Bulgaria - nature and culture

The proposed customized tour covers some of the key cultural and natural highlights of the country, along with an in-depth introduction to its history, geology, landscapes and food (depending on your interests). We will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rila, Boyana, and Kazanlak, explore the unique sandstone landscape around Melnik and taste some award-winning wines. The tour allows for both cultural site exploration and for some pleasant walks in diverse landcapes. We will visit the highest mountain in the Balkans, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world - Plovdiv (and EU Capital of Culture 2019), as well as some small towns with traditional architecture and rich history.

Day 1 : Bach Kiro cave Shipka Monument & Church Kazalnak Thracian Site Hissarya (depending on time available) Night Plovdiv Day 2 Plovdiv Old Town Assen’s fortress & Church; Hike Kapana, ruins on top of one of the hills and Plovdiv Overnight Plovdiv Day 3: Plovdiv to Sofia. Starosel Thracian Sanctuary. Sofia historic center Night: Sofia Day 4: Own time for shopping, exploring, etc. Museum visit – depending on exact museum schedule during tour Afternoon hike on Vitosha Mountain and visit to a cultural site of global importance (Boyana church) Night: Sofia Day 5: Drive to Seven Rila Lakes trailhead (take cable car up for hike of 3.8 - 5.1 mi, 3-4 hrs). Night in Sapareva Banya at 103 Degrees - Hotel & Spa Day 6: The Sapareva Banya geiser Rila Monastery Optional walk Afternoon wine tasting (Villa Melnik). Night: Melnik Day 7: Melnik & Rozhen Monastery. Hike to see the Pyramids of Melnik. Night: Melnik Day 8 Transfer to N Macedonia