Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Check in. Overnight.

Panoramic city tour of Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria, which Constantine the Great one called “My Rome”. Being in the centre of the Balkan peninsula, it is midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and closest to the Aegean Sea. The city is surrounded by mountains in all sides and has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC most probably because of the abundance of mineral and thermal springs. We will see Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, St. Sofia 6th c basilica, the Parliament Square, the National Theatre and the Old city Garden, The Presidency, St. George Rotunda ( 4th c, the oldest building preserved in Sofia ) and the former Royal Palace ( outside ). Departure to Veliko Turnovo – the medieval capital city of Bulgaria, picturesquely located on 4 hills above Yantra river. Panoramic tour of the city and visit of the medieval citadel Tsarevets. Overnight.

Departure south, crossing the central and highest part of the Balkan mountains via Shipka mountain pass and memorial peak. Short stop to Shipka church for some pictures. Proceed to Kazanluk - the centre of the Valley of roses, known as well as the Valley of the Thracian kings. Visit Kazanluk Thracian tomb ( UNESCO site, copy ). Proceed to Plovdiv. Plovdiv has been European Capital of culture in 2019 and is considered the oldest continuously inhibited town in Europe. Check in at your hotel. Late afternoon tour of Plovdiv. Along the longest pedestrian street of the world, see remains of the Roman forum, Stadium, the Ancient theatre, etc. We will visit the Old Plovdiv town – an architecture reserve, awarded golden medal by UNESCO. Dinner at a restaurant in the Old Plovdiv and return to your hotel.

From Plovdiv we will head to Rila Monastery UNESCO site. Rising at 1147 m above sea level, it lies amidst some of the most scenic recesses of the Rila Mountains National Park, to which the monastery owes its name. It is the largest single monastery on the Balkans, with a total built-up area of 32 000 square meters, and is the most imposing architectural monument of the Bulgarian Revival. We will have lunch at a family-run restaurant close to the monastery/ Early evening arrival in Sofia. Check in at your hotel. Free time.

Free time, departure transfer