DAY 1 SOFIA
Pick up from the airport, walking tour of Sofia, visit: Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia church, the 4-th century Rotonda, the mosque, Sofia Synagogue etc. In the aftenoon we drive to the foot of Vitosha Mountain to visit the amazing medieval frescos of the UNESCO listed Boyana church. Back to Sofia, dinner and overnight.
DAY 2 SOFIA - SKOPJE
Morning departure to South West Bulgaria where we cross the border and enter North Macedonia. Visit Osogovo Monastery - during the Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnin (1143-1180) the priest Theodor founded the monastery and buried the relics of the Saint Joakim in the monastery church. After lunch and tour of the monastery we head to the capital Skopje for overnight.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
DAY 3 SKOPJE - OHRID
Walking tour of Skopje, departure to Mavrovo National Park and The Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski. According to its 1833 chronicle the monastery was built in 1020. It is widely known for its iconostasis - а colossal work depicting biblical scenes is enlivened with 700 tiny human and animal figures. Transfer to Ohrid for dinner by the lake and overnight.
DAY 5 OHRID
Guided walking tour of Ohrid, visit: St. Sofia church, The Old town, Samuel's Fortress. After delicious local lunch we drive some 30 kilometers south of Ohrid, on a plateau close to the Albanian border to visit The Monastery of St. Naum - one of the most beautiful monasteries in North Macedonia and an important pilgrimage spot. Back to Ohrid for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 OHRID - PRILEP
Morning departure to Prilep via Galičica mountain and Prespa lake. Arrival in the small town of Prilep for lunch, prepare for a 2 hour walk to Treskavec Monastery - a medieval pilgrimage site found in the 12 century. The church preserves a highly significant body of frescoes from 14-th centuries, including the first known representation of the Heavenly Courtsits. Back to Prilep for dinner, try some very special local dishes.
DAY 6 PRILEP - SANDANSKI
Departure after breakfast towards the Bulgarian border and the town of Sandanski - mineral water resort and recreation centre. In the afternoon we take a walk on the cobbalt streets of Melnik - a remarkable architectural reserve and famous wine production center, visit Rhozen Monastery - one of the few medieval monasteries well preserved until today.
DAY 7 SANDANSKI - RILA MONASTERY - SOFIA
Morning departure to Rila Monastery - the biggest in Bulgaria and one of Europe's oldest, UNESCO Site. A vivid spiritual, cultural and religious center with impressive historic, artistic values of world significance. Visit the monastery museum and enjoy a delicious outdoor barbeque lunch. Transfer to Sofia for farewell dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Transfer to airport according flight schedule.
TOUR DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS
TRIP STAFF: professional, friendly driver guideACCOMMODATION: 7 BB in 3-4 * hotels with all amenities TRANSPORT: 8 seater minivan or 16 seater coachMEALS: 3-course delicious local lunch x 7ENTRANCE FEES: Boyana church, Bigorski monastery, St. Naum monastery * THE TOUR CAN BE MODIFIED ON REQUEST |
|
