10 days/9 nights tour

Sofia – Koprivshtitsa – Starosel – Staro Zhelezare – Karlovo – Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Bozhentsi – Arbanasi – Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest – Sibiu – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucharest

Day 1 Arrival in Sofia

You will arrive at Sofia Airport where you will be met and welcomed by a professional English
speaking driver/guide. Transfer for accommodation at the 4* Best Western City hotel (or similar). Free time for refreshments or exploring of the city on your own.
Transfer to a traditional Bulgarian restaurant for a dinner accompanied by a folkloric performance.
After you enjoy dinner you will get the chance to explore the country’s capital nightlife.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Exploring Sofia

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Short panoramic tour around Sofia on which you will visit the most interesting historical sights: the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the St. Sofia Church, the Parliament building and many others located in the historical and cultural centre of the capital.
In the afternoon we will give you a chance to do some shopping in one of Sofia’s many shopping centres. There you will able to find some world famous brands at reasonable prices.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Sofia – Koprivshtitsa – Starosel

After breakfast, you will head towards Koprivshtitsa – one of the most characteristic Bulgarian towns, still preserving the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 19th century. Collections of ethnographical treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewellery have also been preserved. After exploring the city you will have lunch at a local restaurant during which you will also participate in a yoghurt-making lesson. After lunch, you will be able to taste some of the yoghurt you made.
Next, you will head for the village of Starossel. There you will be accommodated at an amazing hotel complex with an outdoor swimming pool with hot mineral water. The complex is located on the outskirts of the village and is built to represent traditional Bulgarian architecture with natural materials like wood, stone and wool. The spa centre will invite you to relax in the hot tub, sauna or steam bath.
The complex was built to surround one of the best wineries in Bulgaria. You will be able to enjoy wine tasting at a spectacular underground hall built to resemble a Thracian Temple.
At dinner, you will be able to try specialities from the Bulgarian cuisine served in the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Starosel – Staro Zhelezare – Karlovo – Plovdiv

After breakfast, you will head towards Staro Zhelezare. Life here used to be no different to life in any other village in Bulgaria. People would wake before daybreak to tend to their stock and crops. Now living in the small village has changed. It is now referred to as an open-air picture gallery. The “picture gallery” is the work of Ventsislav Piryankov. People all around know him and his wife Katarzyna, even though they only return here from Poland in the summer. Ventsislav lectures in Poznan and brings students of his here to paint pictures on the whitewashed facades of houses and stone fences. The drawings in Staro Zhelezare convey ideas and messages of their own and are very different from what we have seen elsewhere because they are conceptual. When they do their wall paintings the artists give free rein to their imagination in interpreting real-life individuals and events, turning the impossible into reality. It is a strange thing to see the belfry of the village church here transformed into London’s Big Ben.
In this small village, you will also meet with local people who will demonstrate traditional Bulgarian crafts and will present to you the way of life going back centuries.
In the afternoon your journey will continue with a visit to another charming small town notable for its history – Karlovo. There, at an old tavern which is now an ethnographic museum, you will be greeted with a traditional local speciality – “Banitsa” and coffee made on hot sand.
In the evening you will continue with the ancient city of Plovdiv. There you will be accommodated at the 4* Imperial hotel (or similar).
You will be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner. After the delicious meal, you will get a chance to take part in Plovdiv’s rich nightlife.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Bozhentsi

After breakfast, you will explore some of the many cultural and historical landmarks of Plovdiv on an amazing city tour. The highlight of the tour will be the Ancient Theater. On this city tour, you will see for yourselves why Plovdiv was chosen as The European Capital of Culture for 2019.
In the early afternoon, you will set off for Kazanlak – located in the heart of the valley of Roses and Thracian kings. Visit the replica of the Thracian Tomb in Kazalnak, dating back to the 4th C. B.C. It is listed in the world natural and historical heritage of UNESCO.
You will also visit an old Rose Oil Distillery still fully functioning today. Over the years people from all over the world have been eager to come to visit and witness the unique rose and lavender production. They want to experience the magical fragrance of the Rose Valley. At the old distillery, people can observe the traditional ways of distillation dating back hundreds of years ago while at the same time learning about the new trends and production practices. You can also visit a museum and gift shop where you can buy genuine traditional souvenirs at reasonable prices.
After the Rose Valley, you will continue towards the northern part of Bulgaria to the picturesque village of Bozhentsi. An architectural reserve, the village lies in the central part of the Balkan Mountains just north of the Shipka Pass. It is noted for its well-preserved Bulgarian National Revival architecture and history. The village of Bozhentsi was proclaimed an architectural and historical reserve in 1964 and is part of UNESCO’s cultural monuments. There you will be accommodated at the Bozhenski Chiflik guesthouse.
Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Day 6 Bozhentsi – Arbanasi – Veliko Tarnovo

After breakfast you will participate in many activities that will get you even more familiar with the authentic side of Bulgaria. You will visit an ethnographic workshop where you will observe and take part in making bread, processing wool, shooting with a bow and arrows and games from the national cultural heritage. You will then collect water from the village’s water fountain and take it to the restaurant where you will have lunch (eating from the bread you made yourselves and dishes entirely made from eco products).
In the afternoon you will head towards the village of Arbanasi – a village, famous for its ancient, richly decorated churches and magnificent architecture. It used to be a residence of the Bulgarian kings from the Second Bulgarian kingdom.
Next on the agenda is the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. There you will be accommodated at the 4* Grand Hotel Yantra.
Dinner at a local restaurant followed by a free evening program.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest

After breakfast, you will tour Veliko Tarnovo. The old part of the city is situated on the three hills – Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate while Trapezitsa is known for its many churches. During the Middle Ages, the city was among the main European centres of culture. You will enjoy a guided tour through the Tsarevets Fortress and you will also get the chance to buy souvenirs from the old merchant street “Samovodska Charshiya”.
After lunch, you will set off for Bucharest. There you will be accommodated at the 4* Capitol Hotel (or similar). After a few hours of rest, you will enjoy dinner with a folklore performance at a traditional local restaurant. Afterwards, you will get some free time to explore the nightlife of the Romanian capital on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Bucharest – Sibiu

After breakfast, you will go on a short city tour of Bucharest followed by a drive through the Carpathian Mountains via Oltului Valley – the most spectacular river valley in Romania. We will stop at Cozia Monastery – built close to Călimănești by Mircea the Elder in 1388 and housing his tomb, which is one of the most valuable monuments of national medieval art and architecture in Romania.
You will make the city tour of Sibiu (the European Cultural Capital in 2007 and the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019) to discover the secrets of this magnificent medieval city. We will visit the main cultural objectives like the Evangelical Church, the Liar’s Bridge, The Small Square with “the eyes of the city”, and the Big Square.
You will be accommodated at the 4* Ramada Hotel in Sibiu.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Sibiu – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucharest

After breakfast, we will drive back towards Bucharest, via Brasov. We can stop in the Saxon village of Carta, where we can visit the Fortified Church. Our next stop will be the village of Bran, where the world-famous Dracula Castle is located. The castle was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence in the 1920s under Queen Marie of Romania. Nowadays, Bran Castle is the most visited castle in Romania and is known, all over the world, as Dracula`s Castle. In Brasov we will have a city tour of the middle-aged city inside the Carpathian Arch, visiting the main touristic features: The Council Hall, the Black Church, the 14th century St. Saint Nicholas Church, the Schei quarter, The Rope Street (the narrowest street in Romania). We will make a stop in Sinaia, The Royal Family`s favourite city. The gateway to wild nature is possible here, a mountain resort known also as „The Pearl of the Carpathians “. This place impresses everyone with the beauty of its landscapes, guarding a treasure of Romanian history: The Peles Castle, used as a summer residence for the royal family, this monument represents a symbol of elegance and nobility.
Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Capitol 4*.

Day 10 Departure from Bucharest

Breakfast. According to your flight schedule you will be transferred to the Airport Otopeni.

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 10 days/9 nights

 Ref: CN010120/NLBGRSHRHU

Netherlands – Bulgaria – Serbia – Croatia – Hungary

Day 1Amsterdam (D)

Arrival at Amsterdam airport. Coach pick up and transfer to the hotel.

Local dinner.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 2Amsterdam – Sofia (B, D)

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Amsterdam city tour + HD English speaking local guide.

Transfer to airport and take flight to Sofia. Lunch on board.

Arrival at Sofia airport. Coach transfer and city orientation tour with English speaking local guide.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 3Sofia (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Sofia city tour with HD English speaking local guide.

Photo stops: Ancient Serdica, Alexander I square, the Royal Palace, the National Theatre, Tzar Osvoboditel boulevard, the Parliament, the Church St. Sofia.

Visit of Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon for shopping.

Dinner at a restaurant.

Evening free at leisure and night life.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 4Sofia – Nis – Belgrade (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Departure to Nis (Serbia). Nis city tour with HD English speaking local guide.

Photo stops at Nisava River and Fortress park. Entrance in Skull tower.
Lunch at a local restaurant.

Departure to Belgrade. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 5Belgrade (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Belgrade city tour with HD English speaking local guide.

Photo stops at The Republic Square, the National theater, the National museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Knjez Mihailova Str.

Visit to St. Sava Cathedral, Kalemegdan Fortress.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon for shopping.

Dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Evening free at leisure and night life.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 6Belgrade – Zagreb (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Departure to Zagreb (Croatia).

Lunch at a local restaurant

Zagreb city tour with HD English speaking local guide.

Included photo stops at St Mark Church, Upper town, Gornji Grad, Zagreb Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre.

Visitation of Local market the Dolac.

Dinner at a restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 7Zagreb – Balaton lake – Budapest(B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Departure to Budapest (Hungary).

Photo stop at Balaton lake.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner at a restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 8Budapest (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Budapest city tour with HD English speaking local guide.

Photo stops at House of Parliament, Castle District, Citadel, Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. See all the wonderful sights of Budapest; the nicest squares, monuments and churches of the city and the unique panorama of the river Danube.
Lunch at a local restaurant.

Free afternoon for shopping.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening free at leisure & night life.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 9Budapest – Amsterdam (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport and take flight to Amsterdam. Arrival at Amsterdam airport.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Keukenhof.

Entrance to Keukenhof gardens with HD English speaking local guide.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 10Amsterdam (B)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Coach transfer to the airport and flight back home.

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Ref# PT011214/BGGR

12 days / 11 nights tour

 Sofia – Starosel – Hissarya – Skobelevo – Pavel Banya – Kazanlak – Plovdiv – Stara Zagora – Plovdiv – Perperikon – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv – Rila Monastery – Sandanski – Melnik – Serres – Kavala – Litochoro – Dion – Paralia –Pieria – Vergina – Pella – Thessaloniki

Highlights:

• The National Historical Museum and Boyana church – included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Visit some original tombs in the Valley of the Thracian Kings.
• Plovdiv – the most ancient city in Europe, still existing today.
• Neolithic Dwellings Museum in Stara Zagora (Neolithic houses from the VI millennium BC).
• Perperikon – a megalithic sanctuary of 8000 years, located in the mountains of Orpheus. At this place is predicted to Alexander the Great that will conquer the world.
• Rila monastery – the biggest Bulgarian spiritual center, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Archeological complex Dion, named after Zeus, located at the foot of Olympus.
• The Museum of Vergina with the tomb of Philip II of Macedonia.
• UNESCO listed St. Demetrius Church in Thessaloniki.

Day 1Sofia (D)

Arrival to Sofia airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

Day 2Sofia (B, L, D)

After breakfast – panoramic tour around the Bulgarian capital which has more than 8000 years history. The city was a residence of the emperor Constantine the Great who often said: “Sofia is my Rome”. Visit to St. George Rotunda – the oldest preserved building in Sofia; the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral; the St. Sofia Church which had given the name of the city. Under St. Sofia church there are tombs of Eastern Roman necropolis – today there is an underground museum.
Our Sofia outskirts tour this day includes visit of the National Historical Museum and Boyana Church (one of the most completely and perfectly preserved monuments of the East European medieval art).
Dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant with a folklore program.

Day 3Sofia – Starosel – Hissarya – Rose destilary – Pavel Banya (B, L, D)

After breakfast – departure to Starosel where a Thracian settlement with powerful tribal chiefs and wealthy local aristocracy was situated. Visit a Thracian tomb–heroon from the V c. BC with a sunken rock bath for production and storage of wine.
Set off to Hissarya – a town founded thousands of years ago because of its mineral springs. Visit to the Archeological Museum which holds exhibits from the V millennium BC to the XIV c. A.D. We will see the ancient amphitheater and the ruins of the Roman town Diocletianopolis.
Next, we will go to Kazanlak, located in the heart of Rose Valley and visit of an authentic rose-oil distillery – get to know how world-famous rose oil is produced.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in a nearby located SPA resort.

Day 4Kazanlak (Valley of the Thracian Kings) – Plovdiv (B, L, D)

After breakfast – set off to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, where according to the assumptions, there are more than 1500 Thracian tombs. Visit to the replica of the Kazanlak Tomb (IV-III c. BC). It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Early Hellenistic frescoes. Entry into several original tombs (V-IV c. BC) – each one with its specific construction.
Departure to Plovdiv – contemporary of Troy and the most ancient city in Europe, still existing today. It was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019.
We will visit its picturesque Old Town with the 19th century houses and Roman ruins. We’ll see the Roman Theater (in use today), the Bishop’s Basilica with great two-story original mosaics exhibition and the House of Hindliyan with the beautiful wall-paintings.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 5Plovdiv – Stara Zagora – Plovdiv (B, L, D)

Breakfast and departure to Stara Zagora – the city-successor of the ancient Vereya. There is a remarkable material heritage from the New Stone Age to the XV c. A.D. Visit to the Neolithic Dwellings Museum (with houses from the VI millennium BC); the antique forum complex of the Roman town Augusta Trayana; the Museum of the Religions (a mosque built around the foundations of a medieval Christian Church and an ancient sanctuary).
Visit to the Historical Museum of Stara Zagora – the first museum in the world whose ancient artifacts are investigated using innovative scanning technology for detecting unknown details on and below their surface. The new technology is being used by an international team under the project INSIDDE. The results will be presented in the biggest online cultural network – Europeana – and applied in the museums across Europe.
Return to Plovdiv, dinner and overnight.
Optional: Dinner and wine tasting in “Todoroff” boutique wine-cellar, located not far from Plovdiv. This cellar produces small consignments of high quality wine, made from the typical Bulgarian grape variety “Mavrud”.

Day 6Plovdiv – Perperikon – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv (B, L, D)

After breakfast – departure to the Mountain of Orpheus. Visit to Perperikon – a big megalithic sanctuary dating back to the Stone Age. It is considered that the Thracian sanctuary of Dionysus was on this place.
Afternoon departure to Bachkovo Monastery – the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria. It preserves unique frescoes in the refectory of the XVII century and a wonder-making icon of Virgin Mary.
Return to Plovdiv, dinner and overnight.

Day 7Plovdiv – Rila Monastery – Sandanski (B, L, D)

Breakfast. Departure to Rila Monastery (X c.)- the biggest Bulgarian spiritual center since the Middle Ages till nowadays, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s located in a picturesque mountain area. The Rila Monastery has rich collection of icons and wall-paintings. Its museum keeps a real treasure: a wooden cross of just 81 cm height, carved with 104 religious scenes and 650 figures.
Set off to Sandanski – the warmest city in Bulgaria and a world-famous balneological center suitable for people with respiratory and other diseases. Thanks to its mild climate and warm mineral waters, Sandanski was founded since ancient times. This was the birthplace of the Thracian rebel across the Roman Empire – Spartacus.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Sandanski.

Day 8Sandanski – Melnik – Serres – Kavala (B, L, D)

After breakfast – set off to Melnik – the smallest Bulgarian town, located only 20 km far away from the Bulgarian – Greek border. It is the town of the sand pyramids, the authentic Bulgarian white houses and the wineries which traditionally are scattered throughout.
After sightseeing of Melnik we will continue to Greece.
Arrival to Kavala in the afternoon – one of the most beautiful cities in Greece with its beaches and amphitheater located on the shores of the Kavala Gulf. The city impresses with its huge aqueduct, built on the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent, the beautiful houses painted in bright colors in the Old Town and the Kavala fortress.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Kavala.

Day 9Kavala – Dion – Paralia Katerini (B, L, D)

After breakfast – departure to the Mount Olympus – the home of the Olympic gods.
Visit to the Archeological complex Dion at the foot of the mountain. It is believed that the ancient city got its name from the temple of Zeus, whose alternative name was Dion.
Departure to Paralia – a tourist seaside village in the Region of Pieria.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Paralia Katerini.

Day 10Paralia Katerini – Vergina –Pella – Thessaloniki (B, L, D)

Breakfast. Departure to Vergina where the first capital of ancient Macedonia was located. We will visit the Museum of Vergina built around a complex of ancient tombs of the Macedonian kings. One of the tombs is considered to be the tomb of Philip II of Macedonia.
Next is visit to the museum in Pella – the birthplace of Philip II and Alexander III. During the reign of Alexander the Great, the capital Pella is ‘’the most beautiful among the Macedonian cities’’ according to Ksenfont.
In the afternoon – set off to Thessaloniki – the second-largest and the most important city in Greece known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 11Thessaloniki (B, L, D)

After breakfast – a city tour of Thessaloniki. Visit to Saint Demetrius Church (VII c.) – one
of the most important Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki. The church preserves the relics of St. Demetrius – the patron saint of the city. Because of its impressive mosaics the church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will see the, Arch of Galerius, the St. George Rotunda, the White Tower. Visit to the Archaeological museum of Thessaloniki.
Dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant with live Greek music.
Overnight.

Day 12Departure from Thessaloniki (B)

Breakfast. Free time until the hour of departure for transfer to the airport for flight back home.

Hotels in the program (or similar)

• Anel 5*, Sofia – 2 overnights
• Sevtopolis 4*, Pavel Banya – 1 overnight
• Ramada Trimontium 4*, Plovdiv – 3 overnights
• Interhotel Sandanski 4*, Sandanski – 1 overnight
• Lucy 5*, Kavala – 1 overnight
• Mediterranean Palace 5*, Paralia Katerini – 1 overnight
• Capsis 4*, Thessaloniki – 2 overnights

Prices – on request

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Austria – Bulgaria – Serbia – Croatia – Hungary

10 days/9 nights

Day 1Amsterdam (D)

Arrival at Amsterdam airport. Coach pick up and transfer to the hotel. Local dinner.
Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 2Amsterdam – Sofia (B, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Amsterdam city tour + HD English speaking local guide.

Transfer to airport and take flight to Sofia.

Lunch on board.

Arrival at Sofia airport. Coach transfer & city orientation tour with English speaking local guide.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 3Sofia – (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Sofia city tour + HD English speaking local guide. Photo stops: Ancient Serdica, Alexander I square, the Royal Palace, the National Theatre, Tzar Osvoboditel boulevard, the Parliament, the Church St. Sofia.

Visit: Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Free afternoon for shopping.

Dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Evening free at leisure & night life.

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Day 4Sofia – Nis – Belgrade (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Departure to Nis (Serbia).

Nis city tour + HD English speaking local guide. Photo stops: Nisava River and Fortress park.

Entrance: Skull tower.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Departure to Belgrade.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 5Belgrade (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Belgrade city tour + HD English speaking local guide

Photo stops: The Republic Square, the National theater, the National museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Knjez Mihailova Str.

Visit: St. Sava Cathedral, Kalemegdan Fortress

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Free afternoon for shopping. Dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
Evening free at leisure & night life.
Accommodation: 3* hotel.

Day 6Belgrade – Zagreb (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Departure to Zagreb (Croatia).

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Zagreb city tour + HD English speaking local guide

Photo stops: St Mark Church, Upper town, Gornji Grad, Zagreb Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre.

Visit: Local market the Dolac.

Dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 7Zagreb – Balaton lake – Budapest (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Departure to Budapest (Hungary).

Photo stop: Balaton lake.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

Day 8Budapest (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Budapest city tour + HD English speaking local guide.

Photo stops: House of Parliament, Castle District, Citadel, Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. See all the wonderful sights of Budapest; the nicest squares, monuments and churches of the city and the unique panorama of the river Danube.

Lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

Free afternoon for shopping.

Dinner at a local restaurant

Evening free at leisure & night life.

Accommodation: 3* hotel.

Day 9Budapest – Amsterdam (B, L, D)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to airport and take flight to Amsterdam.

Arrival at Amsterdam airport.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Keukenhof.

Entrance to Keukenhof gardens + HD English speaking local guide.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.

Accommodation : 4* hotel.

Day 10Amsterdam (B)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Coach transfer to the airport and take flight back home.

Hotels:

• 2 BB Amsterdam area Best Western Plus Plaza Almere 4* or similar
• 2 BB Sofia area Festa Sofia 4* or similar
• 1 BB Belgrade area Srbija 3* or similar
• 2 BB Zagreb area Laguna 3* or similar
• 2 BB Budapest area Medosz 3* or similar

Tour prices include:

• 9 nights’ accommodation the above mentioned hotels with breakfast included (hot buffet)
• 9 dinners and 7 lunches according to the program in Local and Chinese restaurants
• Throughout transportation by a comfortable 46 seater LDC
• Parking fees, road and border taxes
• Sightseeing program as mentioned above
• All entrance fees of the following sights:
o Skull Tower Nis
o Keukenhof gardens
• English speaking local guides as follows
o English speaking assistant at Amsterdam airport upon arrival
o 2 x HD English speaking guide in Amsterdam (1 guide at maximum 15 PAX is mandatory in Amsterdam city center)
o HD English speaking guide in Sofia
o HD English speaking guide in Nis
o HD English speaking guide in Belgrade
o HD English speaking guide in Zagreb
o HD English speaking guide in Budapest
o English speaking assistant at Amsterdam airport upon arrival
o HD English speaking guide in Keukenhof
• 1 tour leader free of charge in SGL room including all the services

Tour prices don’t include:

• Other meals and services than mentioned
• International flights

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Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine

14 days/13 nights

Day 1Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria – (L/D)

Arrival at Sofia airport. Meet & assist. Panoramic tour around the Bulgarian capital – an 8500 old city called “My Rome” by the emperor Constantine The Great. Visit the most fascinating places of interest: the forum of Ancient Serdica (the old name of the city) with the newest archeological discoveries from Roman time, which are exhibited next to the Bulgarian presidency.

Our tour continues with the “Alexander I” square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, “Tzar Osvoboditel” boulevard, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means wisdom), which had given the name of the city, the Sofia University and the “Alexander Nevski” cathedral (the biggest Orthodox church on the Balkan peninsula).

Free time to walk along the main pedestrian boulevard – “Vitosha”

Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 2FD Tour in Sofia – (BLD)

After breakfast we will visit the most remarkable objects in the outskirts of Sofia. This is Boyana Church – a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated in the Boyana district, near Sofia. The monument is included in UNESCO World Heritage List. The church is one of the most completely and perfectly preserved monuments of East-European medieval art. The frescoes in the church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings and are initiating the beginning of the European Renaissance.

Our tour for today will end with visit to the National Museum of History – the biggest museum in Bulgaria famous with its collection of golden treasures found on the Bulgarian lands.

Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 3FD Tour in Sofia – (BLD)

After breakfast – departure to Vitosha mountain to see the Stone Rivers natural phenomena. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views over Sofia city.

Back to the city center to visit Military museum.

Free time at leisure or shopping.

Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 4Sofia to Plovdiv – (BLD)

After breakfast – departure to Plovdiv, the “City of the seven hills’’. Plovdiv is the oldest city in Europe still existing today. It was called Philippopolis in the IV century B.C. in honor of King Philip II of Macedonia. Today Plovdiv is a cultural center of Bulgaria and selected as European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Walking tour of the Old Town of Plovdiv impressive with the houses-museums of the Revival period like the Ethnographical museum; the Ancient Theater, the Fortress walls, the oldest church in the city – “St. St. Constantine and Helena”, etc. We will see the Muslim temple Dzhoumaya Mosque and the Roman Stadium on the main street of Plovdiv.

Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Plovdiv

Day 5Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest – (BLD)

After breakfast – set off to Kazanlak – the capital of the Rose valley and Thracian Kings.

Visit a family-run rose oil distillery in Tarnicheni village operating since 1909. The hosts will show how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used in the perfumery) is produced.

Departure to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Visit to the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower. Walk along the old Trade Street – “Samovodska charshia”, where you will have opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs.

In the late afternoon we will reach the Romanian capital Bucharest.

Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

Day 6FD Tour of Bucharest – (BLD)

Breakfast. City tour with the visit of Bucharest`s main touristic attractions: The Press House, the Kiseleff Boulevard, the Arch of Triumph, the Victoria Square, the Spring Palace, the Cotroceni Palace, the Palace of Parliament and of course the old streets like the Lipscani Street and authentic Village Museum.

Dinner and overnight in Bucharest

Day 7Bucharest/Sinai/Brasov Romania – (BLD)

After breakfast we will drive towards Transylvania. The Royal Family`s favourite city (Sinaia) will be our next target. The gateway to wild nature is possible here, a mountain resort known also as „The Pearl of the Carpathians “. This place impresses everyone by the beauty of its landscapes, guarding a treasure of the Romanian history: The Peles Castle, used as a summer residence for the royal family, this monument represents a symbol of elegance and nobility. In Brasov we will have a city tour of the middle-aged city inside the Carpathian Arch, visiting the main touristic features: The Council Hall, the Black Church, the 14th century St. Saint Nicholas Church, the Schei quarter, The Rope Street (the narrowest street in Romania).

We will depart to Bran village, where the world-famous Dracula Castle is located. The castle was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence in the 1920s under Queen Marie of Romania. Nowadays, Bran Castle is the most visited castle in Romania and is known, all over the world, as Dracula`s Castle.

Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Brasov.

Day 8Brasov – Chisinau. Moldova – (BLD)

After breakfast, city tour of Brasov – a medieval city, founded in 12-th century. Sightseeing tour of the really good preserved historical city center with the big square, the old city-hall, and the Black Church – the main Gothic style monument in the country. We drive towards Chisinau.

Dinner and overnight in Chisinau.

Day 9Chisinau – Tighina – Tiraspol – Cricova – Chisinau – (BLD)

Chisinau City Tour – one can hardly find a more greenish, attractive and welcoming city. This can be easily proved during the panoramic tour where you will see in brief the main cultural, historical and commercial places of interest. Transfer from Chisinau to Tighina. The medieval fort of Tighina was first built in the 15th centuries by the princes of Moldova. Until just a few years ago this was a functioning Russian army base and off limits to the public. Now the base is just south of the fortress, so you can freely wander inside.

From here we drive to Tiraspol. As soon as you arrive in the city, you will immediately notice that it is filled with Soviet monuments back from the days of USSR; that’s why it is usually called an open-air museum or a Soviet theme park. Drive back to Chisinau for dinner and overnight.

Day 10Chisinau, Moldova to Odessa Ukraine – (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we drive towards Ukraine. Arrival in Odessa. After a refreshing break, we will have the city tour of Odessa – a major tourism center, seaport and transport hub located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea.

Dinner and overnight in Odessa

Day 11Odessa Ukraine to Kiev – (BLD)

Breakfast. Check out and drive towards Kiev. On route stop for lunch. Arrival in Kiev.

Dinner and overnight in Kiev.

Day 12FD Tour of Kiev – (BLD)

Breakfast. Kiev panoramic city tour, including visit of Saint Sophiia Cathedral. Lunch at a local restaurant in Kiev. Afternoon visit of Pyrogovo open-air ethnographical complex. Dinner and overnight in Kiev.

Day 13FD Tour of Kiev (Museums and other sites to visit) – (BLD)

Breakfast. Visit of Kievo – Pechersk Lavra Cave Monastery. Lunch at a local restaurant in Kiev.

Afternoon visit of WWII museum and Glory Park.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 14Kiev MNL (B)

Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Prices

Hotels:

• 3 BB Sofia area Festa Sofia 4* or similar
• 1 BB Plovdiv area Aliance 4* or similar
• 2 BB Bucharest area Rin Grand 4* or similar
• 1 BB Brasov area Ramada 4* or similar
• 2 BB Chisinau area Manhattan 4* or similar
• 1 BB Odessa area Black Sea 4* or similar
• 3 BB Kiev area Ukraine 4* or similar

Tour prices include:

• 13 nights’ accommodation the above mentioned hotels with breakfast included
• 13 breakfasts, 13 dinners and 13 lunches according to the program in hotels and local restaurants (3 course set menu with 1 soft drink per person)
• Throughout transportation by a comfortable 46 seater long distance coach
• Parking fees, road and border taxes
• All entrance fees of the following sights:
  • Sofia – Boiana church
  • Sofia – National Museum of History
  • Sofia – Military Museum
  • Plovdiv – Ancient Theatre
  • Plovdiv – Ethnographical Museum
  • Tarnicheni – Rose oil distillery
  • Veliko Tarnovo – Tsarevets fortress
  • Bucharest – Palace of Parliament
  • Bucharest – Village museum
  • Sinaia – Peles Castle
  • Barn – Drakula Castle
  • Brasov – Black Church
  • Chisinau – Tighina Fortress
  • Kiev – Saint Sophia cathedral
  • Kiev – Pyrogovo open-air ethnographical complex
  • Kiev – Pechersk Lavra Cave Monastery
  • Kiev – WWII museum
• English speaking throughout guide for each country
• 1 tour leader free of charge in 1 SGL room including all the services

The post Balkans & Post-Soviet States appeared first on Boiana-MG.

12 days/11 nights tour in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia

Day 1Budapest (D)

Arrival in Budapest. Transfer from the airport and accommodation in the selected hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight.

Day 2Budapest (A Beauty over Danube River) – Timisoara (B, D)

After breakfast – a panoramic city tour of Budapest with the most interesting and famous sights of the Hungarian capital, like the House of Parliament (inside visit), Castle District, Citadel, Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. See all the wonderful sights of Budapest – the impressive squares, monuments and churches of the city and the unique panorama of the Danube river!

Transfer to Timisoara – the largest city in Western Romania built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress. In 1989, Timisoara was where the rebellion against the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu began. Check-in at the selected hotel. A city tour of Timisoara follows the Union Square (former Dome Square), the old fortress’ walls, Dome-church, Pillar of the Plague, Bastion, “House with the Iron Tree”, Statue of St. Mary and Huniade Castle.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 3Timisoara – Hunedoara – Sibiu (The Biggest Medieval City) (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to the biggest medieval city in Romania – Sibiu. The city was voted as the European Capital of Culture for 2007. On the road we will visit Hunedoara castle – one of the largest castles in Europe, build over the site of an older fortification on a rock above Zlaști River.
After this we arrive in Sibiu. Visit the medieval city with the Big and Little Square, Liars Bridge, City Hall Tower, Brukenthal Museum and the old style houses. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Sibiu.

Day 4Sibiu – Sighisoara (The Birthhouse of Vlad Dracula) – Bran – Poiana Brasov ( B, L)

After breakfast, we drive to one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania – Sighisoara.
Visit the Citadel – a 12th-century Saxon edifice located in the historic centre of the city. Still occupied, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Lunch in the famous restaurant «Vlad Dracula», located in the same house where the popular character of the British writer Bram Stoker was born.
In the late afternoon, we will visit Bran village, where the world-famous Dracula castle is located. It is the most curious part of the trip in Romania, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Departure towards Poiana Brasov. Accommodation and overnight in a selected hotel in Poiana Brasov.

Day 5Poiana Brasov – Brasov – Sinaia – Bucharest (B, D)

After breakfast – we will enjoy the city tour in Brasov where we will visit the Black Church.
Then departure to the mountain resort Sinaia also called “the pearl of the Carpathian Mountains”. Visit the Peles Castle, constructed in 1873 as a summer residence of the Romanian royal family. You can see a rich collection of old furniture, carpets, weapons and armors.
In the late afternoon – arrive in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Dinner and accommodation at a selected hotel in which you will stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 6Bucharest (The Little Paris) (B, D)

After breakfast – a walking city tour of the Romanian capital follows: the Royal Palace, the University’s Library, the City Hall and other interesting sights of the city also called “The little Paris” because of the similar architectural style of the buildings. Interior visit of the Palace of Parliament (the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in the USA).
Free time at leisure in the afternoon for further exploration on your own.
Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Day 7Bucharest – Ruse – Ivanovo Rock Churches – Veliko Tarnovo (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to Bulgaria. Crossing the Danube River to reach Ruse – the main Bulgarian river port. Panoramic tour by bus in Ruse.
Departure to the Rusenski Lom River Valley. Visit Rock Churches of Ivanovo (XII-XIV c) – a UNESCO sight, famous for its unique frescoes. Then we will drive to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour with a visit to the Asenevtsi monument, the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal church and Emperor Baldwin’s Tower.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 8Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak (Valley of Roses) – Plovdiv – Sofia (B, D)

After breakfast – Departure to The Valley of Roses and Thracian Kings to visit the replica of UNESCO listed Kazanlak tomb. Next, we will visit a rose oil distillery, where the hosts will show how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used widely in perfumery) is produced.
In the afternoon we will reach Plovdiv – the city of the seven hills, built IV centuries before Christ by King Philip of Macedonia. Plovdiv was selected as the European capital of culture in 2019 and is currently the second-largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. It is the largest and most important city of the historical region of Upper (or Northern) Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millennial history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is a contemporary of Troy and Mycenae, and older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople. In 342 BC, it was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, who renamed it “Philippopolis” or “the city of Philip” in his honour.
In Plovdiv, we will see the old town with the Antique theatre, the Roman stadium, as well as some of the most luxurious homes from the Bulgarian Renaissance owned by wealthy citizens of Plovdiv.
Departure towards Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria. Dinner and accommodation at a selected hotel in Sofia.

Day 9Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia (B, D)

After Breakfast – a sightseeing tour of the Bulgarian capital – an 8500 years old city referred to as “My Rome” by Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit the most interesting historical sights: Ancient Serdica, the rotunda church St. George (dated IV century AC), St. Nedelya square, where 4 temples from different religions are located next to each other: The Catholic church, The Orthodox church, The Synagogue and The Mosque are forming quadrangle, which symbolizes the peace between religions in Bulgaria. Next is Alexander I square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means Holy Wisdom), which had given the name of the city and the “Alexander Nevski” cathedral (the biggest Orthodox temple on the Balkan peninsula).
Departure to the Rila monastery, founded in 10th c. It was the biggest Bulgarian medieval spiritual centre with a rich collection of icons, wall paintings, old-printed books – some 15 000 volumes, etc. Guided tour around the monastery. The monastery is a monument on the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated on the highest mountain in the Balkans – Rila, with a peak “Moussala” as high as 2925 m.
Return to Sofia for dinner and overnight.

Optional:
•    Dinner in a typical Bulgarian folklore restaurant with an entertainment program.

Day 10Sofia – Nis – Blegrade (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to Serbia. Our first stop is Nis – a city where for the first time Emperor Constantine The Great approved Christianity as equal religion in the Roman Empire. Visit the most remarkable sight – the tower made of skulls.
In the afternoon we will arrive in the Serbian capital – Belgrade. The guide will tell you secrets and stories about Belgrade and will show you all attractions and places of interest: The Republic Square, the National theatre and the National Museum, the Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, the oldest residential house and museum of the Serbian language, the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, „Victor“ the most famous symbol of Belgrade, the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers, Saborna church and Knez Mihailova street.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Belgrade.

Day 11Belgrade – Novi Sad – Budapest (B, D)

After breakfast – depart to Novi Sad – the Serbian pearl on the Danube river. On the road visit Sremski Karlovci, where you could enjoy a short walk through the city. You will be presented with a view of the Patriarchy Court – the most monumental building of the 19th century in Vojvodina, Saborna church – one of the most beautiful examples of the architecture of the 18th century, Gymnasium of Karlovci, Magistracy, Roman-Catholic church, fountain Four lions.
Proceed to Novi Sad for a sightseeing tour including the Synagogue, Serbian National Theater, Square of Freedom with City Hall, monument of Svetozar Miletic and the Name of Mary Roman-Catholic church. Continue the walk through the Street Zmaj Jovina to the Bishop’s Palace, and then proceed to Danube Street to Danube park.
Return to Budapest in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12Departure (B)

After breakfast – transfer to the airport and flight back home.

The post Grand Tour round Eastern Balkans appeared first on Boiana-MG.

14 days/13 nights tour in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey

Day 1Budapest (D)

Arrival at Budapest. Transfer from the airport and accommodation in the selected hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight.

Day 2Budapest (A Beauty over Danube River) (B, D)

After breakfast – panoramic city tour of Budapest with the most interesting and famous sights of the Hungarian capital, like House of Parliament (inside visit), Castle District, Citadel, Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. See all the wonderful sights of Budapest; the nicest squares, monuments and churches of the city and the unique panorama of the river Danube!
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 3Budapest – Timisoara (The Romanian West) (B, D)

After breakfast – transfer to Timisoara – the largest city in the Western part of Romania built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress. The country’s hero town in 1989, Timisoara was where the rebel against the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu began. Check in the selected hotel. A city tour of Timisoara follows: the Union Square (former Dome Square), the old fortress’ walls, Dome-church, Pillar of the Plague, Bastion, “House with the Iron Tree”, Statue of St. Mary and Huniade Castle. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 4Timisoara – Hunedoara – Sibiu (The Biggest Medieval City) (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to the biggest medieval city in Romania – Sibiu. The city was voted as European Capital of Culture for 2007. On the road we will visit Hunedoara castle – one of the largest castles in Europe, build over the site of an older fortification on a rock above Zlaști River.
After this we arrive in Sibiu. Visit to the medieval city with the Bigg and Little Square, Liars Bridge, City Hall Tower and Brukenthal Museum and the old style houses. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Sibiu.

Day 5Sibiu – Sighisoara (The Birthhouse of Vlad Dracula) – Brasov (B, L)

After breakfast we drive to one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania – Sighisoara.
Visit of the Citadel – a 12th century Saxon edifice located in the historic center of the city. Still occupied, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Lunch in the famous restaurant «Vlad Drakula», located in the same house where the popular character of the British writer Bram Stoker was born.
Departure towards Brasov. Accommodation and overnight in selected hotel in Brasov.

Day 6Brasov – Bran (Dracula Castle) – Sinaia – Bucharest (B, D)

After breakfast – visit the Bran village, where the world famous Dracula castle is located. It is the most curious part of the trip in Romania, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Then departure to the mountain resort Sinaia, also called “the pearl of the Carpathian Mountains”. Visit to the Peles Castle, constructed in 1873 as a summer residence of the Romanian royal family. You can see a rich collection of old furniture, carpets, weapons and armors.
In the late afternoon – arrival in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Dinner and accommodation in a selected hotel in which you will stay for next 2 nights.

Day 7Bucharest (The Little Paris) (B, D)

After breakfast – a walking city tour of the Romanian capital follows: the Royal Palace, the University’s Library, the City-Hall and other interesting sights of the city also called “the little Paris” because of the similar architecture style of the buildings. Interior visit of Palace of Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in USA).
Free time at leisure in the afternoon to further explore on your own.
Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Day 8Bucharest – Ruse – Ivanovo Rock Churches – Veliko Tarnovo (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to Bulgaria. Crossing the Danube River to reach Ruse – the main Bulgarian river port. Panoramic tour by bus in Ruse.
Departure to the Rusenski Lom River Valley. Visit Rock Churches of Ivanovo (XII-XIV c) – an UNESCO object, famous for its unique frescoes. Then we will drive to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour with visit to the Asenevtsi monument, the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 9Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak (Valley of Roses) – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to The Valley of Roses and Thracian Kings to visit the replica of UNESCO listed Kazanlak tomb.
Departure to Tarnicheni village where we will visit a family-run rose oil distillery operating since 1909. The hosts will show how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used in the perfumery) is produced.
Drive through the picturesque valley to reach Koptivshtitsa – small town nestled between two mountains. Along the cobbled roads of the town you will see the Revival architecture represented in the preserved house – museums.
Departure towards Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria.
Dinner and accommodation in a selected hotel in Sofia.

Day 10Sofia – Rila Monatery – Sofia (The Treasury of Rila Monastery) (B, L)

After breakfast – take off to the Rila monastery, founded in 10th c. It was the biggest Bulgarian medieval spiritual centre with rich collection of icons, wall-paintings, old-printed books – some 15 000 volumes, etc. Guided tour around the monastery. The monastery is a monument on the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila Mountain, with peak “Moussala” as high as 2925 m. Lunch in restaurant near the monastery famous with its dishes of fresh trout.
Drive back to Sofia. Free time for shopping, dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Optional:
•    Dinner in a typical Bulgarian folklore restaurant with entertainment program

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 11Sofia (A 8500 years Old City) – Plovdiv (B,  D)

After breakfast – waking city tour around Sofia. The Bulgarian capital is a 8500 years old city called “My Rome” by the Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit to the most interesting historical sights: the Ancient Serdica, the rotunda church St. George (dated IV century AC),  the St. Nedelya square, where 4 temples from different religions are located next to each other: The Catholic church, The Ortodox church, The Synagogue and The Mosque are forming quadrangle, which symbolize the peace between religions in Bulgaria. Next is the Alexander I square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means Holy Wisdom), which had given the name of the city and the “Alexander Nevski” cathedral (the biggest Orthodox temple on the Balkan peninsula).
Afterwards – departure for Plovdiv – the city of the seven hills, built in IV centuries before Christ from the King Philip of Macedonia. Plovdiv is European capital of culture 2019 and currently the second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. It is the largest and most important city of the historical region of Upper (or Northern) Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millennial history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is a contemporary of Troy and Mycenae, and older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople. In 342 BC, it was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, who renamed it “Philippopolis” or “the city of Philip” in his own honor.
In Plovdiv we will see the old town with the Antique theatre, the Roman stadium, as well as some of the most luxury homes for the Renaissance which were owed by rich citizens of Plovdiv.
Overnight and dinner in a selected hotel in Plovdiv.

Optional:
•    Dinner with wine tasting

Day 12Plovdiv – Edirne – Istanbul (Border of Two Continents) (B, D)

After breakfast – drive to Edirne which is the largest Turkish city located entirely in Europe. Founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it was originally called Hadrianopolis. The most important monument of Edirne is the mosque complex Selimiye. One of the entrances to the mosque runs through the Selimiye Arastası bazaar, where mainly souvenirs, traditional rose soaps and clothes are sold. Free time for lunch and visit to the Health Museum in Istanbul.
Transfer to Istanbul – a city on two continents, an Emperors’ Citadel and a guard of the secular Turkey of today.
Arriving in Istanbul in the late afternoon. Accommodation in the selected hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Optional:
•    Turkish Night Tour with Belly Dance & Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 13Istanbul (B, D)

After breakfast in your hotel, your tour of Istanbul starts with Hagia Sophia – the most famous Byzantine building in Istanbul and one of the largest existing ones, considered one of the architectural wonders of the world.
Next is visit Sultanahmet Mosque also known as Blue Mosque, one of the beautiful sample of Ottoman architecture built in the 17th century, famous with its six minarets, graceful cascade of domes and blue tiles. We will also visit the Hippodrome, the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II. Proceed the tour with the magnificient Topkapi Palace (including Harem Section), the residence of the Sultans for almost four centuries. The construction of the Topkapi Palace was completed at 1464. Being the imperial residence of the sultan, his court and harem, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire, 4,000 people lived in the Palace.
Our last stop will be Grand Bazaar, which in addition to its historical importance, is a bazaar that will tempt you with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.

Optional:
•    1 hour cruise across the Bosphorus (border of a two continents) on a private boat

Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 14Departure (B)

After breakfast – transfer to the airport and flight back home.

The post From Budapest to the Golden Horn Deluxe Version appeared first on Boiana-MG.

8 days/7 nights

A tour in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria

Day 1Budapest (D)

Arrival at Budapest airport. Transfer to the city center for panoramic city tour with the most interesting and famous sights of the Hungarian capital, like House of Parliament, Castle District, Citadel, Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. See all the wonderful sights of Budapest; the nicest squares, monuments and churches of the city and the unique panorama of the river Danube. Welcome dinner and overnight.

Day 2Budapest – Sibiu (The Biggest Medieval City) (B, D)

After breakfast – departure to the biggest medieval city in Romania – Sibiu. The city was voted as European Capital of Culture for 2007. On the road we will visit Hunedoara castle – one of the largest castles in Europe, build over the site of an older fortification on a rock above Zlaști River.

After this we arrive in Sibiu. Visit to the medieval city with the Bigg and Little Square, Liars Bridge, City Hall Tower and Brukenthal Museum and the old style houses. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Sibiu.

Day 3Sibiu – Sighisoara (The Birthhouse of Vlad Dracula) – Bran – Poiana Brasov ( B, L)

After breakfast we drive to one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania – Sighisoara.

Visit of the Citadel – a 12th century Saxon edifice located in the historic center of the city. Still occupied, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Lunch in the famous restaurant Vlad Drakula, located in the same house where the popular character of the British writer Bram Stoker was born.

In the late afternoon visit the Bran village, where the world famous Dracula castle is located. It is the most curious part of the trip in Romania, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Departure towards Poiana Brasov. Accommodation and overnight in selected hotel in Poiana Brasov.

Day 4Poiana Brasoiv – Brasov – Sinaia – Bucharest (B, D)

After breakfast – we will enjoy the city tour in Brasov where we will visit the Black Church.

Then departure to the mountain resort Sinaia, also called “the pearl of the Carpathian Mountains”. Visit to the Peles Castle, constructed in 1873 as a summer residence of the Romanian royal family. You can see a rich collection of old furniture, carpets, weapons and armors.

In the late afternoon – arrival in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Dinner and accommodation in a selected hotel.

Day 5Bucharest – Ruse – Ivanovo Rock Churches – Veliko Tarnovo (B, D)

After breakfast – a walking city tour of the Romanian capital: the Royal Palace, the University’s Library, the City-Hall, the Palace of Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in USA) and other interesting sights of the city also called “the little Paris” because of the similar architecture style of the buildings.

Departure to Bulgaria. Crossing the Danube River to reach Ruse – the main Bulgarian river port. Panoramic tour by bus in Ruse.

Departure to the Rusenski Lom River Valley. Visit Rock Churches of Ivanovo (XII-XIV c) – an UNESCO object, famous for its unique frescoes. Then we will drive to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo with visit to the Asenevtsi monument, the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower.

Accommodation, dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 6Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak (Valley of Roses) – Plovdiv – Sofia (B, D)

After breakfast –Departure to The Valley of Roses and Thracian Kings to visit the replica of UNESCO listed Kazanlak tomb. Next is Tarnicheni village where we will visit a family-run rose oil distillery operating since 1909. The hosts will show how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used in the perfumery) is produced.

In the afternoon we will reach Plovdiv – the city of the seven hills, built in IV centuries before Christ from the King Philip of Macedonia. Plovdiv is European capital of culture 2019 and currently the second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. It is the largest and most important city of the historical region of Upper (or Northern) Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millennial history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is a contemporary of Troy and Mycenae, and older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople. In 342 BC, it was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, who renamed it “Philippopolis” or “the city of Philip” in his own honor.

In Plovdiv we will see the old town with the Antique theatre, the Roman stadium, as well as some of the most luxury homes for the Renaissance which were owed by rich citizens of Plovdiv.

Departure towards Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria. Dinner and accommodation in a selected hotel in Sofia.

Day 7Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia (B, D)

After Breakfast – sightseeing tour of the Bulgarian capital – a 8500 years old city called “My Rome” by the Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit to the most interesting historical sights: the Ancient Serdica, the rotunda church St. George (dated IV century AC),  the St. Nedelya square, where 4 temples from different religions are located next to each other: The Catholic church, The Ortodox church, The Synagogue and The Mosque are forming quadrangle, which symbolize the peace between religions in Bulgaria. Next is the Alexander I square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means Holy Wisdom), which had given the name of the city and the “Alexander Nevski” cathedral (the biggest Orthodox temple on the Balkan peninsula).

Departure to the Rila monastery, founded in 10th c. It was the biggest Bulgarian medieval spiritual centre with rich collection of icons, wall-paintings, old-printed books – some 15 000 volumes, etc. Guided tour around the monastery. The monastery is a monument on the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila Mountain, with peak “Moussala” as high as 2925 m.

Return back to Sofia for dinner and overnight.

Optional:

• Dinner in a typical Bulgarian folklore restaurant with entertainment program

Day 8Departure (B)

After breakfast – transfer to the airport and flight back home.

The post From Budapest to the Ancient Serdica appeared first on Boiana-MG.

8 days/7 nights tour
Ref # LB031218/BG

Day 1Belgrade

Arrival at Belgrade`s airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Sightseeing of Belgrade where you can see: building of Government of Serbia, Saint Sava Temple –second largest Orthodox churches in the world; Parliament building, Saint Marks church and Republic and Terazijesquare. Afterwards, walk through city center-the pedestrian street of Prince Mihailoand see the mixture of main European architectural styles and feel the atmosphere of the Belgrade promenade. Visit famous Kalemegdan fortress, unique museum of Belgrade history –the main city park with many sculptures and monuments of eminent Serbs. In medieval fortress we will see: ‘’Ficirbeir’’ –viewpoint from which most scenic photos of Belgrade are made, ‘’Zindan’’ gate, Ruzica Church and the Chapel of Saint Petka, built over the famous miraculous water spring and symbol of Belgrade ‘’Pobednik’’ –Victor monument. We continue to 19th Century Belgrade, where you will see Orthodox Cathedral –extremely valuable treasure representing the icons from 18th –20th century, Princess Ljubica’s Mansion –typical Balkan architectural style building, today a museum with exhibition of the Serbian history of the 19th century.

Dinner and overnight in Belgrade

Day 2Belgrade – Topola – Nis

Morning departure from Belgrade and drive along beautiful slopes of central Serbia –Šumadijato Topola. This small town rich in history will tell us a tale about royal family Karadjordjevic, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising and founder of the Karadjordjevic Royal dynasty.

Tour of the memory complex comprising of the Saint George Church, Mausoleum of Karadjordjevic Dynasty and the house of the royal family. Famous gorgeous mosaics in the Church and in the crypt are the best achievements of fresco painting in Serbia. The Mausoleum, built by King Petar I, is covered with white marble.

This area is known for the world famous wine production. Visit to famous winery.

Departure to city of Niš.

Accommodation in hotel in Niš.

Day 3Nis – Sofia

After breakfast – panoramic tour of Nis on which we will visit The Niš Fortress, lying on the bank of Nišava River. Its assumed its final shape in 1723, when the Turks built it, facing the end of their reign in this area; Banovina Building; Niš Liberators Monument at King Milan Square; The Monument of well-known Serbian writer Stevan Sremac; Mediana Archeological Site, which was built in the early 4th century AD, during the time of Constantine the Great, as a residence for use by Roman emperors when visiting Naissus (Niš); Skull Tower, the monument, unique in the world, which was built after the Battle of Cegar, Turks prepared the construction of the tower made of skulls; Tinkers Alley –the only part of the commercial district of old Niš that has been preserved.

In the early afternoon cross the border and meet with your Bulgarian guide. Continue the tour with first stop Sofia – the Bulgarian capital city dated back 8500 years, called by Constantine the Great “My Rome”. Panoramic tour of Sofia and visit some of the most interesting sites in the historical center: The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, which had given the name of the city, the Antique Roman Forum and the latest archaeological findings next to the Bulgarian Presidency, Rotunda St. George, The Quadrangle of Tolerance, showing the four main religious – The Catholic church, The Synagogue, The Mosque and The Orthodox church.

Dinner and overnight in Sofia

Day 4Boyana church (UNESCO) – Plovdiv

In the morning visit to the Boyana church – a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church, situated in Boiana district and it is one of the most perfectly preserved churches from that period. This monument is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Continue towards Plovdiv – one of the oldest still living cities in the world, chosen to be European Capital of Culture for 2019. Walking tour around the Old Plovdiv, where along the cobbled streets you will go back into the Revival period with the many house-museums along with the Roman ruins around – Antique Theatre, Roman Stadium.

Accommodation and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 5Plovdiv – Kazanluk – Etara – Veliko Tarnovo

After breakfast set off to Kazanlak – the capital of the valley of Roses and Thracian kings. Visit the Rose museum where can be seen how the famous Bulgarian rose oil is produced. Next is the Thracian Kazanlak Tomb, dating back to the IV c. B.C.  – UNESCO monument.

Departure for Etara – a unique open-air museum, re-creating the way of living of the Bulgarians in the XIX c. – one of the most visited places in the country.

In the late afternoon – the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. City tour along the old capital with visit to the Tzarevets Fortress and the Patriarchal church.

Accommodation and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo

Day 6Veliko Tarnovo – Vratza – Belogradchik

After breakfast depart towards Vratza. Visit the History museum where you will see some of the biggest Thracian treasures – The Rogozen Treasure with 165 silver and golf vessels, The Golden Thracian Treasure of Mogilanska mound, the first proto writings from V millennium BC. Walking tour around this town combining natural and cultural treasure in one, with two residential defensive towers from Middle Ages. In the afternoon – depart towards Belogradchik. Visit the natural phenomenon Belogradchik Rocks, taken part in the vote for the New Seven Wonders of the World. For their unique natural forms the rocks have their names some of which are: “Adam and Eve”, “The horseman” and  more. Visit the Belogradchik Fortress which played an important role through the centuries.

Accommodation , dinner and overnight in Belogradchik.

Day 7Belogradchik – Zaichar – Belgrade

After breakfast we continue towards Serbia. On the way to border visit to another natural phenomenon – the Magura cave inhabited from the prehistorical time which can be seen also on the images on the unique walls presenting the way of life from that time along with a unique sun and moon calendar with 366 days.

Next we will cross the border and continue towards Zaječar where you will be met by your Serbian guide. Visit Gamzigrad, in the vicinity of Zaječar city, which was an imperial palace built on the orders of the Roman Emperor Galerius Maximianus.

Enjoy a lunch on our way to the Serbian capital.

Arrival in Belgrade – accommodation and overnight.

Day 8Belgrade

After breakfast – transfer to the airport for flight back home.

Hotels in the program (or similar):

• Belgrade – hotel Queen’s Astoria 4*
• Nis –Tami Residence 4*
• Sofia – Ramada Sofia 4*
• Plovdiv – Hotel & Spa Imperial 4*
• Veliko Tarnovo – Grand hotel Yantra 4*
• Belogradchik – hotel The Rocks 4*

Tour prices include:

• Accommodation for 8 nights in 4* hotel with breakfast included
• 12 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 1 lunch
• Throughout transportation by a comfortable A/C 49-seater bus with driver
• Parking fees, road and border taxes
• All entrance fees for the museums, sites and churches:
• Belgrade fortress Kalemegdan
• Oplenac – Topola
• National Museum in Niš
• Skull tower in Niš
• Mediana in Niš
• Alexander Nevski Cathedral – Sofia
• Boyana church –Sofia (UNESCO)
• Ethnografical museum – Plovdiv
• Antique theatre – Plovdiv
• Roman Stadium – Plovdiv
• Ethnographical museum Etar
• Rose museum – Kazanlak
• Kazanlak Thracian tomb (UNESCO)
• Tzarevetz Fortress – Veliko Tarnovo
• Vratza History museum
• Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress
• Magura Cave with the Prehistorical wall paintings hall
• Felix Romuliana in Zaječar
• Professional English speaking guide for touring days (1 for Bulgaria and 1 for Serbia) and English speaking assistant for airport transfers
• Porterage in the hotels

Tour prices don’t include:

• Other meals than mentioned
• Beverages with meals
• International flights from/to Belgrade or Sofia

Optional:

• Supplement for standard 3-course lunch – 13 EUR per person per day
• Supplement for standard 3-course dinner – 15 EUR per person per day
• Wine tasting in Oplenac with bread and cheese included – 15 EUR per person

The post Two Balkan Gems – Bulgaria & Serbia appeared first on Boiana-MG.

9 days/8 nights

Sofia – 7 Rila Lakes – Bansko – Dobarsko – Melnik – Rozhen – Rupite – Stip – Prilep – Bitola – Ohrid – Tetovo – Skopje – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Highlights

• Visit 2 remarkable countries on the Balkan Peninsula
• Visit of Sofia – an 8500 year old city referred to as: “My Rome”, by the Roman emperor Constantine
• Visit of Plovdiv – the European Capital of Culture for 2019
• Visit of the Macedonian capital city Skopje – the city with the hundred monuments
• A boat cruise on one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes – Ohrid Lake

Day 1Sofia city tour (B)

Arrival in Sofia. You will be transferred to and accommodated at 4* Ramada Sofia hotel (or similar).

Next is a walking tour of Sofia and a visit to the most interesting historical sights: the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and St. Sofia Church, which had given the name of the city and the historical and cultural centre of the capital.

In the afternoon you will visit the famous Boyana Church – situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in Sofia. It is one of the few medieval monuments of Christian art that have survived until the present day. The church was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. Boyana Church owes its global fame mainly to the wall paintings dating back to 1259 which demonstrate the exceptional achievements of Bulgaria’s medieval culture. Each of the more than 240 figures depicted in the church has unique individuality and high artistic value.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2Sofia – 7 Rila Lakes – Bansko (B)

After breakfast – depart to the Seven Rila Lakes which are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula, a dream destination not to be missed. Their beauty touches thousands of Bulgarian and international travellers each year. On the way, you will take a cable car from which you will witness the incredible beauty of Rila Mountain.

In the late afternoon, you will head towards the picturesque mountain resort – Bansko. You will be accommodated at the 4* Casa Karina Hotel (or similar).

Free evening program and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3Bansko – Dobarsko – Melnik (B)

After breakfast, you will take a city tour. There are multiple museums and landmarks in the town. 130 architectural and historical monuments of culture are registered, seven of which are of national significance. The architecture of the typical houses in Bansko from the period of Revival (18th – 19th century) can be seen on the territory of the town. The “Velyanova” house is one of the best models of Revival architecture. It was built in the 18th century, and nowadays it is declared a monument of culture with national significance and a model of the architectural type of reinforced house. The unique wall paintings and fretworks on the ceilings are made by the artist Velyan Ognev. The church “St. Trinity” is a basilica with a nave and two aisles, built in 1835 by local builders. It was the largest one in Bulgaria, before the construction of the monumental temple “Alexander Nevski”.

Next is a visit to Dobarsko – founded by soldiers from Bulgarian tsar Samuil’s blinded army after the Battle of Belasitsa in 1014, who arrived in the area en route to the Rila Monastery and discovered a holy spring that allegedly cured them. Dobarsko is first mentioned in Tsar Ivan Shishman’s donor’s charter from the Rila Monastery in 1378. Dobarsko is known for its 25-metre waterfall, Shtrokaloto, its two old Eastern Orthodox churches and the many consecrated grounds and chapels in the area, as well as the view of three of Bulgaria’s highest and largest mountains from the village. At this magical place, you will enjoy a folklore performance from a choir of local women.

Optional – lunch at a local guesthouse.

Your journey will continue with Melnik – the town of the sand pyramids. The town is an
architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are cultural monuments. With a population of 385, it is the smallest town in Bulgaria, retaining its city status today for historical reasons. Melnik is famous for its wine production and you will be able to experience that first-hand by doing some wine tasting at a local winery.

Accommodation and overnight at the 3* Park Hotel Melnik.

Day 4Melnik – Rozhen – Rupite – Stip (B)

After breakfast, you will head for the Rozhen Monastery – the biggest monastery in the Pirin
Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria, nestled in the Melnik Earth Pyramids. It is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries well preserved today. The monastery reached its apogee in the 19th century when it was a regional centre of Orthodox Christianity and owned a lot of land in the area. Famous Bulgarian revolutionary Yane Sandanski’s grave is located near the monastery.

Next on your itinerary is “Rupite” – a protected area, famous for its healing mineral springs
with a temperature of 74° C. The memorial temple “St. Petka of Bulgaria”, built in 1994 is situated in the locality of Rupite. The locality is mostly famous as a place related to the prophet Vanga, and this attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists. Vangeliya Gushterova (1911 – 1996), is the full name of the prophet, famous around the whole world for her multiple prophecies which had come true. In the last years of her life, Vanga lived in a small house in the Rupite, because according to her relatives she considered the area an energy source and collected her powers from it.

After this mystique and powerful place, your journey will continue towards North Macedonia and the city of Stip – the largest urban agglomeration in the eastern part of the country, serving as the economic, industrial, entertainment and educational focal point for the surrounding municipalities. You will enjoy a city tour of Stip which will include the ruins of an old castle which keeps a watchful eye on the town from Isar Hill and the monastery church of St Michael under Isar hill (built in 1332 by protosevast Hrelja – the same historical figure that renewed the Rila Monastery and moved it to its current place). You will walk along the old parts of the town where (and especially in Novo Selo) some houses built in the Old Macedonian style of architecture can still be found.

Accommodation at the 4* Urbanista Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Overnight at the hotel.

Day5Stip – Prilep – Bitola – Ohrid (B)

After breakfast, you will continue to Prilep – nicknamed “The city under Marko’s towers” (referring to the fortress). The city was the capital of the medieval kingdom of Kings Volkasin and Marko which explains a large number of churches and monasteries in and around the city. What is most striking about Prilep is the strange bare scenery with huge rocks scattered around. The city is nestled below a bare hill. On the top of the hill, ruins of a medieval fortress stand. One of the curious facts about Prilep is that the whitest marble in the world was found there. The marble is called “Sivec”. The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is made of Sivec, and the marble has also been used in building the White House and other buildings in Washington, D.C.

Next on the itinerary is Bitola – a city in the southwestern part of the Republic of Macedonia. It has been known since the Ottoman period as “The City of The Consuls” since many European countries had consulates in Bitola.

Bitola is one of the oldest cities on the territory of The Republic of Macedonia, having been founded as Heraclea Lyncestis in the middle of the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon. The city was the last capital of Ottoman Rumelia, from 1836 to 1867. You will walk along the long pedestrian street of Sirok Skokak and visit the spectacular Clock Tower.
In the afternoon you will head to Ohrid. There you will be accommodated at the 4* Millenium Palace Hotel (or similar).

Overnight at the hotel.

Day6Ohrid (B)

After breakfast – you will enjoy a tour of Ohrid – the sublime lakeside point that for many represent the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a kingdom of light and water, a repository of ancient ruins. Ohrid’s major attractions are all located within a remarkably concentrated and eminently walkable area, among and above the narrow streets of the Old Town. As for the lake itself, it is so large and so deep that one might mistake it for a small sea. Numerous churches alongside Ohrid’s lake shores make for fascinating side trips and walks. The wooded ridge above the lake’s eastern shore is largely taken up by the National Park of Galichica, an unspoiled wilderness ideally suitable for nature enthusiasts. The uniqueness of Lake Ohrid and the city’s historical architecture has been attested by UNESCO, honouring it with an official designation on the cultural institution’s list of “World Inheritance”.

In the afternoon you will have a boat cruise – 1 hour with a panoramic view of Samuel’s Fortress, the Church of St. Sophia is one of the most important monuments of Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages, Down Sarai of the ottoman empire, Fisherman settlement, Saint John at Kaneo – a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on the cliff over Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid in the city of Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia and Tito’s villa – a complex of state villas in Ohrid, Macedonia. The villa complex includes the villa of the president of Macedonia, the villa of the prime minister, the villa of the ministry of police and several villas of public administration.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day7Ohrid – Tetovo – Skopje (B)

After breakfast you will take a trip to Tetovo – a city that has been under many different empires from the Mycenae and Illyrians, to the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, giving the city a vast range of diverse cultures. The main attractions of Tetovo are its historic areas and structures – “The Šarena Džamija (“The Painted Mosque”)”, “The Baltepes Fortress”, “The Arabati Baba Teḱe”, “The Saat Mosque” (“The Clock Mosque” as the name implies it used to have a clock in its minaret), and the “Kumluk Mosque” (“The Sandy Mosque” an old mosque in the upper bazaar area of Tetovo. The name is derived from the reddish-yellow exterior of the mosque.) There are three stone bridges in Tetovo and each cross the Pena river. The bridges are some of the oldest structures in Tetovo. Most of the old heritage buildings are situated in the old town, near the centre of Tetovo.

Next is Macedonia’s capital – Skopje. Upon arrival, you embark on a city tour on which you will visit “Macedonia Square”, the “Stone Bridge”, the “Holy Savior Church” and many other remarkable landmarks.

Accommodation and overnight at the 4* Duvet Center hotel (or similar).

Day8Skopje – Rila Monastery – Sofia (B)

After breakfast, you will head back to Bulgaria and more specifically, one of its most popular landmarks – the Rila Monastery. The monastery lies in the recesses of Rila Mountain, between Rilska and Drushlyavitsa Rivers, at 1147 m above sea level. Rila holy cloister was founded in the first half of the 10th century. Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational and cultural centre of Bulgaria. In 1976 it was declared a National Historical Reserve and in 1983 it was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. The church preserves the coffin with the relics of the founder of the monastery St. Ivan of Rila, the 12th-century Virgin Hodegetria wonderworking icon, the 17th-century St. Ivan of Rila wonderworking icon, and many other iconostasis and icons from the 19th-century.

After this magnificent landmark of spiritual enlightenment, you will head for Sofia where you will be accommodated at the 4* Ramada Sofia hotel (or similar).

Overnight at the hotel.

Day9Sofia Airport (B)

After breakfast – departure for Sofia Airport and flight back home.

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