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Home , Balkan Mountains, Dobrinishte, Kalofer, Kilifarevo, Shipka Pass, Sokolski Monastery

Active Holidays in Walking, Trekking, Rock-climbing, Horseriding and Biking

About Inter Jet Tours & Penguin Travel We have prepared your vacation so that people with good knowledge of English. you can concentrate on new impressions The group size is normally 6-12 people, if We are a small team of highly qualified professionals in their own fields that have and experiences, awaiting you all the not specially mentioned. been dedicated to FIT travel over the past 12 years since Inter Jet Tours/Bulgaria and time. Here is a description of the various Penguin Travel/Denmark have been in existence. Our staff includes tours: IG: International group tours • Dimitri Popov, Founder and Director of Penguin. Dimitri is an educated geographer The tours are similar to our group tours. and has worked as a ski and trek guide both in Bulgaria and in Western IT: Individual tours The only difference is that these are . His travel experiences include Mongolia, the Himalayas, Siberia and Northern There is no guide on this tour. You travel multi-national. Guided services are in the . individually and we are responsible for English language , if no special • Anton Paskov, Founder and Director of Inter Jet. Anton has specialised in recreational the hotel overnights and /some/ arrangements have been ordered. geography and tourist management, and has held various positions in the travel transfers. Sometimes you will travel industry. He has travelled widely throughout Bulgaria and has been a mountain guide. together with other people. If you wish a Trekking Holidays With offices in Denmark and Bulgaria and with a wide network of local contacts in the guide can be arranged, if ordered. We take destination country, we are able to take care of any incentive travel needs promptly and To prepare yourself for the best of your it for granted that you can read maps, vacation we recommend that you start effectively. Our staff as well as the many locally hired operators and reliable suppliers provided by us upon arrival. ensure that your tour programmes will be conducted professionally, safely and cost- planning it in an advance. Good physical condition is required. In order effectively. We have wide experience in different programmes for active holidays and we IT+: Individual tours with a guide. will be glad to offer you to partake of our expertise and research. to achieve it we advise you to start The same as the Individual tours, with walking, jogging or cycling everyday. Please, feel free to contact us with any group or individual tour ideas you may have, the only difference that there is a local and we will be pleased to offer you a competitive quotation. Swimming a couple of times a week is also highly recommended. You do not need much to get yourself in shape. And don’t forget that the most important tip Contact info and persons: for an unforgettable active holiday, is INTER JET TOURS to chose a trip which corresponds to 28, Kniaz Alexander Str., your physical condition ! Here is the 4000 , BULGARIA general guide to the gradation of our tel.: +359 32 273001, fax: +359 32 631150 trips. e-mail: [email protected] Contact person: Anton Paskov A: Light www.interjet-bg.com No special experience is needed; everyone PENGUIN TRAVEL who is in condition to cope with long 32, Frederiksberg Alle Saturday walks in the forest, can also 1820 Fredericsberg C., DENMARK cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips tel.: +45 33 215100, fax: +45 33 215150 are short and at a low altitude. Often, it e-mail: [email protected] is your choice to join or skip a daytour. Contact person: Dimo Popov The routes follow a hilly terrain without www.penguin.dk steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day. We hope that this catalogue with a lot of exciting and attractive trips to Bulgaria B: Moderate will inspire you in planning new tour Most of you who are used to walking programmes in South-Eastern Europe and during a long weekend, will be in we look forward to working with you to condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in good health condition make them a success! language, culture, history, art, etc. The guide provided for some of the days. and not too bad physical condition. We tours are conducted in the English During the days with a local guide most have successive days of longer and more In our 12-year presence on the travel language. Guides in other languages are probably you will be together with other difficult walking and days of lighter market in Bulgaria, we have always paid available upon request. tourists. special attention to arranging tours to walking. Some parts of the day routes are areas, which are not spoiled by mass GT: Group tours done at a higher altitude. The paths are in tourism. In such parts of the country the Tour Types There is a guide accompanying you good condition. We walk for 5/7h a day. throughout the whole trip, meeting you You are free to skip some walks and have infrastructure is not adjusted to the Our tours are divided in different tour at the airport upon arrival and leaving a rest. luxurious demands of the sunbathing types, regardless of being guided or not you at the airport again for departure. We tourists and sometimes it is not possible or if someone travels alone or in a group. to plan and foresee everything. On the use well-trained and experienced local C: Difficult other hand, in this kind of trips there is These tours include trekking which is a more eccentricity, closer contact with little harder. Normally on a Nature and local people, culture and way challenging terrain. We take it for of living, There is a feeling of attractive granted that you are in good condition unexpectedness with the tourists, which and fit. You should be physically sustains their interest throughout the prepared at home to get the maximum whole journey. We visit small and of the tour. Most of the trekking is forgotten villages unspoiled by done at a greater height (max 3000m). civilization in remote pristine regions. Of As on other tours you are free to skip course big cities and important tourist some treks and have a rest. sights are also included in some of our trips. D: Challenging So, if you love exciting and thrilling Tours of this level demand that you be experience – you are welcome to our really in good shape. The paths are not world of adventures. always in the best condition and the marking can be scarce. There are Key to classification and abbreviations daytreks with big ascents and descents. listed for each tour. We reserves the right Changing weather conditions /even in to make changes if necessary midsummer/ play an important role without warning. For current changes when trekking at a very high altitude and new offers please go to our web-sites and may cause changes of the given above !!! preliminary route. This is to be decided by the mountain guide on the spot. Normally, the treks are 6/8h per day, but Guides some can be longer. Preliminary trekking experience is an advantage, but not We have both individual and group tours necessary if you are really in good with a guide, as well as combined tours shape. Note that during some of the with a guide for some part of the trip. We days, you should personally carry your emphasize on using local experienced baggage, which naturally is an guides with knowledge of the local additional difficulty. 2

Walking Holidays in the Walking Holidays in the , Rodopi Mountains, Trigrad

The Pirin mountains, named after the Thunder God Perun, are Bulgaria’s wildest The green and 225 km long mountain ridge of the Rodopi mountains is situated in mountains with lots of protected areas and no less than 79 peaks over 2500 meters high. South Bulgaria, 20% of the mountains being a part of . The highest peak is Bansko is situated a 3 hour-drive from . This is the basic camp for this walking around 2000m high and the average height is around 800m. Combined with the holiday. With its special architecture of Ottoman and Greek origin, Bansko offers the quite pleasant climate, the Rodopi mountains is a perfect place for walking in a visitors lots of experiences. The stone houses, many of which look like miniature rolling landscape with caves from pre-historic times, ancient Roman roads and monasteries, exist harmoniously side by side with the modern centre of the little bridges, fortresses and churches. There are not many tourists, who have been town, which houses only around 12000 inhabitants. In Bansko, there is a multitude of along all the many walking paths and little villages where goats are not a part of restaurants and local eateries as well as a lively café scene. From the cafes you can the scenery but part of everyday life of the local people, a source of milk, meat sit and enjoy the exotic sight of the locals, which together with house animals and and leather. Well helped by our local guide, we expect experiences in the carts are on their way to the market to sell fruits and vegetables. Do not be surprised mountains for the whole family. We go where the way ends and get closer to if you should step out of the way for a herd of sheep on their way through the town. nature and the virgin mountains. Trekking possibilities: tourist attraction from the tenth century Trigrad is a small village in the central Trekking possibilities: with 1200 wall paintings. part of the Rodopi mountains - 230 km Bansko is located in the outskirts of the There are 3 one-day trips included in the Kovacehvitsa: Beautiful village found in from Sofia and 160 km from Plovdiv and - the biggest one in program: Jagodina and The Devil’s the 16th century with original houses only 20 km from the Greek border. Being Bulgaria. Spread over a huge area, there Throat caves, Trigrad Gorge, Trigrad - built of stone. On the way we pass the a border area, Trigrad has been closed for 3 hours of walking; Trigrad - Vodni pad – are 175 lakes with crystal clear mountain spa Ognjanovo, where one can bathe in a tourists for many years. Characteristic in Kesten - Trigrad - 5 hours of walking; water, which are just perfect for drinking. warm mineral water swimming pool. the street picture is the mosque and the Trigrad - Chairski Lakes – Mougla – The area is rich with animal and plant little church which is an example of how Gela/Shiroka Luka - 7 hours of walking life, a great amount of which are unique Itinerary: Christians and Moslem live together. We for this area and both eagles and falcons Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to stay in a private house, whose trademarks Excursions: reign in this pristine mountain. With its Bansko, hotel overnight. are a very warm welcome and excellent Devin 25 km – spa centre, and the nearest well-developed network of mountain paths Day 2-7. Bansko including 3 trekking days: home cooking.This is where we live and big town and marked walkways, Pirin is a popular acclimatization walks at the foothills of this is where our tours start. As a place, Shiroka Luka 30 km, school for folklore destination for foreign tourists and the Pirin mountains, and walks in an Trigrad is famous for The Trigrad Gorge music, ethnographic museum. Picturesque alike. The group is provided alpine relief above the tree line, including and the nearby limestone caves Jagodina and colorful village with a local English-speaking guide for 3 Optional possibilities in Trigrad: horse ascent to Vihren peak. Choice of walks can and The Devil’s Throat. days. There are 2 walks (5-6 h) out of riding, mountain bike rentals, fishing, vary depending on physical condition of caving. Bansko in the Pirin National Park. participants, weather conditions. Day 8. Ascending Mt. Vihren (2914) is a one-day Transport to the airport for departure. experience. Generally, the terrain is Alpine, Itinerary: meaning that most of the trekking is done Accommodation and Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to above the tree zone. While walking, the Trigrad, hotel overnight. Day 2-7. group passes by stupendous views of Boarding: Trigrad incl. 3 trekking days. Day 8. Ttransport to airport for departure. crystal-clear mountain lakes, green dales We live in a family run hotel, with rooms exotic rock formations and rich animal with private bath/toilet. The hotel has its life. During the rest of the tour there are own tavern a real culinary experience. Accommodation and options to explore the mountains alone, or Breakfast and dinner are included in the Boarding: to partake of the local treks that the guide price. We live in a little private house on HB. may organize on the spot . Extension: Yes, Extension: Yes, Black Sea Excursions: Group size: Min. 2 Group size: Min. 2 Melnik: Bulgaria’s smallest town with Local guide: Yes, for 3 days around 300 inhabitants and probably Local guide: Yes, for 3 days Bulgaria’s best wine. Visit to Rozhen Difficulty grade: B / C (trekking days) Difficulty grade: A/B (trekking days) monastery. Tour type: Monastery: Bulgaria’s biggest Tour type: IT+ Tour type: IT+

4 Chiiflik in the Trekking in the Rila and Transbalkan Trekking Mountains, Mala Tsarkva The which run through Bulgaria are more than 700 km long and nearly divide Bulgaria into two parts. Chiflik is a cozy, little mountain village situated in the central part of the Balkans ca. 160 km from Sofia and 120 km from Plovdiv. The village which is known in Bulgaria for its hot springs and pools is situated in the outer part of Kozjata Stena (goat wall) National Reserve which covers 970 ha and has many exciting and rare plants. For example, the totally protected and extinction threatened Edelweiss. Walking trips in the toilet. There is a little health center at the hotel offering massage, Jacuzzi, sauna, a Balkan Mountains with little fitness centre and bicycles for rent. a local guide: HB incl. in the price. The Balkans around Chiflik offer a lot of Transbalkan trek possibilities for one-day walking trips. This trip combines trekking in the two There are 3 days of walking with a local guide. From Chiflik to Vasiljov hut most exciting Natural Reserves in the Balkan mountains: Kozjata Stean and (1390m) ca 5 h 30 min.; From Chiflik to Kozjata Stena hut (1560m) and further to Severen Dzhendem, as well as Trojan The Rila Mountains are the highest ones on The Balkan Peninsula in South East Europe. Monastery. We climb Mt. Botev - the Hajdushka Pesen hut (870m) - 5h The highest peak is 2925m. Many of the tops are close to 3000m. Rila (an old walking; From Chiflik to Vidima hut (550 highest peak of the Balkan mountains Slavic word, meaning water mountain) looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and (2376m) and enjoy the imposing view of m) through hut (1594m) and peaks, deep gorges and 150 crystal clear lakes.The Rila Mountains consist of two parts: further to the little town of . the low-lying mountain of West Rila with Maljovitsa Peak, Rila Monastery and the 7 Rila lakes and East Rila with and the fertile Thracian Valley. After Overall, 4h trekking of average difficulty. the ski centre and Musala Peak. The 7 Rila lakes lying like pearls in a thread descending the extremely steep southern are the reason for Rila to be a desired destination for trekkers and wanderers who are Excursions: slope of the Balkan („Tarzan’s fond of alpine challenges. Thanks to the mild winds from the Medditarean Sea, the walkway“) we visit the little town of mountains have an entirely unique vegetation. A big part of the National Park is under Trojan 15 km and Trojan Monastery 25 . The huts in the mountains lie th the protection of UNESCO. The village Mala Tsurkva 1190m. lies in the Levi km. Trojan Monastery from the 15 like pearls on a thread and there are rd valley. It is a perfect starting point for trekking tours both in West and East Rila. We century is the 3 biggest in Bulgaria. walking paths in between. We use these live in a family owned pension, all rooms with private facilities. Etara. An open-air etnographicalmuseum huts (Pleven and Rai) for 2 overnights 70km. Exciting collection of beautifully (FB) on our Transbalkan Trek. High- 1200 wall paintings. Can be reached by 8 th th Trekking opportunities: renovated buildings from 17 and 18 trained English-speaking mountain guide hours walking. Mala Tsarkva – Mechit hut (1650 m) – century. Working craftsmen’s shops. all the time. Rila Monastery is nestled in a deep valley Veliko Turnovo 120km. The capital of - 4 h; on the western flanks of the Rila The Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th Itinerary: From Borovets with gondollift to mountains. Parts of the monastery, which century), beautifully situated in the Jastrebets (2350 m), climbing Musala Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to was included in the World Heritage list in windings of the Jantra river with plenty (2925m) – 5h; 1983, date back to the 14th century Chiflik, hotel overnight. Day 2. 5h of medieval churches, the „“ Bus to Vada hut (1410m) – Seven lakes hut though a large portion of the monastery trekking to Vasiljov hut. Day 3. 5h fortress, etc. (2190m) – Rilski Lakes hut (2100m) - 6h; was reconstructed in the 19th century trekking to Kozjata Stena and Hajdushka Bus to Maljovitsa 1720m. Climbing up to after a devastating fire. The monastery’s Pesen huts. Day 4. Rest day Day 5. Itinerary: Maljovitsa peak 2729 5h. Possible five-domed Sveta Borgoroditsa church Transport to Trojan Monastery/Cherni Extension to Rila Monastery 3h. dates from 1834 and is dedicated to the Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to , 1h30min trekking to Pleven hut. Chiflik hotel overnight. Day 2-7. Chiflik birth of the Virgin; the walls and domed Overnight. Day 6. Along the ridge to Mt. Excursions: ceilings of its external gallery are including 3 walking days with a local Botev (2376m) and further to Raj hut 7h. Sofia 80km, Shopping, markets, opera, decorated with brilliant frescoes that will guide. Possibilities for excursions - Overnight. Day 7. Descent to Panicite 3h, concerts. take your breath away! For a unique individual or with a guide. Day 8. where the bus is expecting us. Drive via Rila Monastery 120 km. Bulgaria’s experience, you can choose to overnight in Transport to the airport for departure Kalofer to Plovdiv ca. 70km. Overnight. biggest tourist attraction with more than one of the old monastic cells. Day 8. Transport to airport for departure. Itinerary: Accommodation and Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transfer to Mala Boarding: Tzarkva, overnight. Day 2-7. Mala Hotel in Chiflik (4nt) and hotel in Plovdiv Tsarkva incl. 3 trekking days. Day 8. (1nt) – HB, mountain huts (2nt) - FB, Transport to airport for departure transport, English- speaking guide. Accommodation and Extension: Yes, Black Sea Boarding: Group Size Chiflik: Min. 4 HB, rooms with private facilities. Group Size Trekking: Min. 5 / max. 12 Extension: Yes, Black Sea Accommodation and Local guide Chiflik: Yes, 3 days Group size: Min. 2 Boarding Local guide Trekking: Yes, English-speaking Local guide: Yes, for 3 days We stay at a small hotel (altitude of Difficulty: B / C (trekking) Difficulty grade: C 800m) with hot mineral water swimming pool. All rooms have satellite TV, bath/ Tour type: IT+ / GT Tour type: IT+

5 The Pirin-Rila trek The Pirin-Rodopi Trek

This trek is in two mountain chains with Balkan Peninsula’s highest peaks, enormous This is a lighter edition of the Pirin-Rila trek which combines the high and national parks, rare vegetation and rich animal life. The trip is made in such a way as challenging Pirin mountains’ beauty with the serenity of the Rodopi mountains. to bring the participants out in remote regions with beautiful and unspoiled natural During the trek, you explore some of Bulgaria’s remote and forgotten regions. sceneries and waste landscapes. If you do not have the time for trekking in the world’s Mountain villages which in the near past had been closed for foreign visitors, biggest mountain chains, this tour is warmly recommended to you. Here you can enjoy enable the tourists to experience a part of the original Bulgarian culture and life elements of physical challenge in alpine landscapes above the tree border, as well as in the countryside. Throughout the tour we also visit caves and the 2nd biggest the cultural treasures of Bulgaria and the warm hospitality of the local people. Bulgarian Monastery.

The Pirin Mountains walls is situated Rila Monastery – the The Pirin Mountains biggest and most popular Orthodox The wild Pirin Mountains which are symbol of Bulgaria with more than 1200 The first day we come to the village of named after the Thunder God Perun are murals. Bansko (930m). Here you can enjoy the second highest in Bulgaria with no in plenty of local less than 79 peaks over 2500m. Within a Itinerary: taverns. Sitting in a cafe for example, you 3 hour drive south of Sofia is situated can enjoy the exotic sight of locals with Bansko, which is the base for this Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to house animals and carts on their way to Day 2. trekking holiday. The local houses built of Bansko, hotel overnight. Bus to the market place to sell or buy fruits and Vihren hut (1950 m). Climbing Mt. stones and resembling very much vegetables. Bansko is placed in a high Vihren (2914 m) and to Sinanitsa hut Orthodox monasteries in miniature are in field, surrounded by the steep slopes of (2200 m) – 7h. Day 3. Trekking to the Pirin Mountains on one side and the Tevno ezero hut (2512 m) – 6h. Day 4. Rila Mountains on the other. The region Trekking to Bezbog hut (2240 m.) – 3h. is an ideal strarting-point for our Down on the lift to Gotse Delchev hut trekking trips in the wild and majestic and by bus and the rest of the luggage a Pirin Mountains. drive to Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. Overnight in hotel. Day 5.By bus/4WD to Tiha Rila. trekking via The Rodopi Mountains Ribni Ezera to Grunchar hut (2185 m.) The village of Kovachevitsa is situated – 6h. Day 6. Climbing Mt. Musala in the beautiful Rodopi mountains, some (2925 m.) – the highest peak on the 80 km from Bansko. It is a kind of Balkan Peninsula. Further to Musala hut outdoor museum known for its original (2380 m.). Overnight. Day 7. Trekking houses, built of stones. The village is to Borovets – 3h. Overnight in hotel. nearly depopulated but the houses and Dag 8. Transport to the airport for the beautiful surroundings make it a departure. tourist attraction. On our way, we pass through lots of mountain villages, each Accommodation and with a specific atmosphere of its own. We have a lot of time to explore these Boarding: villages. Shiroka Luka is one of the harmony with the modern centre of the Hotels (4n), huts (3n) FB. highlights of the tour where we have the Bachkovo Monastery. Overnight in town. Thanks to the warm winds from possibility to visit the museum and the Plovdiv. Day 8. Transport to the airport the Mediterranean, there are unique Baggage Transportation: Folklore Music School. The daily treks for departure. plants, including some endemic species. You must carry personal luggage are easy to cope with and give a real Much of the territory of the Pirin (clothing but not sleeping bag) on days 3- experience of how the locals have lived Accommodation and Mountains is part of a National Park 5 and 6-8. A 35-40l rucksack will be for centuries and are still living in under UNESCO’s protection. Boarding: harmony with nature. enough for the trekking days. Private houses with breakfast and The Rila Mountains lunchpack (6n), rooms with private bath/ Some of you might know the Rila Extension: Yes, Black Sea Itinerary: toilet. Hotel BB (1n) in Plovdiv. Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria. Transfer to Mountains from the ski-centre Borovets Group size: Min. 4 / Max. 12 Traditional Bulgarian evening with and the highest peak of South East Europe Bansko. Hotel overnight. Day 2. Bulgarian cuisine and folklore. Musala 2925m. The mountains are like a Local guide: Yes Sightseeing Bansko, walking trip at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains - 3h. rough sea of ridges, peaks, deep gorges Difficulty grade: D Bagage Transportation: Day 3. Bus to Demjanitsa, 5h walk to and 189 crystal-clear lakes, which often Luggage is taken care of throughout the Bezbog hut . Lift down to , are described as „The Blue Eyes of Rila“. Tour type: GT whole trip. A small rucksack for carrying Visit to Ognjanovo – a spa resort with The great variety of lakes and the springs personal items during the daywalks is hot mineral water pool. Overnight in a of some of Bulgaria’s biggest rivers necessary. It is possible to skip some of private house in Kovachevitsa. Day 4. (Maritza,Iskar,Mesta) is where the name the walks and to take the bus with the Bus to Jagodina Cave, walking to Trigrd of this 83km long mountain chain comes luggage instead. from, for „Rila“ in old Slavonic language Gorge 3h. Overnight in Trigrad. Day 5. Trigrad - Vodni Pad – Along the Greek has the meaning of „water rich Extension: Yes, Black Sea mountain“. A big part of the Rila Border – Kesten – Trigrad with picnic Mountains is also a protected area – 6h. Day 6. Trekking to Chairsky lakes Group size: Min. 6 / Max. 18 Natural Reserves. A well-developed and further to Mougla village where the Local guide: Yes, English-speaking network of walking paths and huts of bus waits. Overnight in Shiroka Luka. varying standard are available. Deep in Day 7. On the chairlift to Snezhanka Difficulty grade: B the heart of the Rila Mountains, at the Peak (1926m), 3h walk to Rozhen pass. Tour type: GT height of 1150m and behind 20m high Bus to Plovdiv. On the way we visit

6 Rock-Climbing in the Rila Riding in the Rila Mountains Mountains, Iskar Ranch

Rock climbing and mountaineering have old traditions in Bulgaria. The beginning was Iskar Ranch, which lies 60 km south from Sofia spreads over 4000 ha with big open nearly a century ago, when the real exploration of the Alpine-type mountains started. meadows, fields, a forest and lakes. The ranch itself is like a big playing ground for Since then, Bulgarian mountaineers have climbed all peaks in the world, exceeding riders - no cars, nearly no asphalt, lots of natural paths and plenty of nice horses. 8000 m., including The Top of The World - Mount Everest. The best natural conditions Enjoy yourself with big nature experiences in a large, wild and nice riding world. It is for acquiring perfect skills are combined with the excellent tradition and reputation just like riding your own horse. of the Bulgarian mountaineering school. The skills of Bulgarian climbing instructors guarantee excellent results and complete safety to the participants in the climbing courses. The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain in The Balkans, the highest peak Mussala being 2925m above the sea. It is situated in the South-West part of Bulgaria and occupies a territory of 2629 sq. km with an average altitude of 1487 m. At the moment, there exist about 120 trekking and climbing routes, 106 of which are concentrated in the Maljovitsa Ridge (Granite Paradise) and 14 in the Eastern Ridge of the mountain. For this reason, the Alpine & Mountaineering School is located in the Maljovitsa Ridge of the Rila mountains - some 90 km from the Bulgarian capital Sofia. It is fully equipped for the course, including an indoor artificial climbing wall. The instructors are high-professionals, most of them are lecturers at the Sport’s Academy in Sofia. Duration of course – 6 full days, 4 hours daily. Approximate time necessary to reach the climbing sites - about 45 min. from the hotel. Itinerarary: For advanced climbers we recommend 2 Family Holidays Bulgaria overnights at Orlovets or Strashnoto Plovdiv 200km, 2nd biggest city and Day 1. Transfer from Sofia Apt to Do you dream of a vacation, being Ezero refuges – very close to Rila’s best cultural centre. Maljovitsa. Accommodation. Sightseeing taken care of you from the arrival to climbing sites. Sleeping bag is necessary. Borovets 30 km. Ski sport centre in the of the region. Day 2-6. Tuition and the departure and your biggest worry is Rila Mountains with cable lift up to instructor- guided rock climbing - 4 hours whether you have a little bit of extra 2500 m. daily. Day 7. Climbing of Maljovitsa Accommodation and space for the dessert? Here the whole Peak. Day 8. Transfer to the airport for Boarding: family is together with the horses and Horses and departure. Hotel accommodation sharing dbl. room, nature. At Iskar Ranch, there are many FB, 7 nights. possibilities to explore the big area Equipment: either on horsesback or horsecart. Iskar Ranch has more than 40 horses - Available dates: Experience the animal life at the closest well-trained, patient and calm. East- touch or just relax on the dam’s Every week from April till October. Bulgarian half-breeds, Hanover and coastline, while the kids amuse Iceclimbing courses can be arranged from Arabic horses. Saddling is Western and themselves in the calm water. Housing February till April. military type. at Iskar Ranch is first class and the same is valid for the typical Bulgarian Accommodation and Equipment: village cuisine. A stay at Iskar ranch is All equipment included, bring your own a real family vacation even if some Boarding: climbing shoes. family members are not enthusiastic The Iskar Ranch 7 nights FB. about horse-riding, but are more fond of Extension: Yes, Trekking in Rila, Pirin. a photo safari or simply prefer walking Extension: Yes, Black Sea Group size: Min. 2 / Max. 6 to riding. Group size: Min. 2 / Max. 14 Instructor: Yes, for 7 days. Excursions: Riding instructor: Yes English-speaking. Sofia 60 km. sightseeing, shopping, market, opera, theater. Difficulty grade: 1-2-3 Difficulty grade: From A to D Rila Monastery 150km. The biggest and Tour type: IT+ most popular Orthodox monastery in Tour type: IT+ / GT

7 Riding Trek in The Rila Riding in the Strandza Mountains Moutains

Are you a fen of challenging mountains, wild and untouched forests, In the southeast part of Bulgaria, close to the border with Turkey lies the one and overnights in mountain huts? If so, this trip is just for you. The Rila Mountains only natural beauty the Mountains. Being a border area, it had been closed are the highest on the Balkan Peninsula, with lots of peaks almost 3000m. for both Bulgarian and foreign visitors for more than 45 years until the early 90’s of They are like a rough sea of mountain peaks, gorges and more than 189 lakes. the last century. The eastmost slopes of the Strandza Mountains merge with the Black During this trip we pass The Seven Rila lakes, which lie just like pearls on a Sea coast. This is the best preserved part of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast with the finest thread. beaches, still unspoiled by mass tourism.

Our tour starts from the Iskar hunting drive back to the ranch for overnight. Small Villages, Hospitable People Housing and Boarding: estate where you’ll ride at all three paces Day 3. Back to Borovets by bus,from The Strandza mountains are sparsely Private accommodation, and tent, FB. along the Iskar Lake, past the popular ski where we start riding to the Tsar’s populated. The villages, scattered over the Baggage transportation is included. resort of Borovets, where you will visit hunting lodge of Bistrica. After lunch hills have 500-1000 inhabitants in the hunting residence of the Bulgarian further to Kraishte and up to Metchit hut average and are known for the old ritual Tsar Ferdinand with a big trophy 1670m. Overnight. Day 4. At more than „nestinarstvo“ (a fire dance), where the Horses and Equipment: collection. The ride continues at an 2000m altitude we continue to Rila participants, while in trance, dance over East-Bulgarian horses. All horses are well elevation between 1900 and 2500m past Monastery. Overnight at a little hotel live burning embers. While watching live trained and reliable. All-round saddling. several remote mountain lakes offering beside the monastery wall. Day 5. We (why not trying yourselves!) this breathtaking views. One of the highlights continue the riding at 2600m height along traditional folk dance, we will get in Extension: Yes, Black Sea of the tour is the visit to the biggest and the famous Seven Rila Lakes. Over touch with the traditional Bulgarian Group size: Min. 6 / Max. 10 most important Orthodox symbol of meadows and rivers we continue to Vada hospitality of the locals. The tour starts Bulgaria - Rila Monastery (1100m). It hut. Overnight. Day 6. From Vada hut we at the cozy village of Lozenetz. Riding instructor: Yes was founded in the 9th century and has continue to Belchinski Bani. Overnight. Therefrom, we ride south into the heights more than 1200 murals. If you wish, you Day 7. The tour ends where we started - and follow a small river in the Strandza Difficulty grade: 1-2 can also peek into the monastery kitchen at Iskar Ranch. Day 8. Transport to the Mountains and in the end, we return to Tour type: IT+ or a monk’s cell. Riding goes on through airport for departure. Lozenets. highlands and lowlands with traditional Bulgarian agriculture. It ends at the Iskar Horses and Equipment: Itinerary: hunting estate. The tour is carried out in cooperation Day 1. Arrival to , transfer to with the Iskar Ranch. The horses are Loznets. Overnight. Day 2. Riding from Itinerary: East-Bulgarian half-breeds, Hanover and Lozenets along the coast to Varvara Day 1. Arrival to Bulgaria, transfer to Arabic. Western and English type saddles. village. Bathing. Overnight. Day 3. Riding Iskar Ranch. Overnight. Day 2. Riding to The Riding guides know the mountains from Varvara to Sinemorets along the Borovets. The horses stay here while we perfectly. Baggage transportation is coastline or through the forest. Day 4. included. From Sinemorets we follow up the Veleka river. The ride goes through hundred Housing and Boarding: years old deciduous forest and we reach Iskar Ranch and huts 7nights FB. the small village of Brodilovo. Day 5. From Brodilovo to Kosti, a stop beside a Extension: Yes, Black Sea little monastery. Day 6. From Kosti we ride through a Natural Reserve where Group size: Min. 2 / Max. 10 with some luck we can see both deer and wild boars. Overnight in a tent in the Riding instructor: Yes open air. Day 7. After 5h trek we come Difficulty grade: 2-3 back to Lozenets and the beautiful beaches. Day 8. Transport to Burgas Tour type: IG airport for departure.

8 Riding in the Balkan Balkan Riding Adventure, Mountains Magliz

The Balkan Mountains stretch west-east for 700 km and divide the country into two Nature, history, horses, mountains, folk traditions in the center of The Balkan parts – North and South Bulgaria. The starting point for our two ridetreks in the Mountains. This tour is much more different compared to the others, just because the Balkans is the small town of Apritsi tucked away in the Northern slopes of the central people who conduct it live in perfect harmony with nature and pay homage to animal part of the , where the highest peaks are located too. Here you can life. Raicho Ganchev is your riding instructor for the whole trek. He is an extremely find unspoiled nature with fertile valleys, green hills, murmuring waterfalls and unaffected person and probably the best expert with profound knowledge of the mountain meadows full of cattle. Apriltsi is known for its picturesque houses built in animal life in the Balkan Mountains. He has a Ph. D and has specialized in brown the traditional Bulgarian style with cozy canapés and colorful ornaments. In the bear studies, which also live in the Balkan Mountains. Throughout most of the year he region you can find unique ceramics, icon paintings and woodcarving workshops lives up in the mountains and his practical knowledge of Nature and wild animals he where the process of creating pieces of art has not been changed for the last few has obtained out of his own experience, an experience he will share with you during centuries. We offer two programmes: the trek. Riding Camp wishing to explore pristine nature and the Magliz and the Balkan It is a real pleasure to relax after a day everyday life of the locals in the one of of riding in the shade of the trellis vine. Our riding instructor Bobby - a charming Bulgaria’s picturesque mountains. young lady, will train you on fascinating Mountains The little town of Magliz lies at the The Tours and the varied terrain in the meadows and deep Itinerary: forests with wild animals which are used foothills of The Balkan Mountains on the Terrain for riding every day. There is no riding in Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport southern side of the central part of the The riding trips go to the hills outside the fenced training areas. The final program Aprlitsi, overnight. Day 2. Chosing of mountains ridge. The Balkan Mountains paths and ways giving the most fantastic for the week-long tour is decided on the horses and riding. See tour proposals. Day divide the country into two parts – South spot after group wishes and capabilities. 3. Early departure from Apriltsi through and North Bulgaria and give the name to panoramas with views over the lower The variety of possibilities is really great - Mt. Botev to Panicite. Day 4. Continue the whole peninsula. to The Bulgarian mountain and the Thracian plain. You ride i.e. a visit to old monasteries, waterfalls, riding in Sredna Gora Mountain till name of the Balkan Mountains - „Stara through a pass in parallel to the railway, high mountain pastures. You can expect a Svezen hut (1400m) Day 5. The day is Planina“ („The Old Mountains“) really by the hundred years old monasteries, rock lot of exciting impressions and experiences spent in the village of Svezen. Riding to gets its meaning in this region. The formations, old villages. If you prefer in a fantastic mountainous terrain. the village and to a lake. Day 6. From century-old forests, steep cliffs, numerous riding in the plains, it can be arranged on Svezen we ride through Sredna Gora waterfalls go together with hidden and the spot. It is possible to stay overnight in Sample Riding Tour Mountains to Tuzha hut. Day 7. From nearly forgotten ruins - witnesses of a the open air. Magliz Monastery lies quite Tuzha to Apriltsi. Day 8. From Apriltsi history which goes back to the crusaders. hidden on a rocky hill and is one of the Options transportation to the airport for departure. The National Park which is situated a less visited monasteries. This convent was 18km. Riding and sightseeing on little bit north of Magliz has an created in the 12th century. horseback around the village which is 12 Accommodation and abundance of animals and species. Raicho km long Genchev knows all parts of the mountains Excursions: 25km. Over the peaks Pozdeli, Rankovzi , Boarding: like the palm of his hand. With some luck During the tour (day 5 or 6) Raicho will Scolai. Lunch at a nunnery. Back over Privatie accommodation / Huts. FB. you could watch eagles and falcons. offer you a day trip by car to see „The Black pig“ rock (1500m) 26km. Mountain trip to the highest Accommodation and something of the country. The trip goes pastures. The trip is at an altitude of over pass to the Open Air more than 1000m Boarding: Etnographic Museum Etara and the 20km. Through Vidima to Bulgaria’s The 3-storeyed house where we are beautiful town of Trjavna. highest waterfall „Praskaloto“ (125m), accommodated is like a little pearl. It is situated at 1350m above the sea built on top of a hill and the horses are in Horses and Equipment: the backyard. There is one apartment and There are 6-8 horses of a known Itinerary Riding Camp: three double rooms and common facilities Bulgarian breed and have in their early Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to (bath/toilet). The dining room is of a years been through ground training. All Aprlitsi, overnight. Day 2-7. Riding tours typical Bulgarian design and decoration. the horses are well trained and easy to with a riding instructor or with a riding Flowers, fruits and vegetables grow in control. The equipment is not completely guide. See sample riding-tour options. Day the big garden, spread around the house. new but pretty much OK. The saddles are 8. Transport to the airport for departure allround or Western. Accommodation and Horses and Itinerary: Boarding: Equipment: Day 1. Flight to Bulgaria, transport to Magliz. Overnight. Day 2-7 See Tour Private accommodation in Apriltsi. FB. There are 8-10 horses of a famous Bulgarian breed, which in their early age proposal. Day 8. Transport to the airport Horsetrek Over Two have gone through ground training. for departure. There are pedigree Arab and English Mountains horses and half-breeds English and East Accommodation and The tour goes over the saddle of Mt. Bulgarian horses. All riding horses are Botev (2376m) - the Balkan Mountains well-trained and easy to control. Western Boarding: highest peak and a big National Reserve and English type saddles. Private accommodation with FB 7 nights . „Central Balkan“. Then through the cozy Lunch or dinner in the open air. Details town of Kalofer with monasteries and Extension: Yes, Black Sea are arranged on the spot. watermills. Further, over the totally untouched Sredna Gora Mountains to Group size: Min. 4 / Max. 7 Extension: Yes, Black Sea Svezen hut, which lies on a hill with a splendid view. During the trek we ride Riding instructor: Yes Group size: Min. 2 / Max. 6 through a deep and old forest, along Difficulty grade: 1-2-3 Riding camp Riding instructor: Yes blueberry and raspberry fields, through little villages up in the mountains and 2-3 Over two mountains Difficulty grade: 1-2-3 experience the nature in its complexity. The tour is recommended to people, Tour type: IT+ Tour type: IT+ 9 Cycling in Bulgaria Take the bicycle with you and experience Bulgaria in your own tempo. We have prepared 2 tours - one in the southern part of the country and one in the northern. These tours go through beautiful and exciting routes and we have arranged the hotel overnights, baggage transport and guide assistance. Biking in Bulgaria is an adventurous experience which gives you the chance of visiting the least known corners of this Balkan country with pristine nature – something which is impossible to make on a bus trip. Make a stop by the roads to buy fruits and vegetables or stop in the village where the baker has just made fresh and delicious loaves of bread. The personal contacts with the locals during the day, as well as the evenings spent in family-run hotels bring you in close direct touch with Bulgarian hospitality and traditional, unspoiled way of life.

The village of Shiroka Luka is an valleys with sheep peacefully grazing on ethnographic and architectural reserve. lush grass, precipitous cliffs and gentle, Sights of interest - the old school St. rolling hills offereing plenty of unique Panteleimon (1888) and the Church of the biking opportunities. The narrow roads Holy Virgin (1834). There is a musical meander through picturesque villages that school teaching national instruments. look as though they have been unchanged Bachkovo Monastery: Founded in 1083. for the past 200 years. Some of Bulgaria’s Bulgarian religious and literary centre. most important Orthodox monasteries The murals, old icons from different are situated in the dales or woods here. periods, the manuscripts, as well as the Churches with centuries-old icons and objects linked with church crafts, turned colourful murals are spread across a Bachkovo Monastery into one of the wide range of villages and small towns. Cycling in the Rodopi richest galleries of old Bulgaria. km. Day 6. To Batoshevo monastery and Plovdiv: The second largest city of Highlights further to Apriltsi, overnight – 65km. Mountains Bulgaria, situated along the Maritza River. Out tour starts in Veliko Turnovo, Day 7. Cycling to Trojan Monastery, visit In comparison to our tour in the Balkan Here Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, that is world to Oreshaka – 35km. By car/bus to Sofia, Mountains, the cycling tour in the Rodopi Ottoman Turks and Bulgarians have all renowned for its steep white cliffs with overnight in hotel. Day 8. Transfer to the is more strenuous, reaching an altitude of made an architectural impression. Ancient houses built on them, for the Tzarevetz airpoet for departure. 1600m. These mountains spread out over (2AD) amphitheatre seating 3000, Roman Fortress and for the river which mirrors the imposing splendour of the numerous hills.Their flora and fauna Stadium, National Revival style houses, Difficulty town’s architecture. In Arbanassi we visit contains species that have become extinct churches and six magnificent hills. An easier one with max 65 km cycling the church with unique frescoes and in other European countries. In ancient per day. The terrain is hilly but not so Arbanassi Monastery (1860). Some of the times, a number of poets came here for steep as in the Rodopi Mountains. All Itinerary: monasteries included in the tour inspiration. Orpheus, the great poet and people used to cycling should be able to Day 1. Arrival in Bulgaria, transport to (1349), Kipilovo (1272), singer after whom the mountains are make this tour. Plovdiv, overnight. Day 2. Cycling starts (12C) were founded during the named, is believed to have tamed wild from Plovdiv via the village of Varvara period of The Second Bulgarian State, animals here; his voice was so strong to -80km. Day 3. From close to the royal city of V.Tarnovo and Accommodation and that it could crack stones. Velingrad via Sarnitsa to - 70km. turned into centers of most significant Boarding: The biking routes are quite varied, Day 4. To Teshel and further through cultural and artistic undertakings. Others Hotels BB (7 nights). starting from the flat valley at Plovdiv Trigrad gorge to the village of Trigrad – – Sokolovo (1833), Batoshevo (14C) and and winding up to the high mountain 40km. Day 5. Via Tehsel to Devin – especially (re-erected 1835) – Extension: Yes, Black Sea passes. Most of the mileage goes along 40km. Day 6. To Shiroka Luka. reveal outstanding works of the main, asphalt roads that are well-suited Sightseeing. Further to - Bulgarian church monumental painting Group size: Min. 2 for biking. There is relatively little motor 40km. Day 7. Via Bachkovo Monastery to from the Revival period. The late 18th Group leader: Yes, English-speaking traffic here which makes the roads safer Plovdiv - 90km. Day 8. Transfer to the and early 19th century witnessed an than in other European countries. The airport for departure. unheard-of revival of the art of Tour type: IT+ / GT mountain roads and paths are a different woodcarving – iconostases, bishop’s matter. They can be unpredictable with Difficulty: thrones, pulpits, etc. Etura is an open-air sharp turns and often without pavement. Moderate. Biking 4-6 h daily, climbing ethnographic reserve, Troyan - the town Cycling Holidays on Along them bikers can see some old-time max. 12%. Max height 1600m. 30-50km of Bulgarian pottery and Oreshaka – a Your Own! transportation means: wooden carts cycling/day is highly recommended for permanent arts and crafts exhibition. pulled by a horse, a donkey or a cow. some time before the start. You are used to cycling individually Itinerary: and you want just to be sure that there Accommodation and is a bed booked for you at the end of Highlights Day 1. Arrival in Bulgaria, transfer to the day! If so, you should choose Velingrad. A famous spa resort, situated Boarding: hotel in Sofia, overnight. Day 2. By car/ these tours without a guide and bus to Veliko Turnovo - 230 km. Cycling at 800m among beautiful pine forest . 70 Hotel/Private accommodation BB (7 baggage transport. It might be even mineral springs with temperature of the nights). to Arbanssi, visit to two local more exciting when you try it water from 22C to 88C. Yagodinska monasteries. Back to Veliko Turnovo – individually! Cave. The longest cave in Bulgaria - 12 Cycling in North 20km. Day 3. Sightseeing in Veliko km with a wonderful formations. There Turnovo, cycling to Kapinovo and These are just a pair of examples for is a unique prehistoric settlement dating Bulgaria Kilifarevo monastery, overnight in routes in Bulgaria. If you wish to cycle back from the late eneolythis. The This tour is easier than the tour in the Drianovo – 30km. Day 4. Cycling from longer/shorter or in other regions, just „Trigradskoto zhdrelo“ /Trigrads gorge/. Rodopi Mountains (shorter distances). We Drjanovo through Drjanovo Monastery to let us know. Send us your requirements Along steep cliffs a narrow road winds bike mostly in Veliko Turnovo region, on Trjavna, overnight – 30km. Day 5. and we will arrange a tour specially the north side of the Balkan mountains, leading to the „Dyavolksoto garlo“ cave Cycling to , visit to for you! which has a huge waterfall underground. famous for their unspoiled nature, green Etara open air museum, overnight - 35

10 Roundtrip Bulgaria Roundtrip Bulgaria with

Even the uninitiated know that the most significant cultural sights and historic Public Transport monuments lie in the mountains of the Central and South-Western parts of We have arranged this tour, offering you to make use of local public transport, between Bulgaria. The sightseeing tour we offer the exciting small, bigger and biggest towns. This type of tour gives you a possibility to you differs from the other tours at the explore Bulgaria according to your own personal wishes. You will visit almost the same tourist market: in order to save the long places of interest, included in our standard version of the roundtrip, but there is no drive to and from the Black Sea coast, personal guide assistance. Of course, you can take local guides (normally English, we have chosen to fly to Sofia. We have German or French speaking) in the museums, monasteries, ethnographic and historic traveled widely and have found good reserves. It is important to consider transport as a means of transportation from point two and three star hotels with bath/toilet A to point B. This is more time-taking and at the same time, you should bear in mind in beautiful historical towns. The group that not everything can be foreseen. A timetable can be changed for instance, a route includes maximum 18 persons, which can be closed or opened, for transport infrastructure in Bulgaria is not so well gives a better chance of coming closer to developed as it is in West Europe. That’s why we expect you to be used to traveling and the local people and their everyday life. speaking someEnglish or German. If something happens on the way, you should be On the way, we visit some large cities: prepared to handle the problems yourselves. But all this is part of the experience!!! Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo. Bulgaria is known as the land of magnificent Rila Monastery (ca.100km,70 EUR) can monasteries. Our tour takes us up in the Itinerary: be organized by our representative on the Rila, the Pirin, the Rhodopi, the Balkan Day 1. Arrival toSofia, Hotel overnight in spot. Mountains and to some of Bulgaria’s Sofia if the flight comes too late, or by Plovdiv: Bulgaria’s second biggest city most interesting monasteries: Rila bus to Bansko. Overnight in hotel. Day 2. and the cultural center of the country. We Monastery, Bachkovo Monastery, Rozhen Free time for sightseeing or a walking suggest a walking tour in the Old Town Monastery. trip in the mountains around Bansko. Day with the Roman Amphitheatre and 3. After breakfast by bus to Plovdiv shopping in the main street. Both places Itinerary: ancient fortress-wall, the Roman forum (about 4h) with several stops on the way. offer a great variety of shops, galleries, and stadium, and magnificent churches. Hotel accommodation the centre of Day 1. Arrival at Sofia Airport. Transfer. restaurants and cafes. Or a trip to Near Plovdiv we shall visit the second Plovdiv, free time. Day 4. Breakfast in the Bachkovo monastery (ca. 30 km) by taxi. Hotel accommodation. Day 2.Sightseeing largest monastery in Bulgaria - Bachkovo hotel. You can explore the old part of the in Sofia by bus and on foot, including the Veliko Turnovo: The capital of the Second Monastery (11th c.) situated at the foot of city. Or make a trip to Bachkovo Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit to the historic magnificent Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the . Dinner at a Monastery ca. 30 km south from the city. erected in memory of the Russian soldiers hill of Tsarevets and Samovodska traditional restaurant in the old quarter Day 5. Breakfast at the hotel and Charshia with many craftsmen’s shops. A who died for the liberation of Bulgaria of Plovdiv. We stay overnight in Plovdiv. departure by bus to Veliko Turnovo. The from the Turkish domination (1877-1878); trip to the nearby village of Arbanssi Day 6. We drive northeast from Plovdiv. journey takes about 5-6 hours. (ca.8km) with typical architecture from the crypt which houses a fine collection of We stop in the town of Kazanluk in the Accommodation at hotel in Veliko icons; St Sofia Church dating from the the Bulgarian Revival period and precious Valley of Roses and then drive north, up Turnovo or . Day 6. Breakfast at the murals in the church. Plenty of medieval 5th-6th c. after which the capital is in the Balkan Mountains to the Shipka hotel, sightseeing or a trip to the little named; Sofia’s oldest building - St George monasteries are located in the area Pass. In 1877 this pass was the site of the village of Arbanassi (ca.8km from around : Preobrazhenski Rotunda from the 3rd c.; the National most important battle in the liberation V.Turnovo) or to one of the monasteries Museum of History. Day 3. We drive (4km), Kilifarevo (17km), Plakovo war against the Turks. Further to the around V.Turnovo. Day 7. After breakfast (24km), Kapinovo (26km). south from Sofia to . On the north we visit the Etar Ethnographic by bus to Sofia. The route goes along the way we visit Rila Monastery situated in Heritage Park, near the town of , northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. the Rila Mountains at a height of 1150 with houses from the Bulgarian National Hotel accommodation in Sofia. Day 8. General Info on Traveling meters. Behind the 20-metre high walls lie Revival period and workshops for Breakfast at the hotel and free time until impressive monastery buildings, a church ceramics, copper and other handicrafts. departure. by Bus in Bulgaria and a chapel with valuable murals. It is We drive on to Veliko Turnovo. Overnight Price includes: Tickets for public bus the biggest and most important symbol of As a rule the trip from one place to hotel accommodation. Day 7. Sightseeing transport: Sofia-Bansko, Bansko-Plovdiv, another in Bulgaria is measured by time the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. We round Veliko Turnovo - the capital of the Plovdiv-Veliko Turnovo, Veliko Turnovo- continue to Sandanski where we stay and not by distance. Buses are a faster Second Bulgarian Kingdom (13th c.). Sofia, 7 nights at hotels BB sharing dbl means of transport than the train. The overnight. Day 4. From Sandanski we Remains of the medieval fortifications, room. drive to the old town of Melnik and there Inter-city buses start from Bus stations churches and the palace still stand on Not included: transfers from/to bus- (avtogara in Bulgarian). There are fast we visit the tradesman Kordopulov’s Tsarevets Hill (the King’s Hill). Visit to stations/hotels(except for arrival at Sofia house of 1754. We drive further south to buses which stop only in those cities the museum-town of Arbanassi with airport on day 1). Everything not which are written on the bus sign. The the picturesque Rozhen Monastery dating houses looking like fortresses, and to mentioned above from the 13th c. - the only Bulgarian buses are private and every company has Kilifarevo Monastery (14th c.) where St Bansko: The description of this small its own regulations and fares. monastery which remained unharmed Theodosius of Turnovo founded a Church- town you can find on page 4. Visit to during the Turkish domination. Then we For example booking and paying tickets Slavonic school of literature. Late local museums and a walk in the in advance. With some destinations and drive north to Bansko and visit St Teodor afternoon departure to Sofia. Overnight. mountains suggested. A trip by taxi to Tironund Stratilat Church from 1614 companies that is possible, but most often Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for one can purchase the ticket from the with valuable murals. We stay overnight departure. in Bansko. Day 5. We drive northwest to driver only when boarding the bus. Some Plovdiv situated in a large valley in companies have fixed timetables some do Central Bulgaria with a stop in the Accommodation and not, some busses have AC, others do not historic town of Batak. Visit to the church have. For the roundtrip described above, boarding: bus tickets are provided by us and are where we can see the bones of the Hotels, 7 nights HB sharing dbl room. victims, massacred by the Turks during included in the price !!! an uprising in 1876. Plovdiv - the second Extension: Yes, Black Sea largest city in Bulgaria, is also one of the Extension: Yes, Black Sea oldest on the Balkan Peninsula - it was Group size: Min. 6 / Max 18 Group size: Min. 2 the capital of Ancient and a big trade centre in the . In the Local guide: Yes, English-speaking Local guide: Not included historic quarter of the city, you will see beautifully decorated period houses, the Tour type: GT Tour type: IT

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