Departure on 08 Aug. 2007

Having survived the times with the self confidence of the most zealous guards of the Bulgarian culture and language, the Bulgarian monasteries still fascinate the present day visitor with the pure and harmonious line of the buildings, magnificent architecture, exquisite colonnades, arches and vaults, unfading frescoes and murals, precious icons and wood carvings.

There are nearly 120 monasteries on the territory of Bulgaria nestled in the most private parts of the mountains, surrounded with virgin nature. The story of each monastery is quite intriguing and full of heroic moments.

The Bulgarian monasteries during the difficult and turbulent times acted as centers of patriotism which helped to preserve national feelings and hopes of the Bulgarians.

Rates Include:
* Round trip ticket BEY / VAR / BEY.
* Transport in Luxury air-conditioned coaches.
* Hotel Accommodation for 7 nights in 4* 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 expenses.
* Portage fees and tips.

Notes & Remarks:
* 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
1710: Departure from Beirut International Airport.
1910: Arrival to Varna; Passport control & customs formalities. Meet and assistance, refreshments followed by transfers to the hotel.
2010: Lodgement in Hotel Edelweiss or Glarus or Elena or similar (4* Superior).
2100: Meeting for brief information. Free time for leisure.
2300: A visit to the casino for dinner and to watch the show, overnight.

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 lunch.
1200: After lunch, departure to the museum town of Nessebar.
1430: Arrival to Nessebar, 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: Visit the Bashkovo Monastery, the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Free time for lunch.
1330: Guided walking tour of Plovdiv's old quarter.
1500: Continue to Velingrad, the famous Spa center. Lodgement in Hotel Abir (4* Superior) or Hotel Dvorets (5*). After the long day trip you can relax in the hot mineral water, the sauna room or the jacuzzi. Dinner and overnight.

SATURDAY
1100: After breafast and swimming, visit the natural phenomenon of Leptuza spring. Free time for lunch.
1300: Continue through the green mountains while enjoying the fabulous scenery.
1500: Arrival to Sofia, lodgement in Hotel Rodina (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 typical Bulgarian restaurant. Return to the hotel, overnight.

SUNDAY
0900: After breakfast departure to visit the Dragaleftsi Monastery in the Vitosha Park.
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 Dryanovo Monastery.
1600: Continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Free time to browse the old streets. In the evening you can enjoy the "Son et Lumiere" spectacular show designed to tell the history of Tsaravets - the fortress is lit up by huge spotlights accompanied by a stirring soundtrack. Typical dinner, overnight in Hotel Premiere (4* Superior) or similar.

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 (20$). Dinner and overnight in a 4* Superior Hotel.

WEDNESDAY
1200: Check out from the hotel, transfer to Varna airport for passport control and formalities.
1400: Departure to Beirut.

Contact us for more information

Last updated: June 2007