Ancient civilizations & archaeology tour

Meet and assist at airport and direct two hours transfer to the Thracian temple of Starosel – the most grandiose Thracian king complex with mausoleum found until that moment. Afterwards continuation to Plovdiv: the second most important city in Bulgaria after the capital. Cultural visit of the old town of Plovdiv – the ethnographical museum, the church “St Konstantin and Elena”, the art gallery, the Amphitheatre. The atmosphere of the old town is shaped by the multitude of traditional Revival period houses and art galleries, its central square with a roman stadium, a mosque from the 16 centuries and an animated market street. Later: dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Transfer: 3.00 hours

Night stop: Plovdiv City

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Included meals: dinner

Right after breakfast we will have a short morning transfer to Tchotrova Mahala in Rhodope Mountains for a round hiking trip with destination point Belintash. This is another impressing Thracian sanctuary of the type of megalithic structures. Legends will be enlivened by your guide’s tales at the very scene of ancient Thracian rituals – on the height of the rock. Depending on the chosen itinerary the hike can vary from 2 to 5h. Later: back to Plovdiv and second overnight in the same hotel.

Transfer: 2.30 hours

Night stop: Plovdiv City

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Included meals: breakfast, picnic lunch

Today we head to the Valley of the Thracian Kings for a visit to Kazanlak tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from IVc. B.C. Later we will visit two other interesting tombs discovered recently – “Ostrusha” and “Goliama Kosmatka”, famous for the golden treasure found in them.

Transfer: 2.20 hours

Night stop: Stara Zagora City

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Today we go on to Kardjali, making stopover for a visit of the natural phenomenon “The Stone mushrooms”. Further we will walk into the steps of the ancient Thracians in their fortress Perperikon (15km from Kardjali). There we will find traces of all times since its construction in IV c. B.C. to its downfall in XIV c. The town of Kardjali has an interesting Museum of History with a large historical and ethnographical collection dating from Thracian times to contemporary times. Drive to the next place of accommodation in Zlatograd.

Transfer: 3.30 hours

Night stop: Zlatograd Town

Accommodation: Authentic Guesthouses

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Morning visit of the Ethnographical complex in Zlatograd: crafts and houses-museums. Then transfer to the Thracian temple in Tatul, the supposed tomb of Orpheus. A short hike will lead us to Harmankaya (about 3h), believed to be an ancient Thracian observatory. Later: back to Zlatograd for second overnight.

Transfer: 2.20 hours

Night stop: Zlatograd Town

Accommodation: Authentic Guesthouses

Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Today we will reach the heart of Rhodopi Mountains. Rhodopi are known as the ‘Land of Orpheus” mainly because of the endless myths and legends related with this enchanting musician. As a highlight of the day we will reach Orpheus rocks with wonderful views to the surrounding pristine pine forests. We will have our last panoramic picnic and will descend to Smolyan. In the afternoon: visit to the local Ethnographic museum and Planetarium.

Transfer: 2.30 hours

Night stop: Smolyan Town

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Included meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Today we go back to Sofia (3 hour transfer). Departure from Sofia airport or extension to the Black Sea Coast or to Rila & Pirin National Parks.

Transfer: 3.30 hours

Included meals: breakfast