IN VINUM VERITAS

The area occupied by modern-day Bulgaria is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. Wine was being made here several thousand years before the birth of Christ. Well before the Roman Empire held sway, the Thracians were cultivating vines on the Balkan hillsides; Homer mentions Thracian wine in the Iliad and the Odyssey. In the first century AC the Romans came to the region and extended the wine-growing territories. During the time of the Eastern Roman Empire (the 4-th and the 5-th centuries), Constantinople became an important market for the Balkan wines. In the Middle Ages improvements in winemaking were carried out in the cellars of the monasteries.

Duration
9 days

Itinerary
WINE TOUR IN BULGARIA

SOFIA
Day 1 Arrival in Sofia from ….. by ……at …… Guide meets the group at Sofia airport, transfer to Sofia Princess hotel 4*. Free time at leisure after the flight. Dinner . Overnight.

Day 2 SOFIA
Breakfast. Full day city tour of Sofia with visits of the National Historical museum and Boyana Church dated 1259, known for its 13th century murals, famous for their exceptional realism, The Crypt /an icon museum/ of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the monuments and historical buildings in the historical centre. Dinner at “The Enotheque" restaurant. Overnight.

Day 3 SOFIA- TROYAN -VELIKO TURNOVO
Breakfast. Departure for Troyan monastery - the third largest monastery in Bulgaria – an architectural masterpiece, surrounded by beautiful forests and the Cherni Osam river, which gives a particular charm to the place. A short sightseeing , tasting of the special Troyan plum brandy traditionally produced in the monastery area. Drive to the town of Veliko Turnovo – the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1187 – 1396). Panoramic tour of Veliko Tarnovo – one of the most beautiful towns in Bulgaria, picturesque situated up on several hills on both sides of Yantra river. The houses are perched one above the other on the steep slopes making an incredible panorama. A stroll in the old part between the small shops and narrow streets with visit of Tzarevetz Hill with the remains of the fortress, the ex-royal palace and churches. Accommodation at Grand Hotel Yantra 4*. Dinner and overnight.

Day4 VELIKO TURNOVO – LYASKOVETS WINE CELLAR
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Arbanassi museum village (4 km from Veliko Turnovo) – the ex-residence of Bulgarian tzars (kings). In the present time the village is an architectural museum of Arbanassi houses which resemble minor fortresses – a unique phenomenon of Bulgarian tradition. Optional visit of the oldest and richly decorated Nativity Church (1637-1649) and The Konstantsaliev House presenting 19-th century Arbanassi lifestyle.
Visit the wine cellar in Lyaskovets – it is a part of “Winery Lyaskovets 1934" – an enterprise for modern viticulture, wine-producing, wine-keeping, stabilizing and bottling table wines and natural sparkling wines. During the attractive tour the tourist visit the small exhibition, to watch the process and to be accounted
with the history of the cellar and their products - red and white wines from a declared geographical region, naturally sparkling wines, marvelous brandies produced by classical technologies and century old traditions. The wines of Lyaskovets have won more that 130 gold medals from national and international exhibitions. There are many cellars in Bulgaria, Lyaskovets is one of the most attractive one. Wine tasting (5 kinds of wine) and lunch .
Back to Veliko Turnovo. Free at leisure. Overnight.

Day 5 VELIKO TURNOVO - PLOVDIV
Breakfast. Departure for the city of Plovdiv. On the way visit the famous Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk – UNESCO listed one.
The road passes the northern part of the Thracian valley – one of the most important suppliers of high quality grapes.
It is only in Bulgaria, that the wine of the ancient Thracians is still produced and drunk - the full-bodied red Mavrud. Reds coming from this region are superb. Assenovgrad is the winery to note. The wines are well known in UK, Japan, the Scandinavian countries, Holland, Poland, Russia, etc. Arrival in Plovdiv. Accommodation at Trimontium Princess hotel 4*
A stroll in the Old town – reserve of Bulgarian National Revival period (19-th century), decorated by the majestic Roman amphitheatre. Dinner
in the most attractive Bulgarian style restaurant in Plovdiv. Overnight.

Day 6 PLOVDIV-BACHKOVO MONASTERY – TODOROFF WINE CELLAR
Breakfast. A half day tour to Bachkovo monastery - the second largest and one of the most magnificent one in Bulgaria. It was built in the 11 century among an old forest in the gorge of Assenitza River in Rhodopi Mountains. Visit to the wine cellar in the village of Brestovitza. The “Todoroff‿ wine cellar is the perfect place to spend unforgettable moments close to the nature in the company of the high class red wines. In the unique atmosphere of the wine tasting hall and the cozy tavern, the tourists learn about the history of all types of wine, myths and legends, the technology of producing and storing wine. Wine tasting is held by an enologist who acquaints guests with the specific character of Todoroff wines and also with the basic wine tasting methods, which bring complete satisfaction to senses. Lunch (local specialties). Back to Plovdiv. Overnight.

Day 7 PLOVDIV – DAMIANITSA WINE CELLAR - MELNIK - SANDANSKI
Breakfast. Drive to the town of Sandanski. Visit to the wine cellar Damianitza near the town of Sandanski – Western region.
The local guide will show you the winery where the famous Melnik red wine is produced. You will follow the path of the wine and will learn how to taste and serve it. This 60 minute experience is perfect for the novice or for those who would like to learn the basics. Visit of vineyards in the Melnik region. Learn more why each wine growing region produces wine of its own personality and style. Our guide will organize for you an unforgettable visit of the oldest underground cellar, dug straight into the sandstone. Afterwards, you will enjoy the lunch prepared especially for you in a typical Melnik house. This is perfect balance – selection of wines and food - what a pleasure and delicacy! Accommodation at Sandanski hotel 4 * in the town of Sandanski. Overnight.

Day 8 SANDANSKI – RILA MONASTERY - SOFIA
Breakfast. Departure for The Rila Monastery - picturesque located in the heart of Rila Mountains. It is the most famous monument of Bulgarian culture, spiritual centre of Bulgarians for more than 10 centuries. The icons, iconostasis and murals are samples of the outstanding Bulgarian renaissance art schools from the National Revival period. Transfer to Sofia. Accommodation at Sofia Princess hotel. Farewell dinner. Overnight.

Day 9 DEPARTURE
Breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Transfer to Sofia AP for the departure flight by …….. at …….