History Tours

Arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Explore the city and visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Church of St Sophia, the Rotunda of St George. While navigating the small streets or the boulevards of the city’s center, stroll by the marvelous National Theatre, the National Art Gallery, the Parliament and the Presidency.  In the afternoon visit the National History Museum and the Boyana Church, a small church, nestled in the skirts of Vitosha Mountain, famous for the 13^th century wall-paintings, demonstrating the exceptional achievements of the Bulgarian medieval culture and art.

Depart for the Asen’s Fortress- historical landmark dating back for many centuries. As is impressive is the actual location of the fortress, on the edge of dramatic cliffs and surrounded by the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Continue for the Bachkovo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Bulgaria, a true masterpiece of the 12th century Orthodox art.

Later continue for Bulgaria’s second largest city, Plovdiv, whose history combines the legacy of great civilizations and empires and dates back to 4^th century BC.  Explore the city and discover the numerous, well preserved relics, visit the ethnographic museums or simply walk through the city’s most famous landmarks- the architectural complex of the Ancient Plovdiv, still preserving beautiful Bulgarian Renaissance houses and boasting great restaurants. Overnight.

Drive to the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak, a testament to the Thracian culture. Accidentally found in 1944, the tomb dates back to 4^th-3^rd century BC, and most notable among its claims to glory are the remarkable antique paintings and sculptures. Continue to the tomb of Tzar Sevt and see the church in the small town of Shipka before crossing the Balkan Mountain over the Shipka pass. Walk through the outdoors ethnographic center Etar and then continue to Veliko Tarnovo.
Overnight.

Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in 12- 14^th century, has a rich and long history and is spread across several hills, with fantastic views. Explore the medieval forest, visit the numerous churches and monasteries in the vicinities, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, walk the coble stone streets and soak into the city’s atmosphere.

Overnight.

Depart to Lovech. Visit the famous covered bridge spanning the Osam River, a masterpiece of the famous crafter Kolio Fitcheto. Walk in the old part of the city, visit the Vasil Levski complex, the greatest Bulgarian, who dedicated his life for the liberty of Bulgaria from the Ottomans.  See the Hisarya Fortress, built during the First Bulgarian Empire (681-1018 CE) and where the peace treaty between Bulgaria and Byzantium was signed, marking the beginning of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

Later continue for Pleven, a city famous for the epic battles of the Russian troops against the Ottomans, with the most dramatic moments captured in the city’s Panorama Museum. Visit the Wine Museum, a testament to Pleven as the first wine industry center in Bulgaria. Situated in a cave, you can taste vast types of wine, representing all wine regions of Bulgaria and the numerous pure Bulgarian grapes- Misket and Dimyat for the white wines and Gumza, Mavrud, Red Muscat, Rubin and Pamid for the red ones.

Early evening arrival in Sofia.

Transfer to the airport for departure.