ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Plovdiv (population: 338 000) is the second largest city in Bulgaria, considered by the majority of its visitors as the most beautiful and atmospheric. Situated at 160 m. a. s. l., Plovdiv is an important administrative centre in Southern Bulgaria, as well as the largest and most important city of the historical and geographic region Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millenary history. Plovdiv is 150 km away from the capital Sofia and only 75 km from the international ski resort Pamporovo. Plovdiv is regarded as the gate to the beautiful Rhodope Mountains which are only few kilometers away, as most people who head for the mountains choose it as their starting point. The city is located on both banks of the Maritsa River in the central part of the Upper Thracian Lowlands. Plovdiv is particularly known, like Rome, for its 7 hills, one of which has been destroyed. A couple of key thoroughfares cross the city, including the one connecting Sofia and Europe with Istanbul and Asia, as well as the one between Sofia and Bourgas (Black sea coast). The Plovdiv International Fair, the first in the country since 1892, is the largest fair in Southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world on an exhibition area of 95 000 sq. m.
Plovdiv is an eternal town. The foundations of the town on the 7 hills by the ancient Maritza River were laid some 8000 years ago. Plovdiv is older than Rome, Athens and Constantinople and is of the same age as Troy. According to some sources this is the second oldest European city (after Mycenae) and the oldest continiuously inhabited city in Europe. Plovdiv is all in one: a Thracian and classical Greek polis, the pride of Philip of Macedonia, the capital of Thrace under the Roman Empire, a centre of Byzantinism, a stronghold of the Bulgarians, a dream of the crusaders, a magnificent, wealthy and most important city. Plovdiv’s motto is: “Ancient and eternal”. In 1999 the city was supporting European capital of culture. Plovdiv was the 2019 European capital of culture and the first Bulgarian city to be awarded the title.
On this sightseeing walking tour we visit the most impressive landmarks in the city like The Old Plovdiv – an architectural and historical reserve, situated on The Three Hills. Here picturesque houses of the National Revival period stand close to ruins from antiquity and Bulgarian Renaissance churches. The Roman Theatre from II century that we discover on our way has been restored and is being used even today for different performances and festivals. Our walk continues down to the partly uncovered Roman Stadium and the 14-th century Djumaia Mosque. At the end we stroll along the longest main pedestrian street in Europe (1750 m) to discover the colorful and ornate end of 19-th – beginning of 20-th century houses, the oldest city park of Bulgaria and more Roman ruins including the Roman Forum and the small theatre – The Odeon. Many attractive high street cafes, restaurants, shops, fountains and street musicians add to this unique laid back feeling in the air of this spectacular city.

Period: Year round
Trip duration: 2,5 hours
Price: Please e-mail us with your possible tour date/s, the number of people in your group and you’ll be quoted accordingly. We’ll aslo advise on eventual shared trip options at a lower cost.
Included: English speaking tour guide
Not included: Food and tips
Note: Some cobble stones walking in the Old town

Walk with a big horse or pony in Frigopan Horse base in the village of Tsaratsovo:

5 min. –  7 BGN

Riding lessons for beginners and advanced.
For more information: 0893 556 005 and at www.konnabazafrigopan.com

The circular route starts from the Star House. After about 3 km. sloping climb we arrive in the center of the neighboring village of Izvor. From here we head west on a dirt road past abandoned cherry orchards from socialism and through a deciduous forest. We reach the chapel of St. Elijah, located on a beautiful meadow with ancient trees and a fountain. A little above Momini caves we see a small mountain pond, which is the highest point of the day. After a short descent, we arrive at the most popular and panoramic landmark in the area of ​​the village of Hrabrino – Momini caves. The rock massif descends almost vertically to the meandering in the low Gradechka river, which has carved the canyon. From Momini caves reveals a beautiful view to the north to Hrabrino and in the distance to the Upper Thracian lowlands and Plovdiv. From the metal cross at Momini caves we descend to the center of Hrabrino, passing by the charming chapel of the Holy Mother of God and Kalichin dol on the same Gradechka river. From the center of Hrabrino after a short climb along the main street of the village, we arrive at the Star House.Start point: The Star House – 360 m above sea level.

Highest point of the transition: Momini skali – 620 m above sea level.

End point: The Star House – 360 meters above sea level.

Distance: about 8 km.

Duration (including breaks and time for photos): 3 hours 15 minutes.

After a 5-minute transfer to the center of the neighboring village of Izvor (3 km) we start the transition to the southeast in the direction of the village of Tsar Kaloyan. The route follows a sloping dirt road, passing through deciduous forests and abandoned walnut orchards. From the center of the village of Tsar Kaloyan we continue west, crossing the Bardashka River, to the center of the neighboring village of Galabovo. On the way back from Galabovo to Izvor we pass another route, further north, passing through a former quarry and the chapel of St. The Virgin.

Start: the village of Izvor – 540 m above sea level.
Highest point of the transition: the village of Tsar Kaloyan – 730 m above sea level.
End: the village of Izvor – 540 m above sea level.
Distance: about 7,5 km.
Duration (including breaks photo-stops): 3 h.

Additional option: From Galabovo village it is possible to continue the rout to the east to the monastery of St. St. Kozma and Damyan, which extends the route about 6 km. on a flat dirt road. Together with the visit of monastery the the tour is about 2 hours.

After a 30-minute transfer we arrive at the center of the picturesque village of Sitovo (20 km). Shortly before the village we stop to see the famous rock Sitovski inscription, which is an ancient inscription of fleece signs of unknown writing. The transition begins in the picturesque village of Sitovo, which impresses with its authentic Rhodope architecture and beautiful mountain landscapes. First we go south along Kriva Reka. At the Dinov dol area we head west in the direction of the village of Lilkovo. The route passes through the villa zone of Sitovo among conifers forests and pastures. After a predominantly sloping ascent we reach the highest point of the day at the chapel of St. Kostadin, located on the ridge above the village of Lilkovo. From this point an incredible Rhodope panorama to Lilkovo with the vast valley around the village and the mountain slopes and meadows is revealed. We descend to the village to see it and return to the same chapel, from where, to return to Sitovo, we take another dirt road, crossing coniferous forests and meadows.

Start: the village of Sitovo – 1270 m above sea level.

Highest point: chapel of St. Kostadin above the village of Lilkovo – 1500 m above sea level.
End: the village of Sitovo – 1270 m above sea level.
Rout distance: about 8 km.
Duration (including breaks and time for photos): 4 hours 15 minutes.