Bulgarian monasteries

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Itinerary - Bulgarian Monasteries Tour 

 
Day 1:  Sofia-Rila monastery-Rojen monastery-Melnik
The Rila monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and it was found in the 10th century by one of the most honored saints in the country-Ivan Rilski. Nowadays the monastery is under the protection of UNESCO. Many different manuscripts, icons, documents from the 14th-19th century are preserved there. Another significant monastery that will be visited during the first day is the Rojen monastery. It was found in Medieval time and big part of it is preserved until today. The monastery is well-developed during the 16th century when the church was decorated with iconographic pictures. Since the end of the 18th century it owns an icon of the Holy Mother, which is considered to be miraculous. Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, located in the foothill of the Pirin mountain and it has a nice historical museum, where you can get an idea of the life in the town and the manners of the local people. Overnight in Sandanski.
 
Day 2: Bachkovo monastery-Doburska Church
The Bachkovski monastery is the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria. It is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Rodopi mountain and it is an attractive destination for tourists. The monastery was founded in the 11th century by Georgian monks, but it continues playing an important role until the 19th century, when it was the main cultural and educational center in the region. During the second day of the roundtrip you will also visit the church in Dobursko, called "St. Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat". The church is under the protection of UNESCO and it is considered as one of most significant examples of the Bulgarian art. Overnight in Plovdiv.
 
Day 3: Shipka-Sozopol-Nessebur
During the third day you will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful Russian church "Nativity" in Shipka. The church is attractive for tourist with its glorious outlook and its 17 bells. From there the road will take you to Sozopol, located on the coast of the Black Sea, where another interesting churches awaits for you. The church "The Holy Mother of God" is under the protection of UNESCO and it is a monument of national importance. It was built on the remains of an older Christian church from the Medieval age. The biggest church in Sozopol is "St. George", built in the first quarter of the 19th century. Nessebur is another adorable Bulgarian seaside town. You will have the chance to see the church "St.Christ Pantokrator" from the 11th century, which is amazing for its architecture and is part of the world heritage of UNESCO. Overnight in Nessebur.
 
Day 4: Varna-Aladja monastery
Varna is the third biggest city in Bulgaria and it is located in the North-Eastern part of Bulgaria, on the coast of the Black Sea. During the sightseeing of the city you will see the Cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. It was built at the end of the 19th century and its outlook amazes the visitors. You will also have time for a walk in the nice city garden near the coast. In the afternoon you will be taken to the Aladja monastery "Holy Trinity", which was founded in the 12-13th century. Overnight in Ruse.
 
Day 5: Ruse-Ivanovski monasteries
The fifth day will be spent in sightseeing of Ruse and the Ivanovski monasteries. Ruse is a big Bulgarian city, situated on the Danube river. The city has a lot of churches, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, The Holy Mother of God, St. George, St. Petka etc. The church "Holy Trinity" is a cathedral temple, that was built in the 17th century. It consists of three transepts. The Ivanovski monasteries are temples, built in the rocks. They differ from the other rock church complexes with the conserved frescoes. After the visitation of the Ivanovski monasteries the roundtrip continues to the Preobrajenski monastery, near Veliko Turnovo. It is the biggest monastery in the area of Veliko Turnovo and the fourth biggest in Bulgaria. Its foundation was in the 13-14th century and it was a significant spiritual center. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
 
Day 6: Veliko Turnovo-Kilifarevo monastery-Dryanovo monastery-Arbanasi
Veliko Turnovo is a nice Bulgarian city, located in the North Central part of Bulgaria and it used to be an important political, religious and cultural center during the Middle Ages. Nowadays the remains of the Medieval fortress on the Tsarevec hill could be seen and also a reconstruction of the Patriarchal church. Except the Patriarchial church, there are many other churches. "St.Peter and Paul" is a good example of the manner of working of the men of art in Veliko Turnovo. The church was built in the 13th century and it has interesting frescoes and architecture. It was stated for a cultural monument of national importance. The church "The Holy Forty Martyrs" is the most famous medieval monument in Veliko Turnovo. One of the graves, found during the research of the cross-domed church is considered to be the tomb of one of the most significant Bulgarian rulers-Kaloyan. During the 6th day of the roundtrip you will also visit the Kilifarevski and the Dryanovski monasteries. The monastery in Kilifarevo was built in the 14th century by one of the most prominent representatives of the Hesychasm-Teodosii Turnovski. You will have the chance to learn more about the hesychasmic philosophy. Another interesting monastery from the Middle Ages is the Dryanovski monastery, which was cultural and educational center and today it is still functioning. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
Near Veliko Turnovo there is an interesting village, called Arbanasi. It is stated for an architectural-museum reservation. You will have the opportunity to see the church "Nativity", famous with its beauteous frescos. Another object of interest for the tourists is the convent "St.Nikola", founded in the 13th century. The monastery was ruined during the Ottoman invasion, but in the 17th century it was reconstructed. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.

 
Day 7: Troyan monastery-Chiprovo monastery-Lopushan monastery
The monastery in Troyan dates from the 16th century and it is one of the biggest monasteries in Bulgaria. An old legend says that it was founded by two monks, that came from Mount Athos. The tour continues with two other wonderful monasteries in Chiprovci and Lopushan. The Chiprovski monastery was built in the 10th century and in a period of 9 centuries it has been an important spiritual center. Since the beginning of its existence it was destroyed six times. In 1829 a monastery church was built and it could be seen today. The Lopushan monastery is built on the remains of an older temple, that was destroyed by the Ottomans. Today it is a national cultural monument. Departure to Sofia. Accommodation in hotel. Overnight in Sofia.
 
Day 8: Sofia departure
Breakfast. Free time till transfer to Sofia airport. End of our services. 
 
Rates for Bulgarian Monasteries Tour 2020
 
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax 
3* Hotels
860 euro
580 euro 
460 euro 
4* Hotels
900 euro 
620 euro 
510 euro 
5* Hotels 
980 euro 
690 euro 
580 euro 
 
What is included in Bulgarian Monasteries Tour?
Price per person in double room 
7x nights accommodation
7x breakfast
Private transfers in air-conditioned car with private, English speaking driver
Airport transfer on first and last day
English speaking guide on excursions

 
What is excluded from Bulgarian Monasteries Tour?
Entrance fees, meals and drinks

Here you can find more Bulgaria tours from Rad-Festa Travel Agency
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