Bulgaria Food Lovers Wine Trail

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Guided walking tour of Sofia. Visit of Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the National Theatre, the former Royal Palace, the President Hall, St. Nedelya Church, etc. Lunch. Free time in the city centre and the main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. In the evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Departure for Plovdiv - the second biggest city in Bulgaria. Arrival in Plovdiv, accommodation and short rest. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Plovdiv, including a visit to the Ancient Roman Theatre, which was build in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria; Lunch. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, the Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Breakfast and departure for the village of Brestovitsa. Wine tasting in Boutique Todoroff wine cellar. Drive to the town of Assenovgrad for a walk in the centre. On the way stop for a photo break at the medieval Assenova Fortress. Drive to the village of Bachkovo. Lunch. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, dating back to the 11th century and considered to be one of the most important and well preserved Bulgarian monasteries. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Visit to the monastery church of the Virgin Mary (dating from 1604), which treasures the wonder-working icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310. Drive back to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight.

Breakfast. Departure for Veliko Tarnovo. On the way visit to the unique Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak. Cross the mountain via Shipka Pass. Stop for a visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Etar. The museum-park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and the tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as wood carving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Walk around the open-air museum. Lunch. Visit to the Lyaskovets wine cellar for wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Breakfast. Guided tour of the historical Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo - administrative and religious centre of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Walk along the Samovodska Charshiya market place. Visit to the village of Arbanassi and walking tour of the village with houses and old churches from the period of the National Revival. Departure for Pleven. Lunch. Sightseeing of the Panorama monument Pleven Epopee and other places of interest, related to the Russian - Turkish War (1877-78). Visit to the Institute for viticulture and wine production in Pleven and its museum. Dinner and overnight in Pleven or Lovech.

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Lovech. Visit to the old quarter Varosha and the famous Covered Bridge. On request, visit to Troyan wine cellar and tasting of plum brandy. Visit to the permanent Exhibition - Market of the Folk Arts and Crafts in the village of Oreshak and Troyan Monastery. The miraculous icon “Three-handed Virgin” is kept in the church of the monastery. Lunch. Drive to Sofia. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the airport and departure.