade. Some inhabitants bred silkworms. According to legend, the Tsar of Tarnovo minted coins here.

During the 17^th century, Arbanasi rose to prominence as a trading center. Traders from Arbanasi were renowned & traded throughout the Turkish Empire. The houses of wealthy Traders from this period resembled small fortresses & appeared severe & forbidding from the outside, without balconies or terraces, with bars on the windows & sturdy armored entrances. Within, however, they were richly appointed & most impressive. The entire interior was decorated with doors, windows, closets, floors with exceptionally ornate woodworking & plaster elements, all of which demonstrates the highly developed artistic skills of the builders.

The Birth of Christ Church is among the oldest Churches in Arbanasi. It is divided into a Men’s section (the narthex) a Woman’s section (the vestibule), & Galleries that enclose these areas on the north & west. To the east the Church adjoins the Saint John the Baptist Chapel.

The narthex that can still be viewed today at first stood alone as a Church & the murals on its walls - the Last Judgment & Birth of Christ - were executed in 1597. There are murals in the Women’s section on the walls & entrance. The theme of the murals in the Chapel are dedicated to their patron saint, John the Baptist. The Church was declared an architectural & artistic-cultural monument.

The glory that was Arbanasi is still evident in the many houses & cultic buildings, the traditions & customs, associated with its former residents. Characteristic of the houses is that because of the way they were built, it was possible to remain inside for long periods without going out, except to the well in the courtyard for water.

One of the most interesting Museum here is the 17^th century Konstantsaliev house, among the largest of the richly decorated houses that have been preserved. Atanas Konstantsaliev purchased & restored the house & it is known by his name to the present day. In 1913, it was leveled by an earthquake. Subsequently, it was again sold & converted into a Museum. From 1958, it features an exhibit of 19^th century artifacts.

Continue on to Sofia.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.   B D  

Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to the warm Balkan hospitality & heritage & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11: 00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

Still Europe’s secret, a hidden treasure on the touristic map with beautiful clean cities. It is where East meets West, North meets South - literally & lyrically. It is where you can see influences of different cultures intertwine. From soaring mountains to golden sands, the Balkans reveal a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.

Whispers of history emanate from Bulgaria’s fortresses & ruins, all have a fascinating story to tell. Caves secreted in Bulgaria’s river-sculpted wilds hold traces of Neolithic settlements. The mysterious Thracians left behind dazzling hauls of gold & silver, and tombs that can be explored to this day. A visit to the Balkans will give you a more profound understanding of the history of Eastern Europe. Not to forget the UNESCO World Heritage Sites & historical remnants.

The well-preserved nature & picturesque landscapes, the tasty food, friendly Bulgars and 1000 years of history, we are sure, may entice you to come back.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Sofia International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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