Day
1 -
Sofia
SOFIA ARRIVAL (D)
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is one of the three oldest cities in Europe along with Rome and Athens. The city, whose slogan is “Growing but not ageing”, has a unique history of more than seven millennia, with the first settlers settling around the warm mineral springs that are now in the central city area.
Overnight: Sofia
Day
2 -
Nis
SOFIA – MALCHA – NIS (B, D)
The journey takes you today to the wine cellar of “Malcha” (Serbia). Located just a few kilometres from the town of Nis, part of the trans-national route “The Route of the Roman Emperors”. Ever since 1903 “Malcha” cellar has been recreating the unique synthesis of the several-century existence of the Roman wine routes. In the afternoon, following check-in at a hotel in Nis and a short break before you take part at a walking guided tour in the historic city centre. The day ends in a cosy home atmosphere in the company of the very kind hosts of Zivkovic wine cellar.
Overnight: Nis
Day
3 -
Knjazevac
NIS – DOLNA KAMENITSA – KNJAZEVAC (B, L, D)
In the morning, travel to Dolna Kamenitsa, where the medieval church St. Virgin Mary is located. After visiting the church and its visitor centre across the street, head for “Klub JB” - one of the emblematic and creative centres of the city of Knjazevac. There, after tasting wines and brandies from the Isakov and Urosevich wineries, local dishes will be served for everyone’s delight. After check-in at “Torlaci” ethno complex, head to the wine cellar “Jovich”, where you can taste the wonderful homemade varieties of wine, while the dinner in the “Torlaci” restaurant will be accompanied by a fascinating music program.
Overnight: Knjazevac
Day
4 -
Vidin
KNJAZEVAC – VIDIN (B, D)
After a well-deserved rest and breakfast, the journey continues across the border on Bulgarian territory to Vidin – one of the Danube’s charms. On the way to Vidin there is a visit and wine tasting at the winery “The Two Poplars” in the village of Negovanovtsi organised. It is the newest and modern wine cellar in the Vidin region. Upon arrival in Vidin, visit the Baba Vida Fortress. After a tour of the fortress, you are welcomed by the Symphonies of Vidin, and under its musical accompaniment a wine tasting from different wine cellars from the region of Vidin will be held.
Overnight: Vidin
Day
5 -
Magura
VIDIN – GRADEC – MAGURA (B, D)
After breakfast, head to the nearby village of Gradec where the Chateau de Val wine cellar was founded in 1998 by Mr Val Markov with the ambition to resume the tradition of the region of Vidin in producing unique wine. The cellar produces high quality natural red and white wines, and its pride is called GRAND CLARET – red coupage. All wines at the Chateau are produced in a traditional style (natural grape production), fermented and aged in American, French and Bulgarian oak barrels. The journey continues to the Magura cave and the Magura wine cellar, where the beautiful cave experience continues in one of its galleries – the natural sparkling wines of the Magura winery are maturing there.
Overnight: Magura
Day
6 -
Magura
MAGURA: CYCLING TOUR (B, D)
The morning of the 6th day offers a walk along the Belogradchik Fortress, built in the 1st – 3rd century AD amid the Belogradchik Rocks, a remarkable natural phenomenon carved by nature for more than 200 million years. On continuation, the visit to Borovitsa wine cellar will open the doors to the knowledge on wine. After a talk and tasting of 3-4 types of wine, the activities will focus on recognizing aromas and different types of wine. In the afternoon, take a bike ride to Venetsa cave
Distance: 16km; Duration: 1,5hours; Terrain: asphalt; Ascent: 160m, Descent: 170m
Overnight: Magura
Day
7 -
Chiprovtsi
MAGURA – CHIPROVTSI (B, D)
On this day, drive to the town of Chiprovtsi, which has become famous for the unique hand-woven Chiprovtsi carpets, part of the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. The day continues with a visit to the wonderful Chiprovtsi Monastery. It was built by the Bulgarian Catholics in XIV. and for the period of its existence destroyed and restored repeatedly. After some free time for a walk and exploring the small town, there will be an opportunity to become part of the weaving of Chiprovtsi carpets.
Overnight: Chiprovtsi
Day
8 -
Sofia
CHIPROVTSI – VRATSA – SOFIA DEPARTURE (B)
Unfortunately, the last day of the tour takes you back to where it all started – Sofia Airport. On the way, visit the Regional History museum located in the town of Vratsa.
Sofia
