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A tour that encompasses the rich culture and history of Bulgaria's Rhodopes - a mountain known for its gorgeous scenery and fascinating traditional rural villages. Asen's Fortress (13th century) is located only 25 minutes from Plovdiv and offers a glimpse at Beulgarian history during medieval times. Nearby is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria - Bachkovo Monastery, a stunning work of architecture. It is home of the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, an icon that is said to heal ailments and bring good fortune. The road up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling local herbs, spices, jams and honey, and the restaurants offer some of the best traditional cooking in the country.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up from any hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. If you would like a pick up from any location within Bulgaria, you can take advantage of our transportation services (fees are calculated based on the distance to Plovdiv).
Itinerary
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1Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
Asen's Fortress is a medieval structure built atop a rocky ridge in the Rhodope mountains over the Asenitsa river. This strategic place was first the location of a Thracian fortress, later used by the Romans, the Byzantines, and eventually the Bulgarians. It was renovated in the 13th century during the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II to be used as a line of defense against the Latin Empire. It was destroyed in 1410 by the invading Ottoman armies. Today, the fortress lies in ruins, with a small church functioning within what remains of its walls. The “Holy Virgin of Petrich” Church is the only preserved building in the complex and one of the most remarkable examples of Medieval Christian architecture. In 1991, after a full restoration of the church, it began its function as an Orthodox temple.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Bachkovo Monastery
Bachkovo monastery “Assumption of Holy Virgin” is the second largest in Bulgaria and a national cultural landmark. Built on a spacious terrace next to one of the banks of the Chepelare river, it is easily accessible and surrounded by scenic landscapes on all sides. The cobbled road leading up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling trinkets, folk craft, homemade jam, honey and spices. Bachkovo Monastery was founded all the way back in the 11th century, while the area was still part of the Byzantine Empire. It has since been partially destroyed, rebuilt and restored numerous times. The monastery has its own museum showcasing crucifixes, ceremonial garbs, manuscripts, icons and donated jewelry. The cathedral in the larger courtyard is called “Assumption of the Holy Virgin”, with the smaller “St. Archangeli” church built into its side. The “St. Nicholas” church is the centerpiece of the southern courtyard. In the cathedral there is an icon from 1311 known as the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, with a silver repousse cover. It is believed that the icon has miraculous powers.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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