| THE THRACIAN TOMB IN SVESHTARI |
Patrick your guide will take you on amazing trip to this unique example of the ancient Thracian culture - the Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari!
It dates back to the III c. BC and is included in the World Register of Historical Sites in 1985. It consists of three chambers - an entrance chamber and two antechambers. It is covered by a mound. The decoration of the burial chamber is exceptionally interesting, a unique blend of art and architecture. The tomb has a unique decor, with polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. The 10 female figures carved in high relief on the walls of the central chamber and the decoration of the lunette in its vault are the only examples of this type found so far in the Thracian lands.The wall opposite the door is painted in navy blue crayon and depicts the eroticization of the deceased. Discovered in 1982 near the village of Sveshtari, this Thracian tomb reflects the fundamental structural principles of Thracian cult buildings. It is a remarkable reminder of the culture of the Getes, a Thracian people who were in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean worlds, according to ancient geographers.
THRACIAN HERITAGE TOUR - Perperikon, Starosel, Tatul |
3 days tour following the route of Thracian heritage - the Tomb in Kazanluk, the temple in Starosel, Perperikon and Tatul - places of glory and enigmas, places of human sacrifices, religious orgies and prophecy ...
Day 1: Early morning departure to Kazanluk. Arrival. Visit one of the most famous monuments of the Thracian Culture – The Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk !
One of the most famous monuments of Thracian culture, included in the World Register of Historical Sites, in 1979, was discovered in 1944. A corridor, 1. 95 m in length, 1. 12 m in width and 2. 24 m in height leads to a domed tomb, 3. 25 m in height and 2. 65 m in diameter at the base. The building material is brick, used two centuries later by the Romans. The frame is of blocks of stone and clay is used as bonding material. It is situated in the southern part of a mound, at ground level. The entrance is from the south side. The tomb became world famous with its unique mural, done in wet fresco and tempera. The artistic decoration covers an area of 40m2.It is an extraordinary art gallery, taking the visitor a long way back in time. The pictures show battles and scenes from daily life, realistically displayed, with great dynamism and details in the clothing and armour. The scenes of funeral procession , the musicians, the Thracian ruler and his wife, the chariots, the horses and other depictions are all very interesting. The tomb dates from the late IV c. - early III c. BC
Departure to the Thracian cult complex by the village of Starosel . It is assumed that it is most probably the tomb of King Sitalkes (431-424 BC). In addition to the burial, this sanctuary was also location of common rituals related to the Thracian cult and beliefs. The tomb/temple consists of two chambers – the first is square and the one after it is round. An impressive rock stairway leads to them. Outside the sanctuary is surrounded by a supporting wall. The sanctuary itself is built on a natural mound and at this point constitutes the largest preserved Thracian royal complex with a temple/mausoleum in South Eastern Europe.
Departure to Plovdiv.
Overnight.
Day 2: Departure to Perperikon – “The sacred city”! Located in the Eastern part of the Rhodopi mountain range. Consist of a palace, a fortress and an ancient Thracian sanctuary related to the cult towards the Thracian equivalence of the Greek god of wine and feasts Dionysius (known as Zagrey among the Thracians). According to some of the explorers of the site, this impressive religious centre was built some 3,500 years ago and was used for ritual sacrifices of animals and people, as well as for religious orgies of young men and women idolizing Zagrey. The centre was of a great religious importance not only for the Thracians, but for the whole ancient world - Greeks, Persians, Macedonians ... According to the ancient legends, that was the place where Alexander the Great and Augustus learned their fate - 'The prophets sat in a roofless oval chamber and said to Octavian, father of Augustus that his son was to rule the world, for as the wine was split onto the altar, the smoke rose up above the top of the shrine and even into the heavens, as had happened when Alexander the Great himself had sacrificed upon that same altar.'
The remains of the later medieval Perperikon reveal the foundations of fortress walls and parts of an octagonal tower, built of big rectangular stones. Noteworthy, the complex also preserves the remains of a water reservoir, carved in a monolithic rock. This is 6m deep and of total area of 60m, representing one of the biggest artificial water reservoirs in the Rhodopi region. The stones of Perperikon also uncover graffiti paintings of human bodies and various geometrical figures, which are connected with the religious beliefs of another ancient tribe, the Protobulgarians.
Departure to Kurdjali.
Overnight.
Day 3: Next in the program is Tatul - just outside the village of Tatul, you can find the ruins of a Thracian sanctuary dedicated to the legendary Thracian singer Orpheus and possibly the place where he was buried. The sanctuary (12th century BC) consists of two rock vaults carved in a large rock with a pyramid shape, eight steps and a niche for laying a ritual plate.
QUENN'S WINERY HOUSE - A sense of wine!
The house offers individual tasting. An unforgettable experience in magic atmosphere. A sommelier will help you to improve your wine culture, to evaluate the fine choice of wine, rakia and cognac. In combination with fine cheeses, dried meats and fruits, the wines will tickle your mouth in order to sharpen your perceptions and to bring you an unforgettable joy.
The House collection of different wines, rakia and brandies is unique. It has been collected with lots of love and respect for the wine for long years and it shows to every guest the old winemaking traditions in Bulgaria.
'It's a good thing that we people never stop dreaming! My biggest dream was to make a special wine for this house, a wine that carries the spirit of the past ages making people dream .... The best ethnologists have helped me for this. We made wine that carries my dream. I present it before you as I feel it – close to my heart.' Anna Koleva - owner .
"ROMAN BULGARIA" tour
A complete tour around the incredible achievements of the ancient Roman Empire in today's Bulgaria!
Day 1 - Arrive in Sofia. Transfer. Overnight.
Day 2 - Roman Sofia tour. Transfer to Plovdiv - ancient Philippopolis . Overnight.
Day 3 - Old city tour - including the Roman theatre, the Roman mosaics, the presumed beginning of Via Trayana, etc. Drive to Hisarya - one of the three most important towns in the province. We will cross the Central Balkan range through Beklemeto pass (once called Via Trayana – an ancient Roman road) and drive to Oreshak/Troyan village close to the legendary Troyan Monastery. Overnight.
Day 4 - Continue on Via Trayana through Sostra up to Ulpia Escus and Novae on the Danube river. Back to Oreshak. Overnight.
Day 5 - Drive to Veliko Turnovo. Visit Nicopolis ad Istrum . Drive to Varna. Overnight.
Day 6 - Varna city tour - Roman baths, Archaeological museum. Overnight.
Day 7 - Drive to Nessebur / Mesembria (archaeological museum and Medieval churches/Sea Basilica/Old Metropolis) and visit Obzor (remains of the Temple of Jupiter). Back to Varna. Overnight.
Day 8 - Drive to Durostorum and V century Byzantine stronghold situated in the northern part of 'The Big Yaila' . Back to Varna.Overnight.
Day 9 - Drive to Abritus and Rousse (Visit Sexaginta Prista Roman Fortress). Overnight.
Day 10 - Drive to Sofia.
"ROMAN SERBIA" tour
Exclusive private tour to one of the best Roman sights on the Balkans - Viminacium (Roman town and military camp) and Felix Romuliana (the palace of Åmperor Galerius)
Day 1 - Early morning departure to Zajecar, Felix Romuliana - residence of the Roman Emperor Galerius (297-311).
Ruins of a fortification with a palace and other public buildings have been found on one of the hills at the site.
Ruins of tombs and a mausoleum are located on an adjacent hill.
The imperial complex is notable for the wealth of materials used in its construction and decoration.
The sculptures and mosaics decorating the palace are of high artistic value too. The floor mosaics are especially beautiful, displaying craftsmanship and quality of materials rarely seen in the entire Roman Empire.
The layout of the buildings of the fortified imperial palace and memorial is unique.
Departure to Pozarevac.
Overnight.
Day 2 - A visit of the archaeological park Viminacium (Viminacium, the capital of the Roman province Upper Moesia) includes visits to three different objects on the site.
It takes about twenty minutes to visit the northern military camp gate (Porta Praetoria). A local guide will give you full information about the history of the Roman military camp and town and about future archaeological excavations. Boards with adequate photographs and drawings are placed on each location, making the information provided by the guide even richer. In future, the northern military camp gate will become the starting point where the story about Viminacium will begin.
Next are the Thermae - the city baths. During Roman times used to represent the center of social life. They are situated at the very edge of the explored part of the town of Viminacium, offering elements for reconstruction of the center of the former capital of the Upper Moesia. They belong to the group of luxurious baths, with mosaic-paved floors and depicted walls. Visitors get acquainted with everyday life of the Roman period, especially with importance of baths and hygiene. Your guide will explain you the purpose of excavated parts of the bath, the history of the excavation and its results. Within Roman architecture throughout the Empire, baths show an easily recognizable pattern of room arrangement and special heating method (floor heating, i.e. hypocaust) also applied on Viminacium baths.
The last object to be visited is the so called Imperial mausoleum, where visitors are met by Roman style dresses actors (wearing togas and tunicae showing the Roman urban fashion of the 3rd and 4th cent. A.D.). Those persons lead them through the Roman graveyard, towards the entrance to the Underworld, where three depicted tombs are situated. Then Haron (the mythical guide of the dead into the Underworld) follows them. Then your guide will explain you in details everything about the pictures depicted in the tombs and their meanings. Restored and protected, such frescoes represent masterpieces of tomb paintings of that period.
Departure.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS Hog Roast
Join us in the Troyan Balkan mountains for a special Christmas 2 day tour! Experience a traditional family feast with your friends and take part in an old Bulgarian tradition!
Day 1 - Departure to the village of Oreshak you will be accommodated in a typical Bulgarian house - 'Popovi' guest house - gorgeous place with sunny rooms, garden and really friendly owners! The place has also got another name 'Papa Bear' guest house due to endless abundance of home cooked food and home made drinks on the table ...
Same day we will visit the Troyan Monastery (the third largest and most significant monastery in Bulgaria), The National Arts and Crafts Exhibition (the only place in Bulgaria where master-craftsmen from all over the country display their work) and the private gallery of the famous Veska Hadjiiska - one of the best Bulgarian craftsmen working on wood. 
Overnight.
Day 2 - In the morning the men will go and slaughter a pig( optional for the faint of heart!) and bring it back to the guest house. Next we will prepare the pig in a time honoured fashion. To start we must remove the hair and top layer of skin; to do this we will first burn off the hair and pour hot water all over the pigs' body whilst we drink lots of rakia (traditional Bulgarian brandy)! Then the pigs skin must be scraped to remove the last rough layer of skin and then it must be gutted and cut up ready for cooking. This fascinating process must be enjoyed with plenty of drinks and cheer! Alternatively you can just take part in the drinking and feasting and leave the others to do the preparation, more drinking for you! We will enjoy the cooked hog with all the trimmings and it will be an unforgettable experience!!!
Departure.
AT WORLD'S END - Yailata
A combination of wild sea, glorious views, unique nature and wandering winds.
An amazing trip to one of the last unspoiled spots on the Black Sea coast. Tour of the caves followed by skinny-dipping in the sea. Copious lunch at the mussel farm 'Dulboka'.
Information:
Yailata is a seaside terrace, separated from the Dobrudja Plateau with 50-60-meter high cliffs. Located 20 km. north of Cape Kaliakra, it combines both archaeological finds and wild nature. There is a cave town consisting of 101 cave dwellings from the V century BC., an ancient sanctuary, altars, wineries, four necropolises and an early Byzantine fortress from the V-VI century AD. During the Middle ages the caves were used as a monastery complex. The walls of some of the caves still keep legible proto-Bulgarian signs – runes, crosses and stone icons. The Via Pontica migratory passage crosses this area. More than 178 species of nesting migratory birds can be seen here.
  
ANTIQUE BULGARIA tour
Ancient history, myths and legends ....
  
Day 1 - Antique Sofia city tour (including Boyana church). Overnight.
Day 2 - Transfer to Plovdiv - ancient Philippopolis. Old city tour - including the Roman theatre, the Roman mosaics, etc. Overnight.
Day 3 - Departure to the Thracian cult complex by the village of Starosel. Then drive to Hisarya - an ancient Roman town. In the afternoon visit of one of the most famous monuments of the Thracian Culture – The Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk. Departure to Kurdjali. Overnight.
Day 4 - Early morning visit of Perperikon – “The sacred city” and Tatul - a Thracian sanctuary dedicated to the legendary Thracian singer Orpheus and possibly the place where he was buried. Departure to Nessebur. Overnight.
Day 5 - Tour of Old Nessebur - town museum included in World UNESCO heritage. In the afternoon departure to Varna.
Day 6 - Varna city tour - Roman baths, Archaeological museum. Overnight.
Day 7 - Tour of Cape Kaliakra - archaeological historical and natural reserve and 'Yailata' - the cave dwellings, the necropolis and an early Byzantine fortress. Back to Varna. Overnight.
Day 8 - Drive to Madara Horseman - one of the most popular Bulgarian monuments included in the World Register of Historical Sites since 1979. Then visit of Pliska - capital of the first Bulgarian state and the Thracian tomb in Sveshtari - an unique example of the ancient Thracian culture. Drive to Russe. Overnight.
Day 9 - Departure to Veliko Turnovo - the medieval Bulgarian capital. Tzarevetz hill tour. Drive to Oreshak village via Sostra - an ancient Roman camp. Overnight.
Day 10 - Drive to Sofia.
BULGARIAN CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES tour
Exceptional tour among Bulgaria's best spiritual places!
  
Day 1 - Sofia city tour including 'Alexander Nevski' Patriarchal Cathedral and Boyana church - one of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian medieval painting art. In the afternoon tour of Rila Monastery - the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Overnight.
Day 2 - Departure to Plovdiv. On the way we will visit Bachkovo monastery - second largest in Bulgaria. The Renaissance town of Old Plovdiv tour including the 'St. Constantin and Helena' church. Overnight.
Day 3 - Departure to Varna. City tour of Old Nessebur on the way, including the famous medieval churches - the Old Bishopric (St Sophia), the New Bishopric (of St Stephan), the 'St. Spas' Church, etc. Overnight in Varna.
Day 4 - Varna city tour including the imposing Cathedral, the mysterious 'Virgin Mary Panagia' orthodox church and Alaja 'The “Colored” monastery - one of the few rock monasteries in Bulgaria. Overnight.
Day 5 - Departure to the unique Ivanovo Rock Monastery - beautiful mural paintings dating from the 13th and 14th century. In the afternoon tour of Arbanassi where you can see some of the most impressive monuments of Bulgarian art in XIV-XVIII like 'The Nativity Church' and the 'Sts Archangels Michael and Gavril' church. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
Day 6 - Departure to the village of Oreshak close to the legendary Troyan Monastery. On the way tour of the St 'Archangel Michael' church in Tryavna and the heroically Dryanovo monastery. Overnight in Oreshak.
Day 7 - Troyan Monastery tour - the third largest and most significant monastery in Bulgaria and the 'St. Nikola' chapel. Overnight in Oreshak.
Day 8 - 2 hours hiking tour to the hidden Zelenikovski Monastery.
Situated up in the Troyan Balkan mountains in the middle of nowhere, built in 1832 for privacy as a branch of the Troyan Monastery and named after St. Joan the Precursor. Overnight in Oreshak.
Day 9 - Departure to Sofia. Tour of Glozhene Monastery on the way.
Cualquier otro " Viaje Especial " a donde sea y por cualquier parte de Bulgaria, esta disponible con la peticion anterior. |
