Bulgaria and Macedonia Treasures Tour - 11 Days

Arrive at the Sofia airport. Meet and greet by your Bulgarian guide.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight.
Transfer and accommodation in Sofia in hotel Thracia Premier Best Western **** (two nights)

Full Day Sightseeing tour of Sofia 
In the morning visit the Boyana Church (UNESCO). Admire its beautiful frescoes dating to 1259. In the National Museum of History you will get acquainted with the rich history of Bulgaria. Here is the Gold Thracian Treasure dating to the 4th c. BC. Return to the central part. Continue with a walking sightseeing tour of Sofia.
Visit the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the biggest and the most beautiful on the Balkan Peninsula, the Monument of Alexander II – Tzar Liberator, the Parliament, The Statue of St Sofia – the symbol of the city, the Presidency, the National Theater, the Ruins of Serdica and the Rotunda St George 4th c. AC, the Synagogue, the Russian Church, the St. Sophia early Christian basilica, which has given the city its name. Finish the tour at around 2 pm at your hotel.
Afternoon at leisure – time to enjoy the central part of Sofia.
Overnight.
Accommodation in Sofia in hotel Thracia Premier Best Western ****

Sofia – Skopje, the Republic of Macedonia – 4 hours driving
In the morning departure to Skopje. Sightseeing tour of the old part of the Macedonian capital. Visit the old Train station – the first on the Balkans, the house of Mother Teresa, the Stone Bridge – monumental building in the center of the city and the most imposing monument in the country built in the beginning of the VI century, the Mosque Daut Pasin Imam – monument of the Islam architecture from the XV century, the church St. Spas built at the end of the XVII century and place were have been preserved the relics of the great Macedonian Revolutionary Goce Delcev (1872-1903), the Fortress Kale – the most outstanding tourist attraction of Skopje.
After the tour enjoy a pleasant walk around the market place.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight.
Accommodation in Skopje at hotel Centar ***

Skopje – Ohrid
In the morning departure to Ohrid. After check in enjoy a sightseeing tour of the old part. You will see the statue of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, the Church of St Sophia – one of the most significant churches in the Orthodox world, the Roman amphitheatre, the Upper gate, St Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious (Sveta Bogorodica Perivleptos), the King Samuel’s fortress and the little beautiful church of St Ioan Kaneo perched on the rocks overlooking the beautiful Ohrid lake.
On request: In the afternoon visit the beautiful and popular Monastery of St Naum with new inns built in the last decade that make up the Hotel of Sveti Naum. The original church of the Holy Archangels was built in the early 10th century by St Naum and later it housed the tomb and relics of St Naum himself but today its remains are buried beneath the present 16th-century church. From the yard of the monastery you will admire absolutely beautiful views over the lake of Ohrid.
Return to Ohrid.
Overnight.
Accommodation in Ohrid in villa Dea 3* situated on the lake shore

Ohrid – Bitola – Melnik,  Bulgaria
In the morning departure to Bitola. City tour including visit to the Antic city Heraclea, located near the town of Bitola, in the foot of the mountain Baba. It was built in the middle of the IV century B.C – its beauty and charm testifies of the persistence and superiority through time. Have a walk on the main pedestrian street where the guide will let you know interesting facts about the rich historical and cultural past of the town. Departure to Bulgaria through the picturesque Macedonian countryside.
Early evening arrival to Melnik.
Overnight.
Accommodation in Melnik in hotel Melnik ***

Melnik – the Rila monastery – Plovdiv
Departure to the Rila Monastery (UNESCO site) – the richest historical and architectural monument of the Orthodox enclave, founded in 10th century and transformed to the most important spiritual and cultural center of Bulgaria, UNESCO site. On a number of occasions it was destroyed and burnt down, only to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes. The visitor’s first sight of Rila monastery huge towering walls gives the impression of a fortress. However, a step through the archway produces a wonderful surprise. The Monastery’s unrivalled architecture and murals will captivate you. Lunch.
Departure to Plovdiv – the second largest town of Bulgaria, an area since the time of Philip, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great. Stroll on the main pedestrian street and indulge in the local atmosphere.
Overnight.
Accommodation in hotel Belle Ville – an old Renaissance house turned into hotel (two nights)

Full day in Plovdiv
After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour of Plovdiv – Its unique location on these ancient crossroads has stimulated cultural and political influences from East and West civilizations and yet maintained its unique cultural identity. The most impressive building of Roman time that has come to us rising above the city is the Antique theatre by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the 2nd c. A.D. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Theatre and opera performances are still staged here on warm summer nights.
The Roman Stadium is also constructed during the II century and reproduces the layout in Delphi, Greece. Within the center of the ancient major town of the Roman province of Thrace remains of stone paved streets, foundations of buildings and columns and ancient fortress walls and gates reside. The Old Plovdiv nowadays is an original living museum, an architectural phenomenon with many of the houses of those times’ most prominent Bulgarians turned into museums, galleries hosting various art exhibitions and festivals.
Accommodation in hotel Belle Ville – an old Renaissance house turned into hotel

Plovdiv – Nesebar – Varna
In the morning departure to Nessebar – an undoubted jewel of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, historical and archaeological reserve with ancient archaeological remains of various periods, original churches from the 5th – 17th centuries and more than hundred authentic Revival houses – it is included in the list of UNESCO.
Departure to Varna – During the Second Bulgarian state, Varna was one of the most important trading and craft centers in the country. Now a day it is the biggest sea port and one of the favorite holiday places. Numerous hotels, restaurants and night clubs make it a preferable seaside center. We will make tour of the town – The city center, the Cathedral, the Archaeological museum where is being kept the oldest gold treasure in the world dating back 4000 years B.C., the Roman baths.
Accommodation in Varna in hotel Cherno more **** (or similar)

Varna – Madara – Veliko Tarnovo
Departure to Veliko Tarnovo. On the way visit the Madara Horseman (subject of weather conditions) UNESCO site. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo – the capital of Mediaeval Bulgaria, the town is one of the most picturesque historical settlements. Start exploring the city with the Tsarevets Royal hill. The neighboring Arbanassi museum village is a genuine gallery of art. A must here is the 15th century Church of the Nativity, repainted in the 17th century. Because of its more than 1200 frescoes, It is also called the Sistine Chapel on the Balkans. Another must see is the Archangels Gabriel and Michael dating to the same period ; Located on the hills above the meandering river Yantra, this city, once a glorious mediaeval capital (1186 – 1393), is now attracting thousands of romantic travelers with its irresistible atmosphere. Mixing the legends of the past with bursting joy of hundreds of young students – this is Veliko Tarnovo today, the second most important University City after Sofia.
Overnight.
Accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo in hotel Gurko 3*

Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
Departure to Etara – an open air museum. It is the first museum presenting the historic past, economic development and the way of living of the population in 18 – 19th c. The shopping street represents the way crafts were practiced locally in the mid-19th century.
Continue to Kazanlak. Visit the Thracian tomb dating to the 4th century BC. The site is included in the list of UNESCO (we will visit the replica).
Continue to Koprivshtitsa. The village boasts a large number of architectural monuments from the Revival period, 383 in all, most of which have been restored to their original appearance. Collections of ethnographic treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewelry has also been preserved.
Departure to Sofia.
Drop off in your hotel. 
Overnight.

Transfer to to Sofia airport. 
End of service.