Melnik Day Tour from Sofia - Forgotten villages & Mystic Wine Traditions

Melnik Day Tour from Sofia - Forgotten villages & Mystic Wine Traditions

We will travel to the most southern parts of the country, not far from the Greek border. The area you are going to visit is well-known for its healing waters, ancient history, and strong mystical energy. Immerse yourself into the legendary tales about Baba Vanga and learn more about the healing effects of the waters from the region. This experience will open up an exclusive opportunity to visit one of the forgotten villages in Bulgaria and meet the remaining of the local population who will share their authentic lifestyle with you. They will cook traditional dishes and will make you try one of their best selection of home produced wine and rakiya. Travel back in time and admire the fantastic medieval frescoes of Rozhen monastery after which you will be able to enjoy the peacefulness of the smallest city in Bulgaria - Melnik.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Museum House 'Vanga', 2863 Petrich, Bulgaria

We will enter the protected area of Rupite where we cannot miss the unique church of St. Petka, dedicated to the world-famous Bulgarian herbalist and prophetess- Baba Vanga. Keep your ears open for the stories of the local people to understand more about her mysterious life. Surprisingly, the church now serves as a repository for the paintings of one of the most famous Bulgarian modernists – Ivan Rusev. You will get the chance to learn more about Bulgarian modern art history from your guide, being an art historian herself.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rozhen pyramids, 2820 Sandanski, Bulgaria

The thread of mystery does not end up here. We will head east to a long forgotten village nestling among the surrounding sand pyramids. Less than 20 people are living there today. The only way to get there is by driving through a 40m sand tunnel dug by the local population back in the 60s. This was the only channel for communication with the rest of the world for them. You will be hosted by a local family which will introduce you to the unique tastes of Bulgarian dishes and the different varieties of real homemade wine. Be prepared, it’s a strong one!

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rozhen Monastery, Rozhen, Melnik 2820 Bulgaria

On our way back, you will have the opportunity to admire the splendid 16th-century frescoes of the biggest monastery in Pirin mountain and to catch a glimpse of its unique iconostasis. Your guide, who is by profession an art historian, will be able to reveal the deepest secrets behind the symbolism of the medieval wall paintings in the church, showing you its history in a completely different perspective.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Melnik Pyramids, Pirin Planina, Melnik Bulgaria

As our tour leans towards its end, you can enjoy the tranquility of the smallest city in Bulgaria- Melnik and stroll around its old cobbled streets, traditional houses and authentic atmosphere.

Duration: 1 hour