Undiscovered Bulgaria - Get off the Beaten Track and Meet the Locals!

Arrive at Sofia airport. Transfer to your accommodation in central area. Take a walk with us to the heart of the city of Sofia, passing by the Roman Serdica fortifications from the 3rd - 5th centuries, followed by churches dating back to the 4th – 6th centuries – St. George’s Rotunda, St. Sophia Basilica, Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Next day drive through the Balkan Mountains, crossing the Pethrochan pass and have our first stop in Chiprovtsi. Before we head to Belograchik, we’ll learn about the 2 sided carpets, which technique dates back to the 17th centuries and its part of the UNESCO’s protected non-material cultural heritage list. You will have the chance to taste home-made Bulgarian Yoghurt and for the “sweet tooth” lovers we’ve prepared another treat. Meet Maya from Prevala - local producer who is using family recipes over 5 generations for making her own jams. After the stunning views of the Belogradchik Rocks and their Fortress dating back to the Roman Times, we’ll drive to Magura Cave, famous with its paintings from early Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages. After breakfast we will head to the hidden Klisurski Monastery, the only place on the Balkans, where the nuns still paint the icons by an original old Byzantian way. Immerse yourself in the local legends kept in the trees and take a sip from the healing waters streaming from the mountains. Have a look at another invaluable evidence of the Thracians – the Rogozen Treasure and finish the day in a typical Bulgarian Guest house. Let’s call it a photo shooting day. We’ll be driving and stopping at the most stunning and picturesque places in the Iskar Gorge. Wake up call by the local hens.You can take a walk on the Ivan Vazov’s path with the stunning waterfall in its end. Sit down and have a cold beer with a waterfall just across your table. Late afternoon we’ll head back to Sofia, where you have an evening at your leisure. Next day breakfast and transfer to Sofia Airport.