Departures on 16 Jul, 20 Aug, 03 Sep. 2008 - (1 WEEK)
Check our 2 weeks program

For thirteen centuries, Bulgaria the cradle of Slav culture, the land of Orpheus and Spartacus has given the world men of great achievements, mysterious Thracian treasures and burial tombs, magnificent frescos and many brilliant examples of ancient applied arts.

This comprehensive tour offers the chance to discover the amazingly rich cultural and natural heritage of one of Europe’s most beautiful but least known countries. It highlights the many ancient monasteries and churches that lie scattered amongst mountains and will visit some of the most outstanding examples.

To experience the tranquility of traditional life in the remote black sea coast, mountain towns and villages, the tour visit Varna, Nessebar, Old Plovdiv, Melnik, Koprivshtitsa and Arbanassi, all famed for their unique and well preserved architecture and will give an idea about the country’s rich tradition of arts and crafts in the live museum of Etar.
To ease the stress away, the tour will take you to one of the best spa resorts in Bulgaria “Velingrad” spa resort to relax and take care of your health.

The journey will also include some of Bulgaria’s vibrant and historical cities; the capital Sofia, Plovdiv with its extensive Roman remains and exquisite Nineteenth century mansions and the lively museum town of Veliko Ternovo dominated by its mighty fortress.

Rates Include:
* Round trip ticket BEY / VAR / BEY.
* Transport in Luxury air-conditioned coaches.
* Hotel Accommodation for 7 nights in 4* or 5* Superior hotels as mentioned in the table.
* Transfers "Airport/Hotel/Airport"
* Lebanese and/or Bulgarian guides
* All entrance fees unless mentioned in the table.
* 24 hours telephone for emergency cases.
* Transport and travel insurance.
* Visa and airport taxes.

Rates Exclude:
* Lunches (Only 1 lunch is included).
* Tips and personal expences.
* Portage fees and tips.

Notes & Remarks
* Airport taxes are subject to increase according to fuel surcharges. Final amount will be fixed when tickets are issued.
* Down payment upon reservation: 35% of package cost + visa & insurance cost.
* Down payment upon reservation: 75% of package cost + visa & insurance cost incase the reservation is within the last 15 days.
* Deposit is not refundable after reservation and in case the cancellation is done within the last 10 days, all the package must be paid.
* Breakfast is on open buffet basis.
* Dinners outside the hotel (2 dinners) include 1 beer or half a bottle of wine for each tourist while in hotels, drinks are not included.
* Refreshments consist of one cup of coffee or mineral water or one soft drink for each tourist.
* All extra demands or change of meals should be paid by the tourist.
* Hotels could be changed to the same or higher categories in the same or nearest location.

 

Details

WEDNESDAY
0855 Departure from Beirut International Airport.
1045 Arrival to Varna; Passport control & customs formalities. Meet and assistance, refreshments followed by transfer to the hotel.
1145 Lodgement in Hotel Melia Grand Hermitage (5* Superior).
1300 Meeting for brief information. Free time for leisure.
2000 Leaving to Albena resort, diner in restaurant "Slavinski kat" with folk show, Dance on the coal.

THURSDAY
0900 After breakfast, Varna City guided tour including the Marine Park "the biggest in the Balkan range", the Holy Vergin Cathedral & the Opera Square. Free Time for coffee or cold drink in one of many Café-trottoire or for light lunch.
1200 After lunch, departure to the museum town of Nessebar.
1430 "Arrival to Nessebar, lodgement in hotel Iberostar Festa Panorama, free time to browse the cobbled streets, the souvenir shops and some of the 40 historical churches."
2000 Dinner overlooking the magnificient sunset & sea view. Overnight in hotel Iberostar.

FRIDAY
0800 After breakfast departure to the second Bulgarian largest city Plovdiv.
1100 Guided walking tour of Plovdiv's old quarter and the roman amphitheatre followed by free time for lunch.
1400 Continue to Velingrad, the famous Spa center. Lodgement in Hotel Abir (4* Superior). After the long day trip you can relax in the hot mineral water, the sauna room or the jacuzzi. Dinner/show and overnight.

SATURDAY
1100 After breafast and swimming, visit the natural phenomenon of Kleptuza spring. Free time for lunch.
1300 Continue through the green mountains while enjoying the fabulous scenery.
1500 Arrival to Sofia, lodgement in Hotel Princess (4* Superior)
1630 Visit the landmarks of Sofia; St Nedelia Church, St. John Rotunda, St. Sofia church, the Russian memorial church, the Cathedral and many other interesting sights. Free time.
2100 Dinner in a Bulgarian restaurant. Return to the hotel, overnight.

SUNDAY
0900 After breakfast departure to visit the Iskar Lake.
1200 Proceed to Rila Monastery the largest and the most impressive cultural monument from the Bulgarian National Revival period and the most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
1500 Lunch which consists of famous Balkan fresh-water trout will be served near the Monastery (included in the rate).
1730 Return to Sofia, free time, overnight.

MONDAY
0800 After breakfast early departure to Koprivshitsa Architectural reserve.
0930 Sightseeing of the museum town.
1100 Continue through the valley of Roses with a stop in the town of Kazanluk, a visit to the Museum of Bulgarian Oleaginous Rose that yields 70% of the world's attar of roses used by every perfume company in the world, the Thracian Tomb and the Shipka Memorial Church.
1300 After a short break for lunch, continue up through the Balkan Mountains to the Shipka pass. In 1877 this pass was the site of the most important battle in the liberation war against the Turks. Continue further on North to visit the Etar Ethnographic Heritage Park with houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period and workshops for handicrafts.
1730 Continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Lodgement in Hotel Premiere (4* Superior) or similar. In the evening you can enjoy the "Son et Lumiere" spectacular show (if available) designed to tell the history of Tsaravets - the fortress is lit up by huge spotlights accompanied by a stirring soundtrack. Typical dinner in Arbanassi village, overnight in the hotel.

TUESDAY
0830 After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo - the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (13th C). Remains of the medieval fortifications, churches and the palace still stand on the Tsaravets Hill (The King's Hill).
1100 Proceed to Varna with a stop in midway in the White Horse Complex for refreshments.
1500 Arrival to Varna, free time at leisure or optional tour to Balchik (17 eur.) Dinner/show in the casino, overnight in Hermitage (5* sup)

WEDNESDAY
0400 Check out from the hotel, transfer to Varna airport for passport control and formalities.
0605 Departure to Beirut.

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Last updated: June 2008