Bulgarian Sites Under the Aegis of Unesco

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Bulgarian Sites Under the Aegis of Unesco BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO www.bulgariatravel.org multimedia Operative Program “Regional Development 2007-2013 www.bgregio.eu We invest in your future! The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget of Republic of Bulgaria Grant Scheme BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 “Support for Effective National Marketing of Tourist Product and Improvement of Information Service”, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 /001-5 “Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria” This multimedia brochure is created within the framework of the project “Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria”, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008/001-5, which is performed with the financial support of Operative Program “Regional Development” 2007 – 2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.The entire responsibility for the contents of this multimedia brochure is brought by the beneficiary – The Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, and under no circumstances it can be considered that this multimedia brochure presents the official position of the European Union and the Managing Body. www.bulgariatravel.org GENERAL INFORMATION Bulgaria is a successor of ancient civilizations - Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and proto-Bulgarians have left on these lands exceptionally valuable artistic and architectural evidence of their advanced culture. They are scattered throughout the country and make it one of the most attractive destinations for people, interested in history and culture. Besides these treasures, Bulgaria is proud of its pristine nature and amazing biodiversity which is preserved in the parks and reserves of the country. The rich cultural and natural heritage of Bulgaria is highly appreciated by UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 2 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO The UNESCO List of the Global Cultural and Natural Heritage includes sites, which are of great importance to humanity, therefore their conservation and preservation is a priority. This list includes nine Bulgarian sites - seven cultural and two natural. 3 www.bulgariatravel.org RILA MONASTERY Rila Monastery was listed as a It is located in the heart of the UNESCO List of Global Cultural mountain. It was founded in Heritage in 1983. It is the the tenth century and over largest monastery in Bulgaria. the centuries of its existence 4 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO the monastery has been the guardian of the Christian faith and the Bulgarian education and culture. The Rila Monastery is one of the symbols of Bulgaria. It is one of the most visited attractions. The monastery complex covers an area of 8,800 square meters; it has nearly 300 rooms, 100 of which are monastic cells. The monastery has a museum where you can learn the remarkable story of the cloister. The monastery is situated on the territory of the natural park Rila Monastery. 5 www.bulgariatravel.org MADARA RIDER In 1979 the Madara Rider was country, 18 kilometers east included in the UNESCO List - of the town of Shumen and a unique rock relief, located 10 kilometers south of in the northeast of the Pliska. 6 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO An unknown artist has is unknown, and scientists carved an impressive image disagree on the personality of on the cliff at a height of 23 the rider depicted. meters. Although more than 1,000 years have past since In 2008, after the nationwide its creation, the image of a vote, the Madara Horseman horseman with a spear, a was elected a global symbol wounded lion, fallen at the feet of Bulgaria. Its full-size copy of the horse and a hunting dog, can be seen in the National is still visible on the stone. The Archaeological Museum in exact year of the relief creation Sofia. 7 www.bulgariatravel.org BOYANA CHURCH In 1979 the Boyana Church “ St. Nicholas and St. Panteleimon” was included in the UNESCO List. This unique temple is located in the Sofia residential section of Boyana, at the foot of Vitosha mountain. It was built in the end of the 10th and the beginning of the 11th century. Its greatest values are the several layers of frescoes. Among the images on the walls of the church visitors can see various images of Jesus Christ and Holy Mary, Bulgarian kings and queens, saints. 8 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO The unknown master painters periods of the Bulgarian history. were summarized with a general The Boyana Church is one of term Boyana master, although the sites of the National History the murals were created by Museum and is open for tourist different people in different visits throughout the year. 9 www.bulgariatravel.org 10 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 11 www.bulgariatravel.org IVANOVSKI ROCK CHURCHES In 1979 the UNESCO included Michael and was founded in to its list the complex of rock the early 13th century. The churches near the village of most impressive temple is Ivanovo at the Rusenski Lom the one of “St. Mary”, whose Natura; Park. The monastery beautiful frescoes are well complex, which unites the rock preserved and are known temples, was named after St. worldwide. 12 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO The complex is located in a picturesque area, 20 kilometers south of Ruse. The Rusenski Lom Park is a popular destination for eco tourism and bird observation. Near the Ivanovo rock churches stands the beautiful Orlova Chuka cave. Another famous Basarbovski Monastery, which landmark is also situated at is the only operating rock the territory of the park – the monastery in Bulgaria. 13 www.bulgariatravel.org KAZANLAK TOMB The Thracian Tomb of was built near it, which is now Kazanlak was included in available for tourist visits. The the UNESCO List in 1983. It is tomb was built in the 4th - 3rd located in a small park in the century BC. It belonged to an town of Kazanlak. The original unknown Thracian ruler. tomb was sealed in order to The worldwide fame of the preserve its unique murals, monument is due to the but an exact copy of the tomb remarkable murals in the hall and the dome room - one of the best preserved ancient works of art from the early Hellenistic age. The original tomb can also be visited, but only for a few minutes and under certain conditions. The access to the copy of the Kazanlak Tomb is year-round. 14 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 15 www.bulgariatravel.org THRACIAN TOMB OF SVESHTARI The Thracian tomb of Sveshtari and archaeological reserve has been added to the UNESCO Sboryanovo, located 8 List of Global Heritage in kilometers northwest of the 1985. It is part of the historical town of Isperih. The tomb was built in the third century BC and impresses visitors with its architecture and decoration. Here was laid the body of a Thracian ruler from the Getae tribe. The ceiling of the burial chamber is supported by statues of women with raised hands - caryatids, whose faces and hair still preserve the remains of colorful decorations. 16 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO Not far from the Sveshtari Tekke, which is revered tomb lies another popular by both Muslims and the attraction - Demir Baba Christians. 17 www.bulgariatravel.org 18 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 19 www.bulgariatravel.org THE OLD NESEBAR The town of Nesebar is situated 36 kilometers northeast of Burgas on the Black Sea coast. Due to its unique combination of ancient history, ancient ruins and Revival architecture, the Ancient Nessebar was included to the UNESCO List in 1983 The archaeological 20 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO reserve is situated on a small peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The seaside town keeps countless evidence of its history, many of which are kept in the Archaeological Museum in the town. Nesebar is one of the oldest towns in Europe. 21 www.bulgariatravel.org 22 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 23 www.bulgariatravel.org It was founded 3,200 years ago. During the antiquity, the town was called Mesambria, during the Middle Ages - Mesembria, and later - Nesebar. An important part of the reserve are the remains of fortress walls, the early Byzantine 24 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO baths, the temples St. Stephen, Mary Eleusa, Christ Pantocrator, St. Spas, etc. Over 100 houses have been restored in the town, and the Ethnographic Museum is located in one of them, built in 1840. 25 www.bulgariatravel.org 26 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 27 www.bulgariatravel.org NATIONAL PARK PIRIN The National Park Pirin was attractions, glacial lakes, pine included in the UNESCO List in forests and a rich biodiversity. 1983. It is located in the Pirin There are two reserves within Mountain, in southwest Bulgaria, the park- Bayuvi Dupki - and preserves many natural Dzhindzhiritsa and Ulen. 28 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO Its biodiversity is represented tree in Bulgaria - Baykusheva by 1,315 species of higher fir, whose age is over 1,300 plants, 2,000 species of years. You can learn more invertebrates, 200 species about the park and its diversity of vertebrates and 159 bird in the visitor center, which is species. There are many hiking located in the town of Bansko. routes in the park, which give access to numerous tourist sights. Here stands the oldest 29 www.bulgariatravel.org 30 BULGARIAN SITES UNDER THE AEGIS OF UNESCO 31 www.bulgariatravel.org SREBARNA Due to the rare and endangered bird species which nest or rest here on their way south, in 1983 the lake Srebarna was included in the UNESCO List of Global Natural and Cultural Heritage.
Recommended publications
  • A Symbol of Global Protec- 7 1 5 4 5 10 10 17 5 4 8 4 7 1 1213 6 JAPAN 3 14 1 6 16 CHINA 33 2 6 18 AF Tion for the Heritage of All Humankind
    4 T rom the vast plains of the Serengeti to historic cities such T 7 ICELAND as Vienna, Lima and Kyoto; from the prehistoric rock art 1 5 on the Iberian Peninsula to the Statue of Liberty; from the 2 8 Kasbah of Algiers to the Imperial Palace in Beijing — all 5 2 of these places, as varied as they are, have one thing in common. FINLAND O 3 All are World Heritage sites of outstanding cultural or natural 3 T 15 6 SWEDEN 13 4 value to humanity and are worthy of protection for future 1 5 1 1 14 T 24 NORWAY 11 2 20 generations to know and enjoy. 2 RUSSIAN 23 NIO M O UN IM D 1 R I 3 4 T A FEDERATION A L T • P 7 • W L 1 O 17 A 2 I 5 ESTONIA 6 R D L D N 7 O 7 H E M R 4 I E 3 T IN AG O 18 E • IM 8 PATR Key LATVIA 6 United Nations World 1 Cultural property The designations employed and the presentation 1 T Educational, Scientific and Heritage of material on this map do not imply the expres- 12 Cultural Organization Convention 1 Natural property 28 T sion of any opinion whatsoever on the part of 14 10 1 1 22 DENMARK 9 LITHUANIA Mixed property (cultural and natural) 7 3 N UNESCO and National Geographic Society con- G 1 A UNITED 2 2 Transnational property cerning the legal status of any country, territory, 2 6 5 1 30 X BELARUS 1 city or area or of its authorities, or concerning 1 Property currently inscribed on the KINGDOM 4 1 the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Treasure of Balkans Tour Code: Eeskpa
    PREMIUM 12D9N TREASURE OF BALKANS TOUR CODE: EESKPA In this incredible tour you will see the beautiful bountiful and bewildering Balkans. Discover the best of Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. EXTENSIVE COVERAGE ST. JOVAN KANEO OVER OHRID LAKE, MACEDONIA 6 Southern & Eastern Europe | EU Holidays HIGHLIGHTS MACEDONIA Flight path SKOPJE Traverse by coach BULGARIA Featured destinations • House of Mother of 2 ROMANIA Theresa VELIKO TARNOVO Overnight stays 1 2 Brasov • The Church of St. • The Tsarevets 1 Spas Fortress Bran • Mustafa Pasha • Asen’s Monument Sinaia Mosque SOFIA • Fortress Kale • Alexander Nevsky 1 Bucharest OHRID Cathedral SERBIA • Old Town • The Boyana Church MONTENEGRO • Cathedral of St. RILA Sophia • Monastery Sofia 1 Prishtina 1 Veliko Tarnovo ALBANIA ROMANIA Prizren 1 TIRANA SINAIA BULGARIA • Et’hem Bey Mosque • Peles Castle KOSOVO 1 Rila • The Clock Tower BRAN Skopje • Skanderbeg Square • Dracula’s Castle Ohrid Tirana 1 • Skanderbeg Statue BRASOV ALBANIA 1 BERAT • Black Church • Council Square MACEDONIA • Gorica Bridge 1 • Gorica Quarter BUCHAREST Berat • King Mosque • Parliament Palace • The Victory Square KOSOVO • The Roman Square DAY 1 PRIZREN • The Unification HOME → SKOPJE DAY 4 • City Tour Square Meals on Board OHRID → BERAT PRISHTINA Assemble at the airport for your flight to Breakfast, Onufri’s Traditional Lunch, Dinner • City Tour Skopje - The Capital of Macedonia. Hotel breakfast. Heading to the historic city Berat - also known as “the city of a thousand DAY 2 windows”, made the UNESCO World Heritage SKOPJE list in 2008. Explore Berat city tour - the ancient DELICACIES Lunch , Dinner history of Albania from Roman period to modern Meal Plan Explore Skopje with a walking tour of the times.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. World Heritage Property Data 2. Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
    Periodic Report - Second Cycle Section II-Boyana Church 1. World Heritage Property Data 2. Statement of Outstanding Universal Value 1.1 - Name of World Heritage Property 2.1 - Statement of Outstanding Universal Value / Boyana Church Statement of Significance 1.2 - World Heritage Property Details Statement of Outstanding Universal Value State(s) Party(ies) Brief synthesis There are several layers of wall paintings in the interior from Bulgaria the 11th, 13th, 15-17th and 19th centuries which testify to the Type of Property high level of wall painting during the different periods. The cultural paintings with the most outstanding artistic value are those Identification Number from 13th century. Whilst they interpret the Byzantine canon, the images have a special spiritual expressiveness and vitality 42 and are painted in harmonious proportions. Year of inscription on the World Heritage List Criterion (ii): From an architectural point of view, Boyana 1979 Church is a pure example of a church with a Greek cross ground-plan with dome, richly decorated facades and 1.3 - Geographic Information Table decoration of ceramic elements. It is one of the most remarkable medieval monuments with especially fine wall Name Coordinates Property Buffer Total Inscription (latitude/longitude) (ha) zone (ha) year paintings. (ha) Criterion (iii): The Boyana Church is composed of three Boyana 42.65 / 23.267 0.68 13.55 14.23 1979 parts, each built at a different period - 10 century, 13th century Church and 19th century which constitute a homogenous whole. Total (ha) 0.68 13.55 14.23 Integrity The integrity of Boyana church is fully assured.
    [Show full text]
  • THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour Ove Disc R Mo Re
    13 day / 12 night SPECIAL JOURNEY: THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour iscover m d or e. BUCHAREST – SIBIU – SIGHISOARA – BRASOV – VELIKO TARNOVO – PLOVDIV – RILA – SOFIA .. ... e $ r d o i 400 s m c r per o e cou v BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS INCLUSIONS v TR ple e AVEL r o c m s C i R • Maximum 15 participants • Romania’s stunning Transylvania region • Fully Escorted by English speaking EDIT o d Deta r e ils . pa . g Tour Leaders . e 3 • Medieval cities of Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu . • Guaranteed departures e r d o i s m c o r v • Dracula’s Castle in Bran and Peles Castle in Sinaia • First / tourist class hotel accommodation e • Comprehensive tour • Meals: B = breakfast (12), ve • Magical, world- renowned Carpathian Mountains disco r mo conducted in English only re L = lunch (3), D = dinner (9) ... • Historic cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv . SPECIAL J .. • Centrally located hotels e r OURN d • Sightseeing as per itinerary o E • The Valley of the Roses Y i s m c SOLO o • Gratuities included • Transportation by air-conditioned r • Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest and most e v e v TRAV r o coach or minivan m • Marketed exclusively in important spiritual centre c ELLER s i o d r Australia & New Zealand • Gratuities and porterage during tour e • Bulgarian and Romanian traditional dinners and CLUB . e r entertainment • Arrival and departure transfers d o i s c m o r v e DAY 4 MON SIBIU / SIBIEL ROMANIA SMALL GROUP TOUR •Sighisoara Sibiu was built by German settlers in the 12th century.
    [Show full text]
  • BULGARIA DISCOVERED GUIDE on the Cover: Lazarka, 46/55 Oils Cardboard, Nencho D
    Education and Culture DG Lifelong Learning Programme BULGARIA DISCOVERED GUIDE On the cover: Lazarka, 46/55 Oils Cardboard, Nencho D. Bakalski Lazarka, this name is given to little girls, participating in the rituals on “Lazarovden” – a celebration dedicated to nature and life’ s rebirth. The name Lazarisa symbol of health and long life. On the last Saturday before Easter all Lazarki go around the village, enter in every house and sing songs to each family member. There is a different song for the lass, the lad, the girl, the child, the host, the shepherd, the ploughman This tradition can be seen only in Bulgaria. Nencho D. BAKALSKI is a Bulgarian artist, born in September 1963 in Stara Zagora. He works in the field of painting, portraits, iconography, designing and vanguard. He is a member of the Bulgarian Union of Artists, the branch of Stara Zagora. Education and Culture DG Lifelong Learning Programme BULGARIA DISCOVERED GUIDE 2010 Human Resource Development Centre 2 Rachenitsa! The sound of bagpipe filled the air. The crowd stood still in expectation. Posing for a while against each other, the dancers jumped simultaneously. Dabaka moved with dexterity to Christina. She gently ran on her toes passing by him. Both looked at each other from head to toe as if wanting to show their superiority and continued their dance. Christina waved her white hand- kerchief, swayed her white neck like a swan and gently floated in the vortex of sound, created by the merry bagpipe. Her face turned hot… Dabaka was in complete trance. With hands freely crossed on his back he moved like a deer performing wondrous jumps in front of her … Then, shaking his head to let the heavy sweat drops fall from his face, he made a movement as if retreating.
    [Show full text]
  • Discover Bulgaria Is Famous for Its 600 Healing Mineral Water Springs
    Bulgaria Discover Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism Bulgaria, 1052 Sofia, 8 Slavyanska Str., Tel. +359 2 94071, fax: +359 2 987 2190 е-mail: [email protected] Bulgaria www.mee.government.bg www.bulgariatravel.org This document is created within the framework of the project “Elaboration and distribution of advertising and informational materials for promotion of Bulgaria as a tourism destination”, Agreement BG161PO001/3.3-01-4, realized with the financial support of Operational Programme “Regional development” 2007 – 2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Fund for Regional Development. All responsibility for the contents of this document is borne by the beneficiary – the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and in no circumstances it should be regarded that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Governing Authority. USEFULL INFORMATION Bulgaria State government system: Parliamentary Republic Capital city: Sofia (population 1.2 million) Official language: Bulgarian, script – Cyrillic Religion: Orthodox (85%), Muslim (8%), other (7%) Time zone: GMT (London) + 2, Eastern Europe time (Germany) + 1 Climate: Humid continental, in the southern parts – transitive Mediterranean. Average temperatures for January are from -2 to 2 Сo in the lowland and -10 Сo in the mountains, in July 19-25 degrees Сo in the lowland and about 10 degrees Сo in the higher parts of the mountains. BULGARIARainfall - 450-600 mm in the lowland, up to 1300 mm in the mountains. Currency: Bulgarian lev
    [Show full text]
  • Sofia Holy Mount Balsha Monastery of Shiyakovtsi Monastery St Theodore Stratelates of St Michael Katina Monastery the Archangel of the Holy Forty Martyrs
    SOFIA HOLY MOUNT BALSHA MONASTERY OF SHIYAKOVTSI MONASTERY ST THEODORE STRATELATES OF ST MICHAEL KATINA MONASTERY THE ARCHANGEL OF THE HOLY FORTY MARTYRS St Gabriel the Archangel, fresco, Boyana Church, 11th century 6 ILIENTSI MONASTERY OF 7 ST ELIJAH THE PROPHET KLISURA MONASTERY OF ST PETKA ORLANDOVTSI SUHODOL MONASTERY MONASTERY OF THE 8 OF THE HOLY TRINITY THREE SAINTS DIVOTINO MONASTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY SOFIA HOLY MOUNT – North 01 Sofia’s surrounding areas have been conditionally divided in two: this map shows the monasteries in its northern part, while those in the southern part are shown at the end of the brochure. The monasteries we present herewith are marked in red. PODGUMER MONASTERY KURILO OF ST DIMITAR MONASTERY OF ST JOHN OF RILA SESLAVTSI MONASTERY 2 OF ST NICHOLAS 1 KREMIKOVTSI MONASTERY ELESHNITSA MONASTERY OF ST GEORGE 3 OF ST VIRGIN MARY OBRADOVTSI BUHOVO BUHOVO MONASTERY MONASTERY MONASTERY OF ST OF ST MICHAEL THE 5 OF ST MINA MARY MAGDALENE ARCHANGEL CHEPINTSI MONASTERY OF THE THREE SAINTS CHELOPECH MONASTERY OF ST VIRGIN MARY 4 SOFIA GORNI BOGROV MONASTERY OF ST GEORGE 02 SOFIA HOLY MOUNT A Halo of Holiness Around the City of God’s Wisdom SOFIA HOLY MOUNT is a name given to a string of about 40 monasteries in the vicinity of Sofia, a circle of sanctity shining like a nimbus around the city that bears the name of God’s Wisdom. They were founded at various times – from the 4th to the 20th century. They are in different states of preservation – from completely destroyed to fully functioning.
    [Show full text]
  • Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan 2004-2013
    The Minister of the Environment and Waters D. Arsenova Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan 2004-2013 DRAFT Adopted by Decision # ххх of the Council of Ministers dated хх.хх, 2004 Presented by ARD/BCEGP in fulfillment of Terms of Reference commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment and Waters, # хх-хх-хххх, March 2001 The drafting and publication of this Management Plan was made possible through the generous support of the Environment, Energy and Social Transition Department of the Europe and Eurasia Desk of the United States Agency for International Development, pursuant to Contract # LAG-I-00-99-00013-00. All opinions expressed herein are solely at the authors’ discretion and do not necessarily reflect the position of the United States Agency for International Development. February, 2004 Team of Authors The Core Planning Team which drafted the present Management Plan for Rila Monastery Nature Park comprises the following members: Dr. Petar Yankov D.Sc. (ecology/zoology), Dr. Dimitar Peev D.Sc. (ecology/botany), Eng. Ventsisval Velichkov (forest engineer), Mrs. Snezhana Kostadinova (sociologist), as well as the members of the Coordinating Team of the BCEG Project, as follows: Dr. Peter Hetz (team leader), Dimitrina Boteva, MSc. (biodiversity expert) and Gergana Pavlova (administrative support). The Extended Planning Team comprises the following members: Eng. Mihail Mihailov, Director of Rila Monastery Nature Park; Ms. Nikolina Georgieva, biodiversity expert with the Directorate Rila Monastery NP, Eng. Vassil Petrov, acting Director of Rila NP, His Eminence Gabriel, Metropolitan Bishop of Lovech, representative of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church; the Most Reverend Bishop John, Abbot of Rila Monastery, Eng.
    [Show full text]
  • Here to Expertly Guide You Through the New Normal in Travel
    Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Tour Description
    Balkan Trails S.R.L. 29 Mihail Sebastian St. 050784 Bucharest, Romania Tour operator license #757 Bulgaria at a glance (4 nights) Tour Description: In this beautifully curated, compact tour, discover the essentials of old Bulgaria: historic architecture, vibrant traditional arts and crafts, sweeping panoramic vistas, medieval monasteries and fortresses, and traces of Roman and Thracian culture. Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia, where you’ll stroll along the famed yellow-paved streets to explore major landmarks such as the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral and the covered food market. At the 11th-century Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore the priceless treasures at your leisure. Drive into the mountains to the Bulgarian Orthodox Rila Monastery, built a full 1147 meters above sea level. In the picturesque, artistic Plovdiv, tour the Old Town, Antique Theater, and Roman Stadium. In Kazanlak, home of Bulgarian rose oil more valuable than gold, visit the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage, 4th- century B.C. Thracian Tomb. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, drive through the breathtaking Shipka Pass, site of the final Bulgarian victory over the Ottoman Turks. Visit the soaring Tsarevets Fortress, and take in the spectacular view of the Old Town. Explore Samovodene Street, a mecca for folkloric Bulgarian arts and crafts. Next, visit the architecturally significant village of Arbanassi. Tour Konstantsalieva House, where you’ll explore the daily realities of a well-to-do 17th-century family. You will also explore the Nativity Church, built at a time when Christian architecture in Bulgaria was subject to restrictions imposed by the Ottoman Turks.
    [Show full text]
  • Get Brochure
    DISCOVER THE BULGARIA MACEDONIA KOSOVO EAST! ALBANIA GREECE ROMANIA TURKEY GEORGIA RUSSIA with Top Guides Ltd, Bulgaria www.bulguides.com [email protected] The Classic Pirin and Rila Walking Trip Pirin&Rila Ranges, Bulgaria Overview 8 days/7 nights This is a must do 8-day walking ⛰2925m � 4-8hrs ↝7-14km route that covers the best of the ↑650-1150m ↓650-1000m mountains of Bulgaria and is designed for keen walkers who like Cost for 2 pax: 550EUR/person to spend 5 to 8h/day up the Transfers included: Yes√ mountains, 6 days in a row. The day Luggage Transport: Yes√ treks are strenuous, but totally doable for active people in average Bed&Meals: Yes√ fitness condition. The terrain is Accommodation: Family hotels sometimes rocky and demanding, but the routes entirely follow marked Best season: July to and established tourist hiking September trails within the Rila and Pirin national parks. The route covers the peaks of Polezan and Vihren in the Pirin Mountains, as well as numerous glacial lakes in the area – Todorini, Vasilashki, Bunderishki, Bezbog. Further you`ll visit Rila with the peaks of Musala (the highest on the Balkans) with Musalenski Lakes and Malyovitsa with the Dear`s Lake – both the highest and the most beautiful in the Rila Mountains. A cultural and rest day in the middle of the itinerary includes a visit to the world famous Rila Monastery. Transfers and luggage transfers are provided everyday and hiking is with a day pack only. The accommodation is in family type hotels – 4 nights in Bansko – a small town, located between the main mountain ranges of Bulgaria, and 3 nights in Govedartsi village, Rila.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgaria ‐ Republic of Macedonia Sofia, Rila Monastery, Blagoevgrad, Ohrid, Skopje 8 Days / 7 Nights
    Bulgaria ‐ Republic of Macedonia Sofia, Rila Monastery, Blagoevgrad, Ohrid, Skopje 8 days / 7 Nights Coach The program includes 7 nights FB basis ‐ 3 nights in Sofia (Bulgaria), 1 night in Blagoevgrad (Bulgaria), 3 nights in Ohrid (Republic of Macedonia); transfer in an air‐conditioned coach; English speaking guide throughout the entire trip. PROGRAM DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE SOFIA AIRPORT. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia. DAY 2: BREAKFAST ‐ A GUIDED VISIT TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND THE BOYANA CHURCH Included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. It has preserved frescoes of an unknown artist, which date back to the year 1259. The frescoes impress with the spirituality and expressiveness of their images, created 7 years before the birth of Giotto di Bondone, considered the first Renaissance artist. Lunch. Sightseeing tour of Sofia – St. Nedelya Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, Russian Church of St. Nicolas, St. Sophia Church, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theater. Dinner. Overnight stay in Sofia. DAY 3: BREAKFAST ‐ DEPARTURE FOR RILA MONASTERY. Arrival at Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century by the monk and hermit St. John of Rila, patron and protector of Bulgaria. The monastery served as the center of cultural and spiritual life of the Bulgarian people, during the centuries of foreign enslavement. • 7 Mezher Street, Antelias • 60‐233 Beirut, Lebanon • +961 4 712037 www.ventnouveau.com • [email protected] The tour includes a visit to the monastery, the main church and the monastery museum.
    [Show full text]