Charming Bulgaria

Day 1: Sofia
Meet your guide at your hotel in Sofia. Dinner and night in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia
Signtseeing tour of Sofia, capital of Bulgaria: Sofia University of St Kliment Ohridski and National Library, Cathedral of Alexander Nevski, National Assembly, Russian Church of St Nicholas, Church of St Sophia,  National Art Gallery, St George's Rotunda. Free time to admire the city at your own pace. Dinner and night in Sofia.
 

Day 3: Sofia - Véliko Tarnovo (220 km)
Departure to the Balkans and Véliko Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom until the 14th century. Sightseeing tour of the city and its hills with fantastic panoramas over Yantra river. Walk in the old city - Samovodska Tsharshiya, local craft shops, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Free time, option to visit the Tsarevets fortress. Continue to the village of Arbanassi overlooking Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the monastery of St Peter and Paul. Dinner and night at Veliko Tarnovo.
 

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Kazanlak - Koprivshtitsa (200 km)
Drive towards Gabrovo, one of the country's main craft centers in the 19th century. Visit the Etara open-air museum. Continue to Kazanlak, center of the Valley of the Roses and the Kings of the Thracians. Visit the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the House of the Roses. Tasting of rose products.
Continueto Koprivshtitsa, nestled in the mountains. This quaint little town is well known for its glorious history and the authenticity of its Bulgarian Renaissance-era houses. Dinner and night in Koprivshtitsa.
 

Day 5: Koprivshtitsa - Plovdiv (90 km)
Sightseeing tour of Koprivshtitsa and visit a typical house in the city. Continue to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is among the oldest cities in Europe and former European Capital of Culture (2019). Tour of the city center, the Roman stadium, the old town with the Ancient Theater (UNESCO), the house of Lamartine, the 18th and 19th century alleys of colored houses  (exterior visits). Free time to explore this young, modern and vibrant city. Dinner and night in Plovdiv.
 

Day 6: Plovdiv - Borovets (125 km)
Departure to the south of the country and the city of Samokov. Visit the operational model of metallurgical plant for treating iron obtained in primary furnaces, used from14th till the beginning of the 20th century.
Visit the Samokov monastery (18th century) which protects the city from ruin. Continue to Borovets, an all-season resort in the majestic Rila mountain. Optional visit to the Rila monastery. Dinner and night in Borovets.

Day 7: Borovets - Sofia (70 km)
Return to Sofia and free time in the city. Dinner and night in Sofia.

Day 8: Sofia / departure
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
 

The price includes :
> Sightseeing tours of Sofia, Véliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, Kazanlak, Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, Samokov, Borovets
> Sightseeing tour of the Valley of the Roses and the Thracian Kings
> Visits as per program: Monastery of St Peter and Paul in Arbanassi, Open-air museum Etara, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), a typical house in Koprivshtitsa, Old metallurgical installation in Samokov, Monastery of Samokov
> Tasting of rose products
> Comfortable transport along the trip
> French-speaking guide during the trip
> 2 nights in Sofia, 3 * Hemus hotel or similar
> 1 night at Véliko Tarnovo, Yantra 4 * hotel or similar
> 1 night in Koprivshtitsa, family hotel Bashtina kashta or similar
> 1 night in Plovdiv, Grand Hotel Plovdiv 4 * or similar
> 1 night in Borovets, hotel Samokov 4 * or similar
> 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
> Local taxes

The price does not include:
> Return transfer to/from hotel in Sofia
> Lunches, drinks, and all personal expenses
> Services, not linked in the program
> Travel insurance
> Optional visits and excursions

Optional visits and excursions:
> Entrance ticket for the fortress of Tsarevets: 6 EUR per adult
> Visit of the Rila Monastery: 40 EUR