Weekend Retreat in Traditional Rural Villages

About

This weekend trip will reveal to you the beautiful nature of Stara planina mountain and will take you back in the Revival period of Bulgaria. You will learn more about traditional arts and crafts and major historical places.

Highlights

• Explore Gabrovo's main landmarks
• Walk through the Etara - open-air architectural-ethnographic complex
• Visit the impressive Shipka Memorial Church
• Discover 250-years old houses in Bozhentsi architectural reserve
• See the symbolic Thracian tombs in Kazanlak from 5th - 3rd century BC
• Try delicious Bulgarian dishes
• Family friendly

Description

Our trip begins with 2.5-hours ride from Plovdiv to Gabrovo – the town of humor and satire. The whole region is famous for its architectural and historical landmarks, that’s why our first stop will be Shipka Memorial Church, part of Shipka Monastery. It was built to commemorate the Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian soldiers who died for the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). The bell tower of the church, which is 53 m high, has its bells poured out from the cartridges, collected after the battles.

Next we will visit the architectural-ethnographic complex of Etara. It is the first open-air museum in Bulgaria, which reveals the authentic Bulgarian culture and craftsmanship to guests and natives alike. There are 16 workshops along the artisan street, where you can see the production process, have a talk with the craftsmen and buy handmade souvenirs. Examples of pottery, woodcarving, icon painting, furriery, cutlery, bakery, sweets shops, musical instruments and many more can be observed in the complex.

Our next stop will be Sokolski monastery, which is a cultural monument of national importance. It was built in 1843 with the help of the people from the villages nearby. The monastery played a vital role during the April’s Uprising and the Russo-Turkish War.

Later, we will visit Gabrovo, situated in the central part of Bulgaria. The locals are famous for their specific sense of humor, not only in Bulgaria, but also worldwide. They are experts on moneysaving and bargaining, also, they know how to get something out of nothing. Having said that, we will not miss the museum “House of humor and satire” in the town. While walking around the main street, we will also visit the Interactive museum of industry, The Church of Assumption and the famous bridges.

After that we head to Bozhentsi, to accommodate at a guest house where we will have a dinner with traditional Bulgarian dishes. The village is situated near the old Roman road Nicopolis ad Istrum – Augusta Trayana – Constantinople, which made travelling and trade easier for the locals. At the end of the 19th century, Bozhentsi was an administrative, commercial, cultural and spiritual center. Nowadays, there are 100 houses, between 100 – 250 years old. That is why in 1964 Bozhentsi was declared an architectural and historical reserve. After breakfast we will have a walk around the reserve, the museums and the workshops.

On our way back we will visit the Golyama Kosmatka tomb, which belonged to the Thracian king Sevt III, the Kazanlak Tomb of the Thracian ruler Roygos, the Historical museum and the Museum of the rose. Kazanlak is the capital of the Rose valley, where each year a Festival of the rose is held.

The price includes

• One night’s accommodation in a traditional house

• All meals and drinks

• A tour guide

The price does not include

• Alchoholic drinks

• Entrance fees