Bulgaria Through “Rose” Tinted Glasses. Or Lavender?

 

“Bulgaria is a fascinating, beautiful, difficult country, and I fell in love with it.” ~Garth Greenwell

Are any Harry Potter fans here? If you are, I have a quick quiz question for you? Which character and under what circumstances came from Bulgaria? If you know the answer, you’re a true Harry Potter fan! If not, keep reading… 

And to make it a bit “rosier” picture while still using magic, imagine the sea of multi-coloured flowers with the most beautiful sweet scent! We are going to Rose Festival in Bulgaria, the best place and time to “stop and smell the roses”!

Did you know that Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe with an ancient culture and traditions? It’s located in the Balkans tucked between Greece, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. The Black Sea completes it with turquoise waters and the golden sandy beaches to the east. By the way, did you know that the Black Sea’s water is approximately twice less salty than the oceans’, allowing you to dive deeper and further? Ok, back to Bulgaria!

Sometimes overlooked by travellers, Bulgaria has more than just a wonderful coastline with amazing beaches, beautiful mountains with ski resorts (in winter), hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic views. 

The ancient crossroads between Europe and the East, it’s part of the easternmost of Europe’s three great southern peninsulas and a melting pot of Europe with Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Slavic, Persian and recent Soviet influences all leaving their mark on its history and traditions. With Sofia being its capital, Bulgaria’s long and rich history has created a long list of fortresses, gold-domed churches and UNESCO sites including Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in the World,  the ancient city of Nessebar,  Rila Monastery, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Boyana Church, Madara River and Soviet-era Buzludzha monument. 

Bulgarians added to the world Cyrillic Scrip, famous artists, singers, soccer and tennis players, known for yogurt and crafts, traditional dance, music, costumes and, yes, roses and rose oil production.

Discover Sofia * Bansko * Plovdiv * Veliko Tarnovo * Sofia (first week of June)

On this journey, we will encounter captivating historical sights and the inspiring beauty of this enchanting land, and explore Bulgaria's largest monastery and ancient Roman ruins. And the highlight of the trip is the century-old Kazanlak Rose Festival where homes, windows and streets are decked out in fresh roses. They are a colourful backdrop to the festival’s week-long celebration of folk dancing, singing, feasting and parades topped off with a beauty pageant.

• Starting our journey in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital founded thousands of years ago at a strategic crossroads that connects The Near East and the Middle East. It’s located between the banks of The Danube and the shores of The White Sea on the one hand and between the Black Sea and Adriatic on the other, on the route from Western Europe to Istanbul, Turkey. 
• Explore city’s streets with authentic boulevards as bulevard "Vitosha", parks and manicured gardens as City Garden towards St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral -> discover Sofia at night when it’s most beautiful -> scenic drive will take you to the illuminated sights of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the largest in Bulgaria and the 2nd biggest in the Balkans, Monument to the Deity All-Holy Sofia, Amphitheatre of Serdica, Banya Bashi Mosque (the only functioning mosque in Sofia) and the “Roman Wall”, an open-air prayer site from 15th century -> continue to the main Square of Narodno Sabranie to see the Parliament building and magnificent statue of Bulgaria’s King Liberator, Tsar Osvoboditel Alexander II -> Marvel at the onion domes of the Saint Nikolas Russian Church, pass the ornate façade of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre -> See touched by Soviet era buildings of the Presidency and Council of Ministers, National Palace of Culture and National Stadium of Vasil Levski, located in the expansive Borisova Garden near Lake Ariana -> Come to Veselo Selo (“Merry Village”) restaurant in the beautiful forest of Borisova Garden for a fantastic folklore show with traditional songs, dance, music and costumes and savor a 4 course hearty Bulgarian buffet dinner menu of typical Bulgarian dishes.
• In the morning take a walking tour of the most compact European city ->  starting with gold-domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral built to honour the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence in 1878 ->  visit the Crypt, a precious Museum of Orthodox Art housing what is claimed to be the largest collection of Orthodox icons in Europe -> Next stop is the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed early 4th century red-brick Christian St. George Church and Rotunda and the oldest Eastern European Orthodox Church ->  Visit the Church of St Petka of the Saddlers (a.k.a. St. Petka Samardzhiyska), partially dug into the ground medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church built during the Ottoman occupation under the condition that its height does not exceed that of a soldier on horseback -> drive to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church, in the eponymous Sofia suburb at the foot of Mt. Vitosha famous for its frescoes starting from 1259 -> Stop at the National Museum of History, one of the largest history museums in the Balkans with items from Prehistoric ages till our day.
• In the afternoon, after all this walking, treat yourself to a 2.5-hour Turkish Hammam (traditional Turkish bath) experience directly connected to Bulgaria’s ancient history and pamper ourselves in true Middle Eastern style! Gentle steam is great for any localized aches and pains; invigorating vitamin-E rich and olive-based soap body scrub with skin-nourishing and exfoliating properties followed by the gentle massage with a choice of rose water and oils is a time-honoured procedure dating back to the Ottoman Empire that will make you feel so rejuvenated and renewed so that you think you can fly!

• Leaving Sofia, head to Bansko with two stops in between Rila Monastery (66 km from the capital) and Melnik (another 119 km) before driving 103 km to Bansko -> On the scenic journey to the Monastery situated within the scenic Rila Mountains -> Reach the 10th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery holy cloister, the biggest and most spectacular in Bulgaria and one of Europe’s oldest -> The sight of the elaborately decorated Church of the Nativity of Virgin Mary, the frescos and artwork is bound to impress anyone visiting this special place! -> take a complimentary guided short trek through the surrounding nature.
• Continue to Melnik, a town museum declared a historical and national cultural sight with nearly 100 buildings being designated historical landmarks. Sheltered in the sunniest part of the Pirin Mountains, among the exquisite draperies of bizarre sandstone pyramids, it’s now one the smallest town in the world with only 280 inhabitants, near the Bulgaria - Greece border.  Melnik has changed hands numerous times as wars swept Europe over the centuries, at different times belonging to the Bulgarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, Russia and then Bulgaria once more with buildings arranged in tiers, perched one above the other following the steep terrain, the houses with tall white chimneys and cupolas peek behind dozens of ancient churches and almost all have a cellar dug in the limestone rock -> one of the most famous landmarks Kordopulov House was built in 1754 during the Ottoman period and purchased by the wine, tobacco and silk merchant Manolis Kordopulosnow, now a beautiful private museum with impressive 200 square meters wine cellar dug in the limestone rock. Old barrels, of which the largest one is 40,000 litres capacity, hold favoured for centuries wine made from the very specific sort of grape growing in the surrounding area. Sir Winston Churchill reportedly ordered 500 litres of Bulgaria’s Melnik wine every year leading up to and through World War II. -> Near the Kordopulov House, find probably the most famous wine cellar in Melnik - Shestaka’s cellar where you can buy local wine while enjoying the amazing view of the sand pyramids. -> Visit a small family-owned winery where we will be welcomed into the family home and wine cellar for a unique tasting of local wines -> Time permitting stop at the medieval Rozhen Monastery, one of the few well-preserved Bulgarian Monasteries with unique architecture.
• An old town Bansko located at the north foot of the mighty Mt. Pirin mountain range, with the 3rd highest peak in the Balkans, 2914 metres Vihren Peak. It’s a bustling Bulgaria’s premier ski resort town in winter also offer a lot to do in summer -> morning at leisure to explore beautiful parks, lakes and take advantage of the numerous free tours offered by the city, including a city walk or bike tour, a food tour, a hiking tour and many others -> The city’s incredible landmarks offering more than 2,000 years of rich history and fascinating architecture -> The cobblestoned old town is speckled with 19th century National Revival Mansions. These stone and timber houses were buttressed by fortress-style walls, once holding hidden escape routes, protecting their inhabitants from the Turks -> The food here is fantastic; the cold yogurt soup (tarator), Shopska salad, stuffed vegetables with rice and herbs are to die for and meat is plentiful, seasoned heartily and grilled to perfection – spicy lamb chops, chicken skewers and kebab accompanied by many small sides and grilled vegetables. And while there are many good high-end restaurants in Bansko, the traditional Bulgarian Eateries (Mehanas) are where you will experience the true culinary culture of Bulgaria in all its glory. -> Option to check out Hot Mineral Springs in the neighbouring town of Banya with water containing various minerals of therapeutic value.
• Continue your journey to the magnificent Bachkovo Monastery founded in 1083 by Georgian brothers Gregory and Abasius Bakuriani, aristocrats in Byzantine military service -> Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa is a place of pilgrimage as it houses a much-cherished icon of the Virgin Mary and a cupola featuring a beautiful mural of Christ, the 17th-century iconostasis. Believers claim that this miracle-working icon was painted by St Luke, though art historians date it to the 11th - 12th centuries.

• Continue driving to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s 2nd cosmopolitan city situated on the banks of the Maritsa River. With an easy grace, the “city of the 7 hills”, Plovdiv offers invigorating nightlife among millennia-old ruins. It is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with more than 6,000 years of written history and cultural heritage, dating back to the Thracian times, it’s older than Athens, Rome and Constantinople. It is best-loved for its romantic old town, packed with colourful and creaky 19th-century mansions that house the city’s several Museums (Historical, Archaeological, Ethnographic and Natural Science) as well as an Art Gallery and a Drama Theatre. One of the most famous landmarks is the architectural complex of ancient Plovdiv where many beautiful houses from the times of the Bulgarian Revival (1762 - 1878) had been preserved and restored, many are still inhabited. But cobblestoned lanes and National Revival-era nostalgia are only part of the story. Music and art festivals draw increasing crowds, while renovations in the Kapana artistic quarter and Tsar Simeon Gardens have given the city new confidence. The Roman-era ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which once seated around 6,000, now hosts Opera and Concerts. A 3D movie at Emperor Hadrian–era ancient Stadium re-creates Plovdiv of 2nd century A.D. This city is known for its ethnic diversity, is an important economic, transport, cultural and educational center -> explore the city at your own pace -> Enjoying the sunset from at least one of the hills is a must. Pick something to drink, walk all the way to the top and stay there for the sunset. Then go down to enjoy the nightlife once it is dark. On the Mladeshki, there is a miniature train that can be ridden up and down.
• Next morning take a 2-hour walking tour of the city through the compact free of cars Old Town of Plovdiv including the most popular Ulitsa Saborna carving its way through the Old Town from Ploshtad Dzhumaya right up to Nebet Tepe -> visit the Ethnographic Museum and walk to the 2nd AD Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres built by Emperor Trajan, which can seat 6000 -> stop at one of the oldest and most beloved Church of Sveti Konstantin and Elena dedicated to Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother Helena built on the spot where 2 Christian martyrs were beheaded in the year 304.

• Head to the small town of Kazanlak situated in the middle of Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian king. The country’s largest and best-preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thracian Tombs are found here, along with the Museum of Roses. There are 2 Nature Reserves and 5 protected areas in the vicinity of Kazanlak, preserving natural wonders and old forests. The Rosa Damascena, known as the Damask or Castile Rose, is the greatest treasure in the region of Kazanlak. The Rose was imported into Bulgaria centuries ago and today, it is one of the nation’s symbols.
• Under the influence of the country’s unique climate and soil, this Rose gradually developed into a Bulgarian strain distinct from Damask roses elsewhere. That is why at the beginning of the 19th century, this Rose was named the Kazanlak Damask Rose and the valley to the south of the Central Balkans came to be known as the Valley of the Roses. Kazanlak’s roses are used not only in perfumes but also as a precious ingredient in rose honey, rose-flavoured chocolates, rose liqueurs, rose jams, rose water and pharmaceuticals.

• Today the rose harvest is one of the most important activities in the Valley of the Roses, undertaken with great ceremony. The Festival of the Roses first held in 1903, is one of the most notable Bulgarian holidays, festooned with the beautiful roses in bloom and it has become a tradition to hold it the first weekend in June since this is when the Kazanlak roses bloom. The Festival features the traditional rituals of rose picking and rose boiling, recreated in an authentic environment with many songs, dances and a Carnival Parade. 
• On arrival in the town, proceed straight away to the rose fields where the early morning rose picking rituals to take place before the morning dew falls -> From here, visit an authentic Rose Distillery where you will be welcomed at the entrance with homemade bread and salt, a typical Bulgarian ‘welcome’ tradition. An expert will then introduce you to an authentic rose-boiling process demonstrating the old traditional ways to extract oil from roses. You will have an opportunity to taste the delicious rose liqueurs and rose jam and enjoy a 20 minutes Folklore program. -> Spend a little time at the Museum of Roses founded in 1984 -> Visit the adjacent Ethnographic Complex where you can observe the practice of traditional local customs and sample food and drinks made from Kazanlak roses -> And now comes the highlight of the day: the Carnival Parade of the Rose Festival!
• Manufacturers from the whole valley gather dressed up in rose flowers. Mummers, called “koukeri” take part in the street parade. People sing and dance in the streets. The processions and the celebrations last for 2 days and the climax of the Festival is on Sunday when the Parade takes place along the main streets of Kazanlak and each village. Young men and women, dressed in national costumes, welcome the guests and decorate them with garlands of rose blossoms. The most beautiful girl at the festival is crowned the Queen of Roses. Choir cappella and folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tasting and gourmet shows are taking place during the festival weekend. The Parade is over by late afternoon -> Have a traditional BBQ lunch while enjoying a folklore program.
• Next is the UNESCO listed 4th century Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, one of the most significant monuments of the Thracian culture in the Bulgarian lands. The exceptionally well-preserved frescoes are painted in 4 basic colours: black, red, yellow and white reveal the remarkable evolution and high level of culture in Hellenistic Thrace -> Drive on and stop at the Russian Church in Shipka, also known as the Shipka Memorial Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Bulgaria and part of a Shipka Monastery -> Next stop on the northern edge of the Bulgarka Nature Park is the famous Bulgarian ethnographic village of Etar that feels like the whiff of the past or a movie set with its Renaissance architecture, costumed performers, ancient national customs and traditional handicrafts. After spending about an hour here continue driving towards Veliko Tarnovo.

• Veliko Tarnovo often referred to as the "City of the Tsars" (Balkan Capital of Cultural Tourism and the voted numerous items the Most Beautiful Town in Bulgaria by the media) is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 - 1393) when current Bulgaria was the largest and the most powerful state in Southeastern Europe. During the Age of Revival (18th - 19th century) Veliko Tarnovo was an attractive place for the Bulgarian intellectuals. Bulgaria’s 19th century National Revival splendour is easy to relive along historic lanes such as ul Gurko; similarly evocative is the handicraft market, Samovodska Charshiya, which retains much the same atmosphere it had 2 centuries ago. Here, you can see lots of small family-run craft shops from which you can buy a variety of handmade souvenirs and trinkets -> Its most significant centrepiece of culture is the magnificent restored medieval Tsarevets Fortress, the citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire, situated on the homonymous peak, is tucked into the dramatic bends of the Yantra River on 3 sides, clasped by an amphitheatre of forested hills -> Historic “modern” Tarnovo has Bulgaria’s 2nd largest university and is home to a multi-cultural ex-pat scene. The town offers rich possibilities for entertainment and nightlife - discotheques, bars and restaurants famous for their delicious cuisine of popular Bulgarian dishes and those that are typical for the region -> Some of the most popular Bulgarian Monasteries (Patriarsheski, Preobrazhenski, Arbanashki, Plakovski, Kapinovski, and Kilifarevski) are situated in the vicinity of the town.
• On the way back to Sofia, stop at the museum village of Arbanasi located on a high plateau that was first mentioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538 and was once a prominent trading centre. An architectural museum will immerse you in the way of life of 18th-century Bulgarian merchants and craftsmen. You can also get to try the local cuisine specialties! -> The Birth of Christ Church is among the oldest Churches in Arbanasi. It is divided into a Men’s section (the narthex) a Woman’s section (the vestibule), and Galleries that enclose these areas on the north and west. To the east, the Church adjoins the Saint John the Baptist Chapel. The glory that was Arbanasi is still evident in the many houses and cultic buildings, the traditions and customs, associated with its former residents. -> After that, return to Sofia and get ready to fly home where this wonderful experience comes to an end. But not for long as I will see you on our next adventure! 

 

 

Lavender Festival

 

If roses are not your thing and you prefer another beautifully smelling option to the trip: Lavender Festival may be exactly what you need! 

 

Discover Sofia * Sandanski * Plovdiv * Hisarya * Sofia (end of June)

 

On this 6-day journey, just like with the Rose Festival, encounter captivating historical sights, explore Bulgaria's largest Monastery and ancient Roman ruins with the highlight being the Karlovo Lavender Festival. Join the celebrations with music, dances and food on the street in a scenic village in the Thracian Valley, where a bazaar with the participation of producers and traders is organized showcasing essential oils and herbs deeply rooted in beliefs in the miraculous healing and love power of herbs, the life-giving power of the water, and rituals for the cult of the sun. 

• Just like with the Rose Festival, start in Sofia, Bulgaria’s pleasingly laid-back capital and its largest city. 

• On the scenic journey to Sandanski, stop at the Rila Monastery (66 km from the capital) situated within the picturesque Rila Mountains (see details above).  
• Sandanski is a heavenly place, a pearl in the crown of Bulgaria and famous for its divine nature and millennial history. A small balneological and spa town with 80 springs in the area (known for treating a metabolic disorder, asthma, diseases of the nervous system, skin disorders and allergies) is named after the famous Macedonian Bulgarian revolutionary against the Ottoman occupation Yane Sandanski (1872-1915), situated in Sandanski - Petrich Valley at the foot of Pirin Mountains, along the banks of Sandanska Bistritsa River, near the Greece border. 
• Here explore special sights, meet friendly people while sipping a delicious thick melnik wine and get acquainted with the unique local folklore and traditions -> starting with 7 meters white-stone figure of the ancient hero Spartacus who famously led the biggest slave uprising against the Roman empire and, according to the legend, was born here -> explore the Early Christian Complex right in the city center, a piece of antiquity amidst modern apartment blocks with Basilica and part of an ancient street, both dating back to the 5th - 6th century -> Mosaic floors found here are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Sandanski right next to it -> immerse yourself in an innovative world that will introduce you to the era of Roman architecture and 3D rendering of a Roman mosaic -> Holographic image of Spartacus with its authentic appearance, will narrate the interesting story of the Thracian troops and a Gladiator school -> walk by the thermal water fountain right in the City Square -> the pedestrian street lined with terraces and bars followed by shops and stores with ‘better’ prices than the capital -> If time permits, walk to St. Vrach Park, one of the largest well-maintained Parks in the country with sandy paths and extremely rare plant species, situated along the Sandanska Bistritsa river -> Sit down for lunch in one of the traditional Bulgarian restaurants located on the outskirts of the city towards the Pirin Mountains. 
• Continue to Melnik, the smallest town in the world with only 280 inhabitants, steep sandstone Pyramids and ancient wine-making traditions (also already described above including the wine tasting at a small family-owned winery) before heading to the medieval Rozhen Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, one of the few well-preserved Bulgarian Monasteries with unique architecture first time mentioned in a Greek manuscript dated back to the 13th century.
• After that, continue to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s 2nd cosmopolitan city with beautiful sunsets and exhilarating nightlife among 6000 years-old ruins (also described above including the walking tour of the Old Town of Plovdiv in the morning).  

• Depart for the picturesque and historically important small town of Karlovo located in the fertile Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian king, along the river Stryama at the southern foot of the Balkan Mountains -> combining the old charm with cobbled streets, many churches and houses preserved to maintain Karlovo’s architectural and historical past and modernity of the present with invaluable cultural traditions and a pedestrian zone with its many cozy cafes and restaurants, it keeps the memory of Bulgaria’s greatest and most worshiped leader of the revolution against the Turks in the early 1870s Vasil Levski. He was the leading figure in the Bulgarian Liberation Movement and the one who kept up the national consciousness and the spirit through the years of the yoke.
• Together with the rose and rose oil production that turned into a major factor in the economic development of this region for its powerful qualities and an invariable component of every quality perfume in the world, lavender oil production made the “land of the Thracian kings” the world leader in the harvesting of this aromatic natural product and producing lavender-based cosmetics! Today Bulgaria produces nearly 120 tons of lavender oil annually.  
• The biggest number of lavender fields in Bulgaria are in the region of the towns of Kazanlak and Karlovo which has the most purple fields in the country covering more than 5,000 hectares of the fragrant plant. That’s why head to Karlovo which hosts one of the greatest Bulgarian traditions, the annual Karlovo Lavender Festival. The largest importers of Bulgarian lavender oil are the US, Japan, Germany, France and the Middle East -> The guests are here to have fun, try and buy lavender- and rose-based products including essential oils and healing herbs -> Start with visiting the lavender fields -> Witness an old ritual performed in honour of the healing herbs and the demonstration of the process of lavender boiling -> Learn some practical applications of the various essential oils and the making of some rose and lavender products -> Take part in the festivities and traditional cultural events that have been enriched through the years, including choosing Queen of Roses and Lavender Fairy, flair of traditional costumes and Mummers (Kukeri) performances, folklore concerts by famous singers and dancing groups from the region followed by splendid fireworks that accompany the final concert in the evening. 

• Your next stop is Hisarya, a town of health and one of the oldest and most popular Balneological and Spa centres in Bulgaria, famous for beautiful, cool parks with more than 160 decorative tree species, 22 natural mineral healing springs and 6 drilled mineral water wells with various temperature and healing qualities -> The name Hisarya derives from the Arabic word “Hisar” which means fortress as the town located on the territory of an ancient Roman fortress with the fortified wall, amphitheatre, public buildings, Christian basilicas, barracks, villas, thermal springs, and a Roman Tomb encompassed within Diocletianopolis National Archaeological Reserve and it’s among the top-ranked in Europe in terms of preservation. The massive defensive fortress walls are from the 3rd century from the time of Emperor Diocletian with a total length of 2315 metres and height up to 11-13 metres survived the weight of centuries incredibly well.
• Relax at one of the mineral spring pools or walk around in the town, taking photos of the Gate and the Roman ruins -> visit the Church of St Panteleimon well-known for its wall paintings (St Panteleimon is a healing saint and people pray to him for good health) -> Get some healing water “to go”.
• On the way back to Sofia stop at some quaint villages en-route to explore more in the Middle Forest area:
• Staro Zhelezare is a small village in the central part of Bulgaria, famous as the ‘Street Art Village’ of eastern Europe. It is also nicknamed the ‘Village of Personalities’. In 1968, Indira Gandhi, the Indian prime minister, and in 1972, Fidel Castro paid a visit to the village. It is a unique open-air art gallery, where houses, fences and walls are painted artistically with visages of local people from the past and present, together with world-known icons, politicians and celebrities, chosen by the householders -> it’s bound to make for a colourful day and you wouldn’t know who will show up around the corner!
• The next stop is a small Starosel village at the foot of the Sredna Gora mountain range along the shores of Pyasachnik River, known for the abundance of ancient Neolithic and Thracian sites, with some finds dating as far back as the 5th - 6th millennium BC, discovered by the archeologist Dr. Georgi Kitov in the 20th century. In antiquity, Starosel was an important and wealthy Thracian city. There are several cult buildings, part of the so-called Thracian Cult Complex. The largest underground Temple complex in the Balkans, along with a Mausoleum, was found under the Chetinyova Mogila. The Temple, as well as the nearby Thracian King’s residence under Mount Kozi Gramadi, were likely built during the reign of Amatokos II (359-351 BC). The Complex covers 6 unique underhill Temples as well as a few royal burial sites. The entire hill is surrounded by a wall called Krepis, made of processed granite blocks, with a length of 241 meters and a height of 3.5 meters. The wall outlines a circle which according to the Thracian religious beliefs symbolizes the Sun -> Nearby Mogila Horizont with a very impressive and well-preserved colonnade of over 10 columns in early Dorian style still standing at the entrances of the sacred place -> Starosel village is also a place that combines ancient history and a modern Spa and Wine complex comprising 3 hotels, a Winery and a Spa -> After the historic walk, head into the village’s Wine Cellar for popular wine tasting in the degustation hall, made as a replica of the nearby Thracian Tomb. You can sip the famous local raspberry wine and even go for a massage.
• In time, continue driving to one of the Balkans’ most beautiful town Koprivshtitsa, passing through the exceptionally picturesque valley of Strelcha, famous for its rose bushes yielding rose oil until we reach a village situated in the deep valley of the Topolnitsa River, among the forested hills of the Sredna Gora mountain range. Koprivshtitsa is considered a jewel of the Bulgarian Revival.  With its dazzling mix of splendid traditional architecture, dramatic history and crispy fresh mountain air, the incredibly scenic town might be the perfect place to experience the authentic Bulgarian spirit of yore and an incredible journey back in time. Just imagine the sight: hundreds of brightly-coloured houses (danger: cuteness overload!) line the winding cobblestone alleys connected by little arched bridges. Behind colourful house fronts and babbling streams, broods Koprivshtitsa's revolutionary spirit ->  In 1876, it was also the focal point of the epic and tragic April Uprising against Ottoman rule, a historic moment leading up to hard-fought Bulgarian independence during the country’s Age of Awakening. -> A history enthusiasts magnet, the town was declared Museum City in 1952 and since 1971 it’s an architectural and historical reserve, with a total of 388 architectural, historical, artistic and ethnographic monuments. In 1978, it was recognized as a National Architectural Reserve of international importance with the goal of preserving and popularizing the town’s cultural and historical heritage -> Spend a couple of hours on a guided ‘walking’ tour which encompasses a little bit of everything - 19th-century art and history, ethnography, traditions, architecture -> Sample the hearty food and the strong rakia as you delve into the local lore and shop for authentic souvenirs.
• Get back to Sofia before heading home. But again, it’s not for long as I will see you on our next adventure! 

 

Oh, yes, back to my initial question: the famous Quidditch player Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum appeared in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and he is the most well-known fictional Bulgarian to date!  

If you like this post and thinking of going, please let me know! We teamed up with The Journeys, a certified tour operator that offers trips across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia and has been in the business for 20+ years to create the special program for this year’s festival and I will be happy to share with you the detailed itinerary! 

 

All you need to do is send me an email to [email protected] with your full name and email address so that I can share details with you and answer any questions you may have. 

 

Let’s get travelling again!

Julia