Tour Overview
Ref# DE130518/BG
4 days/3 nights
If you appreciate good wine you probably know that some caves provide the best aging conditions. Bulgaria has plenty of both – remarkable caves and fantastic wine. In other words everything for you to enjoy this unique tour!
Highlights:
• Explore Prohodna Cave known also as the Eyes of God
• See how rose oil, one of the trademarks of Bulgaria, is being produced in the heart of the Rose Valley
• Wine tasting at Chateau Copsa
• Visit Plovdiv – the European capital of culture of 2019
Day 1Sofia (D)
Arrival in Sofia. Accommodation in 4* hotel. Dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2Sofia – Prohodna Cave – Saeva Dupka – Sofia (B, D)
After breakfast you will set off for Prohodna Cave. It is one of the most famous and easily accessible caves in Bulgaria. The cave is a natural 262 m long rock bridge. It has two entrances – a big and a small one. A path beginning at the approximately 35 m-high small entrance crosses the cave and goes out through the big entrance (the biggest cave arch in Bulgaria – 45 m).
Prohodna Cave is naturally lit thanks to its large entrances and cave holes – natural holes on the ceiling. These cave holes are precisely what makes the cave unique. Situated next to each other and having similar almond-shaped forms, the cave holes bear striking resemblance to giant eyes that seem as if they are staring at the visitors. It is not by chance that local people sometimes refer to them as The Eyes of God. Seen from a specific angle, they even resemble a face that looks down, and when it is wet it seems as if they are “crying”. People who witness this natural phenomenon are astonished and excited – the incredible symmetry and location of the cave holes fill one with awe and a sense of mystique.
In the early afternoon you will visit another astonishing cave – The Sаeva Dupka Cave – one of nine developed caves in Bulgaria. It is located near the village of Brestnitsa in the Lovech region. The cave’s name comes from the names of two brothers, Syu and Seyu, who hid in the cave during the time of Ottoman rule. When the cave was being developed for tourists, workers found animal bones, earthenware pottery, and Roman coins.
Sаeva Dupka is exceptionally beautiful, displaying all forms found in caves: stalactites, stalagmites, karst lakes, rock curtains, and so forth. The cave’s lavishly decorated walls and ceiling give visitors the impression that they have entered a cathedral. The Harmana Gallery has such excellent acoustic properties that concerts are held here that often feature large choirs and famous performers. The cave has also been used a setting in films.
By evening you will return to Sofia.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 3Sofia – Tarnicheni – Chateau Copsa – Plovdiv (B, D)
After breakfast you will set off for the rose oil distillery in Tarnicheni – the oldest, built in 1909, still fully functioning Rose oil distillery in Bulgaria. Over the years people from all over the world have been very interested and eager to come and visit, witness the unique rose and lavender production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Rose Valley. At the old distillery people are able to observe the traditional ways of distillation dating back to hundreds of years ago while at the same time learn about the new trends and production practices. One of the biggest attractions for you will be to take part in the rose picking at our own rose gardens and after collecting flowers to make Rose water using the old-fashion, traditional method of distillation. You can also visit the family museum and gift shop where you can buy genuine traditional souvenirs.
Next stop on your journey will be Chateau Copsa – a unique Bulgarian family wine cellar where you can witness the process of growing grapes in the vineyard areas, producing and bottling wine. You will also enjoy tasting three types of wine with appetizers.
In the afternoon you will reach Plovdiv where you will be accommodated at the 4* Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium hotel.
After the accommodation you will explore the ancient Plovdiv – the “City of the seven hills’’. It 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. On this city tour you will see for yourselves why Plovdiv was chosen as The European Capital of Culture for 2019.
Dinner at a restaurant in the old town.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4Plovdiv – Sofia (B)
After breakfast you will depart for the Sofia airport for your journey back home.