2015 EXPLORE & PLOVDIV 3 Nights -4 Days

Sofia – Plovdiv – Sofia

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Day 1 Arrival day – Sofia Mid-day or early afternoon arrival to Sofia airport, guided transfer to Sofia city centre for lunch at an Indian restaurant. Hotel check in, followed by short orientation tour (walking tour) of Sofia city centre: the gold domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, National Assembly, Houses of President, National Art Gallery, National Theatre, National Bank, the Palace of Justice, Hot Mineral Water Springs.

Walk down Vitosha Street, the central pedestrian street of Sofia to enjoy the 20th century European style architecture, small coffee shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries, street shopping opportunities. Also see the National Palace of Culture and pass the open-air gallery of the Lover’s Bridge. (no EF apply).

Dinner with transfers, hotel in Sofia (L, D) ** Lunch and dinner at Indian restaurant in Sofia

** Possibility to arrange Welcome dinner at traditional Bulgarian restaurant with folklore show (singing and dancing programme, also ritual ‘’Nestinari’’ - dances on embers - during summer months only) Day 2 Sofia or Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia Morning visit to Boyana Church (UNESCO Site), National History where the famous Gold Treasure is held (EF apply), TV tower and Vitosha Mountain view point. Late afternoon at leisure, shopping, rest, etc., dinner with transfers and overnight stay (B, L, D)

** Lunch and dinner at Indian restaurant in Sofia

OR one day trip to Rila Monastery - the biggest in and one of Europe's oldest, UNESCO Site. Visit the monastery and museum (EF), also Hrelyo Tower. After lunch drive back to Sofia, late afternoon at leisure, shopping, rest, etc., dinner with transfers and overnight stay (B, L, D) Distance: 130 km one way, approx. 2h30min

** Lunch at local restaurant near the monastery ** Dinner at Indian restaurant in Sofia

OR you can do even both with an early departure to Rila Monastery at 08:00 am, visit the monastery and departure to Sofia right after lunch so you can visit Boyana Church (UNESCO Site) and National History Museum in the afternoon (B, L, D)

Day 3 Sofia – Plovdiv – Sofia Distance: 140 km one way, approx. 2h20min

Morning departure to Plovdiv - the second biggest city in Bulgaria, upon arrival sightseeing tour of the Old incl. the Ancient Theatre (EF), Ethnographic museum or a 19th century house from the National Revival period (EF). Late afternoon departure back to Sofia for dinner and overnight (B, L, D)

Bulgaria's Plovdiv is elected to be European Capital of Culture in 2019!

** Lunch at local restaurant in Plovdiv ** Dinner at Indian or local restaurant in Sofia

Day 4 Departure day Free morning (B). Depart hotel for Sofia Airport (time to be advised)

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Rates feature:  Hotel accommodation at 4* centrally located hotel – possible accommodation or similar: Sofia: Ramada Sofia Hotel (Superior rooms),

** Free use of in-door at Ramada Sofia Hotel and discount on SPA services at Victoria SPA which is the best SPA in town

** Complimentary tea/ coffee making facilities in the rooms as well as 1x bottle 500ml mineral water in the room per person per day at Ramada Sofia