Here you will find study trips and round trips through the metropolises of Bulgaria
Sofia
Take a round trip to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is the political, economic and cultural center of Bulgaria and includes many beautiful highlights. On this study trip you will get to know the culture and the most important sights, such as the national theater “Ivan Wasow”, the archaeological museum, the Banya Bashi mosque, the equestrian monument of Tsar Alexander and at the same time the most beautiful statue in the park. Discover the treasures of Sofia on a city break.
Plovdiv
European Capital of Culture 2019
Visitors to Plovdiv, also known as Plovdiv, the Bulgarian European Capital of Culture in 2019, can see tourist gems from afar: the historic center is enthroned on three hills. The elevations are called watershed hill, tightrope walker hill and guardian hill. The first Thracian tribes to colonize the historic site, followed by the Romans and the Ottomans. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bulgaria made a new start as a nation by remembering its own roots. Plovdiv, now the second largest city in the country, rose to become a trading center and developed splendidly. Today, the historic center presents itself to its guests as a picturesque open-air museum with numerous tourist attractions.
The Archaeological Museum displays gold coins
One of the sights of Plovdiv is the Archaeological Museum, the main attraction of which is a gold treasure found in Panagjurishte. The gold coins date from the Thracian era and the 12th century. The Dzhumaja Mosque, which was built in the 15th century, is a magnificent building. The facade is adorned with a sundial, and excellent decorative friezes can be admired in the interior. The Plovdiv Ethnographic Museum is also beautiful. Furniture from the Baroque period is on display on the upper floor. Chamber music is performed in the museum courtyard from June to September. Foundations and individual paths have been exposed from the forum from Roman times.
Performances are still held in the Roman Theater today
One of the tourist attractions in Plovdiv is the Roman stadium, which dates from the 2nd century. The western part and the exit have been preserved. The stadium once had space for 30,000 visitors. Also worth seeing is the Roman theater, also built in the 2nd century. It is still used today for classical theater performances that take place in the months of May, June and September. The view of the wooded Rump Mountains, the Rhodope Mountains, is overwhelming. Friends of classical music will also get their money’s worth in Plovdiv. The city’s Philharmonic Orchestra has an excellent reputation. A trip to the unique Bachkovo Monastery, located a good twenty kilometers south of Plovdiv, is a must on a trip to Plovdiv.
Rhodope Mountains
the mountains of Orpheus
Magnificent nature and almost endless hiking trails – the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria are a true paradise for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and lovers of beautiful landscapes. The Rhodope Mountains cover almost a seventh of the country, with the western and eastern parts differing greatly from each other. The western part is higher and has an average mountain climate, while the eastern part is more of a hilly relief. The highest peak is the Golyam Perelik at 2191 meters above sea level.
Magnificent nature on the border with Greece
Bulgaria is already known for its natural beauties, and the most picturesque areas of the country are in the Rhodope Mountains. Here, lush green meadows alternate with dark coniferous forests, craggy rocks and impressive gorges. There are also numerous protected plant species such as the so-called “resurrection plant”. According to legend, it grew out of the blood of Orpheus, because it has the unique property that it can awaken to new life even after it has dried up. The ideal climate and diverse vegetation also offer a rich fauna, including many endangered bird species such as the eastern imperial eagle, the red hawk and the corncrake, as well as various species of vulture. If you are lucky, you can also watch wolves and brown bears here.
Every season has its own charm in the Rhodope Mountains. In the summer months, the temperatures are ideal for long hikes and bike tours. But winter sports fans will also get their money’s worth here, as the mountains have two ski centers: Pamporovo and Chepelare. The developed rural tourism offers a great opportunity to get to know the culture and cuisine of the locals. The people of the region are known for their hospitality. The most popular resorts of the Rhodope Mountains are the villages of Gela, Shiroka Laka, Mogilitsa, Leshten, Kovachevitsa, Arda, Trigrad and Orechovo. The Trigrader and Buynov Gorge are definitely recommended for a round trip, because there are three unique caves here: the Devil’s Dragon Cave, the Haramiya and the Yagodina Cave, which are also accessible to visitors.
Valley of roses
The Rose Valley is a region in Bulgaria and geologically consists of two river valleys, in the west of Stryama and in the east of Tundzha. The famous Rose Valley is where the Stredna Gora mountain range and the Balkan Mountains approach. The valley is famous for its rose growing industry, which has been grown there for centuries and which produces nearly half of the world’s rose oil. Leading companies in the health and beauty industry such as “TomyShow Cosmetics” have made this area their home and set up their company headquarters there.
The center of the rose oil industry is Kazanlak, other important cities of the rose industry are Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer and Pavel Banja. Festivals are held every year to celebrate the area’s roses and rose oil. The Rose Festival takes place in Karlovo and Kazanlak every year on the first weekend in June.
Seductive scent at harvest time
The rose picking season lasts from May to June. During this time, the whole region smells fresh and unique and is covered with colorful flowers. The Damascus rose grown here smells purer and more intense than other varieties. The elaborate collection process, traditionally a task for Bulgarian women and girls, requires great skill and patience. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and placed in wicker baskets which are then sent to the distilleries. The Kazanlak Rose Festival, held at the time when the roses are picked, is one of the most popular and beautiful festivals in the country. Many guests from Bulgaria and abroad gather in the city and witness colorful roses, happy songs and traditional rituals. In the early morning the solemn rose picking takes place, when pretty girls and women put on festive Bulgarian costumes and collect the rose petals. This is followed by the election of a rose queen – the most beautiful girl who takes part in this annual ritual. The cheerful celebrations then continue with a folkloric parade and the tasting of rose foods and drinks.
