Etara museum - Sokolski Monastery - Bozhentsi - Tryavna - Elena

Departure to Etar Ethnographic Complex, situated on the outskirts of Gabrovo. It is an open air museum, which represents the architecture and the style of life in Gabrovo and the region during the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. In total the museum has 50 sites - houses with craft workshops, water installations and other buildings. On the crafts street you can watch in real time the work of the bell-makers, the pottery-makers and other artisans. Proceed to the nearby Sokolsky Monastery which gave shelter to the Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski. The monastery is interesting because of the round stone fountain with eight spouts, built by the self-taught master Kolyu Ficheto. After the visit of the monastery head to the beautiful village of Bozhentsi. According to the legend Bozhentsi has a history of over 600 years. It tells of a noble woman, named Bozhana, that came here in 1393 seeking refuge after the fall of Veliko Tarnovo under Ottoman rule. During the XVIII and XIX century the village experienced its heyday. The traders from Bozhentsi spread their wares throughout the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Italy and others. By the end of XIX century in Bozhentsi there are about 110 houses and 500 inhabitants. The historical destiny of the village has kept its Renaissance appearance until nowadays. Free time and accommodation nearby Bozhentsi.

After breakfast departure to the charming town of Tryavna. Tryavna, just like the other small towns in the region, has a long history. It's mostly famous for its good craftsmen, who were unsurpassed in woodcarving, icon painting and constructing. They had a unique style of work which contributed to the foundation of the oldest Renaissance School of Art in Bulgaria. You will enjoy a walk among the cobbled streets and see the Clock Tower, the church "St. Archangel Michael" and the bridge. You will also visit the Daskalova house to admire the beautiful wood carved ceilings, representing two magnificent suns. You will hear about the interesting bet that the two artisans concluded here. Since 1963 the house is turned to Museum of woodcarving presenting the development of the oldest Renaissance carving school in Tryavna. After some free time for lunch, depart to Elena - another jewel of the Bulgarian Revival. See the Clock Tower, the birth-house of Ilarion Makariopolski now turned into Revival Museum as well as the first Bulgarian class-school. Drive back to Sofia