THE WINE AND HERITAGE TOUR

Departure Date

Daily

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1596

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12

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Bulgaria

If, while planning your holiday, you ask yourself: ‘Why Should I visit Bulgaria?’, there is a very simple answer: ‘Bulgaria is a beautiful country, with majestic mountains, sandy beaches, picturesque villages, good food, and hospitable people’. These words come from Iowa-born Israeli writer Ellis Shuman, written for The Huffington Post. For the last two years the writer himself lives in our country.

Bulgaria came into existence in 681. Many different people have lived in and traversed these lands over the centuries and have left a lasting imprint. Bulgaria boasts a wealth of historical monuments, of caves and rocks, mountains, lakes, rivers and sea.

Listing all the places worth visiting in Bulgaria for both leisure and fabulous entertainment is a huge challenge. To help you get an idea for your stay, we propose the following five day package which covers some of the options for a lovely holiday in Bulgaria.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DAY 1

Velingrad

You will be met at Sofia Airport by our representative (English- and German-speaking), and will be transferred to the town of Velingrad, located at a distance of one hundred and thirty kilometres (1.5 hours) from the airport. Modern mini-buses will be available. Arrival at the Five-star Villa Vuchev in Velingrad Villa Vuchev is an elegant, uniquely-styled five-star villa located in Velingrad, Bulgaria. Relax in the tastefully furnished comfortable rooms. Upon your arrival you will be welcomed by the hospitable hosts. They will show you around the facilities and help you feel at home in the room of your choice. Once you have settled in, our kind hosts will greet you with a glass of wine, refreshing drinks and seasonal fruit. Enjoy wonderful afternoons in the villa’s courtyard. The exquisitely landscaped grass plots and abundant flowers, the heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi and the lounge area outside will serve as a good starting point to an unforgettable stay. A glass of sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks next to the roaring outdoor fireplace will provide escape from daily stress. 17:30 - 19:30 – Take a walk in downtown Velingrad Villa Vuchev is located in one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria – the town of Velingrad. Nestled in the Chepin valley in the western portion of the Rhodope Mountains, the town enjoys a mountain climate – cool summers and mild winters. Velingrad is among the sunniest Bulgarian towns, boasting clear skies all year round. The region of Velingrad abounds in water resources – rivers, karst and mineral springs. Some of Bulgaria’s biggest hot springs are concentrated in Velingrad. The mineral springs (numbering almost 80), the mild climate and the stunning vistas are the city’s wealth. Velingrad is a major spa resort, having gained the reputation of the “Spa capital of the Balkans”. Free time for strolling along Velingrad’s central pedestrian zone. 20:00 - Dinner at Villa Vuchev Yours hosts will be waiting by the splendid dinner table laden with dishes prepared with natural, regionally-selected products. Different Bulgarian red wines and Bulgarian grape rakia are included in the menu. Take advantage of the villa’s amenities to recharge and prepare for the next exciting day.
DAY 2

Plovdiv

8:00 - Breakfast at the villa Your generous breakfast will be ready and waiting. Breakfast includes: Tea, espresso, mineral table water, fruit juices, yoghurt, 4-5 varieties of natural jams, white brine cheese, natural honey, home-made banitsa/pancakes/ homemade mekitsi/French toast/ and other delicious treats. 10:00 – Visit to Plovdiv’s Old Town In the middle of the Balkan Peninsula, sprawled over several hills and on the banks of the river, this is Plovdiv - a town with many names and many faces, located on the crossroads of the West and East, in fertile Thrace, where history and the present go hand in hand, where culture and art have always thrived, from ancient times to present days in a colourful diversity of forms, styles and hues. Unique, ancient, fascinating, artistic, spiritual and provocative – this is Plovdiv today. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Old Town – its architecture, museums and art galleries. 13:00 – Lunch at the unique Hebros restaurant in Old Town, Plovdiv. Hebros Hotel and Restaurant is housed in a one-of-a-kind residence dating from the Bulgarian Renaissance – built around 200 years ago by an affluent Plovdiv fabric and leather merchant. Winner of Bacchus Magazine ‘Restaurant of the Year Award’ for 2003, Hebros Restaurant remains one of the finest in the country. The menu includes gourmet dishes from both Bulgarian national and international cuisine prepared with fresh seasonal products. Tasting of Bulgarian wines is also on the menu, led by experienced sommeliers and combined with suitable dishes. The restaurant is also an established scene for prominent musicians and artists. 14:00 - Visit Bessa Valley wine cellar. Visit the valley of the Bessi and enjoy the taste of Enira wine. Tour the winery and get acquainted with the wine-making process. Taste different wines and sorts under the guidance of a professional sommelier. 16:30 - Leisurely walk to Chepino district in Velingrad See Kleptuza pond – the symbol of Velingrad. The largest karst spring in Bulgaria, Kleptuza, is located on the right bank of Chepinska River, by the mountain slope of Chepino residential district in Velingrad. The spring waters fill two beautiful artificial ponds serving as one of the most popular recreation and relaxation spots in the resort for guests and residents alike. Pedalos are on offer and the ponds are surrounded by a scenic park housing several restaurants. The St Petka chapel is located above the lakes, at a brief walking distance. 18:30 - Recharge at Villa Vuchev spa centre After your busy day, the sauna and indoor jacuzzi at the Villa’s spa centre will ensure perfect relaxation before night-fall. We can also provide a professional masseuse at your request. 20:00 – Dinner at Rodopsko Selo Restaurant The restaurant serves Bulgarian national cuisine and local Rhodope specialties. The wine list offers an extensive selection to be enjoyed under the sounds of the lively folk music programme. 22:00 – A nightcap before the roaring fireplace Take a glass of red wine by the cosy fireplace in the garden of Villa Vuchev.
DAY 3

Karlovo

8:00 – Breakfast at the Villa A rich breakfast will be ready and waiting and will include: Tea, espresso, mineral table water, fruit juices, yoghurt, 4-5 varieties of natural jams, white brine cheese, natural honey, home-made banitsa/pancakes/ homemade mekitsi/French toast/ and other delicious treats. 10:00 – Trip to Dorkovo Vilage: - Medieval Tsepina Fortress and its museum. The first written records of Tsepina Fortress date from 1220. The historical source in question is a grant certificate (Sigillion) issued by Despot Alexius Slav to the St. Bogoroditsa Monastery in Melnik. Currently the certificate is kept at the Vatopedi Monastery in Mount Athos (Holly Mountain) The Certificate mentions that Alexius Slav’s residence was located in Tsepina and thereafter in Melnik. - Pliocene park – travel five million years back to the lost world of mastodons. - Church of St. Ilia the Prophet (Prorok Ilia) in the village of Dorkovo 12:30 – Lunch at the 5* Vuchev Villa A light lunch will be ready for you, prepared with carefully selected organic products from the region. 13:30 – Departure from Vuchev Villa to the town of Karlovo 16:00 – Welcome to the Zoev House in Karlovo Authenticity and style since 1871. The Zoev House Complex is located in the Old Town, in the heart of Karlovo. The complex was built in 1871 and is a cultural monument of national significance. Restored and brought to its former glamour while preserving its original atmosphere, the complex combines the romantic presence of an era long gone with all modern amenities. 20:00 – Dinner in the sophisticated salon of the Zoev house with its unique carved wooden ceiling and authentic furniture.
DAY 4

Thracian Tomb

8:00 – Breakfast Continental breakfast served in the dining room of Zoev House. 10:00 – Visit to the Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak This historical site is a vaulted-brickwork tomb in the vicinity of the town of Kazanlak - part of a large Thracian necropolis located close to the ancient Sevtopolis capital of the Odrysian Kingdom. The monument dates back to the late 4th century BCE – beginning of 3rd century BCE and has been on the UNESCO Protected World Heritage Site list since 1979. It owes its world-wide fame to its unique murals in the corridor and the round burial chamber – some of the best preserved artistic masterpieces from the Early Hellenistic period. The walls of the narrow brick corridor (dromos) and the burial chamber – a total of 40m2 - are covered in picturesque frescos. These reveal different aspects of the earthly, military and after life of the Thracian chieftain laid to rest inside. 13:00 - Lunch and wine tasting at the Copsa Chateau The oldest traces of inhabitation found in the Copsa Valley (Karlovo) date from the Neolithic age. The wines from the Rose Valley have preserved the ancient Thracian spirit. The art of wine-making is a legacy from Ancient Thracians. As part of their cult to Dionysius they grew vines and mastered the skill of preparing the holy elixir. The new spirit – inspired by the history of these lands and the rich atmosphere of the Rose Valley, the tradition continues, following the fundamental principle that good wine can only be made from carefully cultivated vines. 16:00 – Departure for Bulgaria’s capital – Sofia. 18:00 - Arrival at the Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel. The charming Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel is located close to the Boyana church in a picturesque residential area, a mere 10-minute drive from the centre of Sofia. The hotel offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The rooms enjoy a breathtaking view to Vitosha Mountain and downtown Sofia. 20. 00 – Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The elegant restaurant serves first-class dishes a la carte. The menu, approved by the Culinary Institute of Modena, Italy and comprises Mediterranean, Italian and international specialties.
DAY 5

Sofia

8:00 - Breakfast A wide variety of breakfast options served in the restaurant of Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel. 9:30 - A scenic stroll in downtown Sofia Sofia is one of the oldest European capitals. Its history can be traced back to the Neolithic era. Traces from several Neolithic dwellings have been found on its territory (in the vicinity of today’s Palace and present-day Slatina district) which date back to 5000 BCE. The Thracian town which came to be known as Serdonpolis or Serdika emerged in the 7th century BCE to the north of the warm mineral spring in the vicinity of today’s Vladaya river. For a brief period of time during the 4th century BCE the town was controlled by Philip II, and thereafter by his son Alexander of Macedon (Alexander the Great). The capital is also the home of numerous galleries and museums. The National Museum of History is the largest museum in Bulgaria and among the biggest in Europe. The National Ethnographic Museum and the National Art Gallery are located in the centre of the city, in the building of the former royal palace. The National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Science is the richest natural science museum on the Balkans, founded in 1889. Other popular museums are the National Gallery for Foreign Art, the National Museum of Military History, the Institute and Museum of Archaeology, Sofia Arsenal-Museum for Contemporary Art (SAMCA) and the Museum of Socialist Art. The National Palace of Culture (NDK) is a large building in the centre of Sofia, used mainly for concerts and other cultural events. It is visited by close to 1 600 000 persons per year. Sofia Mineral Baths are also located in the centre of the city, built in the beginning of the 20th century in the place of an old Turkish bath. The pedestrian Vitosha Boulevard. Depending on flight times, transfer to Sofia Airport.

Book Tour

Tour Name Price Per Adult Price Per Child Available Seats Departure Date Duration
THE WINE AND HERITAGE TOUR 999.00 699.00 12 Anytime EUR per person

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THE PRICE OF THE HERITAGE AND WINE TOUR INCLUDES:

• Transport – comfortable air-conditioned bus • 4 nights with breakfast and limited drinks package – coffee, soft drinks, beer and mineral water at the accommodations described above During your stay, Villa Vuchev in Velingrad and the Zoev house in Karlovo will be reserved for tour participants only. • Entry fees for cultural and historical sights • Lunches and dinners in the restaurants described above • Wine tasting sessions, in the wine cellars described above • Tour Guide services for the entire duration of your stay. • Scenic tour of Sofia • Travel insurance with medical assistance • VAT

Mrs. Vaska Milusheva

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Phone

+359888232552

Email

office@bulreisen.com