Itinerary
Day 1: Vitosha mountain- Panoramic view to Sofia, Boyana waterfall and Boyana church
Stop At: Vitosha Mountain, Sofia Bulgaria
Enjoy trekking, starting from Aleko Hut to the peak Kamen Del, named after its numerous sporadically sculptured moraines, at an altitude of 1862 m, from which a unique panoramic view opens to Sofia. We reach to the top for 1.5 h, and after celebrating the climbing up by taking pictures, we head to Momina skala (Girl’s rock) Hut to have lunch. Then we continue to the next beauty in Vitosha – Boyana Falls, 25m height, which makes it the highest waterfall in the mountain, that seems to be “out in the skies”, as the Bulgarian poet Ivan Vazov described it. We continue to Boyana Lake to rest by the water and enjoy the butterflies and dragonflys. Visit of Boyana Church – the temple with pre-renaissance murals. The church is INESCO heritage.
Welcome dinner at restaurant Vodenicata where we will see bare feet Dancers on hot coals!
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: sandwiches and fruits
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at Coop Hotel (4-stars)
Day 2: Plovdiv- the sixt oldest living city in the world
Stop At: Plovdiv Old Town, Staria gradPlovdiv Center, ul. "Saborna" 24,, Plovdiv 4000 Bulgaria
Our program continues with transfer to Plovdiv- approximately 1.5 hours.
Plovdiv is in the top 10 ancient cities in the world. Inhabited since 4,000 B.C., beginning with a Neolithic settlement, Plovdiv has been conquered many times throughout the years by the Thracians, the Greeks and the Romans.
The second largest Bulgarian city impress with its rich cultural life, beautiful ancient setting, and relaxed atmosphere. Plovdiv was elected for European capital of culture in 2019.
What we will see:
The Old Town- 19th century (History Museum)
Ancient Amphitheater form 1st century
The Roman Stadium from 2nd century
Bishop basilica from 4th century
After Plovdiv we are going on a wine tour to the village of Yustina, where is located one of the Winery in the Thracian valley. You will have chance to taste 5 different
Coming back to Plovdiv around 5 pm.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, TsentarPlovdiv Center,, Plovdiv 4000 Bulgaria
One of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman theatres, located in the city center of modern Plovdiv. It was constructed in the 1st century AD.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Small Basilica, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. 31 A, Plovdiv 4000 Bulgaria
It is the largest late antique early-Christian church discovered in Bulgaria and one of the largest from that period on the Balkans- beginning of 4th century!
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at "Villa Antica"
Day 3: 7 Rila Lakes – The most wanted natural heritage
Stop At: Seven Rila Lakes, 2650 Sapareva Banya Rila Mountain, Sofia Bulgaria
After breakfast we are having transfer to the first station of the chairlift at the Panichishte area, which will bring us to the trailhead. Тhe duration of the transport is 2 hrs. We will explore the Cirque of the Seven Rila Lakes, which are between 2100 and 2500 meters (6900 and 8200 feet) altitude. These famous glacier lakes are very charming, forming a magnificent scenery. We will enjoy panoramic views of Vitosha, Osogovo and Stara Planina mountains. Relaxing at the natural hot springs – the highlights of the town.
In this town you can see the only one natural geyser in Bulgaria.
Overnight at Sapareva banya – hotel „Via Lakus“
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Aqua Club Kotvata&Restaurant Kotvata, Germaneya St 38A, Sapareva Banya 2650 Bulgaria
Relaxing at the natural hot springs!
Sapareva banya has the hottest hot spring in the country- 103°C
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sapareva banya – hotel „Via Lakus“ (3-stars)
Day 4: The Goriza river gorge – Rila Monastery- the cave of saint Johan Rilski
Stop At: 8225 Goritsa, Bulgaria
After breakfast we will make short transfer to the next village- Ovchartsi.
The hike offers variety of views, biodiversity and landscape. The cascade of 5 waterfalls over Goritsa River above the village of Ovchartsi is visited by dozens of tourists and nature lovers, especially in the summer. The hike will end at the „Big Stone“ peak. The duration of the hike is 2.5 hours.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Rila Monastery, Rila 2643 Bulgaria
Transfer to Rila Monastery- 1 hour.
The monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian hermit John of Rila, declared a saint while he was still alive. Saint John of Rila lived between 876 – 946. The first monastery was several kilometres upper in the mountain, in the area where the hermit used to live and pray. It was a modest place, hosting the saint and his followers. The construction of the present structure of the monastery started around 13 – 14 centuries. The oldest building that survived today is a tower inside the monastery yard, known as Hrelyo’s tower.
The present look of Rila Monastery dates back to 19th century. The frescoes inside were created by the most famous and talented Bulgarian artists at the time.
At the end of the day we will have short walk (40 minutes) to the cave where St. John of Rila has lived as a hermit for 7 years- a special, holy place.
lunch in restaurant by the Rilska river.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Special over night at Rilla monastery.
Day 5: Climbing Vihren Peak – 3th highest on the Balkans.
Stop At: Vihren, Bansko Bulgaria
For active hikers we are offering moderate hiking to the Pirin’s highest summit - Vihren at 2914 m above sea level.
To ascent the summit we will hike along the southern slope. The marvel stones offer shelter to rare edelweiss flowers and mountain goats. Getting our reword, the stunning view from the top- numerous lakes and creeks, summits above 2500 metras, mountains and valleys
The return route will pass along the north face of Vihren towering over 300 m (1000 ft).
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Sandwiches and fruits
•
Accommodation included: St. Ivan Rilski hotel (4-stars)
Day 6: Wine tasting in Melnik and visiting Rozhen Monastery
Stop At: Melnik, Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province
The smallest Bulgarian town Melnik offers an amazing scenery. The town is at the foot of a unique nature phenomenon – the Melnik sand pyramids. The houses in Melnik date from the National Revival period, with their typical architecture. The region of Melnik is famous also with its specific sort of grape.
During the tour you get to taste five carefully selected wine cellars; one of which is a 100% organic.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Rozhen Monastery, 2820, Bulgaria
Rozhen Monastery is the biggest monastery in Pirin Mountains, in the southwest of Bulgaria. It’s one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries, well-preserved until today. Enjoy this tour of the medieval Rozhen monastery, the picturesque town of Melnik and the best wines of this beautiful corner of Bulgaria.
Lunch in Mehana
Back to Bansko. Before we go to the hotel, we will relax at the hot spring in village of Banya.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Bansko
Day 7: Transfer to Sofia air port
Stop At: Vrazhdebna, 1839 Sofia, Bulgaria
Flying back home.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.