Day 1, Arrival in Sofia

Today is the day and your journey is about to begin! Once you’ve arrived at Sofia airport, pick up your rental car and check into your first hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to take a city tour of the city. Sofia is small enough that you can walk pretty much everywhere.

Being in any city freshly covered in snow is a treat. Walking around Sofia is magical wit its buildings dusted in white powder.

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, for example. This cathedral is undoubtedly the most famous religious building in the city, but also visit the Church of St George (Sofia’s oldest building) or the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Church of Boyana. Noteworthy are the city’s green areas. The largest zone of these can be found in the city park ‘Borisova Gradina’. City Garden and Vitosha Park are also delightful resting points among the hustle and bustle of city life. Today, Sofia is a modern and busy city, the centre of Bulgarian politics, economy and culture. The harmony of the old and the new, gives the city a unique charm.

Day 2, from Sofia to 2 nights in Plovdiv

We visit first he town of Koprivshtitsa is located in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountain range.

Via Hisarya which is located about 40km from the city of Plovdiv. we arrive at the centre of the town, in the winter all decorated like in fairy tails.

Walking in Plovdiv is some far forgotten place in some old kingdom.

Plovdiv is said to be one of the oldest living cities in Europe. It was originally built on seven hills, now there are only six: in fact, one was mined centuries ago to build the city. With its long history and architectural heritage, Plovdiv’s Old Town has earned the status of a protected UNESCO heritage site and has been officially designated an “Architecture and Historic Reserve”! Not surprisingly, it was chosen as European Capital of Culture for 2019. Because of its charm, Plovdiv is compared to other beautiful and historic cities and is also called the Bulgarian Florence or Paris of the Balkans. Look for your hotel and find a cosy restaurant to end your day.

Day 4: Rhodopi Mountains to Bansko

Today we enter the magical Rhodopi mountains. We start with the fortress of Asen a medieval fortress and a stark reminder of Bulgaria’s glorious past and a must-see for stunning photos this trip. The fort has existed since the time of the Thracians 3000 BC and was expanded, fortified and named after Tsar Ivan Asenin 1231 during his reign.

The panoramic view from the Asen fortress is stunning. It was for this reason that the Asen fortress is located on this steep rocky hill and has been rebuilt over the centuries. Continue your journey to the Bachkovo Monastery. Founded in the 11th century by two Georgian brothers, aristocrats in Byzantine military service, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the entire Balkans and one of the other 10 Unesco World Heritage sites in Bulgaria. It is linked to three cultures: Byzantine, ancient Georgian and Bulgarian.

The Bachkovo Monastery is Bulgaria’s second largest monastery and is beautifully situated on a ledge to the right of the Chepelarska river valley.

The monastery complex is almost 8,000 m² in size and lies about 440 metres above sea level. It includes two large courtyards and four churches.  Shiroka Laka is on your route in the Rhodopi, mountains, 16 km from Pamporovo. Laka is old Bulgarian for bend, or meander.

Founded in the 17th century, it is now one of many popular tourist destinations.The village has fortunately preserved its architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period, as well as its musical culture.
Maybe you’ll get lucky and be able to visit the famous Kukeri Festival?

You drive through the so-called Buynovo Gorge, which is Bulgaria’s longest gorge. The cliffs on either side of the gorge rise up to hundreds of metres high.
The narrowest gorge between the cliffs is called “The Wolfs Leap”.
Locals say that wolves would jump into the gorge in winter to attack the flocks of sheep. Besides caves, the river has carved other interesting formations in the marble cliff. Not far from the Yagodinska cave there is a natural bridge and close to it is the beautiful Praskolo waterfall.
Along the way, discover the phenomena of the Trigrad Gorge including the pearl of the Bulgarian cave world, the Yagodinska Cave! The cave is named after the nearby village of Yagodina in the Rhodope Mountains. The Yagodina cave is a labyrinthine multi-level cave offering a spectacle of incredibly beautiful caves. At 10.5 km, it is the longest in the mountains and there is a specially lit path for tourists, 360 m of which has been made suitable for disabled people. Follow the last episode of todays adventure to find your accomodation in Bansko

Day 4, 5 & 6 to Bansko

The mountain ski resort of Bansko is one of the most popular in Bulgaria.

It is located in south-west Bulgaria 150-160 km from Sofia and 57 km from Blagoevgrad. Not only does Bansko offer modern conditions for sporting activities, Bansko is a beautiful city that has retained its authentic charm and historical heritage.
There is snow in Bansko from December to April and most of the trails are equipped with snow-making facilities. he resort’s ski zone offers very good conditions for beginners and for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The best challenge of the Bansko Ski Centre is the Tomba Trail – the most attractive and difficult trail in the ski resort.
It has been tested by its namesake – the legend Alberto Tomba, and by other winter sports stars, including Franz Klammer, Rosi Mittermaier and Marc Girardelli. The ski centre offers a fantastic 16 km long that starts at the highest point of the Todorka Peak, up to the town of Bansko, the last 7 km of which are equippedwith lighting and offers conditions for night skiing.

The ski centre also offers a fantastic 7 km long which is equipped with snow cannons and lighting, covering the high parts of it with the city of Bansko.
.
When the sun goes down and you feel the pleasant weariness of a day of outdoor activities, you can retreat for some well-deserved relaxation. The atmosphere of Bansko is fascinating – while the challenges of winter sports on the ski slopes, gaiety reigns in the many local taverns. The central part of Bansko has has its authentic architecture from the time of the Bulgarian revival. You will be enchanted by the beautiful old houses, churches and museums.

Tag 7

Today we mover back to where it all started to Sofia, but nt before first visiting The Rila Monastery

It is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can seem a little overwhelming if you visit it in high season or during big Christian festivals. The crowds that gather in the picturesque courtyard, with its toy-like painted church and striped arches of the galleries, can destroy any sense of sanctity or tranquillity usually associated with a monastic institution of such fame.