Day Tour from PLOVDIV: Nature & forgotten village experiences

We will make our way through a scenic route leading to one of the most spectacular fortresses on the territory of Bulgaria. The Asen’s Fortress is situated on top of a steep hill which opens a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. Its strategic location made its walls impregnable for so many centuries. The Citadel, which was constructed by the Thracian tribes in the area, is dated back to 5th century BC. Since then, it endured invasions and achieved victories only to reach our present times and to continue fascinating us with its rich history and intangible beauty. Your leader will reveal the most exciting stories hiding behind the walls of this ancient fortress, introducing you to the lives and the destinies of its dwellers.

We head off to Bachkovo Monastery – the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria. Build as a centre for Georgian monasticism the cloister witnessed the great struggles between the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Kingdom. It served as a clashing point of many cultures and religions, finally to came under the authority of the Bulgarian Exarchate in 1894. Follow your leader, who is by profession an art historian, to understand more about the history and symbolism embedded in the beautiful murals on the church walls and the rich collections of jewellery, coins, and old manuscripts preserved in the library.

It's time for some rest. We will stop at the charming little village of Kosovo, rarely visited today, which vividly protects the authentic lifestyle of its villagers. The local people say that the time has stopped there

– the architecture of the houses still conserves the 19th-century revival spirit of the Bulgarian people. Our hosts will welcome us for lunch, introducing you to one of the best culinary specialities of the region. Enjoy this journey through tastes and admire the astonishing nature all around.

The last stop of this tour will be one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the Rhodopes – the “Wounder Bridges”. Passing under the impressive open caves will leave you with the long-lasting memory for this unforgettable experience and the intense emotions one feels when standing before the power of nature.