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HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF VARNA, DURATION: 4.5 h
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:30 am or 13:30 pm
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 13:00 pm or 18:00 pm
Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city. It was an inhabited place even before the Greeks established the colony of Odessos there about 580 B.C. Later, under the Romans and their successors, the Slavs, Varna became a major port trading with Constantinople, Venice and Dubrovnik. In 1393 it was captured by the Turks, who made it an important military centre. Nowadays it is the main port for both naval and commercial shipping and, adjacent as it is to the coastal resorts of Golden Sands, St. Constantine (Drouzhba) and Albena, it has a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The tour includes visit of the Ethnographic and the Archaeological Museums, where is kept the oldest golden treasure in the world dating back from 4th millennium BC. Visit of the cellar “Club of the wine lovers” where a presentation and tasting of Bulgarian wines will take place.
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:30 am or 13:30 pm
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 13:00 pm or 18:00 pm
In the morning the tour starts with a visit of an artistic ceramics workshop in the village of Kantardzhievo. Demonstration of clay processing and making objects using an ancient pottery making techniques. The tourists can participate in the process of pottery making.
We continue with a bagpipe-making workshop and the sounds of the bagpipe from various folklore regions of the country. A coffee break will be offered.
The tour includes also a visit of a cottage in the village of Kumanovo where the hosts show the tourists how to knead dough for the preparation of small flat loafs, that after everyone can try with homemade white brine cheese and honey. Walking around the vegetable and fruit garden of the house. Follows a demonstration of the distilling process of the Bulgarian homemade brandy – Rakiya with tasting of several types. Drive to the Golden Sands Nature Reserve. Visit Aladzha Monastery - one of the best preserved rock monasteries in Bulgaria. Nowadays the monastery is inactive and it’s a historical and architectural monument. It is located in 40 m high rock and consists of a complex system of cells, churches, chapels and other premises connected with passages cut in the limestone. Its name “Aladzha” comes from the Turkish word for colourful - "aladjha" and was given to it due to the impressive frescoes next to the main entrance. A walk through the woods of the Nature Reserve until reaching a glade with a unique view of the Golden Sands and the entire North Coast.
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:30 am or 13:30 pm
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 13:00 pm or 18:00 pm
The tour includes:
- Visit a wine barrel workshop with a centenary history in Carkva village, followed by a demonstration of the craft and treat with homemade “rakia” (fruit brandy).
- Visit of the “Varna” winery next to Gen. Kantardjievo village where will be presented the winemaking technology, tasting of 3 types of wine: rosé, white and red dry wines.
- Visit the Wine Club Varna - Wine cellar “DARZALAS” in the center of the city, presenting the history and traditions of winemaking in our lands. Tasting of 2 types of white wine - dry and semisweet, 2 types of red - dry and sweet and 2 types of digestive - apricot rakia and wine brandy. The tasting is accompanied by appetizers: white and yellow cheese, sausages, small bites - tapas, nuts, bread and water. Guests can see and touch some of the oldest and most unique and valuable bottles of wine from various Bulgarian wineries. They can take pictures using the decor and the accessories related to wine. Each guest will receive a gift-souvenir "Map of the wine areas in Bulgaria".
Total consumption of: 10 different alcoholic drinks.
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:30 am or 13:30 pm
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 13:00 pm or 18:00 pm
Departure for Cape Kaliakra - the most salient point of the Northern Black Sea. Upon arrival you will admire the medieval remains of the fortress, the natural cave, the rock formations and the diversity of birds that inhab the area. Moreover the site offers amazing view to the Black Sea where often you can see patches of dolphins. A scenic ride along the coastline will take you to the picturesque, romantic little town of Balchik. It is famous for the largest and richest botanical garden on the Balkans and the Palace of the Romanian queen Maria (1924).
On the way back, visit to a ceramics workshop with a rich collection of traditional Bulgarian pottery.
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:00 am
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 18:30 pm
Drive across the eastern hills of the Stara Planina and stop to visit the monastery of St. George, the only working monastery at the southern coast. Visit to the church, the magical spring and the barrel for brewing rakia (local fruit brandy). Tasting of the monastic elixir.
Continue to Nessebar - one of the oldest towns in Europe, well known for its impressing monuments from the Antiquity, fascinating architecture from the Middle Ages and the National Revival period. The town is situated on a small peninsula and on the land jutted out into the sea. Its beach is considered to be the best along the Black Sea Coast. The churches of Nessebar are 41. Not all of them have preserved their full brilliance but even their present condition strongly impresses all visitors. One of the oldest sights is the Basilica situated on the sea-shore, built most probably at the beginning of 5th century. The Old Bishop`s Residence located in the centre of the town, is probably the most imposing one of all churches in Nessebar. The Old Town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit to the church of St. Spas with authentic frescoes from the 15th century.
Lunch at a fish restaurant with a wonderful sea view. Free time. Return back.
PICK UP FROM THE HOTEL: 08:00 am
DROP OFF THE HOTEL: 18:30 pm
The tour starts with a visit of the natural phenomena The Stone Forest, located 20km west of Varna. It is an ensemble of numerous limestone pillars up to 10 m high, hollow or solid cylinders, truncated cones, variously shaped and sized rock blogs and stone pieces.
The stones are clustered in seven large groups and several separate small areas. The tour continues with a visit of Kabiuk, the oldest stud farm in Bulgaria, founded in 1864. A drive in a horse-drawn carriage, horse riding, visit the Museum of horses, demonstration of elite horses.
Traditional lunch at a cottage, accompanied by folklore entertainment program, presented by the hosts. After lunch, proceed to the Madara Horseman. The bas-relief is the most impressive piece of monumental art from the Early Medieval Epoch. The rock wall that the horseman is cut has a height of 23 m. The composition is a master's degree and consists of a horseman, a dog and a lion. This relief is a symbol of triumph over the enemy. Visit to a bee-garden and home-made honey-tasting. Crossing to the south coast of Varna lake by ferry and visit a glass factory in the town of Beloslav. Demonstration of blown glass craftsmanship. Visit to the Glass Museum. Tasting of liqueur and coffee treat. Return back.
44, Pop Bogomil Str. 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
E-mail: office@alexandertour.com
Tel: (+359) 878 41 41 33
Our working time is:
Monday-Friday
from 09:30 till 18:30