Penguin Travel

 What would you say about going on a trip to a place with clean environment, combined with culinary temptations? In addition you will receive a pinch of Christian culture,flavored with  Balkan exotics. Do you want to experience the thrill of discovering your own views  when traveling on an exiting journey? Mighty mountains, with peaks disappearing in the sky, deep caves and crystal reservoirs among thick forests, gorgeous monasteries  and small villages, made of stone- this is the splendid face of Southwestern part of Bulgaria. We offer you to enjoy it by joining the winding roads of this magnificent region.

Additional price information:   3* hotels 2 pax - 150 euros 3 pax - 120 euros 4 pax - 90 euros 4* hotels 2 pax - 190euros 3 pax - 160 euros 4 pax - 130 euros Prices are per person with included VAT

Trip plan: 

  
Day 1 - Arrival in Sofia

Pick up the car from Sofia airport and sightseeing in Sofia.  Accommodation in Sofia

Day2 - Sofia - Rila Monastery- Bansko

The Rila Monastery is one of the most remarkable places of Bulgaria. Founded in Xth century by Saint Ivan Rilski in the heart of Rila- the highest mountain in the Balkan peninsular. 

Bansko is the most popular Bulgarian winter resort. It is attractive in the summer too. Situated on 1000 meters above sea level, the town is a starting point for the prevailing routs to the marble peaks and clean lakes of Pirin. The mountain is appointed as a national park of Bulgaria. Aside from mountain beauties Bansko is offering the cozy atmosphere of the narrow streets formed by the old houses, made of stone, thus preserving the memory of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Numerous traditional taverns offer special dishes, prepared on unique local recipes.

Day 3 - Bansko- Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a real textbook in history. Founded in the ancient times – the most precious monument from these distant times is the Antique Theater.

Possible deviations from the route for sightseeing by choice:

The village of Kovachevitza is a small architectural wonder. Its high houses, made of stone, with roofs, covered by stone tiles, organically harmonize with the surrounding rocky mountainous landscape.You can feel the spirit of the old rebellion times.
The Yagodina cave with Buinovo gorge and Trigrad gorge with Devil's throat cave.
The formidable vertical rocks of these two gorges are in deep contrast to the mild contours of the Rodopi mountain.

The rivers flowing through the cliffs have moulded the two beautiful caves.

The reservoirs of Dospat, Shiroka Poliana, Goliam Beglik and Batak are along the road E 37. Walking tours in the beautiful landscape and along the reservoirs are possible. In Tzigov Chark resort, which is 4 kilometers to the left from the main road, there are many restaurants and places for a rest. The region along the road Dospat- Batak is mountainous and rarely populated.

Day 4 - Plovdiv - Sofia

You can visit the following sightseeings around Plovdiv:

The Bachkovo Monastery - the second in size monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in XIth century.The monastery is famous for its frescoes since 1605, covering the refectory.

Asenova Krepost. Founded at the same time as the Bachkovo Monastery. Only a small part of the two-storeyed church has remained, perched on a cliff above Chepelare river. The view to and from the church is magnificent and in order to enjoy it you will have to divert from the road to Bachkovo monastery, right away after passing Asenovgrad. The distance is 2 kilometers.

Arrive at Sofia Airport at least 150 min. before the flight departure. Return the car and catch the return flight.

Mapped trip plan HERE

Accomodation and food:   3 star and 4 star hotels with included breakfast  meal

Price of extra services:   Single supplement  3 star hotels -  80 euros; 4 star hotels - 110 euros

Included in the price:   Accommodation on BB basis,rented car for 7 days (incl. AC, unlimited mileage; third party liability; road taxes for the territory of Bulgaria; 24hrs road assistance on the territory of Bulgaria; CDW – reduces the renter’s liability in case of damage of the vehicle up to the amount of the deposit (excess). CDW is valid only valid if a protocol from the Police Authorities is presented

Excluded from the price: entrance fees, lift tickets, parking fees, fuel, guidance in English inside caves, museums and monasteries, other meals, alcohol drinks, personal expenses  

Recommended travel period of the year:   March - November

Tour difficulty:   A 

No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.

Reservation System Code: BGSELFDRSOUTH

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