Belogradchik and Magurata cave

Description
Departures and Prices

Morning departure to the town of Belogradchik and visit the Belogradchik Citadel (Kaleto) built by the Romans in the 3rd c AD, and later on strenthened and fortified by the Bulgarians. The fortress was built to control the strategic roads crossing the area. It was one of the last strongholds to fall under Turkish yoke. The Kaleto fortress opens a stunning view to Belogradchik Rocks - Bulgaria's only landmark nominated for the global New Seven Wonders of Nature Campaign. The Belogradchik Rocks are a natural phenomenon over 200 million years old. The rocks have been shaped under the influence of wind, sun and tectonic movements and are spread on a territorry of nearly 50sq.km. Some of the rocks have weird shapes and are associated with interesting legends. Others are named after people or objects they are thought to resemble. Among the best known are the figures of the Schoolgirl, the Dervish, the Mushroom, the Weddig, the Madonna, Adam and Eve and others.

After lunch we head to Magura cave. The cave is associated with the pre-historic drawings which are deemed to have been made between 10 000-8 000 years BC and which make Magura cave of equal scientific importance as the cave "Grotta dei Cervi" in Northern Italy. Today the access to the paintings layer is restricted for conservation purposes. The Magura cave is also astonishing with its rich in shape and size cave formations - stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, sinter pockets, etc.
The cave is also used for the production of sparkling wine, which matures under natural conditions similar to those used in the production of French champagne.

On the way back to Sofia, have a short photo stop to capture a fantastic view over the nearby Rabishko lake - the biggest inland lake in Bulgaria.

TIME SCHEDULE
8:00	Departure
11:00	Arrive in Belogradchik
12:30	Free time for lunch
14:00	Departure to Magurata
14:30	Arrive in Magurata and visit
15:30	Departure back to Sofia
19:00	Arrive in Sofia