Bulgarian Monasteries – Veliko Turnovo
Gallery
If you look on the map you will find out that in Bulgaria nowadays there are more then 120 monasteries. Some of them are closed even for visitors, but some of them have been operating the last several centuries with no interruption.
The Bulgarian monasteries are wonderful examples of rich architecture, unique icons and wall paintings. Visiting them is actually the best way to meet and understand the local history, traditions, habits and culture!
2-Day Excursion from Sunny Beach and Nessebar
every Monday
Program:
1. Day: Early morning departure; drive inland along the scenic slopes of the Balkan Mountains; visit to the Church of the Nativity in the town of Shipka – an impressive religious monument, dedicated to those fallen in the Russo-Turkish Liberarion War of Bulgaria; continue across the ridges of the Balkan Mountains to Mount Stoletov – visit of the Monument of Libaration immortalizing the epic battle for the Shipka Mountain Pass; lunch; visit to Etura, an open-air ethnographic museum recreating the atmosphere of mountain villages and hamlets from the 19th century with the typical cobbled streets and numerous craft shops; continue to Sokolovo Monastery dating back to the beginning of the 19 century and converted into an infirmary for the wounded Russian soldiers during the Russo-Turkish War; visit to the picturesque village-museum Bozhentsi known for its well preserved buildings from the Bulgarian Revival Period; visit to Dryanovo Monastery nestled in a dramatic gorge and closely connected with the struggle for liberation from Ottoman yoke; late afternoon departure to the former capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Turnovo; dinner and overnight;
Optional tour: “Light And Sound” – spectacular show of lights, bells and music at the scene of the fortress walls of Tsarevets, the heart of the medieval capital
2. Day: Breakfast; morning visit to the “Holy Trinity” Monastery picturesquely located at the foot of a high plato, the centre of Turnovo literary school; sightseeing tour of the historical hill Tsarevets; surrounded by the calm meanders of the Yantra River the hill was the scene of dramatic events in the 12-14 centuries; nowadays it impresses with its preserved fortress walls and towers, the ruins of the castle and the restored Patriarchal Church on top of the hill; lunch; an afternoon walk in the village of Arbanassi – a former summer residence of the high officials from the capital city Turnovo and later an important trade center; today the village is declared an architectural reserve with numerous well preserved historical buildings and the houses of the old-time merchants resembling impenetrable fortresses outside but richly decorated inside; visit to Arbanassi’s oldest church – the church of the “Nativity of Christ” with valuable 16-century wall paintings; visit to Lyaskovo Monastery dedicated to the Saints. Peter and Paul, which offers a stunning panorama to the vast valley below; departure to Kilifarevo Monastery – a nunnery in operation, dating back to the 14 century and possessing signature buildings constructed by the legendary Bulgarian architect – Kolyu Ficheto; late evening return.
Price per person: 210 Levs
Children 2-12 years: 105 Levs
The price includes:
A/C transportation;
full board (4 meals);
3-star hotel accommodation;
admittance/entrance fees;
guiding.
!!!NB:
Double or triple room occupancy;
Optional tour paid in situ.