Discover Bulgaria

Fly from London Heathrow to Sofia and transfer to the 4-star Crystal Palace Hotel for overnight. An afternoon tour of Sofia includes the red-brick St. George’s Rotunda, the city’s oldest monument, built as Roman baths before becoming a Byzantine church; the multi-domed confection of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; St. Sophia Church, for which the capital is named, one of the oldest in Europe still in use; and the Roman ruins of the 4^th-6^th century in the heart of the city.

A morning visit to the National History Museum, one of the largest in the Balkans, with 650,000 exhibits charting Bulgaria from pre-history to present day; and the UNESCO listed Boyana Church, built in the 10th-11th centuries, known as ‘the Old Church’, and celebrated for the detail and multitude of colours in its 13th century frescoes. Travel south to Rila Monastery, built over the tomb of a 10th century hermit. A centre of artistic and spiritual influence in medieval times, the 19th century Renaissance building boasts a frescoed dome and magnificent, gilded iconostasis. Continue to Bansko, a hub of outdoor activities, with character in its cobbled Old Town area. Overnight at the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena. 
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Visit the ancient village of Dobarsko, with fabulous frescoes in its medieval church, and a ‘holy spring’ believed to have healing properties. Continue to neighbouring Gorno Draglishte for lunch at a local family home; and enjoy a trip on the narrow-gauge Rhodope Railway, tracking through terrific scenery via tunnels and viaducts. Continue to Plovdiv, hemming the Maritsa River and backed by the Sredna Gora peaks, for two nights at the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center.
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Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv is known for its six hills, captivating Old Quarter, medieval towers, and Ottoman mosques. A morning walking tour includes a visit to the superbly preserved Roman Theatre, still hosting concerts and cultural events; and to the Ethnographic Museum, the delightfully designed building housing 60,000 artefacts of local traditions and culture, from copper and weaponry to costumes and woodcarvings. This afternoon, visit the Bachkovo Monastery, founded a thousand years ago. After centuries of restorations and additions, the huge complex has two cloisters, four churches, 18 chapels, a frescoed refectory, and a 14th century ‘miraculous’ icon of the Virgin Mary.
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Travel to Stara Zagora to view ancient relics displayed in the very contemporary Regional History Museum, built over a Roman street which features on its lowest floor; the Neolithic Dwellings Museum, with the remains of a two-storey house from the 7thmillennium BC; and the fine mosaics of the Roman Villa. Continue to the coast at Burgas, with a handsome cathedral, fountain square, pier, promenades, and plenty of eateries. Two nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Primoretz.
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Travel to Nessebar, spread across a scenic Black Sea promontory, where historic ruins include Byzantine fortifications, the 5thcentury church of St Sofia, and 11thcentury church of St Stephen, its hundreds of murals complementing a huge altarpiece. Visit the archaeological museum and enjoy a walking tour of the old town.
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Drive through the Rose Valley, famed for the Damask rose, a national symbol. Visit a rose-oil distillery enroute to Kazanlak, the home of Thracian Kings, to view the UNESCO listed, Thracian Tombs. Journey over the Shipka mountain pass to Etara. An open-air museum of centuries of the country’s customs, culture and lifestyle crafts, the enchanting ethnographic complex nestles in mountain scenery and covers 17 acres with exhibits including houses, workshops, and Bulgarian Revival architecture. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo, its atmospheric Old Town dubbed ‘Bulgaria’s Most Beautiful’, for overnight at the 4-star Yantra Hotel.
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Brimming with character and sprinkled with orthodox churches, Veliko Tarnovo is crowned by the medieval citadel/fortress atop Tsaravets Hill, which we visit on a walking tour, enjoying its breath-taking views. A very short drive takes you to Arbanassi. A craft and trade hub in its 17th century heyday, the hamlet is now an open-air ‘museum reserve’ of architectural and cultural heritage, its Church of the Nativity adorned with 3,600 frescoes. Return to Sofia for overnight at the 4-star Crystal Palace Hotel. 
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Transfer to Sofia airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.
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