ANDRE RIEU IN SOFIA

Upon arrival in Sofia, meet your local guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel 4*. After check in, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Sofia and get to know the highlights of the capital. Among the most impressive sites are the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral dominating the city, the church of st. Sophia which gave the name of the city, the Monument of Tsar Liberator dedicated to the Russian Tsar Alexander II, the Rotunda of St. George, which is the best preserved Byzantine building, the Russian church st. Nikolas, the ruins of ancient Roman Serdica, the Parliament buildings and some more.

Rila Monastery is definitely a must-see sight if you have a free day in Sofia. This monastery is a sanctuary of Bulgarian literature and spiritual life. Founded in the middle of the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila, it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language during the centuries. It is included in UNESCO World Heritage List for its historical and artistic value. We shall see the monastery church with its unique frescoes inside and in the narthex – a work of some of the most famous Bulgarian painters from the Revival Period. Admire the combination of the amazing architecture of the monastery with the stunning mountain views surrounding it. You may visit the monastery history museum housing a rich collection of exhibits connected with the history of the monastery and the spread of the Christianity on the Bulgarian lands. Don't miss the museum masterpiece - Rafail's cross - a unique of its kind cross, made from a single wood piece, depicting 36 different carved scenes from the Bible. Have some free time to enjoy the crystal clear air of the mountain, to taste the local "mekitsi" (Bulgarian doughnuts) with delicious buffalo's yoghurt (local specialty). The Boyana Church's frescoes dating back to the 13th c., painted 200 years before the Western European Renaissnce are a remarkable piece of art and have outstanding artistic value. Evening concert with André Rieu.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and a European capital of culture for 2019. Philipopolis, Trimonzium, Puldin, Plovdiv - a city with many names and millennium old history contemporary to Troy and Mycenae. It has preserved ruins from Roman, Byzanatine, Ottoman and Bulgarian Revival period. There is so much to discover in the enchanting Plovdiv old town with its winding paved streets, beautiful Revival houses, art galleries, old churches, ornamented mosques, museums, modern cafes and chic bars. Join our comprehensive tour and you will learn a lot of intriguing stories, funny urban legends and curious historical facts

After breakfast, departure transfer to Sofia airport for your flight back home.