Charming Bulgaria

Day 1: Sofia
Meeting with your guide at your hotel in Sofia. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia
Sightseeing tour of the Bulgarian capital Sofia: Sofia Kliment Ohridski College and National Library, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, National Assembly, St. Nicholas Russian Church, St. Sophia Church, National Art Gallery, Rotunda of St. George. Free time to admire the city on your own. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 3: Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo (220 km)
Departure to the Balkans to Véliko Tarnovo, capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom until the 14th century. Tour of the town and its hills with fantastic panoramic views over the Yantra River. Walk through the old town - Samovodska Tsharshiya, local craft stores, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Free time, possibility to visit the Tsarevets fortress. Continue to the village of Arbanassi above Veliko Tarnovo. Visit to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. Dinner and overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Kazanlak - Koprivshtitsa (200 km)
Drive to Gabrovo, one of the country's most important craft centers in the 19th century. Visit the Etara open-air museum. Continue to Kazanlak, the center of the Valley of Roses and the kings of the Thracians. Visit to the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the House of Roses. Tasting of rose products.
Continue to Koprivshtitsa, nestled in the mountains. This picturesque town is known for its glorious history and the authenticity of its Bulgarian Renaissance houses. Dinner and overnight stay in Koprivshtitsa.

Day 5: Koprivshtitsa - Plovdiv (90 km)
Sightseeing tour of Koprivshtitsa and visit to a typical house in the town. Continue to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe and former European Capital of Culture (2019). Visit of the city center, the Roman stadium, the old town with the ancient theater (UNESCO), the house of Lamartine, the colorful alleys of houses from the 18th and 19th  centuries (outdoor visit). Free time to explore this young, modern and lively city. Dinner and overnight stay in Plovdiv.

Day 6: Plovdiv - Borovets (125 km)
Departure to the south of the country and the town of Samokov. Visit to the operating model of a metallurgical plant for processing iron from primary furnaces, which was used from the 14th tofrom14th the beginning of the 20th century.
Visit the Samokov Monastery (18th century), which saved the town from decay. Continue to Borovets, a year-round resort in the majestic Rila Mountains. Optional visit to the Rila Monastery. Dinner and overnight stay in Borovets.

Day 7: Borovets - Sofia (70 km)
Return to Sofia and free time in the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 8: Sofia / Departure
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
 

The price includes :
> sightseeing of Sofia, Véliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, Kazanlak, Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, Samokov, Borovets
> Visit to the Rose Valley and the Thracian kings
> Visits according to the program: Monastery of St. Peter and Paul in Arbanassi, open-air museum Etara, Thracian tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), a typical house in Koprivshtitsa, old metallurgical plant in Samokov, Monastery of Samokov
> Tasting of rose products
> Comfortable transportation during the trip
> French-speaking tour guide during the trip
> 2 nights in Sofia, hotel 3*, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Véliko Tarnovo, hotel 4*. incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Koprivshtitsa, family hotel, breakfast included
> 1 night in Plovdiv, hotel 4*. incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Borovets, hotel 4*. incl. breakfast
> 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
> Local taxes

The price does not include:
> Return transfer to/from the hotel in Sofia
> Lunch, drinks and all personal expenses
> Services not included in the program
> Travel insurance
> Optional sightseeing and excursions

Optional sightseeing and excursions:
> Entrance ticket to Tsarevets Fortress: EUR 6 per adult
> Visit to the Rila Monastery: 5 EUR