Cultural Heritage of Bulgaria
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Experience all the best from the cultural, historical and natural sides of the south-west and central part of Bulgaria.
For 8 days (7 nights) you will travel from experience to experience. From natural sandstone pyramids, Rilski Monastery, a hike in the mighty Pirin Mountains and the cultural capital Plovdiv, to exploring caves, walking under the Chudnite Mostove Wonder Bridges, train ride with the only left-over narrow-gauge train in Bulgaria, and historical and cultural (mountain) villages as Leshten, Shiroko Laka and Gela.
Of course, we also have a sightseeing in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and you will experience fantastic mountain viewpoints and enjoy the great hospitality and the tasteful kitchen of this Balkan country. And what about a visit to, and a tour through The Dancing Bears Park where around 30 former “dancing bears” have a good life and pension.
This all and more in this trip!
ITINERARY
Day 1 (ca. 225 km)
Sofia – Rila Monastery – Stob sandstone Pyramids - Bansko
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Meeting at Metropolitan Hotel Sofia
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After morning-introduction tour departure
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Rila Monastery
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Visit the biggest Monastery of the Balkan Peninsula.
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Walk to Stob Pyramids formation
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Amazing sandstone formation
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko
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Get the feeling with the locals & enjoy the food (incl.)
Day 2 (ca. 60 KM)
Bansko – Banderitsa Café – Hike around Banderishki Lakes – Bansko
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1st day visit Pirin Mountains National park
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Short drive to beautiful Pirin Mountains National Park.
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Banderitsa Cafe at 1820 m.
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Hiking to Vihren Hut 1915 m / Mountain-lakes with beautiful surroundings up until ca. 2400 m.
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Visit Banya Hot Springs
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Perfect spot to relax after a day of mountain hiking.
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Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko
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Get the feeling with the locals & enjoy the food (incl.)
Day 3 (ca. 120 KM)
Dobarsko – Dancing Bears Park – Narrow gauge train back to Bansko
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Dobarsko Basilica
One of the oldest churches without restoration since year 1122 -
Meeting Dancing Bears Park
Over 30 bears in national rescue center -
Train ride in region of Yakoruda to Bansko
Amazing tour of 1.5 hour in narrow gauge train incl. “refreshments -
Overnight in cozy family hotel Bansko
Get the feeling with the locals & enjoy the food (incl. cooking class).
Day 4 (ca. 185 KM)
Bansko - Leshten – Devil’s Throat cave - Devin
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Visit Leshten
One of the most picturesque mountain villages -
Devil’s Throat Cave excursion
A guided tour in an impressive short/steep cave -
Devin Spa village
A mineral hot spring town in middle of Rhodope Mountains -
Overnight in cozy family hotel Devin
Day 5 (ca. 175 KM)
Devin – Chudnite Wonder Bridges – Shiroka Laka – Gela – Devin
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Chudnite Mostove Wonder Bridges
A unique rock phenomenon, known as Skalnite Mostove -
Shiroka Laka Architectural Reserve
A typical mountain town built at one side of the valley -
Visit Gela mountain-area
One of the oldest settlements near impressive Rhodope peak Perelik (2191m -
Overnight in cozy family hotel Devin
Day 6 (ca. 160 KM)
Devin – Yagodina – Bachkovo – Asen’s Fortress - Plovdiv
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Yagodina Cave - Visit amazing cave (or optional Jeep tour to Eagle’s Eye Point)
Exciting Jeep ride and amazing viewpoint. Do you dare to join? -
Visit Bachkovo Monastery incl. guided tour
2nd biggest Monastery of Bulgaria -
Visit Assen’s Fortress
Medieval Fortress high on a rock above the river incl. short guided tour -
Visit Cultural Capital of 2019 Plovdiv
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Visit and walk to historical Plovdiv-center, overnight in hotel Plovdiv
Day 7 (ca. 175 KM)
Plovdiv (free time) – Sofia (City Sight Seeing)
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Have a morning stroll in beautiful the Old Town of Plovdiv
Take a look at Roman Stadium, Ethnographic Museum, the Mosque etc. -
Early afternoon drive to Capital of Bulgaria, Sofia
Walking tour to the highlights of Sofia with get-together dinner -
Farewell dinner in Sofia
incl. 2 (soft) drinks (wine/beer)
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Overnight in Metropolitan hotel in Sofia
Day 8 (Sofia) - Transfer to the airport or stay some extra days in this surprising city
DEPARTURE DATES
15th June, 20th July, 24th Aug, 28th Sept, 2nd Nov* 2024
(*Changes may be made due to snow conditions on these dates)
TOUR PRICE
€995 (Double) €1225 (Single) per person
Extra Nights in Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia
DOUBLE ROOM €108 per night
SINGLE ROOM €93 per night
RECOMMENDATION
Easy, average fitness level applicable
If you have guests with disabilities, please check with us.
INCLUDED
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7 x overnights in single or double room
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7 x breakfasts
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Dinner/ Lunch on the days mentioned in the itinerary
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Guiding, transfers & parking costs
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All itinerary activities & entrances
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​During the 5 hiking days in the mountains, a professional and licensed mountain guide will be guiding us through the mountains. So, we will be in good and safe hands!
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to/from Bulgaria (or other transport)
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Optional tours/ activities/ entrances
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Dinners/ lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
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Personal expenses during the whole tour
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Tips