Treasures of Bulgaria & Turkey
15 Days / 14 Nights
Day
1 : SOFIA
Arrive
in Sofia. Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Day
2 : SOFIA
After
a leisurely breakfast see the most remarkable landmarks of Sofia.
Visit St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, this is the finest
architectural piece and the biggest memorial Church on the Balkan
Peninsula; the Church of St Sofia gave the capital's name in the 14th
century; Sofia University, the first school of higher
education in Bulgaria. National Library, and the National
Assembly; one of the prettiest churches in Sofia, the Russian
Church of St. Nikolay; the building of the Bulgarian Kings
Palace of the third Bulgarian Kingdom. At present it hosts the
National Gallery; and the Presidency. In the yard of
Presidency is located the St George Rotunda, dating back from
IV AD, with its well-preserved early medieval frescoes. Here are also
the II century Byzantine ruins; the St Nedelya Church, built
in the period 1856 n- 1863 onto relis from the ancient Roman town of
Serdica; National Palace of Culture, the largest multi
functional complex for cultural and congress in South-Eastern Europe.
Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a local Bulgarian restaurant.
Overnight in Sophia.
Day
3: SOFIA – Pleven – Ivono Rock Churches - RUSSE
Morning,
depart for Pleven. Visit the Panorama “Pleven Epopee
1877”. Continue to Ivanovo Rock Churches. They
form a monastery complex comprising about 20 medieval churches,
chapels and cells with uncovered traces of more than 300 rooms.
Dinner and overnight in Russe.
Day
4: RUSSE - Sveshtari – Madara -VARNA
Morning
ride for the village of Sveshtari - Visit the Thracian tomb
of Sveshtari It is a Thracian-Hellenistic tomb from the first
half of the 3rd century BC. Afterwards drive to the village of Madara
and visit of Madara horseman. The Madara horseman is the only
rock relief in Europe dated back to the early Middle Ages. Continue
to Varna - the pearl of the Black Sea and Bulgaria’s
sea-side capital. Dinner and overnight in Varna.
Day
5: VARNA – Nessebur - KAZANLAK
After
breakfast explore Varna. Visit the Ancient Odessos, VІ-th
century BC, the Archeological Complex of the Roman Thermal, the
Necropolis, 3000 yers BC, the Early Christian Basilica, ІV
century BC, and the Cathedral. After lunch continue to Nessebur.
The old town of Nessebur is situated on a small Black Sea
peninsula, and is connected to the land via a narrow isthmus. Dinner
and overnight in Kazanlak
Day
6: KAZANLAK - PLOVDIV
Visit
of the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak. The tomb, dated late 4th
century B.C. It is a rare example of the architectural craft of the
Thracians and the art of painting during the Hellenistic age. It is
the oldest one in Europe, and the only one with preserved frescoes.
Drive to Plovdiv, the Second Largest city of Bulgaria.
Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv with visit of the Old town of Plovdiv, (
who combines some periods of the history of the city all in one,
starting with the early years of the Roman rule and reaching the
culmination of the architecture during the Renaissance, when most of
the houses in this architectural preserve were built ). See the House
of Balaban, the House of the French intellectual Lamartine, The house
of Nikola Nedkovich (1862 – 1863). In the Old town of Plovdiv
see the Ancient Theatre, one of the greatest and most famous
attractions.such as the fortified walls of Filipopol, the St.
Konstantin and Elena’s Church, built in 1832. During Plovdiv
city tour see also the city center and the most remarkable Djumaia
Mosque (15thcentury) today an art and architectural monument.. Dinner
and overnight in Plovdiv..
Day
7: PLOVDIV – border – Dardanelles - Troy - ASSOS
In
the morning drive to Turkish Bulgarian border. Cross the border noon
time. After lunch cross the Dardenells by ferry
boat to Asia. Visit the site of Troy,
the homeric city. Dinner and overnight in Assos.
Day
8: ASSOS – Pergamum - IZMIR
After
a lovely drive to Pergamum,
lunch in town. Visit the Acropolis of Helenistic Pergamum. Among its
buildings are the Altar of Zeus and the temples of Trajan &
Dionysus. Visit the Asclepion, the earliest health center of Asia
Minor. Continue to Izmir. Dinner and overnight.
Day
9: IZMIR – Ephesus - KUSADASI
Morning
drive to Ephesus. Visit the Basilica
of St. John’s,
his tomb and the House
of Virgin Mary.
Afternoon tour Ephesus with its legendary marble streets, the
magnificent amphitheatre, Hadrian Temple and Celcus Library. Reach
Kusadasi for dinner. In evening stroll through the shops and
overnight.
Day
10 : KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE
After
breakfast drive to Pamukkale. En route visit Aphrodisias,
the
city of Aphrodite, an ancient city of sculpture and arts. Tour the
theater and the magnificent stadium. Afternoon arrive to Pamukkale,
the "cotton
castle"
so named because of limestone hot springs and spectacular white rock
formations. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day
11 : PAMUKKALE
- KONYA
Morning head north to Konya, the capital of the
Seljuk Empire. In the afternoon touring the
highlights of Konya’s architectural and religous legacy. Visit
the Mevlana
Museum Monastery of Whirling
Dervishes,
the
Ince Minare and Karatay Medrese Islamic
Theological Schools. Dinner
and overnight in Konya.
Day
12 : KONYA
-
CAPPADOCIA
In
the morning drive to Cappadocia. Stop at the Sultanhan
Caravanserai.
In the afternoon visit the Kaymakli
underground
city, used by the early Christian refugees to escape from
persecuters. Stay the night at Cappadocia.
Day
13 : CAPPADOCIA
Start
out early for a full day’s excursion into the magical land of
Cappadocia. The region was first settled by ancient people then home
to Romans, early Christians, Byzantines and Seljuks. Visit Goreme
Church Valley, Zelve, Avanos, Ortahisar
and
Uchisar,
and see some of the many churches carved into the rocks. Dinner and
overnight.
Day
14 : CAPPADOCIA
– air
-ISTANBUL
Early
morning drive to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival
start
tour of the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions.
The impressive Hippodrome is your first stop. Then visit the
Blue Mosque named for the vivid Iznik tiles which line its
interior. Browse the amazing Topkapi Palace-official residence
of the Ottoman Sultans-with courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and
a treasury. After lunch vist the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine
crown-the Museum of St Sophia. This splendid Church of Divine
Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century AD and was lovingly
restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of the glorious
city of Istanbul. At the end of the day enjoy shopping at the Grand
Bazaar.
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to your next destination.
Classic Tour of Bulgaria & Turkey
18 Days / 17 Nights
Day
1 : SOFIA
Arrive
in Sofia. Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Day
2 : SOFIA
After
a leisurely breakfast see the most remarkable landmarks of Sofia.
Visit St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, this is the finest
architectural piece and the biggest memorial Church on the Balkan
Peninsula; the Church of St Sofia gave the capital's name in the 14th
century; Sofia University, the first school of higher
education in Bulgaria. National Library, and the National
Assembly; one of the prettiest churches in Sofia, the Russian
Church of St. Nikolay; the building of the Bulgarian Kings
Palace of the third Bulgarian Kingdom. At present it hosts the
National Gallery; and the Presidency. In the yard of
Presidency is located the St George Rotunda, dating back from
IV AD, with its well-preserved early medieval frescoes. Here are also
the II century Byzantine ruins; the St Nedelya Church, built
in the period 1856 n- 1863 onto relis from the ancient Roman town of
Serdica; National Palace of Culture, the largest multi
functional complex for cultural and congress in South-Eastern Europe.
Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a local Bulgarian restaurant.
Overnight in Sophia.
Day
3: SOFIA – ARBANASSI
After
breakfast depart
for Arbanassi village. Visit
to Troyan monastery. Troyan monastery must
have been in existence long before the l5th century, as legends
suggest. It flourished again about the year 1600. From the oldest
church it is only the throne stone that has been preserved. Towards
the beginning of the l9th century the monastic brotherhood re-erected
the monastery. In 1835 master Konstantin built a wonderful main
church which was painted by Zahari Zograph in 1847-1849. Afterwards
panoramic tour of Arbanassi. It is one of the most
picturesque Bulgarian villages. It is situated only 4 km away from
Veliko Tarnovo. Austere houses that resemble minor fortresses on the
outside. with high, solid walls and heavy gates, iron, rids and
secret hiding-places, but which are spacious and comfortable, richly
decorated and furnished on the inside. Dinner
and overnight in Arbanassi.
Day
4: ARBANASSI – Veliko Tarnovo – Bozhentsi -
KMETOVTSI
In
the morning tour of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo is
situated in Central Bulgaria it the skirts of Balkan Mountain. It is
situated on the historical hills Tsarevets, Trapezica and Sveta Gora
– over Yantra river. During this City tour, see the Tsarevets
Hill. it was the main fortress of the medieval Bulgarian capital
Veliko Tarnovo. During that period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
Bulgaria was the largest and the most powerful state in Southeastern
Europe. Today it is thoroughly studied and partially restored.And
above all these the complex of the Patriarch's Palace was raising its
walls high towards the sky. It has been restored nowadays. The
interior of the Patriarch's Church has been decorated with modern
wallpainting, representing miscellaneous moments of the history and
culture of Medieval Bulgaria; "The Renaissance and the
Constituent Assembly" Museum That is the place, where the
first Prince of independent Bulgaria - Alexander Batenberg - was
choosen; and here, too, in 1885 was taken the decision for the
annexation of Eastern Roumeliya to the Kingdom of Bulgaria.;
Samovodene Marketplace was the central place of Veliko
Tarnovo. Many craftsmen worked and offered their merchandise to the
passers-by: blacksmiths, coppersmiths, gunsmiths, potters,
confectioners, saussage- makers and others. A great part of the
houses and the workshops in the street are fully restored today. The
craftsmen, who work there in front of the eyes of the public, use the
original technologies and tools. The numerous antiquarian and
souvenir shops offer unique pieces of art or copies of ancient
jewellery, guns, ceramics, and woodcarving; Gurko Street -
Those of the tourists, who enjoy the beautiful sights, often can be
seen taking a walk along the cobbled Gurko Street, with the
inevitable cameras in hands. The houses in it, built during the 18th
and the 19th centuries, raise amphitheatrically one above the other,
reflected picturesquely in the river below; The monument of the
Assens is dedicated to the Bulgarian kings Assen 1st, Peter,
Kaloyan and Ivan Assen 2d - the sovereigns, during which reign
/1185-1241/ the Bulgarian Medieval State with Tarnovgrad as its
capital reaches its highest political, economical and cultural point.
Stambolov Bridge, one of the most remarkable objects in the
city. Under the bridge’s arch planes flied once. The bridge was
built by the order of Stefan Stanbolov – prime minister at that
time. The bridge is 100 m long and 30 m high. It was built in 1892.
Visit
the Dryanovo monastery. In existence as
early as in the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, it was subsequently
destryed and re-built on two occasions. It was restored in its
present location - in the Dryanovo River gorge, 4 km away from the
town of Dryanovo - in 1845. Relics of the April epopee are preserved
in the monastery museum today, along with some valuable icons.
Afterwards proceed to Bojentsi museum village. The
village of Bozhentsi boasts a 600 year history. It is a wonderfully
preserved Revival-type village. There are over 120 monuments of
culture dating from the ХVІІІ and ХІХ
centuries – houses, economic buildings, gates, draw-wells,
cobblestone pavements. In 1964, it was registered as an architectural
and historical reserve. Dinner and
overnight in Kmetovtsi
Day
5: KMETOVTSI
– Etara – Kazanlak - ZERAVNA
In
the morning visit ETARA.
The unique in South-eastern Europe open-air ethnographic
museum is situated 8km south of the centre of Gabrovo. The setting up
of this unique museum began in 1963 and continued 13 years, till
1976. Etara gives an idea of the authentic life of a typical
Bulgarian craftsmanship settlement 150 years back. The little
cobblestone streets, the stone fountains, the water mills whiz, the
gas lanterns, the clock tower, the old houses recreate the spirit of
the Bulgarian Renaissance. The craftsmen’s workshops show more
than 20 crafts: wood-carving, copper pots striking, pipe making,
cow-bell making, bakery, knife forging, weaving, braid-making,
furriery, turnery, clay pottery-making . Visitors can watch the
process of making the articles with their own eyes. Silver ornaments,
pottery articles, copper utensils, braids, hot buns, traditional
dishes and clothing come out of the dextrous hands of the masters
there). Afterlunch continue to
Kazanlak and visit Thracian
Tomb. Dinner and overnight in
Zeravna.
Day
6: ZERAVNA – Kotel - KALOFER
After
a leisure breakfast, tour
Zeravna and the nearby town of Kotel. Zeravna
is a village located in the middle of the eastern part of the Stara
Planina. The region is very picturesque: high peaks, fantastic rocks,
and wide green glades. The village appears in 12- 14 c. In 18 c. it
is a craft and cultural center. Every house here is a unique monument
of culture built by an unknown master. “St Nikolai”
church in the village of Zheravna is built and sanctified in
1834. it is built near an old temple burned down at the beginning of
the thirties
of XIX century. Kotel is situated in a picturesque small valley in
the eastern part of the Balkan Range, 527 m above the sea level.
Kotel is not only a place with majestic nature, fresh air, and
pure mountain water, but also an important cultural and historical
centre. It is called the Stronghold of Bulgarian spirit, Cradle of
the Bulgarian Renaissance.
Kotel is a town with beautiful
architectonic models from the late Revival and one of the most
important centres of weaving art. Its rich history, Renaissance
architecture, and marvelous vicinity make this picturesque Balkan
town a desired place for national and international tourism. The town
of Kotel has been declared an architectural and historical reserve.
There have been preserved over 110 Renaissance houses. Depart
to the National revival town of Kalofer. Kalofer is
situated along both banks of Tundja River, between the Balkan and the
Sredna Gora Mountains. Above it stands the highest peak in the Balkan
range – Botev peak. It is the birthplace of the great Bulgarian
poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. First of all, there is the
“Hristo Botev” house-museum. Dinner and overnight in
Kalofer.
Day
7: KALOFER – Karlovo – Koprivshtitsa - SOFIA
In
the morning drive to Koprivshtitsa
via Karlovo.
Karlovo is situated in the northern part of Karlovo valley, the Rose
Garden of Bulgaria, picturesquely surrounded by the Balkan Range and
the low mountain spurs of Sredna Gora Mountain. Being a quickly
developing town, Karlovo combines the modernity of the present with
the traditions, cultural and historical heritage of the past. In the
park, one can also see the beautiful waterfall Suchurum (Spraying
water) on the Stara River.
On can be acquainted with the history
of Karlovo in the national museum “Vasil Levski” and the
museum of history.
The old town of Karlovo is famous with its 115
houses and monuments of culture. Spacious and functional, the houses
are of high architectural value and still preserve the charm of the
old days. In the center of the old town, at the square between the
two churches, stands the impressive monument of Vasil Levski, built
in 1907. – Koprivshtitsa is situated at the foot of the
Balkan mountain –near to the Topolnitsa river, at 1060 meters
above the sea level. It is town-museum and national history and
archeological museum from Bulgarian Revival Period. The architecture
of the town is in revival style - narrow streets, triangular squares,
cobblestone pavement, a lot of fountains, stone arc bridges.
Koprivshtitsa is the most famous museum-town of the Bulgarian
National Revival (17th – 19th century) with unique
architecture and picturesque nature, abounding in life, harmony and
beauty. This is the birthplace of some of the most distinguished
Bulgarians who have great contribution to the social and cultural
life of the country ) - Tour of Koprivshtitsa museum town
- (Koprivshtitsa is one of the few thoroughly preserved architectural
urbanized ensembles of the Revival Period. The Revival Period houses
with colorful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls and gates,
the disorderly built curved and narrow cobblestone little streets and
plots, the numerous stone fountain contributes to the attractiveness
of the little town. The greatest wealth of Koprivshtitsa are its
Revival Period houses, part of which were turned into museums. One of
these museums is the Oslekov's House. The home of Georgi Benkovski
– the leader of the April Uprising is also interesting. The
wooden gun, the banner of the Flying Detachment of armed volunteers
sewed by Raina Popgeorgieva and the arms of the Voyvoda are the most
priceless relics of that tempestuous time. Also interesting is the
house of Luben Karavelov that acquaints the tourists with the
revolutionary and journalistic activities of one of the most
prominent sons of Koprivshtitsa and Bulgaria. The Dimcho
Debelianov House – the life and the literally activities of
the most lyrical Bulgarian poet are reflected in it. Except this
houses the tourists can visit the church “St. Nikolai”
and the “Mausoleum – Ossuary – 20 th April”
devoted to those who died during the April Uprising. Todor
Kableshkov and Kableshkov's House should not be missed. ). Dinner
and overnight in Sofia.
Day
8: SOFIA – border –
Dardanelles - Troy - ASSOS
In
the morning drive to Turkish Bulgarian border. Cross the border noon
time. After lunch cross the Dardenells by ferry boat to Asia. Visit
the site of Troy,
the homeric city. Dinner and overnight in Assos.
Day
9: ASSOS – Pergamum - IZMIR
After
a lovely drive to Pergamum,
lunch in town. Visit the Acropolis of Helenistic Pergamum. Among its
buildings are the Altar of Zeus and the temples of Trajan &
Dionysus. Visit the Asclepion, the earliest health center of Asia
Minor. Continue to Izmir. Dinner and overnight.
Day
10: IZMIR – Ephesus - KUSADASI
Morning
drive to Ephesus. Visit the Basilica
of St. John’s,
his tomb and the House
of Virgin Mary.
Afternoon tour Ephesus with its legendary marble streets, the
magnificent amphitheatre, Hadrian Temple and Celcus Library. Reach
Kusadasi for dinner. In evening stroll through the shops and
overnight.
Day
11 : KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE
After
breakfast drive to Pamukkale. En route visit Aphrodisias,
the city of Aphrodite, an ancient city of sculpture and arts. Tour
the theater and the magnificent stadium. Afternoon arrive to
Pamukkale, the "cotton
castle"
so named because of limestone hot springs and spectacular white rock
formations. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day
12: PAMUKKALE
- ANTALYA
After a leisurely breakfast, stroll in the ancient Roman city
of Hierapolis
with theatre, baths, necropolis. Continue on the "Turqoise
Coast" of the Mediterranean. Dinner and overnight in Antalya..
Day
13 : ANTALYA
After a leisurely breakfast, full day exploration of the
ancient Pamphylian cities; Perge
with colonnaded streets, and the stadium, Aspendos
theatre whose acoustics unrivalled. After lunch, spend the time at
the seaside town of Side,
visited by St. Paul and which was a bishopric of the early Christian
Church. Stay the night at Antalya.
Day
14 : ANTALYA
- KONYA
Morning
head north to Konya,
the capital of the Seljuk Empire. On the way visit Catalhoyuk,
one of the oldest settlements of the world and home to ancient
Neolithic people. Dinner and overnight in Konya.
Day
15 : KONYA
- CAPPADOCIA
Spend the morning touring the highlights of Konya’s
architectural and religous legacy. Visit the Mevlana
Museum Monastery of Whirling
Dervishes,
the
Ince Minare and Karatay Medrese
Islamic Theological Schools. Drive to Cappadocia.
Stop at the Sultanhan
Caravanserai.
Stay the night at Cappadocia.
Day
16 : CAPPADOCIA
Start out early for a full
day’s excursion into the magical land of Cappadocia. The region
was first settled by ancient people then home to Romans, early
Christians, Byzantines and Seljuks. Visit Goreme
Church Valley, Zelve, Avanos, Ortahisar
and Uchisar,
and see some of the many churches carved into the rocks. Dinner and
overnight.
Day
17 : CAPPADOCIA
– air -ISTANBUL
Early
morning drive to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival
start
tour of the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions.
The impressive Hippodrome is your first stop. Then visit the
Blue Mosque named for the vivid Iznik tiles which line its
interior. Browse the amazing Topkapi Palace-official residence
of the Ottoman Sultans-with courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and
a treasury. After lunch vist the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine
crown-the Museum of St Sophia. This splendid Church of Divine
Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century AD and was lovingly
restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of the glorious
city of Istanbul. At the end of the day enjoy shopping at the Grand
Bazaar.
Day 18: Departure
Transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to your next destination.
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