In the kingdom of Bulgarian wines

8 days/7 nights tour

Departure dates for 2010 - upon request

Wine producing in Bulgaria comes from ancient times. The first producers were Thracians - the most ancient local inhabitants of these lands. Most of the Thracian world-famous golden treasures consist predominantly of wine vessels. Thracian wine was tick and very strong and Romans and Greeks diluted it with water.

Nowadays Bulgaria is a famous wine producer, being among the leading 15 wine producing countries and giving annually about 2% of the world wine production. Each year a Wine Fair is held in the city of Plovdiv and probably one of the most interesting wine traditions that comes from the ancient times is "Trifon Zarezan", celebrated on the 14^-th of February. In the tour you will taste predominantly Bulgarian wines, made of typical only for Bulgaria sorts of grape.

Day 1

Arrival at Sofia airport. Panoramic tour around the 8500 years old city and visit to the most interesting historical sights: Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, which had given the name of the city, St. George Rotunda, the antique Roman theatre dated III-IV-th century (the time of the Emperor Constantine the Great) and the historical and cultural center of the capital. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in the centre of the city. Dinner in a typical Bulgarian folk style restaurant. Overnight in Sofia.

Optional: Visit of the Boyana Church - listed in UNESCO, famous for its unique wall paintings, which initiate the Renaissance in Europe.

Day 2 - STRUMA VALLEY REGION

After breakfast - departure for Rila Monastery. Located in 120 km southwards from Sofia, in the heart of Rila Mountain, this is the largest Bulgarian monastery, founded in 10th century AD. A visit to the monastery and possibility to have lunch in a very good restaurant nearby, famous with its dishes of fresh trout. In the afternoon - departure for Melnik - the town of the sand pyramids, the smallest one in Bulgaria. This is a unique place you will never forget. Melnik is famous for its red wines, you will be able to taste in a castle-winery in Hotovo village, situated nearby, where you will taste a wine made from "Shiroka Melnishka Loza" grape sorts. Later you will visit Rozhen monastery. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in a 4* SPA hotel in Sandanski - one of the largest SPA centers in Bulgaria, famous for healing mineral water.

Day 3 - THRACIAN LOWLANDS REGION

After breakfast - a short trip to Bansko - the most prospering mountain resort in Bulgaria. Set off for the Thracian Winery Cellar - Pamidovo. Visit to the winery and tasting of wines made from "Pamid" grape sorts. Late in the afternoon - arrival in Plovdiv. Accommodation in a 3* hotel in the centre of the city. Dinner in a good local restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast - city tour of Plovdiv - the city of the seven hills, built in IV century before Christ from the King Philip of Macedonia. Visit of the Old Plovdiv with the two most remarkable museum-houses - the Balabanova House and the House of Hindlian. Also visit of the Antique Theatre, the Roman Stadium, and St. Constantine and Elena Church.

In the afternoon - departure for Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Guided tour round monastery. Next comes tasting of wines, made from "Mavrud" grape sorts in a wine-cellar at the near by village of Brestovica. This is one of the most famous wine regions in Bulgaria, producer of red wines of high quality. Return to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 5 - ROSE VALLEY REGION

After breakfast - morning drive to the Banya Village, which is located in Karlovo district for tasting of wines made from "Karlovski Misket" grape sorts. The tasting is in the Rose Valley Royal Winery, famous with its high quality wines. Next is Kazanlak - the capital of the Rose Valley and the Thracian Kings. In Kazanlak the tourists will visit the Ethnographic Museum, where they can see how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used in the perfumery) is made and the Thracian Kazanlak Tomb, dating back to the 4th c. B.C. It is listed in the world natural and historical heritage of UNESCO.

Set off for Veliko Tarnovo - the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in 4* hotel in the center of the city.

Day 6 - DANUBIAN PLAIN REGION

After breakfast - sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo: the historical hill of Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church and the Emperor Baldwin's Tower. Panoramic tour of the town, stroll along the old Trade Street - Samovodska charshia. Next comes tasting of sparking wine and "Pelin" in Liaskovets Winery. In the afternoon - a visit to the village of Arbanassi. It is famous for its ancient rich decorated churches. The dinner will be in a private guest house in Arbanassi, where you will have dinner with local home-made meals. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7

After breakfast - a drive to Suhindol for tasting local "Gamza" grape sort of wine. Departure for Sofia, accommodation, dinner and overnight in the hotel

Day 8

After breakfast - free time and possibility for shopping. Transfer to the airport and flight back home.

Tour prices include:
• Accommodation for 7 nights in best available 4* hotels on HB base. The hotel in Plovdiv is 3* hotel in the top center of city.
• One of the dinners in Arbanassi is in a private guest-house.
• Dinner with folklore show in Sofia.
• Visit of 6 wineries with wine tasting (according to the program).
• A/C vehicle with driver during the whole trip.
• Parking fees and road taxes.
• All entrance fees for the museums, sites and churches.
• Professional guide throughout.
• Detailed map of Bulgaria

Tour prices don’t include:
• Other meals than stated.
• Beverages.
• Porterage in the hotels.
• Airplane tickets to Bulgaria

Optional:
• The biggest icon collection in Bulgaria at the crypt of the “Alexander Nevski” cathedral – 8 EUR per person.
• Visit of the "Boyana” Church – 10 EUR per person