Post-Conference Tours

TOUR 3: BULGARIA 7 - 13 JUNE 2009

This tour offers the experience to visit a former eastern block nation with proud yet little known history for most Australians. Becoming increasingly popular amongst European tourists, it's time to visit Bulgaria before the prices catch up to the rest of Europe.

DAY 1 Sunday 7 June
Samos - Athens - Sofia

After a leisurely start to the day, check out of the Doryssa Seaside Resort and transfer to Samos Airport. Fly to Sofia with a connection in Athens. Arrive in Sofia late afternoon for transfer to the Grand Hotel Sofia, which is a centrally located, comfortable 5 star hotel. After check-in and a chance to freshen up join the group for drinks and dinner at the hotel. Overnight Grand Hotel Sofia.

DAY 2 Monday 8 June
Sofia

After breakfast at the hotel, head out for a morning walking tour of the city visiting the 4th century St George Rotunda, Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral, the Synagogue and Jewish Museum. After some time at leisure with your own lunch arrangements, rejoin the group to visit the National History Museum and its excellent collection. A folklore dinner at Restaurant Vodenitzata completes the day. Overnight Grand Hotel Sofia.

DAY 3 Tuesday 9 June
Sofia - Rila Monastery - Borovets - Plovdiv

Breakfast at the hotel before check-out and departure for a full day of exploring and seeing the lush green countryside. The first visit is the colourful UNESCO listed Rila Monastery, a working monastery with rich history dating from the 14th century and an interesting museum collection of cultural and religious items. After lunch at a local restaurant drive to the ski resort of Borovets for a walk and coffee break before continuing on to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city. Enjoy a short walk within the old town before dinner at the Restaurant Padlin, in their attractive walled garden, weather permitting. Overnight Hotel Sankt Petersburg

DAY 4 Wednesday 9 June
Plovdiv

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy the morning sightseeing in the old town visiting the 2nd century Roman Theatre, the churches of Constantine and St Helena and The Holy Virgin and the many fascinating examples of domestic architecture. Visits also include artisan workshops to learn traditional Bulgarian crafts. After some time at leisure to shop and have lunch of your own selection, visit the Todoroff Winery and Spa for a tour, wine tasting and dinner. Overnight Hotel Sankt Petersburg

DAY 5 Thursday 10 June
Plovdiv - Valley of the Roses - Kazanlak - Etaro - Veliko Turnovo

Breakfast at the hotel before check-out and departure, travelling first to the village of Koprivshtitsa before heading through the Valley of the Roses. This area is where most of the rose oil used in the world perfume industry is produced. Crossing the Balkans before arriving in Kazanlak, home to an impressively well preserved Thracian Tomb and the Museum of the Rose. After lunch at Restaurant Balgran, progress onwards to Etaro for a visit to the Ethnographic Village Museum where local craftsmen use traditional tools most of which are water powered. Drive on to Veliko Turnovo to check-in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner and a local sound and light show at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Yantra.

DAY 6 Friday 11 June
Veliko Turnovo - Tsarevets & Arbanassi - Sofia

After Breakfast check-out and before leaving Veliko Turnovo. Visit Trapezitsa with its remains of 17th century churches and the Samovodene Markets. Proceed to Tsarevets with its patriarchal church, Tzar's Palace and Baldwin's Tower. The next stop is Arbanassi, which is a charming medieval village with distinctive 17th century architecture and the summer residences of the nobility. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Arbanassi Village before the drive back to Sofia. Check in to the hotel and freshen up before a farewell dinner at one of Sofia's leading restaurants. Overnight Grand Hotel Sofia.

DAY 7 Saturday 12 June
Sofia - departure

After breakfast check-out and transfer to the airport. An airport transfer will be provided for a group flight (yet to be confirmed) to Australia only, delegates using other flights or onward travel need to make their own arrangements.

Cost: Single $4500, Twin Share $4000 pp

Above prices include: Transfer from Doryssa Seaside Resort to Samos Airport, Flights Samos-Athens and Athens to Sofia, private air-conditioned buses, professional English speaking guide and entrance fees for all sights described. Six night's superior accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, lunches on days 3, 5, 6. Dinner on all 6 nights. Drinks mostly at own cost. Personal expenses are not included. Note: Order of tour may change.

Pre-Conference Tours