From Thracian tombs and Orthodox monasteries to carpet workshops with royal connections and folklore dancers treading hot coals, a group tour of Bulgaria delivered daily surprises that left Arts Society Cranleigh’s members truly amazed.
Group organiser Gwen Wright recently took her group on an eight-day tour of Bulgaria with Simply Groups, staying in both Sofia and Plovdiv.
They experienced a variety of sights, guided city tours, breathtaking archaeological and ethnological museums, Bulgarian Orthodox monasteries and churches. They even went inside a Thracian tomb.
Gwen told us: “The variety enjoyed was endless. We were guided throughout by a native speaker which was absolutely essential.”
They spent a day in the mountains at the Rila Monastery, said to be the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862.
The group enjoyed a folkore dinner (with dancing on hot coals!) and traditional show south of Sofia and then headed south east to Plovdiv. They had a coffee break at what is said to be Bulgaria’s first golf club, which has a Russian plane built into the roof, and then experienced a unique carpet workshop.
Gwen said: “It was an amazing workshop - they have made many carpets for the UK’s stately homes as well as the Royal family.”
The group also went to the Museum of Socialist Cars which features an extensive collection of rare Matchbox cars, manufactured in Bulgaria under license in the 1980s.
Gwen said they thoroughly enjoyed their experience of Bulgaria’s Rose Valley (Rozova Dolina). She said they were fascinated to learn about “the Damask Rose which is grown profusely providing the rose oil industry - it’s a delicious perfume.”
Among other highlights was a fantastic wine tasting. Gwen concluded: “This tour delivered daily awesome surprises of the kind we will never ever forget - that’s for certain. And the weather was a perfect temperature throughout with sun in abundance. A very happy group!”
