SOFIA
City tour of Sofia, visit rotunda of St .George from the IV century B.C. and the Church of St. Sofia which has given the name to the city; Alexander Nevski cathedral – the biggest orthodox church in the Balkans. Shopping in the small open market next to the Cathedral. Night in Sofia, dinner

SOFIA-DEVIN
After breakfast depart for the Rodopi Mountains.

Arrive in Devin in time for Lunch. Consultations and afternoon of treatments in the Spa Center Please note that these treatments are not the Ayurvedic treatments that are included in the price. SPA hotels are traditional in Bulgaria and we happen to be staying in one. Unlike the British population Bulgarians regularly take rejuvenating holidays. Therefore the treatments available in Devin are optional.

Before dinner, there will be a demonstration of culinary skill showing the preparation of Bulgarian food, using the traditional Bulgarian methods and ingredients and testing of typical Bulgarian drinks (rakia – grape, plum and fruit brandy)

DEVIN
Morning treatment in the Spa Center of the hotel, lunch with lecture by Susan Hagan on Ayurvedic style of eating and body analysis. In the afternoon leisure time and treatments in the Spa center. (Optional) Special Cheverme Dinner (tender lamb, spiced and stuffed with scallions and parsley which is slowly rotated over hot charcoal) with folklore program presenting the traditional music, song, costume, and dance of the Bulgarian people.

DEVIN-PLOVDIV-KAZANLUK
After breakfast visit the Monastery of Bachkovo ( XII century)

Arrive in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lunch in the old town.

Continue to the Valley of the Roses and visit the modern distillery and see the production of rose oil. Enjoy a Welcome drink of traditional liquor of roses. Arrive in Kazanlak – the capital of the roses in Bulgaria Before dinner optional visit to the relaxation center. Dinner in the restaurant of the hotel accompanied by live classical music.

TARNICHENE-KAZANLAK
Visit the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak from the IV century. Visit the church St.Nikola, an impressive Russian church. Explore the area of Kazanlak, visit the ethnographic museum representing the traditional life style of the Bulgarian people and compare the modern distillation procedure with the ancient one. Visit the village of Tarnichene and meet with the Master Sculptor Hristo Yotov and his wife Velikchka. Refreshments and an opportunity to see the sculptures of this nationally known and revered Artisan. After lunch we are invited by Dr.Yonkova (expert in all matters concerning essential oils and particularly Rose Oil) to her home for a Plenary session. There will be an opportunity to buy some of her award winning products. Tasting of Rose conserve and wine.

Leisure time in the town and visit the relaxation center before dinner at the Hotel Palas.

KAZANLAK- ETARA- VELIKO TARNOVO-ARBANASSI
Continuing for Etara, village museum located in the Balkan. Lunch.

Continue to Veliko Turnovo .This town is one of the most ancient Bulgarian towns, is situated amphitheatrically on 4 hills - Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, Momina Krepost and Sveta Gora, the ridges of which were indeed the deeply inclined steep banks of the meanders of the river Yantra. Tsarevets was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in the 12th century AD. The fateful events from the 13 centuries old Bulgarian State are related to this town, such as the Second Bulgarian Kingdom's apogee in the 12th and 13th centuries AD and the adoption of the First Bulgarian Constitution in 1874. Discover the historic landmarks of the former citadel on Tzarevets. Leisure time. Continuing for Arbanassi

Accommodation in the hotel in Arbanassi. Dinner.

ARBANASSI-SOFIA-BANKIA
(Ayurvedic and Complementary Therapy Center)

This Centre is run by two wonderful women, Meggie and Nina.

BANKIA
Treatments and Herbal walks

BANKIA
Treatments and Bath of Cleopatra

In the Afternoon 10th day Departure from Sofia Airport