Penguin Travel

 The territory of Bulgaria is small, but its history is ancient and culture- rich. It will take only three days of easy drive to visit some of the most interesting architectural and spiritual monuments of this magnificent country . We have chosen the wonders of the Central part for your trip. Monasteries and Renaissance towns, Thracian tombs and monuments of turbulent times, medieval capital and ethnic variety- these are the particles of a kaleidoscope, scattered around the beautiful nature of mountainous Bulgaria.

Although the distances between the different places of interest are not big, there are lot of decoys along the road. Offering you the variety of choices, we leave it to you to decide where to stop.

Trip plan:   

Day 1 – Arrival in Sofia

Day 2 - Sofia- Veliko Turnovo

Possible deviations from the route for sightseeing by choice:

Glozhenski Monastery is founded during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Built on the top of a unapproachable rock, the monastery resembles more of a castle. It has been playing an important role at the times of cultural and spiritual upheaval and even Vasil Levski- The Apostle of freedom has founded shelter in it. A magnificent view to the valley of Vit river and the picturesque Teteven mountain is available from there.

Saeva Dupka is one of the most beautiful Bulgarian caves. Its total length is 205 meters and it is more than 1 million years old. Its five halls and numerous galleries are full of magnificent cave structures. The cave is illuminated and well kept.

Lovech has preserved the atmosphere of the Bulgarian Renaissance in one of its central quarters- the architectural and historic reserve Varosha. In 1874 Koliyo Ficheto built a covered bridge over Osam river, which divides the town into two halves. Remains of the old castle dominate over one of the town`s hills.

The Troyan Monastery is the third monastery in size in Bulgaria. Founded in 1600.The Three-handed Virgin Icon is the holy thing of the monastery. The villages around Troyan are famous for the numerous workshops for ceramics.

Day 3 - Veliko Turnovo- Kazanlak

Veliko Turnovo is the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom- XIII and XIV centuries. The picturesque meanders of Yantra river separate the medieval castle Tzarevets from the houses and old churches perched on the steep hill, on the opposite side. Being primarily kings` residence, Veliko Turnovo has also been the most important spiritual center during these centuries. The numerous monasteries in the region is an evidence of that, among which a special attention is needed to Preobrazhenski Monastery , with its frescoes, painted by the Renaissance painter Zahari Zograf. Near Veliko Turnovo is Arbanasi, where the typical Bulgarian Renaissance architecture of a crafts and trade center of the XVII and XVIII centuries is presented. There are several churcehes in the village, the most valuable of which is Christ`s Birth, for its precious frescoes from the XVIIth century.
To reach the Preobrazhenski Monastery you will have to go north of town, along the road E85 and in about 5 to 6 kilometers turn left on the road to the monastery. It is possible, that the road could be closed for autos. By foot you can cover the distance for about 20 minutes. To reach Arbanasi you will have to go on the road 514. The village is 3 to 4 kilometers from town.
 

Kazanlak is in the center of the Rose valley – named after the rose fields, where the famous bulgarian rose oil is extracted.

Possible deviations from the route for sightseeing by choice:

Driyanovo Monastery is situated in the deep canyon of Driyanovo river. A group of rebels held heavy battles with the Turkish army under its steep cliffs in 1876, during the April uprising. Nearby is Bacho Kiro cave, after the name of one of the leaders of the uprising in Tarnovo region.

Bozhentsi is a small village, announced as architectural and historic reserve, for its preserved old structure. Two-storeyed wooden houses, with spacious balconies, roofs covered by stone tiles, engraved ceilings- these are the outstanding characteristics of this pleasant place for recreation. Traditional Bulgarian special dishes are offered in the local restaurants.

Gabrovo's glory as an industrial center of Bulgaria, in the middle of the XIXth century, is accentuated by the miserliness of its citizens, as well as by their sense of humor. The town is a host of the Fistival of humor and satire. In the outskirts of Gabrovo you can visit the complex of Etara, where the traditional crafts from the XIXth century are demonstrated.

Working hours: from 9 to 18.

Day off: Monday

The Shipka pass is famous for the decisive battle held during the Russian- Turkish war in 1878, leading to the liberation of Bulgaria from the Turkish yoke. The monument on peak Stoletov commemorates the heroism of the Russian soldiers and the Bulgarian volunteers, who won the battle against the prevailing enemy.

Day 4 - Kazanlak- Sofia

Possible deviations on the route for sightseeing by choice:

There are three small picturesque historic towns, famous for being the birthplaces of three of the outstanding leaders of the Bulgarian Renaissance from the XIXth century.

Mapped trip plan HERE

Accomodation and food: 3 star or 4 star hotels on BB basis   

Price of extra services: Single supplement  3* hotels - 105 euros 4* hotels - 120 euros

Included in the price: Accommodation on B/B 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. 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 

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