Experience Gelina and the Secret World of Ribnovo Weddings

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2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Ribnovo, where age-old wedding rituals come to life. This two-day adventure unveils the unique customs of the Bulgarian Muslims` community, showcasing the colorful attire, intricate ceremonies, and local cuisine that define their weddings. Witness the Gelina ritual, where the bride is adorned with beautiful decorations, and partake in traditional festivities filled with music and dance. Savor local delicacies like banitsa and baklava while exploring the enchanting villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa. Enjoy wine tastings at the renowned Uva Nestum winery, making this an unforgettable cultural experience.

- Duration: 2 days with one overnight stay
- Includes: Traditional meals, wine tasting, and cooking class
- Transport: Licensed transportation provided from Plovdiv and Sofia
- Group size: Suitable for small groups seeking cultural immersion

What's Included

Breakfast x1, Wine tasting x1
Lunch
Dinner
Tips

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The tour guide awaits them with a sign "Tour Ribnovo".

OR
Meeting point

Parking opposite the main entrance to the stadium

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    “Gelina” and traditional wedding in Ribnovo

    2 stops
  • 1

    A warm welcome by local community. A lunch with traditional home made dishes

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Gelina is the name of the bride in the Bulgarian Muslims` villages in the region of Ribnovo. For us local women will recreate the Gelina ritual: the bride’s face painted white, adorned with glitter and a mirror in her hand. We will learn why she walks with her eyes closed, looking only into the mirror to guard her beauty and protect herself from the evil eye. In the afternoon we join a real Ribnovo wedding – gifts on stage, music on the square, dancing and dazzling traditional dress. At the community center we will see the bride’s trousseau displayed in front of the whole village, then follow the musicians to the square, where we will join the circle dances and taste homemade local pastries.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    In the fairytale world of Leshten and Kovachevitsa

    4 stops
  • 3

    Kovachevitsa walking tour with a local guide Step into a mountain village that feels frozen in the 18th century. With our local guide you’ll wander along cobbled lanes lined with massive stone houses, hear the story of the low-built church of St. Nicholas and its barber-benefactor in Constantinople, and discover why Kovachevitsa has become a beloved set for films and period dramas.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Culinary class: rolling traditional banitsa In a cozy village kitchen we join local women for a hands-on pastry workshop. You’ll learn how to knead the dough, stretch it into paper-thin sheets and roll your own Western Rhodope banitsa, filled with fresh local ingredients. While the pastry bakes, we share stories and recipes – then enjoy our golden, fragrant creation together.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Leisurely walk through Leshten Leshten welcomes us with stone-and-wood houses perched on steep slopes, overlooking the Rhodope ridges. On our walk through the narrow streets we’ll admire the traditional architecture, peek into old village courtyards and feel the quiet, authentic rhythm of rural life that still preserves the true spirit of the Bulgarian village.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Wine tasting at Uva Nestum by the Mesta River We end the day at the elegant Uva Nestum winery and spa complex, set near the banks of the Mesta River. During a guided tasting we sample several estate wines, with a special focus on their signature Rubin–Merlot blend: deep ruby color, rich aromas of blackcurrant, dry leaves and smoke, a full, velvety body with notes of elderberry, chocolate and a long, spicy finish.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Slow Tours in Bulgaria

Tags

Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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