SOFIA AND THE PEARLS OF BULGARIA

DATE: 11.10., 01.11., 15.11.

PRICE: from 375€

DEPARTURE: Zagreb,SLAVONSKI BROD

PLAN AND PROGRAM:

Day 1: ZAGREB

We will start our trip by bus from Zagreb at 21:00 from the Central Station (details will be available in the final notification two days before departure). Also, the departure is scheduled from Slavonski Brod at 23:30 from the gas station Zovko. Our pleasant drive will take us through Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria, with regular breaks and rests during the journey.

Day 2: SOFIA

In the morning we arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in Europe with a rich history that goes back over 7000 years. It will delight you with its abundance of historical sights, charming paved promenades, dynamic nightlife and excellent shopping opportunities at affordable prices. During the tour of Sofia, we will visit some of the city’s most important attractions, including the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden dome, the Parliament building, Alexander Batenberg Square (the main city square), the Church of Saint Sophia (the second oldest church in Sofia from the 6th century), the Presidential Palace , Rotunda of Saint George, the Russian Church of Saint Nicholas, the National Theatre, the Church of Saint Petka of Samardzijska and the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only active mosque in Sofia known for its 15-meter dome designed by the most famous architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan. After the tour we will have free time. Then we will settle in the hotel. We recommend that you spend your dinner in typical Bulgarian restaurants to taste the specialties of this part of Eastern Europe, or maybe visit one of the many bars and clubs to experience Sofia’s lively night. Overnight stay.

Day 3: SOFIA – EXCURSION “UNESCO PEARLS OF BULGARIA”

After breakfast, we suggest a trip to two of the most important UNESCO-protected sights outside of Sofia. First, we will visit the MONASTERY OF RILA, which was protected by UNESCO 35 years ago as an important part of world heritage. This monastery is considered one of the most significant cultural, historical and architectural monuments not only of Bulgaria, but also of the whole of Southeast Europe. The Rila Monastery is located in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Rila National Park, and even today it is inhabited by about 60 monks. After visiting the monastery, on the way back to Sofia, we will visit the famous medieval BOYANA church, which dates back to the 10th century, and is especially famous for its frescoes older than 700 years, which were protected by UNESCO almost 40 years ago.

Return to Sofia in the afternoon. Considering that Sofia is a well-known shopping center in Eastern Europe, the bus will drop passengers who wish to do so in front of BULGARIA MALL, the largest shopping center in Bulgaria, which covers several tens of thousands of square meters and offers hundreds of stores. You will have free time for shopping or exploring the city. Overnight stay.

Day 4: SOFIA – PLOVDIV – SOFIA

After breakfast, we recommend a trip to PLOVDIV, the most beautiful city in Bulgaria and an ancient city that is older than Athens. Plovdiv has a rich history that goes back six thousand years, and in 2019 it became the European Capital of Culture. Upon arrival, we will visit the most important sights of the old city, including the exceptionally well-preserved Roman one.

Day 5: SOFIA – BELGRADE – ZAGREB

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head towards Croatia through Bulgaria and Serbia.
Since halfway on the way back we will pass through Belgrade itself, we will take a break during which we will refresh ourselves from the journey and take a walk through the city, which appears more and more often on the list of cities to visit during a trip to Eastern Europe. Belgrade offers a lot to tourists, from the lively atmosphere in the city itself, through various sights and charming streets such as the famous Skadarlija, to numerous restaurants and shops with very reasonable prices. During the walk with a tour guide, we will visit the central points of the city, including Trg Republike, Terazije, Skadarlija, Knez Mihajlova Street, the old Belgrade Fortress Kalemegdan, Bell Tower, Stari Bunar, Baroque Gate and Nebojsa Tower. You will have free time to explore and enjoy Belgrade.

We continue our journey towards Croatia and enjoy a pleasant drive through Serbia and Croatia, with regular breaks and stops along the way. Arrival in Zagreb is scheduled for late evening.

The price of the arrangement includes:

Transportation by high-floor tourist class bus.
3 nights with breakfast in a category 3* hotel in the vicinity of Sofia, with the possibility of a €20 (HRK 150.69) surcharge for a quality category 3/4* hotel with an excellent location in Sofia itself.
Services of a licensed tour operator.
Tours according to the program.
Preparation and organization of travel.

The price of the arrangement does not include:

Tickets for the sights to be visited.
Optional extras and excursions (for more information, contact the tour operator).
Public transport costs.
Travel insurance.
Please note the included and excluded items above to prepare for your trip and ensure you have no unforeseen expenses. For details on ticket prices and optional excursions, please contact the tour operator. It is also recommended that you consider additional travel insurance to protect you during your trip.