Sofia - Rila Monastery - Bansko - Velingrad - Plovdiv - Sofia

Sofia - Rila Monastery - Bansko - Velingrad - Plovdiv - Sofia

Day 1 - 09:00h. leaving from Sofia to Rila Monastery. Tour around the monastery. Leaving to Bansko. Lunch at local restaurant. Visiting the church with the clock tower and the monument of Paisii Hilendarski. Check-in at hotel (3* or 4*). Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 2 - Breakfast. 09:00h. Check out. Leaving to Velingrad. Short walk around Velingrad, visiting the Kleptuza spring. Leaving to Plovdiv. Lunch at local restaurant in Plovdiv. Check-in at local hotel (3* or 4*). Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 3 - Brakfast. 09:30h. Check-out. City tour of Plovdiv with lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon leaving to Sofia.

Price is per person, accommodated in single room and includes:

• two nights at 3* - 4* hotel on BB basis (bed and breakfast)

• three lunches at local restaurants

• two dinners at local restaurants

• English speaking guide during the whole trip

• personal car/bus with driver

Price excludes entrance fees.

• During this tour you will see:

• Rila monastery;

• Ski resort Bansko - The first Evangelic Church in Bulgaria, Bansko Church; with the clock tower;

• Typical Bulgarian restaurant “Mehana”;

• City of Velingrad and lake Kleptuza;

• Plovdiv - the old city with the Amphitheater;

RILA MONASTERY - among the bosoms of Rila at the altitude of 1147m above sea level, on the right bank of the Rila River is situated the most outstanding monument of Bulgarian culture and architecture of the Revival period - the Rila Monastery, known also as the Holy Rila Retreat.
It was founded during the 10th century by Sveti Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila) - patron of Bulgaria. The Monastery was built as it stands now by Bulgarian master builders in 1816-1847.

BANSKO - the town of Bansko (925 m. above sea level) is situated by the Glazne River at the north-eastern foothills of Pirin beneath the highest and most beautiful karst part of the mountain. Its name is related with the ancient Bulgarian word ‘ban’ /from ‘boean’, ‘boyan’/ which means master. Bansko is the entrance to the most beautiful Bulgarian Mountain - Pirin and one of the biggest winter resorts in the country. If one adds to this its architectural and historical value, Bansko is a pearl in the Bulgarian necklace. More information about Bansko.

VELINGRAD - the town is Bulgaria’s largest spa resort. It is situated amidst the wonderful natural surrounding of the Western Rhodopes, in the western part of the Chepino Valley, which is famous as the sunniest part of the Rhodopes.
The abundance of mineral waters, the modern spa, resort facilities, mild climate and wonderful natural conditions, offer recreation to over 200 000 people here every year.

PLOVDIV - the city of Plovdiv is situated in the western part of the Gornotrakiiska (Upper Thracian) Lowland, along the two banks of Maritsa, the largest river, springing out in Bulgaria, and scattered upon six unique syenite hills (called “tepeta” - hill rocks). The city is an important cultural, historic and tourist centre. It is a regional administrative center, as well.
The six hills, as well as the old town of Plovdiv bring specific color and atmosphere to the town and shape up its unique view and nature.

Distance in kilometers:

• Sofia - Rila Monastery - 120 km.

• Rila Monastery - Bansko - 100 km.

• Bansko - Velingrad - 76 km.

• Velingrad - Plovdiv - 86 km.

• Plovdiv - Sofia - 150 km.