Itinerary: Bulgarian Grand Tour
Day 1:
Sofia arrival (Sat)
Fly to Sofia and transfer to your hotel, ideally situated in the very centre of Bulgaria‘s fascinating capital city. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, meet your Inghams Tour Guide and look forward to the days ahead. Hotel Crystal Palace.
Day 2:
Sofia (Sun)
In the morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sofia. See the magnificent Alexander Nevski Cathedral with its golden dome and a wealth of other attractions which reflect the rich history of this old city. Free time for lunch in one of Sofia’s many good eating places and an afternoon at your leisure. Wander through the park where the local men play chess or stop for a coffee on Vitoshia Boulevard and soak in the city’s intriguing atmosphere. Alternatively take an optional excursion to Koprivshtitsa, a charming museum town of fully restored houses and architecture from the National Revival period. See costume jewellery, ceramics and rugs being made in the traditional way. Dinner is taken in a characteristic local restaurant. Hotel Crystal Palace.
Day 3:
Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo (Mon)
A morning of leisure in Sofia to appreciate the cultural sights and explore the cosmopolitan shopping streets offering many designer names. Alternatively join the short optional tour to the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon we leave for the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo, arriving in good time for dinner at the hotel. Afterwards experience the drama of an atmospheric optional Sound & Light show presented over the old walled fortress. Hotel Yantra.
Day 4:
Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanassi - Veliko Tarnovol (Tue)
In the morning a sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo, with its stone houses perched on the banks of the River Yantra. In the afternoon free time to explore the old town’s characteristic streets of craft shops and relax by the Yantra to enjoy the views. Later in the afternoon we depart for Arbanassi, one of the most picturesque villages in Bulgaria. Explore the village’s famous attractively decorated houses which have been preserved for centuries. Following the sightseeing we stay in Arbanassi for a typical dinner of excellent regional fayre, accompanied with traditional floor show and live music. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Hotel Yantra.
Day 5:
Veliko Tarnovo - Etara - Shipka - Valley of the Roses - Nessebarl (Wed)
Leaving the medieval town behind, we stop at the mountain town of Gabrovo, then on to Etara, a reproduction of an authentic rural village set in a scenic wooded valley. Time afterwards to stroll through the village and watch the local craftsmen weaving, making pottery, painting, even baking bread, using age-old working methods. From here we head over the Shipka Pass, a most panoramic route, with time to visit the beautifully ornate Shipka Church with its opulent gold domes. Entering the Rose Valley and Kazanluk, capital of Bulgaria’s rose oil industry where 70% of the world’s rose oil is produced, we visit the country’s oldest Rose oil refinery with museum before continuing to Nessebar on the Black Sea. Dinner is taken at the hotel. Hotel Vigo.
Day 6:
Nessebar l(Thu)
A guided tour of Nessebar old town in the morning and an afternoon to see the local sights or take an optional boat trip on the Black Sea. In the evening we will travel to the village of Erkech for a traditional dinner with wine and a folklore show. Hotel Vigo.
Day 7:
Nessebar - Varna (optional) - Nessebarl (Fri)
A day at leisure to relax or take the full day optional tour to Varna, the 3rd largest city in Bulgaria and its marine capital. A sightseeing tour of the city will include the Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Nessebar. Hotel Vigo.
Day 8:
Nessebar - Plovdivl (Sat)
A morning drive west to Bulgaria"s second city, Plovdiv. In the afternoon, a sightseeing tour of this vibrant old city, with cobbled streets and ornate mansions set in wonderful courtyards. The air here blends with gentle aromas of geraniums. Visit the church of Konstantin and Elena, the characteristic town museum and the impressive amphitheatre built by the Romans back in 2nd century a.d. and where music and theatre performances are often held today. Dinner is taken at the hotel. Hotel Novotel.
Day 9:
Plovdiv - Rila Monastery - Banskol (Sun)
In the morning we leave Plovdiv and head towards the Rila Monastery, passing local villages and farmland scenes to enter mountain landscapes. Time to appreciate the Monastery’s unique architectural style and learn about its ancient frescoes and importance to Bulgarian history. We enjoy lunch here before continuing to the picturesque mountain town of Bansko, arriving in good time for dinner at the hotel. Park Hotel Gardenia.
Day 10:
Banskol (Mon)
A guided walking tour of the old town of Bansko with its cobbled lanes and stout timber framed houses. We visit the local museum which explores the history of this interesting little town. In the afternoon we take a relaxed panoramic tour of the scenic Bansko valley, visiting the local villages and enjoy a short trip on a narrow gauge train from Razlog back to Bansko. Park Hotel Gardenia.
Day 11:
Bansko -
Melnik and Sandanski (optional) - Bansko l(Tue)A day at leisure in Bansko or take one of the optional excursions. Visit Melnik and Sandanski, close to the Greek border. Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria is visually stunning, backed by high sandstone pyramids. Melnik’s most picturesque nineteenth century house, once the home of a rich merchant with secret passages, wine cellars and vineyards, is a fascinating visit. Taste some of Melnik’s famous wines in a peaceful location overlooking the village. After lunch we leave for Sandanski, a spa town with an ideal climate of sunshine and low humidity. Alternatively, join a half day trip to Dobarsko Village where you will be entertained with frescoes, traditional food and a Ladies Choir. Back at the hotel, time to look back on trip highlights with new found friends as the group dines together a final time. Park Hotel Gardenia.
Day 12:
Depart Banskol (Wed)
Leave Bansko for Sofia airport and your return flight to the UK.
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