Jewish Heritage In Bulgaria

5 Days & 4 Nights

Day 1: Sofia 
Arrival at Sofia airport. Guide meets and assists for a transfer to hotel. Check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia, Rila monastery, Sofia
After breakfast start the sightseeing tour of Sofia with a visit to the Synagogue and its museum. Tour proceeds with a visit to the impressive Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, panoramic sightseeing of the University, the National Assembly, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Rotunda of St. George, Roman ruins, National Palace of Culture. Drive to Rila Monastery - the largest in the Balkans, included in the List of World Heritage, which will captivate you with its unrivalled architecture and murals. Tour of the monastery. Return to Sofia. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 3: Sofia, Samokov, Borovets, Plovdiv
After breakfast drive to Plovdiv via the town of Samokov - Since the arrival of the rich Arie family in 1793, the Jewish community in Samokov gained great importance. Visit the Arie's House, see the wonderful 19th century architecture and feel the atmosphere of every-day life of a rich Jewish family. Stop over in Borovets mountain resort. Proceed to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city and one of the oldest in Europe. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4: Plovdiv
You will enjoy a morning city tour (partly on foot), including a visit to the Plovdiv's Synagogue, the Old Town, the 2000yrs old Roman Theatre; the Byzantine and mediaeval fortifications, the 15th century mosque. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets and admire the silence and tranquillity of this historic town. In the afternoon drive to the Batchkovo Monastery, founded in the 11th century. Backhovo Monastery is valuable primarily for its ossuary and its church, in which 11th to 14th century frescoes are preserved. Late afternoon drive back to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Plovdiv, Sofia
After breakfast departure to Sofia airport. End of services.

Rates Are Based On Half Board & Include: 2 overnights in Sofia at the 4-star Sofia Princess Hotel, 2 overnights in Plovdiv at the 4-star Trimontzium Hotel, Buffet breakfast, 4 dinners, transfers upon arrival and departure, transportation by car, minibus or coach, according to above program, English-speaking guide throughout the tour, entrance fees according to above program.

Rates Do Not Include: air fare, airport tax, additional meals, porterage at the airport and hotels, tips for guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff, items not specially mentioned above and/or in itinerary.