PLOVDIV - SOFIA – RILA MONASTERY – RUPITE - MELNIK - 2 DAYS

Day 1

06:00 – Departure from Sunny Beach.
Arrival in Plovdiv for a guided walking tour through the charming Old Town, famous for its cobbled streets, colorful Revival-era houses, and rich history.
Continue to Melnik – the smallest and one of the most picturesque towns in Bulgaria, renowned for its unique sandstone pyramids and fine local wines.
Check-in at the hotel and free time to relax or explore at your own pace.
Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2
Breakfast and check-out.
Departure to the mystical area of Rupite, located near the extinct volcano Kozhuh. Visit the spiritual complex connected to the legendary Bulgarian prophetess and healer Baba Vanga, including:

• the church “St. Petka”
• Vanga’s grave
• the house where she welcomed visitors seeking guidance
• the thermal mineral springs
• the symbolic stone cross built at her request
  

Continue to Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s most iconic monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski.
Guided sightseeing tour of the monastery complex.
Lunch.
Free time to explore the monastery’s remarkable landmarks, including:

• the Church of the Virgin Mary
• the grave of Tsar Boris III
• the medieval defensive tower
• the historical museum featuring the famous Rafail’s Cross
  

Departure to Sofia – the vibrant capital of Bulgaria.
Panoramic walking tour featuring:

• the Holy Synod
• Knyaz Alexander I Square
• the National Assembly
• the Monument to the Tsar Liberator
• the Presidency
• the Russian Church
• the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedra

Free time in the city center.
15:00 – Departure for Sunny Beach.
Arrival around midnight.

The Price Includes: 

• Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned coach
• 1 overnight stay in a hotel in Melnik
• 1 breakfast
• 1 lunch
• 1 dinner
• Guided walking tours in Plovdiv Old Town and Sofia
• Professional tour guide throughout the trip

THURSDAY