Medieval Heritage – 6 days

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Medieval Heritage

Bulgaria has a specific location and history. This tour will present to you the architecture, traditions, mood of 18^th, 19^th century, when Bulgarian Revival period took place.

Itinerary

Day-1

Arrival. Transfer to Koprivshtitsa. Overnight.

Day-2

Breakfast. Tour of Koprivshtitsa, the town where you can see the lifestyle and architecture of the times of  the National Revival. Tour of Plovdiv – best known for the Old Town and the ancient theater.

Koprivshtitsa was proclaimed National Town-Museum. The architecture of Koprivshtitsa reflects the historical development growth of Bulgarian traditional arts, that can still be observed in their various forms at present.

Plovidv is considered to bes one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here you will see remains of a Thracian fortress (5^th 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.

Day-3

Breakfast. Visit to Kazanlak Thracian Tomb – one of the oldest of the area, Etar – the ethnographic museum and Bozhentsi. Overnight in Bozhentsi.

The Kazanlak Tomb, UNESCO world heritage site is based on its architectural outlook, it belongs to the dome tombs, typical for the Thracian funeral architecture from the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 3rd century BC.

The Architectural And Ethnographic Complex Etar is situated on the outskirts of the town of Gabrovo. It is an open air museum. The Complex Etar was established in 1964 and was declared an architectural and ethnographic monument of national significance. The museum contains a total of 50 sites – houses with handcraft workshops, water installations and other buildings. The only collection in Bulgaria of technical installations, driven by water – filling mills, water mills, grindstones, etc., are situated here. 16 houses can be seen on the handcrafts bazaar (the central commercial street) in the Etar, which are exact copies of buildings, existing in the past in Gabrovo and the region. On the handcrafts street, the visitors can observe in real time the work of the craftsmen. Multiple handcrafts are presented – bell-making (manufacturing of

wrought bells for animals), pottery-making, sugar-making (manufacturing of sugar articles), furriery, manufacturing of copper vessels, etc.

Bozhentsi – a pretty village in the area of Gabrovo, is one of the most beautiful architectural reserves in Bulgaria. Plenty of museums and unforgettable atmosphere is what can be found there  – history and nature.

Day-4

Breakfast. Full day tour in Veliko Tarnovo, which is the Town of the Tsars, Arbanasi – an old village, which has a special role in the National Revival, Troyan Monastery. Overnight in Apriltsi / Cherni Osam.

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 some archaeological excavations.

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, that 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.

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.

Troyan Monastery, as a monastery complex, is the third in size in Bulgaria, a remarkable monument of culture of national significance. According to the historical documents, the monastery was first founded in 1600 and reconstructed in the period 1830 – 1865 in

its present look. Its architectural style of the buildings is associated with the School of Revival.

Day-5

Breakfast. Transfer to Sofia. Tour of Sofia, where you can enjoy the ancient and the modern city. Overnight.

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-6

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

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

• Person in DBL / TRPL

• Person in SNGL

• Child 2 – 11.99 y.o.

• Infant 0 – 1.99 y.o. – FREE

Included in the prices:

• 5 BB in 3* hotels, centrally located

• Arrival, departure transfer

• Seat in luxury mini-van or mini-bus

• English speaking guide

• English speaking chauffeur

• All entrances in the sites visited during the tour

Supplements – optional:

• Lunch

• Dinner

• Accommodation in 4* and 5*  hotels supplement per person

Additional nights in Sofia, per person, per night:

• Hotels 3*

• Hotels 4* / 5*

Notes:

Please, send request for rates

Optional excursions:

• Folklore Dinner in Sofia

• Visit of Boyana Church, UNESCO world heritage site in Sofia