The Program

September 14th

7 pm   - Evening Celebratory dinner 

Excursion Schedule
September 15th
Day one

11 am  - Sofia Walking tour¹
3 pm    - Leave towards Plovdiv
5 pm    - Check in the hotel²

September 16th
Day two
Breakfast
9 am     - Leave on a organized excursion to Koprivshtitsa and Starosel³
4 pm     - Return to Plovdiv
6 pm     - Dinner at the ‘Citizens Club’ restaurant 

September 17th
Day three
Breakfast
10am    - Leave towards Bachkovo Monastery⁴ 
2 pm     - Head back to Sofia
5 pm     - Arrive in Sofia and check in individual hotels

1* The Sofia walking tour is organized by local enthusiasts, lasting two hours, starting at the Courthouse in downtown at 11am. It will take us around the city center, showcasing the major landmarks and sights. The Plovdiv tour is similar, taking us through the old town, showing us the colorful revival architecture and detailing the rich history of the late 19th century. 
2* We will organize booking rooms for everyone in the same hotel if possible. The hotel of our choice will be at a minimum of 4* and within walking distance to the downtown.
3* An organized trip to the village of Koprivshtitsa - the birthplace of the Bulgarian revival movement. One of the most historically important places in the whole of the Balkans, as it kickstarted the liberation movement from the Ottoman Turks. The excursion is with a local archeologist/historian, fully in English. Taking us with a private vehicle for 8, from the hotel at 9am, it lasts approximately 7 hours. In the town we will enter a few revival houses of famous fighters, poets and leaders. On the way back, we will visit one of the largest Thracian burial mounts - Starosel, where we will learn about the ancient Thracian customs and culture.
4* Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and hosts multiple iconic works of early Christian art, including the famous ‘Saint Mary, Mother of Jesus’ known to grant miracles. The monastery is 25 minutes south of Plovdiv, through the picturesque Chepelare river gorge. 

*Links for more information are underneath.
* The organized trip out of Sofia will have an additional cost of 350$ per person for a double occupant room or 400$ for a single occupant room. 
You can Venmo Conner by July 15, if you chose to come with, at @Connervhansen
Price includes: Hotel rooms for 3 nights; Koprivshtitsa tour;  guide tips; rent a car and gas. The price does not include meals.