Tour the Great Old Towns of Bulgaria and Greece
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Tour ID:
1104 Tour Theme: Historic and Cultural Tours Regions: Sofia, Central Bulgaria, Southern Bulgaria, Greece Duration: 8 Day / 7 Nights |
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Introduction:
Enjoy a 8 day tour of Bulgaria and Greece with a private driver and local guide for sightseeing. Starting from Sofia we depart our route for ancient Bulgaria. The old capital of the Bulgarian Kingdom during the 12th-14th centuries was Veliko Turnovo, a living symbol of Bulgarian statehood over the ages. Part of the territory of Veliko Turnovo has been declared a museum reserve with three zones, also including the territory of the village of Arbanassi. Then we go to the old town of Plovdiv and visit St. Konstantin and
Elena church, and the old Roman Theatre. After we will go to the current capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and explore the main sights of the city, such as St. Sofia Church, St. George Rotunda and Boyana church. Before departing Bulgaria we will stop to see the magnificent Rila Monastery; the largest and oldest monastery in Bulgaria, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List with medieval defense tower from the 14th C. and fine frescoes, with a beautiful mountainous backdrop.
Thessaloniki is known as the second capital by the Greeks, it is not only the second largest city of Greece after Athens, but also the capital of Northern Greece and Macedonia. It is beautifully situated by the sea with many historic and cultural sights to visit. Then we go to Meteora; surrounded by magnificent rock formations containing several monasteries built on top of them during the 14th and 15th centuries. Meteora is a unique phenomenon of Greek cultural heritage. Ending the tour in the great city of Athens.
On last full day you will get a chance to visit its impressive sights, such as Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games were held, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, and the Acropolis; its museum and masterpieces of the golden age of Athens.
This tour is customizable and can be adjusted upon your request. For more details please refer to the "Day by Day Itinerary".
Tour the Great Old Towns of Bulgaria and Greece!!!
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1:
ROUTING: SOFIA
â“ Arrival at Sofia airport.
- Transfer to the hotel.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 2:
ROUTING: SOFIA - KOPRIVSTITZA - VELIKO TURNOVO
- Breakfast
â“ Departure from Sofia to Veliko Turnovo - capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th C.).
- On the way visit of Koprivstitza â“ museum town with original architectural heritage from 19th C. Lunch. Entrance to Troyan monastery (17th C.).
- Arrival in Veliko Turnovo.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 3:
ROUTING: VELIKO TURNOVO - ETARA - KAZANLAK - PLOVDIV
- Breakfast
- Sightseeing of Veliko Tarnovo with entrance to Tsarevets hill, picturesquely situated on the hills at the banks of the meandering river Yantra and of Arbanassi village â“ architectural reserve and museum town with houses and churches from 17th â“19th C. with entrance to the Jesus Christâ™s Nativity Church which interior is covered in frescos depicting 2000 scenes. Lunch. Drive to the town of Kazanlak through Shipka pass.
- Visit of the Ethnographic outdoor museum Etara with its 18th -19th C. crafts.
- Visit of the Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak â“ included in the UNESCO List.
- Overnight in Plovdiv
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 4:
ROUTING: PLOVDIV - ETARA - KAZANLAK - PLOVDIV - SOFIA
- Breakfast
â“ Sightseeing of the old part of the town with beautiful old houses from the Bulgarian Revival period (18th â“ 19th C.). Entrance to St. Konstantin and Elena church and to Roman Theatre.
- Drive to Sofia. Half-day sightseeing tour of the city, including a walk in the central area with visit of Al. Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, Russian Church, Ruins of Serdica, St. George Rotunda (4th C. AD). Entrance to Boyana church with unique frescos from the 13th C. (monument of the UNESCO World Heritage List).
- Dinner with folklore show at tavern in the suburbs of Sofia (meal not included)
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 5:
ROUTING: SOFIA - RILA - SANDANSKI - THESSALONIKI
- Breakfast
â“ After breakfast drive from Sofia to Rila Monastery- visit of the largest and one of the oldest Bulgarian monasteries (10th C.), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List with medieval defence tower from the 14th c. and fine frescoes.
- Departure to Sandanski â“ famous spa resort with wonderful climatic conditions. Meeting with Greek coach and guide at Kulata.
- Crossing border of Greece.
- Departure to Thessaloniki â“ transfer to the hotel.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 6:
ROUTING: THESSALONIKI - KALAMPAKA
- Breakfast
â“ After breakfast - city tour of Thessaloniki - visit to White Tower, the Archaeological museum, Galerius Arch, the Castles, the Church of St. Dimitrios and Agia Sofia. Departure to Kalampaka â“ on the way stop in Tempi for coffee break.
- Arrival in Kalampaka.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 7:
ROUTING: KALAMPAKA - METEORA - ATHENS
- Breakfast
â“ After breakfast visit to the rock monasteries of Meteora - unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. Departure and arrival in Delphi. Lunch. Visit to the archeological site.
- Departure and arrival in Athens.
- In the night dinner at tavern in Plaka with live music.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
Day 8:
ROUTING: ATHENS
- Breakfast
â“ Sightseeing of Athens â“ visit to the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street to see Evzones and the Presidential Palace, then the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games were held, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian\s Arch. Visit the Acropolis, its museum and masterpieces of the golden age of Athens.
- Transfer to the airport.
- Overnight
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL *** OR ****
End of tour services
Prices, Dates & What's Included:
Prices available upon request...
The Tour Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation in double rooms (twin beds)
- English-Speaking Specialist driver for the duration of the tour
- Local guides upon request
- Local Taxes
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Entrance fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
- Extra charges of hotel, eg. Laundry, telephone or fax charges, room service, etc..
- Insurance
For more details please fill out the Inquire/Book It form which you can access from the button below
