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 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 4course 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.

Overnight.  D 

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 08.00 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.

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

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

Return to the hotel to Check-out & depart for Sandanski.

On the scenic drive, listen as the Tour- guide provides information about Bulgarian history & culture, its modern economy and its educational & civic achievements.

Enroute, stop at 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.

Hop on the vehicle & continue to the final destination.

Reach Sandanski by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or stroll around independently

Sandanski is a heavenly place, a pearl in the crown of Bulgaria and famous for its divine nature & millennial history. A small town & a recreation centre named after the famous Macedonian Bulgarian revolutionary against the Ottoman occupation Yane Sandanski (1872-1915), situated in Sandanski - Petrich Valley at the foot of Pirin Mountains, along the banks of Sandanska Bistritsa River, near the Greece border.  

Here you will find interesting sights & places, you will meet friendly people & while you sip a delicious thick melnik wine, you will be acquainted with the unique folklore & traditions.

Entering the town, you see the architectural-sculptural complex, among which stands the 7 meters white-stone figure of the ancient hero Spartacus, the identifying landmark. There is a plaque saying he was originally from this region & that is why, the city pays tribute to him. Everyone stops here to take a photo next to the great statue.

The resort town with a convenient location, a mild to warm climate & relatively high concentration of thermal water springs, is most famous for Balneology Spas & is a popular preferred centre for Europeans for the treatment of numerous diseases such as a metabolic disorder, asthma, diseases of the nervous system, skin disorders & allergies European.

The modern city has been built on the ancient city of Sandanski, as found archaeological sites are from different historical periods going back at least 4 - 5 centuries. Early Christian basilicas in an episcopal complex & many public buildings from that era have been found. It has one of the largest well-maintained Parks in the country, with sandy paths & extremely rare plant species. Walking under the shade of its large trees in the huge National Park, is the favorite activity of the locals. Right at the entrance, is the hot spring for public use from which water gushes at no less than 76º C, if you touch it, it burns you. However, many people come to her to fill bottles to take away, since their medicinal properties are recognized for those who drink them regularly. There is also a modern Ferris Wheel with closed cabins that is open all year, From the top, you can see the entire city & catch picturesque views of the neighboring Pirin mountain.

Right in the center of the Park, there is a complex of public outdoor swimming pools with slides & diving boards where locals as well as visitors can enjoy the public swimming pools of the city that also use the thermal mineral water. There is also a smaller outdoor Spa, almost hidden in a corner of the Park. This has different access for men & women according to the days of the week, in the traditional style introduced by the Ottomans centuries ago, since it is accessed without clothes. Open all year round & in winter, one can bathe naked in hot water under the open sky. The same in summer but then it is advisable to protect yourself from the Sun. 

The 3 large bathtubs are filled with thermal mineral water taps that you can regulate yourself to have more or less temperature & in each bathtub there is space for 3 - 6 people. But, there are usually no more than 4 or 5 people in the enclosure so gusts can often enjoy their own private hot water bath.

The main street of Sandanski has a pedestrian section where a multitude of restaurants with summer terraces packed with people through the afternoon & evening, are concentrated. Open all year, they are livelier during the summer holidays.

Morning, free to independently explore the small town & the Park.

Interesting to see is the early Christian Complex right in the city center, a piece of antiquity amidst modern apartment blocks. You can observe the Basilica & part of an ancient street, both dating back to the 5^th - 6^th century. Mosaic floors that were found in this place are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Sandanski, which in fact is right next to the Complex.

Moving to the Museum, you will immerse yourself in an innovative world that will introduce you to the era of Roman architecture & 3D rendering of a Roman mosaic. Holographic image of Spartacus with its authentic appearance, will narrate the interesting story of the Thracian troops & a Gladiator school.

Right in the City Square, where the thermal water fountain is located, the pedestrian street lined with terraces & bars begins & continues until it reaches the commercial street of shops & stores, with ‘better’ prices than the capital.

If time permits, walk to St. Vrach Park situated along the Sandanska Bistritsa river, a perfect place to relax.

Along the main thoroughfare, Macedonia Street, you will find plenty of cafes & restaurants & hotels. But for lunch (not included - direct payment), we recommend one of the traditional Bulgarian restaurants located on the outskirts of the city towards the Pirin Mountains. There is “The Outlaws” with a terrace which offers the freshest trout in the country. You can pick a live one & they will cook / grill for you instantly.

In time, Check-out & depart for Melnik.

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.

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 litres 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 day.

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.

Then, drive on to nearby village of Rozhen, the site of the biggest Monastery in the Pirin region, nestled in the Melnik Earth Pyramids region.

The village is famous the medieval Rozhen Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, one of the few well-preserved Bulgarian Monasteries with a unique architecture. The exact date of the establishment of Rozhen Monastery is not known, but according to some records, the name of the Monastery was mentioned for the first time in a Greek manuscript which dated back to the 13^th century. It is the only Monastery in Bulgaria which was restored in the first centuries of Ottoman rule & has survived to the present day. It is believed that the Monastery was built by despot Slav, a nephew of Bulgarian King Caloyan (1197-1297), who ruled the region.

The original complex had been destroyed by fire & plundered several times & the present appearance dates back to 16^th century. The heyday of the Monastery was in 19^th century when it served as a regional spiritual centre & possessed numerous lands in the surrounding area. During this period, it became a shelter for revolutionary activists from the region. Later on, the Monastery gave refuge to the renowned Macedonian revolutionary Qne Sandanski who was buried nearby.

The Monastery has an irregular 6 angle shape. Residential buildings encircle a beautiful yard with the Church in the centre. The Monastery owes its fame above all to its intricate woodcarving of the iconostasis & incredible frescoes, exceptionally valuable illustrations of Bulgarian pictorial arts. But, majority of Murals are from 18^th century. 

The inside walls in the Naos, Narthex & Chapel of the main Church were painted in 1732, illustrating about 150 subject matters. The Narthex is enriched with frescoes from 16^th century & mostly depict scenes illustrating the life of Christ Pantocrator after the Resurrection. According to one inscription, the image of Christ together with the 12 Apostles, above the entrance gate, was painted in 1597. Another valuable 17^th century painting on the external southern wall entitled “Doomsday, Jacob's Ladder” with an inscription from 1611, shows 12 scenes depicting the life of John the Baptist.  

There is an interesting Museum which exhibits valuable icons & other cult items donated by Melnik residents & worshippers from all over the world.

Continue driving to your final destination.

Reach Plovdiv by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Bulgaria’s cosmopolitan 2^nd city - Plovdiv, 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.

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.

Early 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 six exhibitions, each occupying a separate room and has a collection of over 40,000 exhibits distributed among the agriculture, crafts, fabrics and clothing, furniture & interior, musical instruments, religious items & works of art exhibits. In addition, the museum boasts a scholarly archive, a library & a photo archive.

Then, 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.

Approaching it from one of the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town, what strikes you first as you step onto TaksimTepe (hill) is the uninterrupted view of the city below you and 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 the oldest & one of the 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 & a baroque-style Viennese iconostasis & religious art spanning the 15^th - 18^th centuries inside. The separate bell tower, bright white with a coppery cap, stands 13 meters tall.

Immediately after, depart for the picturesque small town of Karlovo located in the fertile Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian king, along the river Stryama at the southern foot of the Balkan Mountains

A historically important town in central Bulgaria, it combines the modernity of the present with invaluable cultural traditions & heritage, that reflects in the traditional old charm & cobbled streets, with many Churches & houses preserved to maintain Karlovo’s architectural & historical past. It is a municipal center with a population of approximately 30,000 people with a beautiful administrative & trade center isolated as a pedestrian zone with its many nice & cozy cafes, restaurants

There are tens of well-organized eco paths through the heart of the Balkan Mountains, which lead to waterfalls & mountain communities.

Significantly for many Bulgarian visitors filing through, the town is venerated as the birthplace of Vasil Levski, greatest & most known leader of the revolution against the Turks in the early 1870s. He was the leading figure in the Bulgarian Liberation Movement & the one who kept up the national consciousness & the national self-esteem through the years of the yoke.

Among all national heroes, Vasil Levski is the most worshiped one. His real name was Vasil Kunchev but the name Levski comes from the Bulgarian word luf - lion - as he was an incredible athlete known for the risky long jumps he took even over wide & deep cliffs.

During the Ottoman rule, Karlovo became a developing town. However, its economic & cultural growth reached its peak during the period of the National Revival when crafts flourished, while the rose growing & the production of rose oil turned into a major factor in the economic development.

Bulgaria also has a long history of harvesting roses. Not only roses, but flowers in general & also fertility, are celebrated. The annual colorful Rose Festival & Lavender Festival are held in June to celebrate Bulgarian age-old folk traditions & to promote the leading position of Bulgaria as a world leader in the production of rose & lavender oil.

Bulgarian Rose oil has fascinated women for centuries, for its powerful qualities for maintaining human skin freshness.  Bulgaria ranks No. 1 in the world today in growing roses & lavender and producing lavender-based cosmetics!  If we consider the oil-bearing rose - an invariable component of every quality perfume in the world - one of the symbols of Bulgaria, then the lavender has made the “land of the Thracian kings” a world leader in harvesting & processing of this aromatic natural product. Bulgaria produces nearly 120 tons of lavender oil annually. The biggest number of lavender fields in Bulgaria are in the region of the towns of Kazanluk & Karlovo which has the most purple fields covering more than 5,000 hectares of the fragrant plant.

Karlovo hosts one of the greatest Bulgarian traditions - the annual Lavender Festival whose date is set in advance according to the weather. The largest importers of Bulgarian lavender oil are the US, Japan, Germany, France & the Middle East. The guests are able to have fun, buy & try products based on lavender & rose & also interact with the respective producers & traders.

Kazanlak arranges the festive event of Rose Festival inaugurating the period for picking roses in the Rose Valley. If you are looking for an experience that brings you closer to Bulgarian culture & history, then it doesn’t get much better than a visit to these Festivals. You will have the chance to feel the genuine lavender aroma in its natural environment and to enjoy the Ennyoff’s Day (Midsummer) - a celebration of the lavender, the essential oil plants & the healing herbs in Karlovo.

The whole town is decorated with rose wreaths & the wonderful fragrance of the world-famous Bulgarian rose fills the air. The ritual “rose picking” is demonstrated in the fields outside the town. Then follows the folklore part of the celebration in which the most famous singers & dancing groups from the region take part. The tradition has been enriched through the years & nowadays it is celebrated with concerts, many cultural events. Splendid fireworks accompany the final concert in the evening.

On arrival in Karlovo, experience the excitement & pride displayed by the locals. Visit the lavender fields & participate in the festival of herbs & lavender. The program starts with an old ritual performed in honor of the healing herbs. Observe the demonstration of the process of lavender boiling & learn some practical applications of the different essential oils & the making of some rose & lavender products.

Harvesting roses or lavender is traditionally a woman’s task, as it needs tender care & nimble fingers. The Festivals begin early in the morning in the fields. They go out very early, starting work at 4.00 am when the scent of the Bulgarian roses or lavender is at its highest, pick blossoms & lay them in baskets until 10.00 am. The woman who picks the first flower puts it behind her ear as a decoration.

From the fields, the celebration moves to the central Square of Karlovo around 10.30 am, where through a competition the Queen of Roses & Lavender Fairy are chosen. The party continues in one of the old houses of the city with demonstrations to see how to boil the lavender flower & obtain lavender oil. The Lavender Fairy welcomes guests at the “Pateva House” called the house of flowers & herbs, in the architectural tourist complex of “Old Karlovo”. Tasting rituals, lectures, demonstrations & dances all contribute to these unique summer festivals & you will have the opportunity to try ritual cakes with silent water, rose & lavender products and taste lavender tea, sour raki & liqueur.

Boys & girls dressed in colorfully embroidered national costumes gather & dance under the sounds of Bulgarian folk music. Girls in traditional costumes welcome guests with bread & salt and give a sprig of lavender. Kukeri (costumed Bulgarian men who perform traditional rituals to scare away evil spirits) & groups of Bulgarian singers, dressed in their traditional outfits, delight guests with their rhythms. The ancient ritual “Lavender Harvest” is reproduced here, marking the beginning of the harvest of the aromatic herb which has deep roots associated with beliefs in the miraculous healing & loving power of herbs, in the vital power of water & in the ordinances of sun worship.

Throughout the duration of the Festival, Bulgarian manufacturers exhibit their products. A rich program of folk songs & dances is organized while groups of amateurs, in national costumes, present different rites of country life.

The Day of the Rose Festival as well as the Mummers (Kukeri) Day celebration in the first week before Lent, has been going on for nearly a century already. The festival takes place on the day of the Holy Spirit, when roses are in their full blossom. At that time Mummers from the whole region gather in Karlovo to present their colorful costumes, masques & ritual dances. People from all over the country & foreigners throng in the valley.

Walk around the old town with its 115 well preserved spacious & functional houses & monuments of culture which retains the charm of the old days. In the town center, at the square between the 2 churches, stands the impressive monument of Vasil Levski, built in 1907. Both Churches reflect the grown national self-esteem of Karlovo’s citizens during the Revival. After the Liberation, imposing bell towers were built next to the churches.

Based on the available time, you might also visit the National Museum “Vasil Levski” & the Museum of History where the guests of the town can be acquainted with the history of Karlovo

The house where the great Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levski was born, still preserves the spirit of the ancient times. Hidden behind its high white wall, huddled among shrubs & vines, with cobbled paved yard, flower gardens & stone fountains. The house was restored in its original form & was opened as a Museum in year 1937. It became one of the most attractive and often visited memorial places in Bulgaria.

The Museum of History is in the building of the former school for boys - one of the most representative architectural monuments from the time of the Bulgarian Revival. During its 100 years existence, the Museum has kept monuments of culture from ancient times to the present day, including the wide diversity of crafts that flourished here; very attractive are the mummers’ costumes connected with the traditional festivals.

The Karlovo experience concludes & you are ready to depart for your next destination where you will spend the night.

Reach Hisarya by late evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions if you want to walk out).

Morning at leisure to relax at one of the mineral spring pools. Or, walk around in the town, taking photos of the Gate & the Roman ruins & visit the Church of St Panteleimon (he is a healing saint & people pray to him for good health).

Hisarya is a town of health, one of the oldest & most popular Balneological & Spa centres in Bulgaria, famous for beautiful, cool Parks with more than 160 decorative tree species & 22 natural mineral healing springs & 6 drilled mineral water wells having different temperature & healing qualities. The mineral waters are used for the treatment of kidney & urologic diseases, gall-bladder diseases, gastro-intestinal diseases, as well as of Musculo-skeletal diseases. Their healing effects can be achieved by drinking the water as well as through aqua procedures for the prevention & rehabilitation of diseases, in combination with physiotherapy & diets.

The name Hisarya derives from the Arabic word “hisar” which means fortress as the town located on the territory of an ancient fortress & the monuments of culture / fortified wall, amphitheatre, public buildings, Christian basilicas, barracks, villas, thermal springs, & a Roman Tomb encompassed within Diocletianopolis National Archaeological Reserve

The massive defensive fortress Walls are from 3^rd century from the time of Emperor Diocletian. The total length of the ancient wall amounts to 2315 metres & on many points the Wall reaches height of 11metres to 13 metres. The Walls have survived the weight of many ages incredibly well. There are many entrances cut out in the Wall, most famous Gate still existing, is called the Camels.

In terms of state of preservation & uniqueness of its fortification system, the ancient Roman town of Diocletianopolis is among the top-ranked in Europe.

The climate is mild & pleasant & a remarkable phenomenon is the lack of fog in winter. Consequently, it is as one of the sunniest spots in Bulgaria.

The pleasant climate & the mineral springs have proven to be attractive to settlers since ancient times. The Romans knew of the natural wealth so they built quite a few baths in the centuries when they lived in Bulgaria, which was then part of the Roman Empire. A prehistoric settlement existed here way back in the 5^th century BC & there are signs of a Thracian settlement. The settlement’s heyday was during the Roman era in 293 when Emperor Diocletian declared it a town & this marked the beginning of the construction of massive fortification walls, public buildings, baths, streets etc. & it evolved into the 3^rd biggest town in Thracia Province. The urban architecture of the ancient town is mainly situated in Hisarya’s Momina Salza Park (Maiden’s Tear Park) where visitors see a large & impressive public building, thermal springs stretching over an area of around 2000 sq meters & an Amphitheatre.

South of the fortified town lies a Roman Tomb which has been preserved in its original form & is open for visitors & features a multi-coloured floor mosaic & rose wall-paintings. The Archaeological Museum displays finds discovered during excavations carried out in Hisarya, as well as models of the Amphitheatre, a residential building, an early Christian Basilica & the Camels southern gate.

St. Panteleimon Orthodox Temple built in 1889 is located at the centre of the town & is well-known for its wall-paintings. St. Dimitar, the oldest Orthodox Temple built in 1845 is situated in Verigovo Housing Estate, 2 Catholic Churches & a Mosque are also interesting (if time permits).

The area outside the town abounds in archaeological monuments from the Thracian period. The biggest Thracian religious complex in Bulgaria from 5^th - 6^th centuries BC is located near Starosel Village (Old Village). The residence of a Thracian ruler is situated 22 km north of the town, below Kozi Gramadi Peak (Goat Masses Peak), where excavation is ongoing. A 4^th century BC Thracian trade centre located near Krashtevich Village can also be seen.

Hisarya Region has great traditions in grape cultivation & wine production & several Wineries offer Tastings of local wines.

Majority of 4* hotels here have modern Spa & Balneological centres offering a variety of rehabilitation, treatment procedures & relaxation. There are indoor & outdoor mineral water swimming pools, tennis, volleyball, basketball, cycling, horse riding, motocross, paintball, etc., as well as hunting & fishing options.

In time, depart for Sofia.

Stop at some quaint villages enroute to explore more in the Middle Forest area.

Staro Zhelezare is a small village in central part of Bulgaria, famous as the ‘Street Art Village’ of eastern Europe. It is also nicknamed as the ‘Village of Personalities’. In 1968, the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the village & in 1972, legendary Fidel Castro paid a visit.

It is a unique open-air Art Gallery, where houses & fences & walls are painted artistically with visages of local people from the past & present, together with world known icons like politicians, different kinds of celebrities, chosen by the householders.

Staro Zhelezare will color our day with its street art & you wouldn’t know who will show up round the corner. Here you will see the images of famous worldwide political, spiritual, art & science leaders and next to them the faces of the village residents. Don’t miss on to take a photo with Michal Jackson, Freddy Mercury, Merilyn Monro & more.

The Project started in 2015, is realized in Bulgaria, but with crucial Polish connections. Students, young artists, from Ventzi School of Art & Poznan University of Arts in Poland have turned this Bulgarian village into an open-air Art Gallery. The students paint here each summer & bring back to life the walls of Staro Zhelezare. There is an annual Street Art Festival each summer.

The Project is patronized by big names like PLOVDIV 2019 European Capital of Culture, the Mayor of Poznan, Middlesex University in London, European Consortium for Humanities Institutes & Centres, HERA - Network of Humanities & the Research Area, Polish Institute in Sofia, Architecture Studio ADS Poznan, Foundation TAMITU, Asz Teatr in Poznan, The Institute of Slavic Philology at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznan.

The Project enjoys a very wide media profile. Staro Zhelezare is consistently featured in all Bulgarian, Polish & world media like New York Times, Reuters, Guardian, CNN, TimeOut Dubai, American Press Agency, Chinese CGTN, Arab The National, Le Monde etc.

In 2018, the first rural branch of the New York MoMA was created in Staro Zhelezare, to showcase the greatest works of modernism masters as Mondrian, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Schielle & others, hung here at the village collection. You will find streets full of great murals as well as the local MoMA street representing some of the famous artworks one can see in the real MoMA.

Tourists can visit the House of Traditions - an ethnographical exhibition that reveals the customs & traditions of the region through demonstrations of everyday life activities of the past & tastings of home-cooked dishes.

Spend an hour here before driving on.

Next stop will be the very small Starosel village at the foot of the Sredna Gora mountain range along the shores of Pyasachnik River, known for the abundance of ancient Neolithic & Thracian sites, with some finds dating as far back as the 5^th - 6^th millennium BC, discovered by the archeologist Dr. Georgi Kitov in the 20^th century. In antiquity, Starosel was an important & wealthy Thracian city.

There are several cult buildings, part of the so-called Thracian Cult Complex. The largest underground Temple complex in the Balkans, along with a Mausoleum, were found under the Chetinyova Mogila. The Temple, as well as the nearby Thracian King’s residence under Mount Kozi Gramadi, were likely built during the reign of Amatokos II (359-351 BC).

The Complex covers 6 unique underhill Temples as well as a few royal burial sites. The entire hill is surrounded by a wall called Krepis, made of processed granite blocks, with a length of 241 meters & height of 3.5 meters. The wall outlines a circle which according to the Thracian religious believes symbolizes the Sun.

The entrance of the Temple has a parade staircase & 2 pedestals, on which statues of lions were sitting. The staircase leads the visitors to a flat platform, used for ritual dances & a corridor leads to the real façade of the Temple & the circular hall containing 10 decorative semi-columns & tryglyphs with blue & red decoration. Religious ceremonies, related to the cult of the Mother Goddess, her son the Sun & Orpheus were performed in the Temple. Only the large very well preserved 2500 year old Chetinyova Mogila & the Mogila Horizont Temples are open for visits.

The 4^th century BCE Tomb here was most probably built for a Thracian ruler from the Kotis clan, is the largest structure of such type in all Thracia & along with the other Tombs in the region, it forms a bigger Necropolis complex, spread around the hills of Sredna Gora. It is comprised of a massive surrounding wall of big stone blocks, a parade staircase, a corridor & a cult inner space decorated with different types of ornaments & frescoes. The excavations found a lot of cult objects, jewelry, wine containers alongside a stone tub for producing & storing of wine.

Very close to the Chetiniyova Mogila is located the Mogila Horizont with a very impressive & well-preserved colonnade of over 10 columns in early Dorian style still standing at the entrances of the sacred place. Even though this Tomb was raided in ancient times, it was most likely built for a Thracian aristocrat as evidenced by some artifacts found on the site - golden & silver jewelry & other objects. A warehouse for wine & water is situated on the north part of the mound.

Starosel village is also a place that combines ancient history & a modern Spa & Wine complex comprising 3 hotels, a Winery & a Spa.

After the historic walk, head into the village & visit a popular Wine Cellar to try some of the best wine tasting in the degustation hall, made as a replica of the nearby Thracian Tomb. You can sip the famous local raspberry wine, go for a massage & enjoy the evening in a good piano bar.

In time, continue driving to Koprivshtitsa, passing through the exceptionally picturesque valley of Strelcha, famous for its rose bushes yielding rose oil.

One of the Balkans’ most beautiful towns, the small picturesque Koprivshtitsa situated in the deep valley of the Topolnitsa River, among the forested hills of the Sredna Gora mountain range, is considered a jewel of the Bulgarian Revival.

With its dazzling mix of splendid traditional architecture, dramatic history & crispy fresh mountain air, the incredibly scenic town might be the perfect place to experience the authentic Bulgarian spirit of yore & an incredible journey back in time. Just imagine the sight: hundreds of brightly-coloured Bulgarian Revival houses (danger: cuteness overload!) line the winding cobblestone alleys connected by little arched bridges. Behind colourful house fronts & babbling streams, broods Koprivshtitsa's revolutionary spirit.

Koprivshtitsa, once a prosperous town of well-educated merchants, is remembered all over Bulgaria as a place of historical significance & the birthplace of dozens of eminent writers & revolutionaries, including some of the leading figures of the Bulgarian Revival. In 1876, it was also the focal point of the epic & tragic April Uprising against Ottoman rule, a historic moment leading up to hard-fought Bulgarian independence during the country’s Age of Awakening.

There are many legends concerning the town’s beginnings. One relates that the location boasted a particularly fertile plentiful store of kop & it was a popular resting place for caravans & shepherds herding their flocks. It was here that proto-Bulgarians settled with their herds - people known as “Zhupa” & that was the origin of Koprivshtitsa.

Another legend has it that the town was the base for the “lords of Rila” who settled the area with their livestock & petitioned the Ottoman sultan to proclaim them the Rulers of Koprivshtitsa & he issued a decree granting them wide-ranging privileges. A 3^rd legend claims that the village was settled by Bulgarian fugitives, heirs of the numerous Bulgarian tribes of Bolyari herdsman & tenders of livestock, who moved to the region after Bulgaria came under Ottoman rule at the end of the 16^th century. Among them were 3 shepherds - Lambo, Toroman & Arnautin, who founded the villages that today bear their names. The new community gradually expanded as the local population of merchants & artisans contributed to its development.

It is like a magnet for people enchanted by history. In 1952, it was declared the only Museum City in the country & since 1971, it has been an architectural & historical reserve, with a total of 388 architectural, historical, artistic & ethnographic monuments. In 1978, it was recognized as a National Architectural Reserve of international importance with the goal of saving, preserving & popularizing the town’s cultural & historical heritage.

This Museum town immediately pleases the eye with its numerous restored National Revival period Mansions & the few disorderly built curved & narrow winding cobblestone little streets are dotted with historic homes interspersed with rambling, overgrown lanes & stone bridges.

Learn more about the authentically preserved unique 19^th century multi- coloured wood & stone houses with artistic decoration, belonging to some of the most important Bulgarians, with their colorful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls & gates & numerous stone fountains contributing to the attractiveness of the little iconic town tightly connected with the people’s struggle for freedom from the Ottomans. They have been built on several floors, with wide verandas & covered with stone slabs, instead of tiles. The streets of the village are narrow and steep, covered with cobblestones.

Two of the museum-houses belong to some of the most important leaders of the national rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

The unique architecture has inspired generations of film directors, photographers & poets and the village has been a setting for over 20 movies.

Some of the Museum houses are the Oslekov House, Lyutova House, Todor Kableshkov Museum, Dimcho Debelyanov Museum, Georgi Benkovski Museum & Liuben Karavelov Museum.  Every house has it own unique history about the colorful owners.

The buildings reflect the historical development growth of Bulgarian traditional architecture & many of these houses are turned into Museums & each one has its own identity, which correspond to the main business & the size of the family of its owner. Outstanding ethnographic treasures can be seen together with significant historical monuments: specific architecture, original furniture, old weapons, national costumes, traditional hand-crafts, precious jewellery.

Besides visiting its historic houses & enjoying the invigorating natural surroundings, visitors may see some of the 40 wells, intricately decorated with stones carvings of 6 sided stars, sea creatures, flowers & other images, that were constructed during different eras. Two of the oldest are the Benevska & Chalakova Wells

Also attractive are the town’s many Bridges, mainly vaulted stone, erected over small brooks & streams that flow into the Topolnitsa River. The most popular is the Kalachev Bridge, also known as The First Shot Bridge as it was here in 1876 that the first shot was heard that signaled the start of the April Uprising. Another place of interest is the church "The Assumption of the Virgin" & the "Mausoleum - Ossuary - 20^th April" devoted to those who died during the April Uprising. The bells of the old Cathedral declared the beginning of the dramatic rebellion.

For those interested in eco-tourism, there are Nature Preserves in the vicinity. Bogdan Preserve, as it has been known since 1972, is home to an age-old beech forest, the historically important Clover Field & 1604 meters Bogdan Peak, highest in the Sredna Gora Mountains. Another is the Donkin Forest where it is possible to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s rare endangered birds, the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliacal).

Meadows, blooming trees, white sheep herds. The town is a fantastic place to visit for a few days. Many of the historical homes have been turned into comfortable guest houses & the hosts who are usually descendants of the old local families will treat you like personal friends & also can be your guide to the tastiest local cuisine. For anyone who would like to take a lot of photos with an authentic atmosphere or would like to learn some hand craft, this is the place.

Spend a couple of hours on a guided ‘walking’ tour which encompasses a little bit of everything - 19^th century art & history, ethnography, traditions, architecture. Sample the hearty food & the strong rakia as you delve into the local lore & shop for authentic souvenirs.

Finally, it is time to depart for Sofia.

Reach the hotel by evening & Check-in.

Later, meet the Journeys Rep & proceed for Dinner at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine. 

Come back to the hotel.

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.

“Travel & change of place, imparts a new vigor to the mind” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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

 .