Rila Monastery and the Wine capital of Bulgaria

Rila Monastery - In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia. Your adventure begins with a visit to the largest monastery in the Balkans. Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nestled in the Rila Mountains, about an hour and a half drive from Sofia. The location is enchanting, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the mountains. You’ll learn a lot about Bulgarian Medieval History and Orthodox Christianity. After the guided tour of the complex, you’ll have some free time to soak in the atmosphere. Then, you can enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch.

Melnik - Our journey continues through a picturesque passage into the Pirin Mountains. The region we’re heading to is known as the Balkan Tuscany, famous for its unique vine varieties. We’ll also visit another medieval monastery and the smallest town in Bulgaria, Melnik. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Melnik was the main stronghold of a Bulgarian aristocratic family. During the Ottoman period, it became a major wine production center, exporting wines to many European countries, with Winston Churchill being one of its most famous customers. We’ll spend the night in this quiet little town.
Overnight: Melnik

The magical Rhodope mountains and Trigrad gorge

Villa Melnik Winery - After breakfast, we’ll head towards the Rhodope Mountains, stopping first at one of Bulgaria’s renowned wineries, Villa Melnik. Here, you can sample some of the most famous Bulgarian wines and learn about winemaking in the region through a guided tour of the winery.

Orlovo Oko - Eagle’s Eye viewpoint - Our journey continues through scenic roads, mountain passages, and gorges, leading us to Yagodina village where we can enjoy a traditional Rhodope lunch. The village is located below the famous peak, Eagle’s Eye. If you choose, you can take an hour-long hike to the top for a breathtaking view of the mountains. The hike is not difficult and is well worth the effort.

Diavolsko Garlo- The Devil’s Throat - Our next stop is the fascinating Devil’s Throat cave, a place steeped in legends and mysteries, believed to be the entrance to the Underworld. When you visit, you’ll understand why.

Trigrad - Our final destination for the day is Trigrad, a charming town where we’ll spend the night and enjoy an excellent Rhodope dinner.

The Marvelous bridges and Bachkovo monastery

Shiroka Laka - Our exploration of the Rhodope Mountains continues as we drive to the quaint town of Shiroka Laka, known for its beautiful local architecture. The town is famous for its music school, which preserves and promotes the traditions of the bagpipe, a musical instrument popular in the Rhodope region. The town is also the birthplace of one of the key figures responsible for saving Bulgarian Jews during World War II. We will visit his grave later in the day during our visit to Bachkovo Monastery.

Marvelous Bridges - The Marvelous Bridges are a series of unique natural bridges formed over millions of years through erosion. Located in the Rhodope Mountains, these bridges are some of the most stunning and unusual geological formations in Europe. Each bridge is carved from solid rock by the relentless action of water over time. The bridges vary in size, shape, and height, but all possess a natural beauty that is truly breathtaking. Some bridges are over 100 meters high and span up to 50 meters across. The tallest and most famous bridge, known as the Eye Bridge, is a popular tourist spot and is considered one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful natural wonders. After visiting this natural marvel, we’ll have lunch.

Bachkovo Monastery - The second largest monastery in Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery was built in the 11th century. Inside, two of the main figures responsible for saving the Jewish population from being sent to concentration camps during World War II, Patriarch Kiril and Exarch Stefan, are buried.

Plovdiv - Our final destination for the day is Plovdiv, where we’ll spend the night in the heart of the city. You can enjoy its wonderful and artistic atmosphere, as well as its vibrant nightlife.

Exploration of Plovdiv and Zaara estate

Plovdiv Old Town - We’ll dedicate most of the day to exploring this amazing city. Imagine walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, unraveling the secrets of the past, and discovering the rich heritage of this fascinating region with a highly knowledgeable guide who will make the day unforgettable. Each stop on this tour will transport you to a different era, offering a unique perspective on Bulgaria’s history and culture. We’ll visit many of the city’s highlights and historical sites.

Zaara Estate Winery - After touring Plovdiv, we’ll check out of our hotel and head to our final destination for the day, Zaara Winery. We’ll spend the night at the estate, located in the eastern part of the Rhodope Mountains, where you can sample more exquisite wines.

The Thracian heritage and Chateau Copsa

Stara Zagora - After a hearty breakfast, we’ll delve into the heritage of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited these lands. We’ll start by visiting the city of Stara Zagora, known as Augusta Traiana during Roman times. This ancient city was a major center of trade and culture. As we explore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Thracians and their impact on the region. We’ll also visit the Architectural Complex “The Museum of Religions,” a spiritually significant site for over two thousand years, where every culture has left its mark. After the tour, we’ll have lunch in the city center.

Valley of the Thracian Rulers - After Stara Zagora, we’ll head to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, where we’ll explore some of the royal tombs from the 4th century. One of these, the Kazanlak Tomb, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring remarkable paintings from that era that provide valuable insights into this ancient civilization.

Шато Копса / Chateau Copsa, село Московец, Сопот - After this journey through time, we’ll arrive at our final destination, Chateau Copsa. Surrounded by vineyards, this place has a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy high-quality gourmet food and wines.

Back to Sofia

Koprivshtitsa - After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back. We’ll drive along one of the most beautiful and scenic roads in Bulgaria, stopping first at a site that honors Bulgarian heroes from the struggle against the Ottomans, offering a wonderful view of the Central Balkan Mountains. Next, we’ll visit the architectural reserve of Koprivshtitsa, with its well-preserved buildings from the late 18th and 19th centuries. It’s like stepping back in time, and you’ll learn a lot about Bulgaria’s Revival period and uprisings against foreign rule. We’ll have lunch at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.

Sofia - In the afternoon, we’ll reach Sofia. If you haven’t had a chance to explore the city, our guide will offer a short tour of the capital before checking you into your hotel in central Sofia. You can learn a lot about the turbulent 20th century and the numerous changes in Bulgaria’s political system. Sofia is a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities for a great time. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.

• 6 nights at recommended hotels
• Professional guide
• Entrance fees
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunches, dinners & beverages