Monasteries, nature, trek and culture in Bulgaria with TrekkingBG
The melancholy of days past in the old arcs of monasteries cuddled in the gentle embrace of the forest. The sense of a new Revival on the streets of Sofia and Plovdiv. The freshness of mountain air in Stara Planina, the Rhodopes and Rila. This is a view to Bulgaria and its history that is different, human, uniquely ours.
Programme details
Day 1
Arriving at Sofia Airport and transferring from there for the onward journey. Arriving at the village Oreshaka situated – 150km (93 miles) from Sofia. Dinner in a “mehana“ (a restaurant with traditional Bulgarian food and music) where you can have a taste of rakia (a typical Bulgarian brandy style drink made of grapes or plums, etc.) .
Oreshaka village is a center for traditional Bulgarian ceramic art and is situated close to the Troaynski Monastery.
Optional: Visit to the Glojene Monastery reconstructed in the 19 century.
Accommodation: Small private houses in the village of Oreshaka that have been converted into lodges.
Day 2
Visit to the Troyanski Monastery. Transfer to the city of Gabrovo – 70km (43.5 miles). Lunch and visit to Etara, an outdoor museum, which exhibts the environment and the traditions of 19th century Bulgaria. Transfer to the town of Triavna – 20km (12 miles), famous for its wood carvers.
Troyan Monastery played one of the most important roles in the spiritual and cultural life during the Bulgarian Renaissance. It was found at the end of the 16th century and is situated 10km (6 miles) away from the town of Troyan in the valley of Cherni Osam River.
Accommodation: Hotel in the town of Triavna
Day 3
Transfer to the Drianovski Monastery (15km/9 miles). Tour at the surroundings of the monastery, taking about
two and a half hours. Visit to the Monastery. Transfer to the architectural and historical reserve in the village
of Bojentzi – 20km (12 miles). Lunch in village of Bojentzi. Transfer to the Town of Veliko Tarnovo – the old capital of Bulgaria. Visit to the village of Arbanassi. Personal time.
The Dryanovski Monastery was built in 1845 in the beautiful canyon of Drianovska River. It used to serve as a stronghold.
Arbanassiwas established at the end of the 15th century by Christians and is distinguished for its original culture, which is unique for Bulgarian conditions.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arbanassi, situated 10km (6 miles) away from Veliko Turnovo.
Day 4
A ride to Preobrajenski Monastery in the morning (between two and a half and three hours). Visit to Preobrajenski Monastery. Lunch in the town of Veliko Turnovo. Sightseeing of the town and Tsarevets Stronghold. Personal time.
Preobrajenski Monastery “Sveto Preobrajenie Gospodne” is one of the biggest and most important monuments of Bulgarian culture. The monastery was founded during the first years of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Accommodation:Same hotel
Day 5
Transfer to city of Plovdiv (250km/155 miles). The road will take us there through the Shipka Passage (1400m), associated with one of the most important battles during the Russian-Turkish War. Visit to Shipka Monastery. Lunch on the way. Visiting tourist sights in Plovdiv which include the Roman amphitheatre and numerous ruins.
Optional: Visit to the Thracian Tomb in the town of Kazanlak.
Shipka Monastery was built in the 19th century. The architecture of its Church resembles Russian Orthodox Cathedrals.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in Europe (its history dates back to 4,000 B. C.). The old part of Plovdiv is preserved as it was during the years of the Bulgarian Renaissance. There you can see an amphitheatre and ruins that date back to the Roman Empire.
Accommodation: Hotel in the City of Plovdiv.
Day 6
Going to the Stronghold of Assenovgrad (20km/12 miles) located in the orifice of the Rhodope Tract. Transfer to the Bachkovski Monastery. A tour that will take around two – two and a half hours durring which you will make a visit to the cave where the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary (now at the monastery) had appeared. Visit to the Monastery. Lunch in the village of Bachkovo. Returning to the town of Plovdiv.
Bachkovo Monastery “Assumption” is situated 30km (18 miles) from the city of Plovdiv, at the waterside of the Chaia River. It is a cultural monument of world significance and is under the aegis of UNESCO.
Accommodation: Same hotel
Day 7
Transfer to the Rilski Monastery (200km/124 miles). Visiting the Monastery. Transfer to Sofia (120km/74.5 miles). Picnic on the way between the Monastery and Sofia.- Sightseeing Sofia City.
Rila Monastery is one of the most famous and respected out of all monasteries in Bulgaria. The modern monastery complex is the second of religious importance on the Balkan Peninsula. It is situated 120km (74,5 miles) south of Sofia at 1,100 meters above sea level, in the heart of Rila Mountain.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sofia City
Day 8
Free time for last minute sightseeing or shopping in Sofia. Transfer to airport for return flights.
