The Thracian Gold Trail

After breakfast, your first adventure takes you deep into the Rhodopes Mountains. Explore the ancient rock city and sanctuary of Perperikon, one of the most iconic Thracian archaeological sites. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic mountain valley, then continue to the Tatul Thracian Tomb, believed to be the Temple of Orpheus. The day ends with a visit to the curious Stone Mushrooms and a transfer back to your hotel in Haskovo for dinner and rest.

Continue your exploration of the Rhodopes, starting with a visit to the Alexandrovo Tomb and museum, showcasing exceptional Thracian burial art. Next, explore the ancient rock sanctuary “Gluhite Kamani” (Deaf Stones), designed by the Thracians thousands of years ago. After a picnic lunch, visit the medieval Mezek Fortress and Thracian tomb, nestled in the hills. Your day concludes with check-in and dinner at your next comfortable hotel stay.

Today begins with a journey to Kazanlak, the heart of the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Visit the UNESCO-listed Royal Tomb of Kazanlak, followed by the Seuthes III Tomb, the largest Thracian tomb in the Balkans. Enjoy lunch at a traditional country restaurant, where you’ll savor local cuisine and wine. The afternoon is spent at the charming Damascena Ethnographic Complex, where rose oil traditions and Thracian legends come alive. Later, travel to the renowned Spa & Wine Hotel Starosel for check-in, spa access, and dinner.

After a relaxing breakfast, enjoy free time at the hotel’s spa and wellness center. Late morning, head to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, for a guided sightseeing tour including the Ancient Roman Theatre, Stadium, Old Town, and the Nebet Tepe fortress ruins. After lunch at a themed restaurant, continue to Hisarya, famed for its Roman-era remains, and finish with a visit to the Thracian Cult Temple of Starosel. The evening brings wine tasting of traditional Thracian-style wine, spa relaxation, and dinner at the hotel.

Following breakfast, enjoy a bit more spa time before heading through Bulgaria’s scenic countryside to the historic town of Koprivshtitsa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the town’s authentic 19th-century architecture and ethnographic museums, a vivid portrait of Bulgaria’s National Revival era. In the evening, arrive in Sofia, the capital, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner with live Bulgarian folk dance (Horo), before settling in at your Sofia hotel.

Your final day begins with a guided tour of Sofia, exploring highlights like the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Rotunda of St. George, and the Ancient Serdica archaeological complex. After lunch, delve into the National Institute of Archaeology, home to artifacts from 1.6 million years ago to the Thracian era, showcasing the deep cultural roots of the Balkan Peninsula. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport for departure, bringing your unforgettable journey through Thracian heritage to a close.