Bulgaria and Turkey agri tour

Bulgarian part

23.04.-28.04.2018 and 01.10.-06.10.2018

Day 1.: Arrival in Sofia, 50 km (D)

Arrival at Sofia airport.
Warm welcome from our English-speaking Bulgarian guide.
Transfer to the hotel and city tour of Sofia.
Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 2.: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko, 300 km (B,D)

Breakfast.
Morning drive to the region of Pernik. Here we visit an animal-breeding farm that runs a closed cycle of production – a dairy farm with about 80 cows of the Simental breed, a sheep farm (about 800 sheep) and a milk production centre. The complex has also set up an own network of shops in order to sell its products. Tasting of the farm production will follow.
Continue to Rila monastery.
Time for lunch. The region of Rila monastery is famous for the fresh mountainous trout.
Visit to Rila monastery (10th century), situated high in the Rila Mountains, impressive with its imposing architecture.
Afternoon drive to the town of Bansko – famous winter resort in Bulgaria. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3.: Bansko – Plovdiv, 165 km (B,D)

Breakfast.
Short morning tour of Bansko with its emblem – St. Trinity church.
We continue the day with a ride on the magnificent Rhodopi narrow-gauge railway, passing through marvelous mountain views.
Back on the road and a short stop at Yundola pass to visit a small local marketplace for different kinds of home-made honey, jams, marmalades, herbs, spices and milk-products.
After that we continue with a visit to a carpet factory, producing hand-made carpets of extremely high quality, using organic materials and dyes.
Drive to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4.: Around Plovdiv (B,D)

In the morning we will enjoy city tour of The Old Town , including the ancient theatre and the well-preserved old houses from the Revival period.
In the afternoon we will visit a newly-built goat farm that is largest in Europe for Boer breed – 200 goats, as well as a modern boutique winery, that grows 40h of vines. Visit to the vineyards and wine-tasting.
Back to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5.: Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Stara Zagora, 150 km (B, L)

Morning visit to a family-owned company for production, processing and packing of organic and conventional dried fruits and vegetables.
In the afternoon we will drive to the heart of the Valley of Roses with a visit to a rose-distillery farm.
We would not miss to visit also the copy of the famous Thracian Tomb (IV – III century BC).
Transfer to the town of Stara Zagora for dinner and overnight.

Day 6.: Departure to Turkey, 100 km (B)

Time to say farewell to your Bulgarian guide and driver. Meet your local (English speaking) guide after crossing the border and continue to Çanakkale (see next tab).

Turkish part

28.04.-03.05.2018 and 06.10.-11.10.2018

Day 1.(6.): Kapikule – Edirne – Canakkale, 270 km (D)

Your local guide will meet you at at the Bulgarian/Turkish border. Our route takes us towards the Dardanelles, a strait between the European and Asian continent. Throughout history this important geographical spot has played an important rule. Alexander the Great entered Anatolia from here to conquer not only Asia Minor – he spread Hellenism and forwarded all the way to India. During the 1st World War, this place – the main connection to the Black Sea and to Istanbul, former Constantinople, was a scene of big battles and sacrifices, which finally gave birth to modern Turkey, today it is visited yearly by the ancestors of the ANZACs, the Australian and New Zealand Forces fighting bravely for the Allied Forces. Today, Canakkale is famous for its tomatoes and fruits, but also one of the main areas for honey production. On our visit we will visit learn a lot about that topic before reaching our hotel.

Day 2.(7.): Canakkale – Troy – Ayvalik, 180 km (B,D)

The ancient city of Troy is known to all of us not only by the famous tales of Homeros, who made heroes as Achilles, Hector and Paris immortal. After this visit we will continue our journey through the Ida Mountains, where according to the legend Paris gave the Golden Apple to Aphrodite in order to gain the heart of the most beautiful women of those times – Helen. It is said to have been the catalyst of the Trojan War. We will visit one of the most impressive goat farms. The area is at the same time one of the most important places for the production of medical herbs such as sage, thyme, etc. We will also get to know one of the oldest agricultural products of mankind – olives – at the plant of one of the largest producers. Dinner and overnight in Ayvalık on the Aegean Coast.

Day 3.(8.): Ayvalik – Pergamum – Kusadasi, 240 km (B,D)

Ancient Pergamum was one of the main cultural and political centers of its time. After the innovation of parchment, the largest library of the ancient world was established here. It was at the same time one of the most important centers for medicine and all other branches of science. We will visit the Acropolis with the steepest theater from ancient history that could host 15.000 spectators. Thereafter, you will see one of the most modern dairy farms of the area. Continue to the main producer of vegetables in the area (greenhouses), mainly working for export. Continue to Kusadasi – one of the top holiday resorts on the Aegean Coast, via Izmir, the biblical Smyrna for dinner and overnight.

Day 4.(9.): Day tour to UNESCO heritage Pamukkale, 350 km (B,D)

Our day excursion will take us through the fertile Valley of the Maeandros River, an area that has been exporting agricultural products such as cotton, figs, purple, grapes and wine, but also sculptures since ancient times. We will visit a large production plant of agricultural machines before reaching the unique travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Hot thermal springs cascading downhill have formed a landscape resembling a frozen waterfall. This natural miracle is unique on our globe. The ancient spa town of Hierapolis, which we will also visit, was not only a place to cure various illnesses, but also one of the first Christian centers. On our way back to Kusadasi, we will see fig, citrus fruit and cotton production and visit an organic farm. Before reaching our hotel, another highlight is awaiting you: we will visit the train museum, featuring almost all steam models used in the past.

Day 5.(10.): Day tour to Ephesus and agricultural highlights of the area, 100 km (B,D)

Without doubt, Ephesus was one of the main cultural, political, religious and scientific centers of the ancient world. At the same time, it is one of the best excavated cities of archaeology. You will take a journey through the past walking along the harbour road, once illuminated, seeing the magnificent theatre, the unique Celsus Library, the Agora – the former market, the Marble Road seamed with luxurious houses and impressive temples, the Odeon and many other monuments that remind us of how history was effected by this great city. At the same time, Ephesus was one of the most important centers for early Christianity. St. John wrote his Gospel here, Holy Mary spent her days after Jesus’ crucification, the 3rd council was held here. One of the Seven Wonders of antiquity – the Temple of Artemis is also located nearby. We will not only experience local wine production (including tasting), but also leather production – one of the most important and traditional products of Anatolia today.

Day 6.(11.): Departure (B)

Depending on the time of departure, you might have some more time for sightseeing (as the ancient cities of Miletus or Priene) in or around Kusadasi. Transfer to the airport. Homebound flight (or extension in Istanbul)

Bulgarian part

23.04.-28.04.2018 and 01.10.-06.10.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 865,–
Single room EUR 970,–

Sevices included:

Supplement for extra overnight in Sofia at arrival, if needed:
- 40.00 euro per person in DBL
- 65.00 euro in SGL

The package price does NOT include:
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude
- Air fare
- Anything else, which is not mention in “The package price includes”
- Travel insurance

Other information:
- The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be provided)

Turkish part

28.04.-03.05.2018 and 06.10.-11.10.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 740,–
Single room EUR 825,–

Sevices included:

General information:
- Citizens of many countries are exempted from visa, most of the others can obtain an e-visa via www.e-visa.gov.tr
- The LOCAL CURRENCY is Turkish Lira. Current exchange rate is approx. 1€= 4,3 TRL, 1 USD = 3.65 TRL
- CREDIT CARDS are widely accepted
- VOLTAGE: is 220V, plug system European standard
- CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas, drier and cooler inland, average temperature 15-20°C in spring and autumn.
- INFRASTRUCTURE: all routes in our itinerary feature a good road infrastructure.
- The POPULATION of Turkey is approx. 80 mil., the country being a REPUBLIC
- RELIGION: Mostly Muslim, but also large Christian and Jewish communities

Food and drinks:
- Due to its rich historical past, the Turkish cuisine is very rich, not only featuring its own dishes of pastry, fresh sea-food, vegetable and fruits, it is the only ancestor of the former Byzantine (Roman) cuisine enriched by elements of Asian tribes
- Turkey produces excellent beers and wine – you will be enjoying the local “Raki”, cognacs, liquors, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices

Not included:
- International flights
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping of drivers and guides
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance

We reserve the right to increase the price in case of changes in taxes, entrance fees, domestic flights etc that we cannot control. The program may be altered but all sights will be covered. The farms will be reconfirmed a couple of weeks before arrival and might be changed against similar farms.

NB: The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons

Optional pre-tour in Romania

18.04.–23.04.2018 and 26.09.–01.10.2018

Day 1.: Arrival in Bucharest, 50 km (D)

Meet the guide and transfer to the hotel in the city centre. Dinner in one of the best known restaurants in Bucharest, “Caru cu Bere”, in the old, historical centre of Bucharest. Accommodation in 4* hotel in the city centre.

Day 2.: Bucharest – Pantelimon – Sibiu (B, L, D), 320 km, ~6 h transfer

In the morning, time for a city tour. The capital of Romania, with its character of the Parisian Bohemianism, is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, with a unique charm. Named “Le Petit Paris – The Little Paris” in the period between the two world wars, submitted to 50 years of communism and to the megalomania of dictator Ceausescu, Bucharest is today a city of contrasts that surprises the visitor at every step.
Transfer to Pantelimon to visit a dairy farm. Started in 1973 this farm is part of the elite farms for Holstein breed in Romania. Today there are about 500 heads, producing more than 5.000 liters of milk every day. It has several milk dispensers in Bucharest and, in June 2009, they also opened the first “Farm Park” in Romania, close to the dairy farm.
Lunch at the farm.
Transfer to Sibiu, following the beautiful Olt valley. On the way stop to visit Cozia monastery, with its main church dating 14th century and a wonderful blend of styles.
Later in the afternoon we arrive in Sibiu. Sibiu is known to exist from the 12th century, rising in prominence to become an important trading town. It was inhabited by Saxon merchants who formed themselves into guilds, fortifying the town to protect its wealth. Sibiu is packed full of fascinating sites to explore, from its ramparts and towers to its passageways linking the two parts of the town together. Accommodation in a 4* hotel located in the old city centre and then dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.

Day 3.: Sibiu – Cartisoara – Albota – Cobor – Viscri (B, L, D), 170 km, ~3 h 30 min transfer

In the morning transfer to Cartisoara where we get information about an agro-tourist group including: two animal farms, a slaughter house, a small meat production factory, a trout farm, guesthouse and several restaurants. We visit a small farm with Angus beef and guinea fowls and, depending on their activity at the moment, we might also get to see the slaughter house. Transfer towards Albota to visit the trout farm belonging to the same group. They have two Romanian breeds of trout: Curcubeu (Rainbow) and Fantanel.
Lunch at the trout farm with products from their farms.
In the afternoon transfer towards Cobor, where we visit an ecological farm – the land there has never been treated with fertilizers and pesticides. The farm has 55 Angus cows and 17 horses. In the late afternoon transfer to Viscri. Accommodation in a traditional peasant house, renovated to accommodate guests followed by a traditional dinner prepared by our hosts, accompanied by homemade brandy and wine.
During dinner we get to know the local agricultural association and discuss with one of the members.

Day 4.: Viscri – Rotbav – Bran – Brasov (B,L,D), 130 km, 2 h 45 min transfer

In the morning time to discover the village of Viscri – a Saxon village included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Take a ride in horse pulled carriages, visiting the surroundings and seeing some local traditional craftsmen at work.
Transfer to Rotbav to visit an interesting family farm – Catean farm – belonging to three brothers who started their business in 1998 following the family tradition of three generations. Now they have about 1.100 sheep, 100 cows, 9 horses, 100 ha arable land and 150 ha of pastures. They are producing several types of cheese with traditional receipts attested since 1412 and also different type of meat products and are selling in several supermarkets in the area.
Lunch at the farm with products from their own production.
Then we continue to Bran Castle – well known for its connection to Dracula’s legend, and the most visited place in Romania. This imposing structure is guarding the passing point between the two Romanian provinces: Walachia to the south and Transylvania to the north. In the late afternoon, city tour of Brasov, one of Transylvania’s major cities. Also known as Kronstadt due to the presence of German colonists as early as the 12th century, fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions. As one of the medieval Saxon’s seven walled citadels built in the 12th century – and its location at the intersection of the trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe – Brasov has been a popular destination throughout the ages.Dinner in a famous restaurant in the city centre and accommodation at a 3* hotel – medieval building located in the main square of the city.

Day 5.: Brasov – Azuga – Bucuresti (B,L,D), ~175 km, 3 h and 30 minutes transfer

In the morning we visit a local fruit and vegetables market in Brasov. We leave for Bucharest and on the way we visit the Rhein wine cellars, built in 1892, the ancient wine suppliers of the royal family of Romania, producing sparkling wine by the ‘champenoise” method. Sparkling wine tasting. Meeting with the specialist of the cellar who will explain the whole process of sparkling wine making. We have lunch at the Rhein cellar. In the afternoon we reach Bucharest and visit a local brewery producing one of the finest craft beers in town. Farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants in the historical centre of Bucharest and accommodation in a 4* hotel.

Day 6.: Bucharest – Henri Coanda International Airport (B), ~20 km, 1 h transfer

Depending on the time of your flight, time to discover the city.

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 950,-
Single room EUR 1100,-

Sevices included:

The package price does NOT include:
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude
- Air fare
- Anything else, which is not mention in “The package price includes”
- Travel insurance
- Flight Bucharest – Sofia (not included) ~ around 120 Euro/pers

Other information:
The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be
provided)

The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons