News of a new tour to a relatively undiscovered region
Tuesday 15th March 2011
Although relatively untouched by visitors from Western Europe, Bulgaria is a country of astounding natural beauty with an astonishing wealth of historical monuments. Situated at the south eastern corner of Europe, the many and varied civilizations which once occupied this area all left cultural legacies which have turned modern-day Bulgaria into a living open-air museum. The country has known many rulers - Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks - resulting in an eclectic cultural mix all set against a backdrop of fine mountain scenery.
The country's well-preserved medieval monasteries are of particular significance. They form part of the Orthodox tradition of religious art and architecture in south eastern Europe that stems from Byzantium and were instrumental in keeping alive the country's values and traditions during Ottoman rule. The renowned monasteries at Rila,Troyan and Bachkovo are all set in beautifully wooded landscapes and reveal wonderfully vivid frescoes in an atmosphere of utmost serenity.
Our suggested itinerary offers a real insight into the culture and history of this fascinating nation, and also includes visits to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city which is home to a Roman theatre, cobbled streets and some delightful 19th century architecture; to the conservation village of Koprivshtica, rich in vernacular architecture and where the April Uprising of 1876 against the Ottoman regime began; and of course to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city, where the National Historical Museum boasts an extensive collection of old Thracian treasures and presents the history of Bulgaria by means of an excellent array of artefacts from prehistoric times to the early
20th century. Local culture, as well as the tasting of some of Bulgaria's finest wines, is also an important feature of any tour to this fascinating country.
Please contact us for full details of this tour.
