BULGARIAN TREASURES 2009
A cultural tour of Bulgaria

This is the land of the Central Asia Turkic tribe which merged with the Slavs to form Bulgaria – and what a history it has had since. It was also one of the Ottoman Empire’s legacy in Europe, then joining the losing side in both world wars to a communist state with strong Soviet influence. Moving towards modernity, Bulgaria is now a member of both NATO and the European Community. Whilst the country offers a rich history and culture with a lot in medieval lifestyles one can see the effort at moving towards modernity.

Day 01 Saturday: Arrive Sofia
Upon Arrival to beautiful Sofia you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Overnight: Hilton, Sofia (1 night)

Day 02 Sunday: Sofia / Veliko Tarnovo (250 km)
After breakfast we will have a half day city tour of Sofia. We shall visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Church of St. Sofia, which gave the name to the city, the Round Church of St. George dating back to 4th century. Later on we shall see the Russian Church of St. Nicholas, the buildings of the National Theatre and the Parliament. In the afternoon we depart for Veliko Tarnovo.
Overnight: Yantra Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo (2 nights) (B)

Day 03 Monday: Veliko Tarnovo / Arbanassi / Veliko Tarnovo (50 km)
This morning we shall start with a tour of Veliko Tarnovo. We will see the medieval capital of Bulgaria and walk in the castle where the Bulgarian kings once lived. Visit to the oldest merchant street in the town called Samovodska Charshia where we can see the masters who pursue their crafts according to old traditions. Proceed to Arbanassi, a small Bulgarian village situated at 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo. Arbanassi is interesting for its architecture. We shall see the Konstancaliev Ethnographical house and the church of Nativity, whose mural-paintings are considered to be a real masterpiece. (B)

Day 04 Tuesday: Veliko Tarnovo / Etara / Kazanlak / Plovdiv (250 km)
Leaving behind Veliko Tarnovo, we first visit Etara open-air museum, representative for its architecture, the life style and the economic past of Gabrovo region during the Revival Period. We shall cross the Balkan Mountains through the Shipka Pass, famous for its historical significance. Later on we will stop in Kazanlik to see the UNESCO listed Thracian Tomb with its Hellenistic frescoes from the 3rd century BC, then proceed through the famous Valley of Roses arriving in Plovdiv – the second largest city in Bulgaria.
Overnight: Trimontium hotel, Plovdiv (1 night) (B)

Day 05 Wednesday: Plovdiv / Bansko (230 km)
Plovdiv is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns on the Bulgarian lands. It is famous for its old town, where we can walk on the cobbled streets enjoying the beautiful architecture preserved from the Bulgarian Revival period. We can also visit the Amphitheatre, which dates back from Roman times, the Ethnographic museum and the Church of St. Konstantine and Elena. Lunch at leisure, then drive to Bansko, the most famous mountain resort in Bulgaria.
Overnight: Kempinski, Bansko (2 nights) (B)

Day 06 Thursday: Bansko / Hiking trip in the Pirin Mountains
After breakfast we will enjoy a trip in the mountains, following the track towards Muratovo, Ribno and Okoto lakes, the most beautiful lakes in Banderitsa Valley. (B)

Day 07 Friday: Bansko / Rila Monastery / Sofia (220 km)
In the morning we depart for Rila Monastery – one of the greatest centers of scholarship and religion in Bulgaria during the National Revival Period. Founded in the middle of the 10th century it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language during the centuries. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. See the monastery church with its amazing frescoes painted by the most Bulgarian finest artists from 19th century and the monastery museum. Drive back to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital.
Overnight: Hilton, Sofia (1 night) (B)

Day 08 Saturday: Departure from Sofia
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Ideal opportunity to do an optional tour of Chisinau (Moldova) or join one of the Bestway Tours European journeys. (B)


Optional extension to Chisinau (Moldova)

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Departure Dates
2009 English Speaking Departures Jun 06, Jul 18, Aug 09, Sep 05
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast) All sightseeing and transfers by AC vehicles Entrance fees to all Sites and Museums Services of an English-speaking guide International flight tickets Insurance / visa fee if applicable Tips / gratuities
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2009 US $ 2165 US $ 175
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1000
Participants
This tour operates on a maximum of 20 participants
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.