All Bulgarian Capitals
Bulgaria has a long, long history as a country. In the year 681 the state was established by Khan Asparuh and since then it had an interesting story. In this tour you will explore all of the Bulgarian capitals, starting from the first one, Pliska and finishing with Sofia.
Itinerary
Day-1
Arrival. Transfer to Plovdiv. Overnight. 
Day-2
HD tour of Plovdiv – including the incredible Old Town of Plovdiv and the ancient theater. Transfer and tour of Preslav, which is one of the oldest towns of Bulgaria and also the second Bulgarian capital. Overnight in Shumen.
Plovidv is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here you will see the remains of a Thracian fortress (5th century BC) and well preserved remains from the Roman times to our days.
The Old Town is a marvelous site, with its picturesque churches, the mosque and many houses with the architecture, the specific atmosphere and the spirit of Bulgarian Revival period.
Your guide will show you the fabulous remains from the Ancient Roman Empire – the Roman Stadium, the Roman Forum, the Amphitheater.
Preslav was known as a spiritual and literature center, where the development of the Slavic written 
language and the Golden Age of Bulgaria during the rule of Tsar Simeon I (who reigned in the period 893 – 927) took place.
Day-3
Breakfast. Full day program – Shumen, Pliska, Madara Rider, Arbanasi. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Shumen Fortress was probably first built by Thracians and was later completed and reconstructed by Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians. It is believed that the first fortification, built in this place is 3200 years old, which makes it one of the oldest fortifications in Bulgaria. 
Madara Rider – The most notable monument at the Madara reserve is the unique stone relief known as the Madara Rider. The relief depicts a horseman in a natural pose with a sword in his hand. At the feet of the horse lies a
lion, and behind the rider is depicted his hunting dog. One legend has it, that a Roman emperor was hunting on the plateau, when he fell off the cliff and died. His relatives memorialized him by engaging a master to carve his image on the cliff. 
Pliska, where incredible excavations can be seen, and is also the oldest capital of Bulgaria, Madara Rider, UNESCO heritage listed site, which is located near Shumen and dates from the time of the Bulgarian Khans.
The village of Arbanasi is located on a high plateau 5 km from the city of Veliko Tarnovo.
It is known, that the village existed during the time of the Second Bulgarian State (1185 – 1396). At that time, the Bolyari (nobles), living in the capital Tarnovo, used it as a summer residence. According to the legend, the Tsar of Tarnovo minted coins here. 
Day-4
Breakfast. Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and the Tzarevets Fortress. Transfer to Sofia and walking tour, where you will enjoy the ancient and the modern city. Overnight.
Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country, as its history dates back to more than five thousand years, which is proven by the archaeological excavations made there.
The upsurge of Veliko Tarnovo is related to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 – 1396). In 1185 the town was declared capital of the restored Bulgarian State by the brothers Asen and Petar, which marked the end of the Byzantine dominion, wthat continued for 167 years. 
After its selection for a capital, the town developed fast, as within the period 12th – 14th century it was the most unconquerable Bulgarian fortress, as well as a cultural and intellectual center of Bulgaria and the Balkan peninsula.
Sofia – panoramic tour with transport and on foot, during which you will see the main sights – Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Parliament, Banya Bashi Mosque, The Synagogue, the National Theater, the Kings’ Palace.
Day-5
Breakfast. Free time to explore Sofia by yourself, or to book additional tour, offered by your tour manager. Overnight. 
Day-6
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Overnight.
Additional Days
You may add more days to your tour at special price for accommodation to explore Sofia by yourself or to join Zelanos one-day tours.
Prices: Upon request
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Person in DBL / TRPL
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Person in SNGL
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Child 2 – 11.99 y.o.
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Infant 0 – 1.99 y.o. – FREE
Included in the prices:
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5 BB in 3 star centrally located hotels
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Arrival, departure transfer
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Seat in luxury mini-van or mini-bus
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English speaking guide
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English speaking chauffeur
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All entrances in the sites visited during the tour
Supplements – optional:
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels supplement per person
Additional nights in Sofia, per person, per night:
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Hotels 3*
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Hotels 4* / 5*
Notes:
Rates upon request
Optional excursions:
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Wine tasting in Brestovitsa or Preslav or Lyaskovets
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Folklore Dinner in Plovdiv
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Folklore Dinner in Sofia
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Visit of Boyana Church, UNESCO world heritage site in Sofia
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Full day tour of Rila Monastery and Bansko