On the Traces of the Thracians

About

A 5-day-long excursion to a number of archeological sites in the region of Plovdiv and the Rhodope mountains – the remnants of the ancient Thracian civilization that used to inhabit these lands before the Roman Empire spread here. See what remains of a culture contemporary to Ancient Greece and Dacia.

Highlights

• Tour the city of Plovdiv – 2019 European Capital of Culture

• Visit the Kazanlak Tomb – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• See the Starosel Thracian Temple Complex

• Explore Perperikon – the Bulgarian Machu Picchu

• Go on a trip to the Sanctuary of Tatul

• Visit the Rock Wonders of the Eastern Rhodope Mountains

Description

1 Day

On the first day of the excursion, we will go on a tour around Plovdiv, starting with a visit to the Old Town.

The Old Town is an architectural and historical reserve notable for its buildings in the style of the Bulgarian Revival Period. We’ll be visiting its major landmarks, among which are the Balabanov and Hindliyan houses, the Regional Ethnographic museum, and the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol – one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world. The first piece of Thracian heritage we’ll be getting in touch with is at the top of Nebet Tepe – one of the hills upon which the Old Town is built, and the location of what remains of an ancient Thracian fortress. During the 12th century BC, the ancient Thracian city of Eumolpia was founded here. 

Here we’ll take a lunch break at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.

From there we continue onto the ancient Roman Stadium, the northern part of which is uncovered and open to visitors. Our next stop is Kapana (i.e. “the Trap”) – Plovdiv’s famed art corner. The tour ends with a trip to the best shopping spots in the immediate area, where you can browse and shop for presents and souvenirs.

2 Day

We will visit the famous Kazanlak Thracian tomb (4th – 3rd century BC). This Tomb is one of the most significant monuments of Thracian culture in Bulgaria, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its wall and ceiling murals depicting a historical event from the life of the distinguished Thracian ruler buried in the tomb. On the road to Plovdiv we invite you to visit the Rose ethnographic complex. You will have the opportunity to watch the process of rose oil production, which is something unique to this country.

3 Day

This day takes us to the Starosel Thracian Temple Complex. It dates back to the end of the 5th century BC. The complex consists of six underhill temples, as well as a multiple royal burial sites. Religious ceremonies dedicated to the Mother Goddess, her son the Sun, and Orpheus were performed in this temple. From there we move onto the Hisarya mineral water resort where we will stop for lunch. Once a Thracian city, it was later developed into a major cultural center by the Romans, and the remains of the ancient structures they built here stand to this day. Afternoon in the Hissar Spa Complex. 

4 Day

On this day we will be visiting the Thracian Complex of Perperikon. Part of this archaeological complex is a large megalithic sanctuary dating back to 8000 BC, making it older than the Egyptian pyramids. In the days of the Thracians, Perperikon was a sacred city carved into the cliffs, a capital and a royal castle behind fortified walls. It reached its peak during the Roman Era. Some historians believe that Perperikon is the location of the ancient Temple of Dionysius mentioned in numerous ancient Greek texts. 

After Perperikon, we’ll head for the Thracian Sanctuary of Tatul - one of the most magnificent megalithic monuments ever discovered in our lands. It dates back to the end of the 5th century BC. 

Overnight stay in Kardzhali. 

5 Day

Today’s stop is the rock wonders of the Eastern Rhodope mountains, specifically the Stone Mushrooms rock formations located east of the village of Beli Plast. Some are as tall as 2.5 meters, with pink stalks and greenish caps. They are the result of intense underwater volcanic activity that occurred sometime during the Paleocene.

From there we will go to the natural landmark called The Petrified Wedding (the Stone Wedding), which, along with the Stone Mushrooms, is one of the most interesting natural phenomena in the Eastern Rhodopes. These rock formations reach 10 meters in height and lie on an area of 50 dca. The Petrified Wedding started forming 40 billion years ago, due to underwater volcanic activity. 

Overnight in Plovdiv.

The price includes

• Accommodation in 4-star hotels in settlements along the way, with 1 overnight at the Rocca Resort

• Half board treatment for the duration of your trip

• The services of a tour guide

• Transfers within Bulgaria

The price does not include

• Entrance fees