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ARCHAEOLOGY & WILDLIFE IN BULGARIA
NATURAL HISTORY OF ANCIENT THRACE

Holiday Profile

Holiday Highlights

  • Visit the mysterious Thracian rock sanctuaries of Tatul, Perperikon, Belintash and Starosel
  • Seek out the unique 'Rock Womb' Cave
  • Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes bejewelled with a dazzling variety of butterflies & birds
  • Discover the wonderful architecture of Koprivshtitsa
  • Soak up the atmosphere of Plovdiv's old heart
  • Experience traditional rural life

This exciting private guided one-week cultural and wildlife holiday is offered to individuals, couples or small groups, and provides a unique opportunity to discover more about the mysteries of ancient Thrace. The Thracians, a collection of fiercely independent tribes who were the original inhabitants over much of what is present day Bulgaria, were not only warriors, shepherds and farmers, but also extremely skilled craftsmen creating some exquisite golden treasures, as well as a unique complex of rock-cut cult centres and temples. This tour explores Bulgaria’s Thracian legacy, visiting some of Bulgaria’s most important and intriguing archaeological sites associated with the Thracian period, many of which lie hidden away within the recesses of stunning mountain landscapes.

As well as seeking out ancient Thracian rock tombs and sanctuaries, we will also encounter remote rural villages seemingly aloof from the modern world, and have the chance to enjoy some walking, butterfly photography and birdwatching in a region internationally renowned as one of the most important places for raptors in Europe. Finally, after several fairly adventurous days in the rugged Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains, the holiday concludes with the chance for some sightseeing in Plovdiv and a couple of nights in the beautiful architectural reserve of Koprivshtitsa.

Balkan Trek is at the forefront of responsible tourism in Bulgaria, and recognised as one of Bulgaria's leading mountain adventure and eco-tourism operators. We are specialists in small group walking holidays, trekking holidays, snowshoeing treks, cultural tours, monastery tours, village holidays, wildlife holidays, natural history trips, birdwatching holidays, butterfly holidays, botanic tours and photography holidays. We operate trips in Bulgaria's Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains, Rila Mountains, Pirin Mountains, Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains), Strandzha Mountains, Sredna Gora Mountains, Vitosha Mountains, as well as at the Black Sea.