Essential South

Información

Explore the must-see sights in Bulgaria and discover the history and culture of the country on this private 2-day tour starting from Sofia. Visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, explore the city of Plovdiv, and discover the archaeological site of Perperikon.

This 2-day introduction of Bulgaria is ideal for culture – hungry travellers with limited time. On this private tour you will visit the Rila Monastery, the most famous tourist sight in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can admire the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion and a culmination of Bulgarian Renaissance art and cult architecture. You will then explore the city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe and an important epicenter of Bulgarian art and culture. You will also explore the spectacular ancient city of Perperikon, a recent archaeological sensation that will challenge your imagination and reveal interesting facts about different ancient civilizations.

Day 1: Sofia- Rila Monastery – Plovdiv

You will be picked up from your hotel in Sofia early in the morning and transferred to the Rila Monastery, a fabulous sight of colors, forms, and symmetry a couple of hour’s drive away. Here you will visit the monastery museum and admire the famous wood- carved Rafael’s Cross before entering the notable Nativity Church, where you will find the grave of the last Bulgarian monarch, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mery Ossenovitsa, and the largest guided iconostasis on the Balkans. Taste the local delicacies and head towards Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria 3 hours’ drive away. Explore the Old Town of Plovdiv as you walk along the cobbled strees to the Roman Theater and Stadium. Enter the Ethnographical museum, the most representative of the abundant colorful 19th century houses. Finish the day with a glass of hangover – free red Mavrud wine and stay overnight in a 3-star hotel in the city center.

Day 2: Plovdiv – Perperikon – Sofia

You will first visit the Bachkovo Monastery in the morning, a monastic temple with an intriguing history and fabulous frescoes. You will then continue on the road towards Perperikon, through sleepy villages where an interesting mix of Bulgarians and ethnic Turks congregate. Explore Perperikon, an archaeological complex where Thracians, Romans, Bulgarians, and Turks have left their heritage. In the afternoon you will pass through the agriculturally developed Thracian Plain on your 3- hour drive to Sofia. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel in Sofia.

Meeting/ Pick up point: The customer's hotel.
Duration: 2 day private tour.
Start or opening time: The tour is available daily at early morning 07.30 am.
Languages: English.
Includes:
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
- All transportation costs.
- Accommodation in a 3- star hotel in Plovdiv with breakfast.
- Entrance fees to the Rila Monastery Museum, the Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv, the Bachkovo Monastery dining room and Perperikon.