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23 APR - 6 MAY 2024 BEST OF BULGARIA
(Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Nessebar, Plovdiv, Yagodina, Bansko)

Cost per pax RM8000(15pax + 1 Yongo guide)-based on rate (1 USD = RM4.72) 08th Oct 2023
Final adjustment of the cost is based on the exchange rate at the time of final collection

EXCLUDE BELOW FLIGHT (TURKISH AIRWAYS) RM3528 - check on 08th Oct 2023
23 APR 24 TUE KUL/SOF 0850 2020
6 MAY 24 MON SOF/KUL 0925 0710(+1)

*PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THE FLIGHT UNTIL ADVISED BY US*

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humor, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

Welcome to best-value Europe and aim your sights at this Balkan beauty forged by the footsteps of countless empires of past. Our journey will take us through the old and the new, happy hours to happy hiking, and much more!

DAY 1 KLIA-SOFIA Gather KLIA 630am in the morning for 0850 flight to Sofia. Arriving Sofia at 2020 same day, take metro train to city centre. Overnight Sofia
DAY 2 SOFIA. Morning we do a fun way to know Bulgaria more by following a 2hrs or so complimentary walking tour. No hard sell along the way, tip the guide accordingly to your level of happiness for the tour and narrative. After that it is free and easy time for rest of the day. A good place to browse would be the Central Market Hall. Overnight Sofia

DAY 3 SOFIA-VELIKO TARNOVO Morning pick up and 2hrs drive to Lovech old village for an apt intro to Bulgaria. Then we move on to Devetashka Caves and Krushuna Falls to view some natural wonders and finish the day with a visit to Etara Living Museum of old houses and traditional crafts, before a 1.5hrs drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight Veliko Tarnovo
DAY 4 VELIKO TARNOVO-VARNA VT is often called ‘City of Tsars’, and its location on the edge of the Yantra River makes it a scenic spot to stroll, and we spend some time especially, at iconic Veliko Tarnovo attraction, Tsaverets Fortress. After VT, 2.5hrs 222km drive to Varna, stopping by Varna Petrified Stone Forest. Once part of the seabed, the rocks here are carbon dated to a petrifying 50million years old. Overnight Varna
DAY 5 VARNA-NESSEBAR Drive 1h45 100km to museum town of Nessebar on the Black Sea Coast. Walking tour of the UNESCO Heritage old town area, and seafood lunch is recommended. Overnight Nessebar
DAY 6 NESSEBAR-PLOVDIV In the morning we drive about 3hrs through rural Bulgaria to arrive Plovdiv in time for a nice lunch. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of human settlement from the 6th Millenium BC! Today it is the cultural heart of Bulgaria, and we are free rest of day to explore its cobble-stoned streets on your own.Overnight Plovdiv
DAY 7 PLOVDIV Guided walking exploration of Plovdiv, with our guide who happens to be a Plovdian! Will take in a 1st Century Roman stadium, Renaissance period architecture, well maintained 19th Century classical homes of the wealthy, and get good overviews of the city from a short hill walk on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy alfresco drinking and dining at many of the bohemian cafes and eateries on the streets of Plovdiv. Overnight Plovdiv

DAY 8 PLOVDIV-SMOLYAN Leaving Plovdiv at 0800, we should be at Waterfalls Canyon trailhead by 1000 to start our happy hiking in pine forests, beside sparkling rivers and wonderful waterfalls. We take in a packed lunch somewhere along the route, as there is a plethora of places for nice picnic spot along this relaxing route. Our total hike time including stops, should take about 4-5hrs and we shouldbe out mid-afternoon and checked-in at Smolyan before 1700. Overnight Smolyan
DAY 9 SMOLYAN-YAGODINA Morning walk through the magical pine forests of Rhodope Mountain. Sightseeing and short strolling to visit Shiroka Laka village afterwards, and have delicious early local lunch there. In the afternoon, drive to Yagodina with stop at Devil’sThroat cave to explore its mysterious underground gushing water. Continue after this to Yagodina to arrive around evening, just nice for an outdoor hot spring soak at our hotel. Overnight Yagodina
DAY 10 YAGODINA-BANSKO After breakfast, 3-4 hrs hiking up the meadows to the Eagle's Eye, the dramatic viewing platform that juts out above a river gorge, with panoramas of forested peak. Time for rest and relax in the bus for 2 hours drive journey to Kovachevitsa and Leshten. These are two picturesque villages located in the Rhodope Mountains, characterized by its cobblestone streets, stone houses with distinctive wooden eaves and charming courtyards. After lunch, drive 1.5 hours to Bansko. Explore this pretty hillside town filled with friendly folks, on an easy walking tour, which should end with another natural thermal bath. Overnight Bansko(B,D)
DAY 11 BANSKO 1.5 hours drive from Bansko, will bring us to Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town and most famous wine center, full of small family-run wineries that serve their red Melniks by the jug! Wine and dine time for lunch! Option to explore the Pirin National Park on a 4-5hrs happy hiking across several glacial lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Overdose on fresh air! Evening entertainment will be warmly provided by our generous and gregarious hosts, but only if they are in the mood! Overnight Bansko(B,D)

DAY 12 BANSKO-SOFIA Drive 177km to Rila Monastery. A UNESCO Heritage site. Its roots can be traced to 930 AD. Surrounded by pine forests, which we will do some happy hiking through, this is a day for winding- down our Bulgaria trip. Drive 120km to Sofia to arrive by evening and rest of day free and easy for happy hours and dining experience. Overnight Sofia
DAY 13 SOFIA Time to discover Sofia sights, sounds, and scents on our own. Suggested activities:- Mount Vitosha excursion. Cable car ride up to take in expansive views of Sofia and surroundings. Free at leisure to walk the many easy trails up there. Shopping in Sofia; For traditional flea market, Zhenski Pazar Women’s Market is a good browse. For modern shopping, the Mall of Sofia is likely the best option. Highly recommended, enjoy an evening of dinner at Bulgarian cultural show filled with energetic song and dance. Overnight Sofia
DAY 14 SOFIA-KUL Early morning transfer/ take metro train direct to airport to catch 0925 flight to KUL with Bulgarian mementoes and memories, and great new travel friends as a big bonus!
ETD KUL 0710(+1)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Whatsapp Phone: Lee Keng 012 3158353 OR Lee Ming 016 2209033
Email: yongleekeng@gmail.com OR yongo123@gmail.com