Bulgarian Wine, Nature & Culture in 8 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival
1 stop
1
Sofia International Airport
Our driver will wait you at the airport with sign with your name. After picking you up, you will be transferred to your hotel.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Exploration of Sofia city and introduction to the Bulgarian history
3 stops
2
During this day we will find out more about Sofia –the capita and the largest city in Bulgaria. The city is situated in the western part of the country, on the slopes of Vitosha Mountain. Sofia preserves various monuments from its rich past. Your driver and your guide will be waiting for you in front of your hotel at 09:30 am. We will start our tour with visit of the National History Museum where you will be introduced to the history of the Bulgarian lands since the prehistoric times.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Boyana Church
After that we will visit Boyana Church - UNESCO site, where we will have the chance to admire the unique frescoes from the Middle Ages. Our next stop will be a place in Vitosha Mountain with a stunning view of the city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
After admiring the scenery we will continue towards the city center. There we will have the chance to visit the highlights of Sofia which include:The Alexander Nevski Cathedral (the biggest one in Bulgaria), Saint Sofia Church, The Bulgarian National Gallery for Foreign Art, the Russian Church,The National Art Gallery ( former Royal Palace), the National Theatre, and the St. George Rotunda (built by the Romans).
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
In the world of the good wine
2 stops
5
Rila Monastery
This day will be dedicated to the wine traditions of Bulgaria. Your driver and your guide will wait for you in front of your hotel at 09:00 am. On our way to Melnik region (one of the leaders of wine production) we will pay a visit to the biggest and most glamorous monastery on the Balkan Peninsula – Rila monastery, listed in UNESCO World Heritage list. We can have a lunch.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Villa Melnik Winery
We will continue south to one of the most popular wineries – Villa Melnik. There you will learn more about the way grapes are grown and wine is made. You will enjoy beautiful views with a glass of Melnik wine. A local winery guide will take you on a journey through the production facilities and lead a professional wine tasting for you. You will have the chance to visit the underground cellar, located deep under the sandy hill. This day ends with a check in hotel in Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Getting to know Melnik
4 stops
7
Kordopulova House
Today the town is architectural reserve which preserves the typical for the Revival period house style. After breakfast you tour of Melnik will start at 10:00 am. During this day we will have a walk in the town with typical for the Revival Period house museums and narrow cobblestone streets. We will visit Kordopulova House – which belonged to rich merchants and is the biggest preserved house on the Balkan Peninsula from this period.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Another highlight to which we will pay attention is the Museum of wine were will have the chance to learn more about the wine traditions in Bulgaria and the region and have a degustation of several wines.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
9
The Melnik Pyramids
On the way to our next destination– Rozhen Monastery, we will stop to admire the famous natural phenomenon – the Pyramids of Melnik which are rock formations of different shapes, some of which are resembling human figures.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
10
Rozhen Monastery
Once we arrive to Rozhen Monastery we will see the admirable frescoes from XVI century ad praise the beautiful nature surrounding the monastery.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
The Seven Rila Lakes Adventure
1 stop
11
When we reach Panichishte resort area we will board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut. From there we will continue on foot and explore the Seven Rila Lakes: the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake. The route is difficult and requires good fitness level. It takes approximately 5 hours walking time to visit all of the lakes. The tour will end with check in hotel situated in Rila Mountain.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Horse riding day
1 stop
12
This day will start with later breakfast, because feel of tiredness is expected. At around 10:30 you will head toward Horse riding stable Adgor. Is is located in a remarkably beautiful ecologically clean environment, on a plateau with a breathtaking view towards four mountain ranges – Rila, Verila, Vitosha and Plana. Thanks to their well- trained and calm horses, as well as the professionalism of their trainers, you will have a wonderful experience and an adventure. It is calculated that the riding will be around 4 hours, but it is flexible and depends mostly of your physical capabilities and desires. After you gain your memories we will head back to your hotel and spend the late afternoon resting and relaxing.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Heading back to Sofia
1 stop
13
After breakfast you will start your journey back to Sofia where you will check in. You will have free day in Sofia. Your guide can give you tips how to spend it. Optional is to have shopping tour of Sofia with our company.
Admission ticket free
Day 8
End of your tour
1 stop
14
Sofia International Airport
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Sofia airport.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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