A Balkan country with spectacular mountains and a coastline on the Black Sea, Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman empire for around 500 years, although the Orthodox tradition remained strong. Bulgaria is full of ancient man made wonders and stunning scenery. There have been many improvements in Bulgaria since the collapse of Communism and it is on course for membership of the EU in 2007. Maximum participants 30
 

Saturday 17 May  (D) Our scheduled British Airways flight departs from London Heathrow at 08.35 for our 3-hour flight to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and check in. Short panorama tour of Sofia and welcome dinner at the hotel. Direct flights are also available from London Gatwick. Overland travel by rail is also available. Please call us for more details.

Sunday 18 May  (B,D) Free sightseeing day in Sofia with time to explore this fascinating city and to travel on the many tram routes. Evening folklore show with dinner. Overnight in Sofia.

Monday 19 May  (B,D) Morning trip by slow passenger train* along Iskar river gorge and Cherepishki Monastery, founded in the 14th century and picturesquely located on the right bank of Iskar River ( a deep experience, right away from the modern world ). Continue by normal electric train to Veliko Tornovo for our two night stay. * If we have a large group them we will travel on a steam hauled special train

Tuesday 20 May  (B,D) A free day to explore Veliko Turnovo – the Mediaeval Capital city of Bulgaria. Tour of Tsarevets Royal Hill with the fortress, Baldwin tower ( the leader of the 4th crusade ), visit Samovodska Charshia of crafts. Also visit to Arbanassi museum village located on a hill above the city.
 

Wednesday 21 May  (B,D) Departure by train to Kazanluk: crossing one of the most beautiful parts of the Central Balkan Range, to the centre of the Rose Valley known as well as the valley of the Thracian Kings. We have the chance to test rose products (once 75% of the world rose attar was produced in Bulgaria). The roses should be in bloom. Visit one of the Thracian tombs in the region. Late afternoon we continue by train to Plovdiv for the first of our two nights here.

Thursday 22 May  (B,D) Free day in Plovdiv for sightseeing. Plovdiv has 6 000 years of history and was once the capital city of Philip the 2nd of Macedonia (the father of Alexander the Great). Visit the Old Plovdiv architectural site with the Roman Amphitheatre, St. Constantine and Helena Church, Hindlian House. Afternoon wine tasting at a boutique wine cellar in Brestovitsa village. Return to Plovdiv.

Friday 23 May  (B,D) Morning service train to Septemvri and transfer to the narrow gauge line; one of the most scenic in Europe. Travel Septemvri – Velingrad – Avramovi Kolibi – Jakoruda – Bansko. Total duration of the journey is around 5 hours. Septemvri station was constructed in 1870 by Baron Hirsch (German entrepreneur who in the 19th century started a grandiose project to construct a network consisting of 2,500 kilometres of railway lines in the Turkish-occupied Balkans). Avramovi Kolibi is the highest railway station in Bulgaria 1267m above sea level - crossing one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhodopes mountains, 15 tunnels, the Mesta river valley. Late afternoon arrival in Bansko museum town. Dinner with folklore performance at a typical Bansko mehana. Today is also The Holiday of the Cyrillic Alphabet and Bulgarian Culture the best loved public holiday by the Bulgarian people with plenty of traditional festivals and celebrations.

Saturday 24 May  (B) This morning we have a short trip on the narrow gauge railway from Bansko to Dobrinishte. Departure by road to Sofia. On the way: visit Rila Monastery (UNESCO site, the largest Monastery in Bulgaria). Evening arrival in Sofia and dinner at the hotel.

Saturday 24 May  (B) Free time and transfer to the airport. Our flight for London Heathrow departs at 14.40 arriving back in London at 16.00. This was a very popular tour in 2007 and sold out before Christmas so book early!

• All trains and excursions as listed in the itinerary

• Quality hotel accommodation

• Services of our tour manager

• All meals listed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)