Contact : MIEL Ltd

The lands of Bulgaria are strewn with medieval castles and fortresses, where the whisper of centuries, together with the beauty of the landscape, creates a unique fairytale. This sample tour will take you on adventure through the most glorious periods of Bulgarian history.

You will visit the first capital of the First Bulgarian kingdom - Pliska, bustling with life as early as the 9th century; walk where khans - the early Bulgarian rulers – have walked and see the amazing work of medieval architects, craftsmen and artists. Together, we shall try to solve the puzzle of the Madara stone horseman, marvel at the beauty of the second capital of Bulgaria - Veliki Preslav, climb the royal fortress of Tzarevetz and walk the cobbled streets of the third capital of medieval Bulgaria – Veliko Turnovo.

MIEL recommends a sample tour of 8 days where you will visit the ancient capitals of Bulgaria:

•Pliska - the capital of Bulgaria between 681 - 893 AD. It was founded by the first Bulgarian king Asparuh. The ruins of the city of Pliska lie 3km north of the modern village of Pliska. The site of the city is currently a National Archaeological Reserve. Ruins of the Great and Small Palace, the strong stone fortifications and the Great Basilica, one of the largest christian places of worship in its time, can be seen in the reserve.
•Preslav - the capital of Bulgaria between 893 - 972 AD and one of the most important cities in medieval Southeastern Europe. It was around the Preslav Literary school that the Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the middle of the 10 century.
•Tzarevetz fortress -a medieval stronghold located on the hill with the same name in northern Bulgaria. It served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress from 1185 until 1393. It is worth to see the audiovisual show, carried out in the evening by three lasers, variegated lights, dramatic music and church bells to tell the story of the city.
•The highlights of Sofia - capital of Bulgaria since 1878 until now. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, the history of Serdika - Sredetz - Sofia can be traced back some 7000 years.

            
 
If you want to prolong your stay you may visit:

- Madara rider stone relief, a UNESCO World heritage site - The relief depicts a majestic horseman 23m above ground level in an almost vertical 100-m-high-cliff. The monument dates back to 710 AD. The horseman facing right is thrusting a spear into a lion lying at his horse's feet. An eagle is flying in front of the horseman and a dog is running after him. The scene symbolizes a military triumph.

 - The Great basilica in Pliska - biggest on the Balkan peninsula at its time - It dates back to 875 AD. The Great Basilica is one of the largest christian places of worship of its time, used both as a royal church and as national patriarchal cathedral.

 - The golden church in Preslav - This is the most precious building in Preslav. It dat?s back to 908 AD. Its dome is  gold-plated outside and inlaid on gold inside. The Golden church is a unique example of the Old Bulgarian architecture.

 - Arbanassy cultural and architectural reserve near Veliko Tarnovo -it is distinguished for its impressive houses and churches with rich interior decoration, wood-carving and mural paintings created on 15th- 16th century. (www.arbanassibg.com)
 
 - The monastery "St. 40 martyrs" - It is a complex that includes a church, residential and farm buildings. The monastery  was built in the 13th century during the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The church, built on 1876, is a basilica with 2 conchas, narthex and a dome. (www.st40martyrs.org)

  - Rock hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World heritage site - This is where the first hermits had dug out their cells and churches during the 12th century. The 14th century murals testify the exceptional skill of the artists belonging to the Tarnovo school of painting. (www.whc.unesco.org)

MIEL Travel offers you a sample tour of 8 days / 7 nights

including :

- 2 overnights on BB basis in Sofia
- 1 overnight on BB basis in Rousse
- 2 overnights on BB basis in Shoumen
- 2 overnights on BB basis in Veliko Tarnovo
- 7 dinners in the restaurant of the hotels or in local traditional restaurants
- Sightseeing tours of Sofia, Shoumen, Pliska, Preslav, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Bulgarian fortress of Cherven or Rock Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- All transfers according to the program
- Entrance fees and taxes

* The program can be tailored according to your special requirements and demands.

Contact : MIEL Ltd