Hateya invites you to explore the unique surroundings of Rila, Bachkovo and Troyan Monasteries where you will enjoy memorable moments.
DAY 1: Arrival day
Upon arrival in Sofia you will be met by our representative. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Possible city tour (depending on time of arrival) includes St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Crypt which keeps one of the richest collections of icons in the world, the St. George Rotunda (4th c. BC), St. Sofia Church, the Church of St. Petka Samardjiyska (14th c.) and monuments from Roman times in downtown Sofia or optional visit the Boyana Church. In the evening gather for a welcome meeting followed by dinner in traditional folk-style restaurant.
DAY 2: Rila Monastery & Plovdiv
After breakfast we set off for the Rila Monastery (listed as UNESCO world heritage), the greatest orthodox sanctuary in Bulgaria famed for its architecture, murals (more than 1200 wall paintings), fortress-like walls, and mountain setting. The most attractive part of the monastery is the main church with fabulous murals (outside the Gallery of the Catholicon) and a fantastic Iconostasis. Then we follow the pilgrim path to the St. Ivan Rilski’s cave and we visit the museum. Our trip goes to Plovdiv – the second largest in Bulgaria. King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great founds the town. Today Plovdiv is admired for its Old Town, with its hilly streets, timber-framed mansions and artisan houses. This area is a real culture mix – well preserved Roman Theatre, houses from the Revival period (18-19th century) and the interesting Ethnographical Museum. We discover Plovdiv by a pleasant guided walk.
DAY 3: Bachkovo & Troyan Monasteries
In the morning we visit Bachkovo Monastery. Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is chiefly known for its original architecture, rich collections of old icons, jewelry, coins and church plate. There is lot to see and admire here, especially the refectory and the domed kitchen, the church of the Assumption and its murals, and the domed church of St. Nicholas. We drive through the magnificent setting of Stara Planina and reach Troyan Monastery. The Monastery is known for the creative work of Zahari Zograph who painted both the exterior and the interior (a rare practice for the time) of the main church built in 1835. It is a fine example of the impact of the popular conception of the world and the influence of housing architecture on religious construction. The iconostasis of the main church made in 1839 is a masterpiece of woodcarving. The monastery’s “printery” in which fine graphic works, including many landscapes, were made, was widely known. Next, we drive through a scenic route to Chiflik, a popular mountain village situated in the central part of the Balkan Mountains where we will stay for the night.
DAY 4: Departure
After breakfast, we depart to Sofia. Transfer to the airport to board your return flight.