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DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF BULGARIA
Bulgaria, on the edge of Europe, is usually overlooked despite its proximity.
From ancient Thrace to the Communist era, history has left its mark in Bulgaria.
But it is not just history that makes the country so attractive. Hidden in the various mountain ranges, surrounded by beautiful nature, are cosy villages where life seems to have stood still for a long time and residents are only too happy to welcome guests.
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
This is traveling as it is meant to be: a stunning adventure with surprise and wonder behind every turn.
For spectacular nature, colourful culture and magical experiences, you don’t always have to travel to other continents. Europe is also home to many untouched natural areas and places that capture the imagination. A relatively undiscovered area are the rugged mountains of the Bulgarian Balkans. In this breathtaking landscape, we will search with you for cultural treasures such as the world-famous Rila Monastery and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will be presented with panoramic views of mountains, canyons, wild mountain rivers, and picturesque valleys. After viewing the itinerary and the beautiful photos on the website, you will know for sure: this top trip is not to be missed!
Enjoy the top Bulgarian landmarks with our self-drive audio guided tour with all-inclusive car and services. We will bring your car and all needed documents and vouchers personally to the airport and you will be ready to explore Bulgaria on your own pace. There are many reasons why to choose our self guided tour:
- Travel at your own pace, stop whenever you want, stay how long you like;
- Travel by our luxury car or minivan (up to 8 pers.);
- Audio/video guide, enough to the point information but listening at any time convenient, as many times you like.
- The car is all-inclusive. All-risk insurance included, no separately renting.
- After car delivery, you can leave at any time convenient, no waiting for busses or passing other hotels to pick up guests;
- 24/7 support;
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Tour Plan
DAY 1
Arrival at Sofia International Airport.
Depending on the arrival time:
City tour of central area or free time.
The city tour usually starts from Alexander Nevski Cathedral, then continue to St. Sophia church, along the Yellow square and with a view to all emblematic buildings around it, to the Presidency, St. George Rotunda and end with a nice walk along Vitoshka Pedestrian street to the National Palace of Culture.
After this don’t forget to visit on the outskirts of Sofia, to visit the Boyana Church; an UNESCO Heritage
Night spent in Sofia.
DAY 2
Today we drive to Melnik.
Stob Pyramids
Exit the highway in the direction of Stob and soon you will see the orange-pink mountains on your left in the distance.
Even now the Pyramids are a tiny spot but don’t worry, that is just an illusion. Navigate through the somewhat deserted village of Stob and arrive at the bottom of the foothills of the Rila Mountains. Walk for 35 minutes on the winding path, which will lead you, the higher you get, to a breathtaking panoramic view.
Rila Monastery
Hidden in the deep valley of the river Rilska and between the forests of the surrounding National Park, the Rila Monastery rises majestically in front of you!Founded in the 10th century by the holy hermit Saint Ivan Rilski, it has become the most famous monastery in Bulgaria and as such is considered the Treasure of Bulgaria.
It is considered not only the most famous but also one of the oldest, the largest and still functioning monasteries, in short, the National Bulgarian pride, which according to its inhabitants represents the strength of a nation.
With the preservation of its faith, traditions and Cyrillic writing, it is no wonder that it was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983.
Accomodation in Melnik
Melnik
Melnik is in many ways a unique place in Bulgaria.
Surrounded by the already described Melnik Sand Pyramids, it is officially the smallest city in Bulgaria, with, according to the last count, only 325 inhabitants; where more than 10 000 inhabitants used to live here in history.
In the middle of a famous wine region, Melnik is now a popular tourist destination.It used to be a famous trading centre with wealthy merchants who owned hundreds of camels (yes, there used to be camels here!) to cross the nearby and faraway lands.
Here not all roads lead to Rome as the saying goes, but all roads lead to the imposing Kordopulova House – a 250-year-old and large Bulgarian National Revival house, with a still-functioning basement in cave-like underground tunnels.
The city is regarded as the Mecca of the Bulgarian Revival architecture, more than 100 of the original buildings have been designated as historical monuments. Therefore, all reconstructions or even newly built houses have to comply with the Bulgarian Revival architecture.
Traditionally located in the middle of a wine region, it is no wonder that Melnik has developed a robust and celebrated winemaking tradition, Sir Winston Churchill reportedly ordered 500 litres of Bulgarian Melnik wine each year in the run-up to and during World War II.
Of the city’s more than 70 original churches, only 3 are still in operation, the most important being St. Anthony’s Church. The walls in this church are not covered with biblical scenes, but with more tranquil paintings of flowers and plants, this is in great contrast to what is common in Orthodox churches.
A walk to the St. Nicholas Plateau is almost an obligation, there you will find the beautiful ruins of several churches, monasteries and the old fortress walls. From here the view of the magical Melnik Sand Earth pyramids is also breathtaking.
We finish the day with wine tasting in Mitko’s Shestaka’s Wine Cellar.
DAY 3
Before to start the very scenic tour through the Pirin Mountains, you can visit the Rozhen Monastery, just 5km east of Melnik.
Rozhen Monastery
Be amazed by the so-called Melnik Earth Pyramids on either side of your route. The sand Pyramids are a unique natural phenomenon and have been formed by centuries of erosion from wind and rain.
If you have already visited the Rila Monastery or are still planning to, you will see the enormous contrast with Rozhen Monastery. The overwhelming magic and the impressive architecture have been exchanged here for tranquillity and simplicity.
The exact date of the founding of the Rozhen Monastery is not known, but according to historiography, the name of the monastery was first mentioned in a Greek manuscript dating back to the 13th century. In the middle of the 19th century, during Ottoman rule, the Rozhen Monastery became a refuge for revolutionary activists from the region.
One of the most impressive sights is the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary who was supposed to heal the sick. It is a copy of another world-famous icon found in the sea near Mount Athos more than 1000 years ago.
The Rozhen Monastery owes its fame mainly to its sculpted icons and incredible frescoes. All the buildings of the monastery were built in different periods, with the monks’ dining room and several buildings of the farm as the oldest, dating back to the period before a fire in the 17th century.
In addition to well-preserved murals, the monastery is also known for its stained glass (the oldest of its kind preserved to this day) and unique carvings. Although the monastery today no longer offers food or shelter, many find here their peace, energy and food for the soul.
Kovachevitsa & Leshten
Before arriving at your final destination, you will pass Leshten
Also an old and historic place with well-preserved old-style houses, the gems of architecture in southwestern Bulgaria. Many of these restored houses have become accommodations for tourists
Follow the road and at the end, you will find Kovachevitsa, located in the steep valley of the Kanina River, over 100 kilometres southeast of Sofia. Park your car before you reach the village because the road stops here and, no real opportunity after that to turn around.
Among other things, but mainly because of its isolated location and freshwater supply, it was founded by refugees from various villages, who tried to escape from the Ottoman domination. As a result, the village has never had an Ottoman government, so the Bulgarian traditions have here been recognizably preserved. Because of this authenticity, Kovachevitsa was designated in 1977 as an “Architectural and Historical Reserve of National Importance”.
The houses in the village are almost entirely made of stone, and it is interesting that the roofs are also made of stone slabs. Only the highest houses have a wooden floor. Because of the unique style of both Leshten and Kovachevitsa, with the authentic houses that have retained the spirit of ancient times, these places are often chosen as locations for films. Very worth seeing is the St. Nicholas Church, built in 1847 and the tower was built in 1900. Also interesting is the original school building, now a museum.
Find your way to Byalta Kushta, the White House and have your refreshments or local delicacies, enjoying the overwhelming panoramic view from the terrace.
Not only the village itself is the only attraction, there are many nature reserves in this area and the valley of the Kanina river, maybe also a visit to another historic village in the area – as well as the nature reserve “Temnata Gora” is worthwhile.
Bansko
Bansko is a town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, which are part of Pirin National Park, in southwest Bulgaria. It’s a gateway to numerous ski and snowboard slopes on Todorka Peak, including the challenging Tomba run. Footpaths cross the park’s craggy alpine landscape, home to bears and wolves. The park is also known for the high-altitude Vihren Peak, with forested ridges and striking glacial lakes.
When you have a chance visit he temple “Holy Trinity” which is situated in the center of Bansko and it is one of the symbols of the resort. Besides being one of the most visited attractions of the town, the temple is one of the largest in Bulgaria.
Two nights in Bansko
DAY 4
Fish your own “catch of the day” for lunch.
Horse riding in the mountains
Dancing Bear Parc, “nursery home” for bears
Rafting
DAY 5
Today we travel through the very southern part of the central Rhodopes to discovers the phenomenas of the Trigrad Gorge.
Yagodinska Cave
It is the pearl of Bulgaria’s cave world. The cave is named after the nearby village of Yagodina in the Rhodopi Mountains. The Yagodina Cave is a labyrinthine cave with several floors and offers a spectacle of incredibly beautiful caves.
With 10.5 km it is the longest in the mountain range and there is a specially lit path for tourists, of which 360 m has been made suitable for the disabled.
Eagle’s Eye
After the magical Yagodinska Caves, we have an appointment for Eagles’ Eye. You will drive through the so-called Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria.
The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise up to hundreds of meters. The narrowest gorge between the cliffs is called “The Wolfs’ Leap”; locals say the wolves would jump into the gorge during the winter to attack the sheep cages.
In addition to caves, the river has carved other interesting formations into the marble cliff. Not far from the Yagodinska cave there is a natural bridge, and close to the bridge is the beautiful Praskolo waterfall. The overwhelming beauty of the Buynovo Gorge can be appreciated from “a bird’s eye view”, thanks to the Eagle’s Eye.
Park your car and let the reserved jeep take you to great heights. You will find yourself on a metal platform built on the steep cliff of the Saint Iliya Peak at an altitude of 1,563 meters, with an impressive view of the entire area.
Shiroka Laka
Shiroka Laka is located on your route in the Rhodopi, Mountains, 16 km from Pamporovo. Laka is old Bulgarian for curve, or meander.
Founded in the 17th century, it is now one of the many popular tourist destinations. The village has fortunately preserved its architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period, as well as its musical culture; the beautiful landscape and rich history, guarantee a lasting memory.
Accommodation in Pamporovo
DAY 6
Through the magic Rhodopi mountains to Plovdiv, a hidden gem
Wonderful Bridges
Deep and high in the majestic Rodhopi Mountains, there is a beautiful destination called The Wonderful Bridges (Chudnite Mostove). This is one of the most attractive and impressive natural phenomena in Europe.
The bridges were formed by the erosive force of the once flooded river in the past, which eroded the marble slab into a deep water cave. The ceiling collapsed, creating majestic marble bridges. Actually, the Wonderful Bridges marble arches connect the banks of the Dalbok Dol (Deep Gorge) river. A thousand years ago there was a cave in the riverbed that collapsed after an earthquake. Over the centuries the river washed away the rubble and the beautiful bridges emerged.
Bachkovo Monastery
The Bachkovo Monastery is located in the north of the Rhodopi Mountains, not far from the town of Assenovgrad. 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 ten Unesco World Heritage sites in Bulgaria. It is linked to three cultures: the Byzantine, the ancient Georgian and the Bulgarian.
The Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and is beautifully situated on a ledge to the right of the valley of the Chepelarska River. The monastery complex is almost 8000 m² and is located about 440 meters above sea level. It includes two large courtyards and four churches.
Asen’s Fortress
Asen’s Fort is an important stop on the most popular religious and cultural routes through the Rhodopi Mountains. Asen’s Fortress is a medieval fortress and a strong reminder of Bulgaria’s glorious past.
The fortress has existed since the time of the Thracians 3000 B.C. and was extended, fortified and named after Tsar Ivan Asenin 1231 during his reign.
The panoramic views from the fortress of Asen are astonishing. It was for this reason that the fortress of Asen is located on this steep rocky hill and has been rebuilt over the centuries.
Plovdiv
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: one was mined centuries ago for the construction of the city.
With its long history and architectural heritage, Plovdiv’s old town has acquired UNESCO protected heritage status, and has been given the official designation of “Architecture and Historical Reserve”.
As such, it was not surprisingly chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Because of its charm, Plovdiv is compared to other beautiful and historic cities and is called the Bulgarian Florence or Paris of the Balkans.
Accommodation in Plovdiv
Day 7
After further exploring the treasures of Plovdiv, back to Sofia.
Itinerary
Total distance ex-options:
Drive 683 km, 10 hours, 57 minutes
DAY 1
Arrival Sofia Airport to Sofia Centre
Drive 9 km, 19 minutes
DAY 2
Sofia to Melnik:
Drive 181 km, 2 hours, 15 minutes
Including Rila Monastery & Stob Pyramids
Drive 238 km, 3 hours, 35 minutes
DAY 3
Melnik to Bansko
Drive 111 km, 2 hours, 9 minutes
Including Rozhen Monastery, Leshten & Kovachevitsa
Drive 149 km, 3 hours, 25 minutes
DAY 4
Bansko
At will; depending on activities:
Bear Parc, Rafting, Horse Riding, Fishing + Restaurant
DAY 5
Bansko to Pamporovo
Drive 163 km, 3 hours, 5 minutes
Including Yagodinska Cave, Eagle’s Eyes & Shiroka Laka
Drive 176 km, 3 hours, 32 minutes
DAY 6
Pamporovo to Plovdiv:
Drive 81 km, 1 hour, 34 minutes
DAY 7
Plovdiv to Sofia
Drive 144 km, 1 hour, 42 minutes
To Sofia via Borovets:
Drive 183 km, 3 hours, 24 minutes
Including Wonderful Bridges, Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress:
Drive 117 km, 2 hours, 45 minutes
Drive 111 km, 2 hours, 9 minutes
Including Rozhen Monastery, Kovachivitsa & Leshten
Drive 149 km, 3 hours, 25 minutes
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