• Accommodation in 3* hotels
• Deluxe transport
• Tour guide in English
• All tourist museum and attractions entrance fees
• Meals as per the program
• 1 wine tasting in Melnik.

Day 1

Arrival Sofia and transfer to your hotel. A short tour of Sofia, giving an overall view.

Day 2

Departure to the medieval capital city of Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo. En route visit Koprivshtitsa museum town, Beklemeto mountain pass ( crossing the Balkan range ), Troyan Monastery ( the 3rd largest in Bulgaria ) and Oreshaka exhibit of peoples’ arts and crafts. Evening arrival in Veliko Turnovo – the Medieval capital city of Bulgaria. Check in at the hotel.

Day 3

Full day in the region of Veliko Turnovo – visit Tsarevets Royal Hill and Baldwin tower ( the leader of the 4th Crusade ), Samovodska charshia street of crafts – authentic 18th century market street with small workshops of local masers of crafts, working on the spot and selling the pieces they produce right in front of the eyes of tourists, using original traditional technologies passed from generation to generation ( carpets, pottery, copper, leather, icons, etc ). Afternoon to Arbanassi museum village and Nicopois ad Istrum Roman city remains. Return to Veliko Turnovo and overnight.

Day 4

Departure to Shipka memorial peak and Kazanluk. En route visit Drianovo Monastery, Shipka church, Goliama Kosmatka Thracian Tomb ( 5th – 4th c BC ) and Kazanluk Thracian tomb ( UNESCO site, copy, 4th c BC ). Proceed south to Plovdiv – the second largest Bulgarian city. Check in at a central hotel.

Day 5

Morning tour of the Old Plovdiv architectural reserve: the Roman stadium, the Amphitheatre, Hindlian House, St. Constantine and Helena Church, the Ethnographic museum, the workshop of a local potter. Lunch at a traditional 5* restaurant in the Old Plovdiv, built on old roman ruins and used as a dervish centre in the period of the Ottoman empire. Early afternoon to Assenova Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery ( the second largest in Bulgaria, built in the 11th c and connected with the 3rd crusade history and legends ) and evening arrival in the town of Sandanski Spa town ( the hometown of Spartacus, the Roman gladiator - slave who launched an uprising in 73-71BC ).

Day 6

Drive to Melnik – the smallest Bulgarian town, declared museum. Tasting of red wines in a typical cellar, belonging to the largest residential house on the Balkans - Kordopulov. Short visit of Rojen Monastery – one of the oldest in Bulgaria and return to Bansko. Visit a typical Bansko restaurant with life music.

Day 7

Early morning departure to Sofia. En route visit Rila Monastery ( UNESCO site ). Upon arrival in Sofia – visit Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral and continue with the tour. Check in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 8

Transfer to the airport.

The package price includes: accommodation 3* hotels, deluxe transport, tour guide in English, all entrances, meals as per the program, 1 wine tasting in Melnik.