Visit 3 monasteries, three old towns, and three mountain ranges in the spring and fall of 2006.
Monasteries: We will visit Rila monastery, dating back to the 11th century, the largest and most majestic monastery in Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery is a designated UNESCO World Monument. Rozhen Monastery is tucked in the mountains, fortress-like above strange stone formations. Hearty hikers can hike through the mountains from Melnic to Rozhen. Finally, we will visit Bachkovo Monastery, dating back to the 10th century, this is the oldest of Bulgaria’s monasteries with murals of life in hell! Learn about monastic life and how the history and culture of Bulgaria was preserved in these monasteries during multiple outside invasions.
Old Towns: We will visit Bansko, with its cobblestone streets, stone houses and richly endowed churches located among the sandstone pyramids. Melnik is famous for its rich, red Melnic wine drunk from huge barrels in cave taverns. We will stay at the Melnic Hotel, at the entrance of the town, overlooking the entire town and the sandstone formations in the background. Finally, the Sandansky is the home of Thracian ruins, the birthplace of Spartacus and the site of healing mineral waters. Tour participants will be able to visit the spa, swim in the heated pool, and receive a massage and other spa treatments (separate cost).
Mountain Ranges: We will visit the Rila, Pirin, and Rhodople mountain ranges, still snow-covered in the spring, nestling valleys of trees, budding in the spring, and turning in the fall.
- May 12
- Leave the U.S.
- May 13
- Arrive in Sofia, the capitol of Bulgaria. Change money, rest or begin your exploration of Sofia at nearby sites. Dinner in a local restaurant and introduction to your tour gtuies and presentation of the final trip schedule. Early night in Sofia.
- May 14
- Tour Sofia. Morning tour of key sites including Nevski Cathedral, early Roman Serdica ruins, St. Georges roman church, Archeology museum, changing of the Presidential guard, and, if there’s time, the Woman’s Market. Lunch on your own and take the afternoon to visit more museums, shop or rest. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Sofia.
- May 15
- Leave by bus to Rila Monastery, built in the 10th century, the largest Monastery in Bulgaria and on the UNESCO list of world heritage monuments. This spectacular monastery rises amidst rugged beauty of the Rila Mountains and helped preserve the culture of Bulgaria during the 500 years of Turkish domination. We will tour the Monastery in the afternoon and stay in a hotel right outside the gates of the Monastery. After dinner you will hear a lecture by historian and tour guides Alex Palichev and Iskra Mahailova on the history and role of monasteries in Bulgarian history. Overnight in Rila.
- May 16
- Drive to Melnik, a the smallest town in Bulgaria, tucked in the Pirin Mountains of southern Bulgaria, close to the Greek border. Melnik is officially designated as a Cultural and Historical Reserve and a Museum Town of International Importance. Melnic is known world-wide for its fine red wine and we will sip this ambrosia on the deck of the Melnic Hotel, our lodging for two days. After a group lunch, we will explore Melnic in the afternoon and visit one old 18th century restored house and visit the local Melnic winery. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Melnic.
- May 17
- Hearty hikers can hike to the Rochen Monastery through sandstone Melnic “pyramids.” Those who wish to sleep late will be bused to the Monastery. After our visit to the Monastery, we will drive back to Melnic by way of a rural mountain resort for a group lunch. In the afternoon we will drive to Bansko, a winter ski resort and a lamb bar-b-cue at a local rural ranch. Overnight in Bansko.
- May 18
- Morning hike on the ski slopes in the mountains. Back in Bansko you will have lunch on your own and then have the afternoon free to explore the many Roman ruins and museums or to shop. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Bansko.
- May 19
- Drive to Plovdiv by way of the Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 1083 and second only to the Rila Monastery in size. This monastery is one of the richest galleries of old Bulgarian art. After lunch on your own in Plovdiv we will explore the extraordinary Roman theater in the old section of Plovdiv. This huge outdoor theater, dating from 200 BC, was rediscovered and restored in the 1960s. There will be time for exploration on your own. Overnight in Plovdiv.
- May 20
- Early morning departure for Sofia. Lunch on your own and time for last minute shopping, more museums if you choose, and packing. A celebratory good-by dinner. Overnight in Sofia.
- May 21
- Depart for the United States.
- Tour Price
- Double Room: $1499 Land cost only
Single Room: $1599 Land cost only
- Deposit
- $100 by March 1 will hold a spot.
Full payment is due on April 15
5% discount if the amount is paid by March 1.
- Air Fare
- People join our tours from around the country. We encourage you to work with your own travel and let us know when you are arriving in Sofia on May 4.
- Included
- All transportation from airport to airport. All lodging (all include private baths). All breakfasts and dinners. Lunch is included as shown on the detail itinerary. All entry fees to museums and cultural institutions. Traditional Bulgarian beer, wine, and brandy at offered at dinner. All tips (except driver at the end). Water and soft drinks on the bus.
- Busses
- All travel is on air-conditioned buses to accommodate the number of travelers.
- Guides
- We will have trained guides and translators who can help interpret the culture of the country and translate your interactions with Bulgarian people.
- Insurance
- We will provide accident insurance for all travelers as part of the tour price. This covers accidents only. It does not cover pre-existing health conditions or any dental work. We encourage you to get private trip insurance.
- Refunds
- If we cancel the trip for any reason, we will refund your full amount. If you cancel, we will refund what has not already been expended.
- Passport
- A U.S. Passport with six months remaining validity is required for U.S.citizens to enter Bulgaria. This is strictly enforced so please check your passport early. There is no visa or entry fee required.
- Not included
- Airfare to Bulgaria. Personal items, souvenirs and crafts, alcohol beverages that are not part of dinner; gratuities to local driver.
Contact us for information about reduced rates for children.
Land costs include local transportation, lodging, breakfasts and dinners, some lunches, entrance fees, special receptions, and music.
Single - $1559 Double - $1,499
We will attempt to find you a roommate if you like.
Make checks or money orders payable to Balkan Connections, Inc.
- Contact:
- Nancy Bolt, 9018 Ute Drive, Golden, Colorado 80403,
Voice: 303-642-0338
Fax: 303-642-0932
Cell: 303 905 9347
email: nancybot@earthlink.net
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