International Folklore Festival Veliko Turnovo

Description
Itinerary
Departures and Prices

International Folklore Festival Veliko Tarnovo is a prestigious folklore event which became significant and traditional part of the cultural life of the ancient capital. A real long expected holiday for habitants and guests of the city in the hot summer days. Every year, groups from all over the world cover thousands of kilometers to present the beauty and uniqueness of their folklore to the audience of Veliko Tarnovo; some of the best music and dance folklore ensembles come to Bulgaria with one objective – to be part of the best folklore fiesta in the most beautiful Bulgarian city. The event will take place between 16.07.2016 and 24.07.2016.

Veliko Turnovo, or often referred to as “The city of the tsars”, is the medieval capital of Bulgaria. With more than 7000 years of history, this settlement was inhabited back in the prehistory and the antiquity. During the middle Ages it became the strongest Bulgarian fortification. Between 12^th and 14^th centuries it was the most important political, economic, cultural and religious centers of the Bulgarian empire. Evident for its rich history are the numerous remnants and cultural monuments from different epochs. The old part of the city is situated on three hills. On Tsarevets hill are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchal Cathedral. Hill Trapezitsa is known for its many churches and as the former main residence of the nobility. Another interesting landmark is the Samovodska charshiya – the town’s historic center of craftsmanship. Blacksmiths potters and gunsmiths among other artisans, still practice their trades here. The city is rich in churches from different ages, monuments, busts, parks and gardens.

The houses, stacked one above the other, situated on the sloppy hills of the town show a remarkable, unique architectural style. The bridges, unexpectedly flying over the river, palaces and towers, spectacular museums, ancient columns with writings left by Bulgarian proud rulers, monasteries with unique murals - all this makes Veliko Tarnovo a must see in all cultural tours of the country.

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN SOFIA. CITY TOUR.

Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to your hotel. After fresh up at your hotel have a guided city tour of the capital. Among the most impressive sites are the Alexander Nevski Cathedral dominating the city and it`s crypt, the round church of St. George, which is the best preserved Byzantine building, the Russian church st. Nikolas, St. Petka church, Banya Bashi Mosque, the ruins of ancient Serdica and some more. Overnight in Sofia

Day 2 - SOFIA - VELIKO TARNOVO

In the morning proceed to Veliko Turnovo. Have a tour in the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Visit Tsarevets fortress where the remains of the former capital’s glory can still be seen. We take you for a walk along the Samovodska charshiya where various workshops have opened doors and owners are inviting you to visit them. Afternoon - take part in folklore festival.

Day 3 - OPTIONAL TOUR: Visit Arbanassi and Transfiguration monastery

Visit the nearby village of Arbanassi. The town was founded in the late 15th c. by Christian settlers from South-Western part of the Balkan Peninsula. However it gained its popularity not earlier than the 17th and 18th centuries when it became an important trading center. There are seven churches in this small village, the most impressive of which are The Church of The Nativity and the Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Both are richly decorated with frescoes and icons some of which are dating back to the 15th c. Arbanassi is also famous for its fortress-like houses. Visit Konstancalieva house – a fine example of this construction. On the way back to Veliko Turnovo, have a stop at Transfiguration monastery, picturesquely situated in a forest along the banks of Yantra river, this monastery possesses precious murals painted by the most talented artist of the Bulgarian Revival period – Zahari Zograf. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.

Day 4 - OPTIONAL TOUR: Excursion to Etara - Sokolski monastery and Tryavna

After breakfast, drive to Etara open-air museum, which exhibits the Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship from the 18th and 19th century. Using original instruments and following old traditions, locals represent around 20 regional crafts such as wood-carving, pottery making, coppersmith, furriery, cutlery making, dyeing with natural dyes, knitting and weaving. Visitors may take part in the workshops and buy souvenirs. Drive uphill to reach Sokolski monastery. Here you will feel the tranquility and peace of this sacred place and enjoy the beautiful panorama over the nearby hills and the valley. Proceed to Tryavna. This charming village still preserves the spirit and talent of the 17th century artists in the field of woodcarving and icon painting. Discover Tryavna on foot, a visit to Daskalov’s House (1804), museum of woodcarving is a must. After the sightseeing tour, drive back to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight

Day 5 - OPTIONAL TOUR: Excursion to Sveshtari Royal Tomb

Full day tour to Sveshtari. Visit the Thracian Royal Tomb, on the List of UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites, which is one of the most sensational discoveries during the past decade, dating back to the 4th-3rd century B.C. In 2012, archaeologists uncovered a significant treasure near the village. The treasure included a golden ring, 44 female figure depictions and 100 golden buttons, found in 150 tombs from the 4th century BC. Visit also another site of interest situated nearby - the Islamic tomb of Demer Baba. At the end of the day, drive back to Veliko Tarnovo for an overnight.

Day 6 - VELIKO TARNOVO - SOFIA

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