Bulgaria is among the most abundant European countries in thermal water wealth and diversity. more than 600 mineral springs have been discovered and studied here, over 80% of which having healing properties and water temperature from 20 to 101 °C. Bulgarian mineral water varies in chemical composition, mineralization, gases, and microorganisms. Most of the mineral water issues from a considerable depth, which guarantees it to be crystal clear. In Bulgaria you will find all well-known healing and recreational procedures – mud therapy, chromotherapy, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, massages. Bulgaria holds one of the top places in the world when it comes to diversity of herbs with great healing properties. This immense abundance of natural factors, combined with modern balneotherapy centers, provides the opportunity of all-year treatment.
Arrival in Sofia Airport
SOFIA, SOFIA – RILA-MONASTERY- Afternoon Velingrad Spa Town, Spa treatments in Velingrad, Excursion to Plovdiv, Velingrad – Sofia, Sofia– Return Flight
8 Days
All year
SOFIA
Arrival in Sofia airport, the capital of Bulgaria. After hotel check in we will depart for a sightseeing tour of the Bulgarian capital. Discover a city with 7000 years of long history, concentrating on numerous cultural and historic monuments from different periods. We will visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the St. George Rotunda from the 4th century, the St.Sofia Basilica, the ruins of the ancient city Serdica. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant in Sofia and overnight.
SOFIA – RILA-MONASTERY- Afternoon Velingrad Spa Town
This morning we transfer to the Rila Monastery from the 10th century, one of UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest and the most impressive Bulgarian monastery. We will have a tour of the monastery complex, church and museum with its lavish collection of precious old manuscripts, icons, jewelry, masterpieces of woodcarving, ethnographic exhibition of fabrics and carpets.
After the visit of the monastery, we transfer towards Velingrad Spa Town.
Velingrad is situated in the picturesque Chepino Valley near the Rhodopis Mountain, 800 m above sea level. The city is surrounded by oaks and pine-trees, and is rich in different types of mineral waters, known also as the Spa capital of Bulgaria
Spa treatments in Velingrad
We spend 3 full days in Velingrad to relax and enjoy the treatments in the mineral springs. Velingrad’s mineral water basin is one of the largest in the country. The total capacity of the mineral springs is about 143 l/s. There are over 80 thermal springs, grouped into four hydrothermal sources which differ in physic-chemical characteristic and temperature. From south to north the temperature goes rises from 48°C to 94°C, the mineralization increases, the ionic composition changes and the pH from alkaline goes down to neutral reaction. The great variety of various types of mineral water makes Velingrad a location where many diseases can be cured.
During the stay, you can decide to take also some local visits, such as the Historical Museum of Batak; or getting active in outdoor programs, such as horse riding or tandem flights.
Excursion to Plovdiv
Today we will enjoy a cultural visit during the excursion to Plovdiv, one of the most ancient cities in Europe and in the world. Sightseeing of the Old town of Plovdiv with National Revival architecture and excavations from Roman times. Visit of the ancient Roman theatre with impressive marble statues, decorative columns and arcades.
In the late evening, return transfer to Velingrad.
Velingrad – Sofia
We spend the last day in Velingrad, enjoying the treatments, the fresh air and the beautiful nature. In the afternoon we transfer back to Sofia, for the last overnight in Bulgaria.
Sofia– Return Flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Sofia until airport transfer for the return flight.
