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UNESCO in Bulgaria – A Jewelry Box with Nine Jewels
Are nine sites under UNESCO protection too few or too many for a country?
They are many, if situated on a small area – as small as Bulgaria. But few, if that territory can
tell the history of a whole European civilization! In Bulgaria the oldest gold treasure on the
continent which dates back to V millennium BC is discovered. Its ancient inhabitants left
many other mysterious stone sanctuaries scattered in the hidden recesses of this mountain
land. Here, in parallel with Ancient Greece, the culture of the Thracians has developed
whose time has bequeathed to us unique burial chambers filled with exquisite works of art.
Bulgaria was one of the beautiful Roman provinces. For Serdica (now Sofia) Emperor
Constantine, the person who first adopted Christianity, says: "Serdika is my Rome". Here
Bulgarians have developed a rich spiritual culture and their own writing that were later
spread to other Slavic countries.
But the merits of Bulgaria are not only historical, or only its cultural monuments are worth
seeing. Small Bulgaria has extremely diverse and beautiful scenery. Its southern sun shines
on its alpine peaks, tender sea and fertile plains
That is why UNESCO has a rich choice. Come and enjoy it!
UNESCO sites in Bulgaria:
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari
Town of Nessebar
Madara Horseman
Boyana Church
Ivanovo Rock Churches
Rila Monastery
Pirin Mountain
Srebarna Lake
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Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Sofia.
Day 2. Sofia – Rila Monastery – Melnik
The tour begins with one of the emblems of Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery. Founded in the X
century by the monk-hermit St. Ivan Rilski the monastery plays crucial role in Bulgarian
history, preserving the Bulgarian spirit and culture during the five centuries of Turkish rule. It
is situated in the heart of Rila Mountain among age-old forests and high rocky peaks. Though
repeatedly burned, its today’s look dates back to the beginning of XIX century when the
church was also painted. In the monastery yard a defense tower from XIV century is
preserved. The route continues southward to the small town of Melnik. It is known for its
good wine, old houses and picturesque landscape of steep sandstones. We will stay there for
the night.
Day 3. Melnik – Pirin – Bansko
Today our way passes through the southern parts of Pirin to Bansko resort where our next
stay for the night will be. But before it we will climb high up the road in the most beautiful
Bulgarian mountain all the way to Vihren Hut from where we will take a walking tour in
Bandaritsa circus among glacial lakes and marble tops. Because of its wealth of plants and
animals, Pirin was declared a national park. Its highest peak, Vihren, rises 2,914 meters
above sea level. On the way back to Bansko we will see Baykusheva fir - the oldest tree in
Bulgaria – 1300 years old.
Day 4. Bansko –Plovdiv
From Bansko will head off to Plovdiv, where we will spend the day. Our road passes between
the mountains Rila and Rodopi. In its central part Plovdiv has preserved a unique
architectural and historical complex. The Ancient Theatre and the stadium date back to
Roman times, and the colorful houses and the multitude of churches – from the Bulgarian
National Revival. Wandering along the cobblestone streets winding between them we will
enjoy the artistic atmosphere of this cozy oasis in an otherwise large and modern city.
Overnight.
Day 5. Plovdiv – Kazanlak tomb – Nessebar
From Plovdiv we will head off to the Valley of the Thracian kings. It was called so because of
the many burial mounds of the kings who ruled the Thracians – the tribes that gave the
world the cult to Dionysus and Orpheus and created countless cultic objects of exceptional
artistic value. In one of these mounds the Kazanlak tomb is situated, whose walls were
painted in the IV century BC. The murals well preserved until today, depict scenes of life in
Antiquity. But this valley has another name as well - the Valley of the Roses - because of the
rose plantations. If we are there in early June, we can also observe the ritual rose- picking
during the traditional Rose Festival. Then, we will go to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, in
particular, to the town of Nessebar, where we will spend the next day.
Day 6. Nessebar
This town combines its incredible wealth of culture and history with the spirit of the holiday
resort. Picaresquely situated on a small peninsula connected to the mainland only by a
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
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narrow neck of land, Nessebar (then Mesembria) is one of the most important ancient
seaside colonies of the Greeks that inhabited it in the VI century BC. In the later centuries
Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians have left their marks as well. Therefore, the town is now
a real open-air museum. The remains of fortress walls and basilicas and 42 churches, some
of which are art galleries now, spring up around every corner of the winding narrow streets,
and above them the balconies of the wooden houses embraced by the sun cast their
shadow.
Day 7. Nessebar – Madara Horseman – Sveshtari – Srebarna
After a day of rest in the seaside Nessebar, a busy but also full of new sights day is waiting
for us. We will start to the Madara Horseman. This mysterious medieval monument has not
found its unique historical explanation so far. It is believed that the bas-relief cut high in the
rock depicts a Bulgarian ruler from the VIII century. The first two Bulgarian capitals - Pliska
and Preslav of which unfortunately too little is preserved are situated nearby. After the
Madara Horseman we will continue our way to the Thracian tomb near the village of
Sveshtari. It dates back to III century BC and is characterized by the voluminous female
figures framing the central compartment. The Muslim sanctuary- Demir Baba Teke - which is
believed to have healing power is near the tomb. Overnight in the village of Srebarna.
Day 8. Srebarna – Ivanovo Rock Churches –Veliko Tarnovo
In close proximity to the village the lake of Srebarna is located - an important stop on the
path of migratory birds in their migration between Europe and Africa, called Via Pontica.
Many species nest here, among which the most attractive are probably the Dalmatian
pelicans. Then we will continue to the reserve “Ruse Lom”. In addition to its preserved
nature, another interesting monument of medieval Bulgaria is located there- the rock
churches near Ivanovo village. An important center of Hesychasm in Bulgaria in the XIV
century, now the churches are excellent examples of the iconography of that time. Our last
stop for the day is Veliko Tarnovo - the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Day 9. Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia, Boyana church
On the way to the capital we will have the opportunity to visit the cave "Saeva Dupka." The
last day of the program is devoted to Sofia. The Roman streets and churches from the dawn
of Christianity - IV-V-VI century that has remained intact add the noble patina of the time to
the looks of the modern Bulgarian capital. In the National Historical Museum we will see the
golden treasures of the ancient Thracians, and Boyana Church is also nearby. Two hundred
years before the Italian Renaissance the church walls were painted a step away from the
church canon - vital and psychologically developed are the faces of the saints, life flows from
familiar biblical scenes.
Day 10. Departure
Prices:
3*** hotels € 590,- pp
4**** hotels € 690,- pp
Tour starts with a minimum of 4 persons. The same tour can be arranged for small groups at
min 2 persons.
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
244 24 75 | [email protected] | www.eurocult-lito.nl
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2 persons in 3*** hotel: € 690,- pp
Included in the price: all transport according itinerary; group transfers from/to Sofia airport
(09.00 - 19.00); English speaking guide and guide assistance throughout; overnights in 3***
hotels - all overnights are based on double (single) rooms with private WC/shower; breakfast
(9 days).
Not included: meals other than breakfast; flight tickets; Private transfers: Sofia APT - Sofia
center: € 15 (per vehicle); tips, insurances; alcoholic drinks and other personal expenses. ,Entrance fees to sites
Other expenses: Single supplement: € 160,-
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
244 24 75 | [email protected] | www.eurocult-lito.nl
EUROCULT
LITO
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
244 24 75 | [email protected] | www.eurocult-lito.nl
EUROCULT
LITO
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
244 24 75 | [email protected] | www.eurocult-lito.nl
EUROCULT
LITO
Postbus 13050 3507 LB Utrecht | Wittevrouwenstraat 36 3512 CV Utrecht | Tel: 030 243 96 34 | Fax: 030
244 24 75 | [email protected] | www.eurocult-lito.nl