Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia - Rozhen monastery - Melnik - NP Belasitsa - Sandanski
In the morning you will start your journey from Sofia through the Bulgarian countryside to the impressive Rozhen Monastery. It is located among the Melnik Pyramids - a natural phenomenon of sand formations. A guided tour of the monastery buildings will make you fully admire the amazing frescoes (XVI-XVII c.) decorating them. The guide will take you on a short walk in the vicinity so you can marvel at the fabulous panoramic views of one of the most picturesque areas in Bulgaria.
Next, you will immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the smallest Bulgarian town - the enchanting Melnik. Your guide will introduce you to the Kordopulov’s mansion, dubbed the largest Renaissance house in Bulgaria. Underneath it lays a network of tunnels that serve as a natural wine cellar. Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense). In the afternoon you will visit the newest Bulgarian natural park - Belasitsa famous for its old chestnut forest and numerous waterfalls. A local guide-biologist will take you on a circular to the village of Yavornitsa to a waterfall and tell us fascinating facts about the unique biodiversity of Mount Belasitsa. The walk will end with a tasting of freshly baked local sweet chestnuts. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in the town of Sandanski.
Day 2. Sandanski - Rakitna village - Birdwatching Kresna - Boyana church (UNESCO) - Sofia
After breakfast, in the hotel, the bus will take you to the village of Rakitna. A local environmentalist will be with you for this part of the day. He will take you on a pleasant 50-minute walk from the village to the rim of the spectacular Kresna Gorge. From there you can enjoy unforgettable sights of flying Griffon Vultures and other birds of prey over the meandering Struma river below. A scoping tube will be provided along with interesting stories from your guide. For lunch, you will have local food specialties prepared by the people from Rakitna.
In the afternoon, after a 1.5-hour transfer, you will be at the famous for its Renaissance paintings Boyana church /UNESCO/. A guided visit to the church will be an emotional and fulfilling experience at the end of the tour of Southwest Bulgaria.
