Odysseia-In was a visionary project for its time, founded 28 years ago by Lubomir Popiordanov.
We invite you on this exclusive Ancient Civilizations trip which combines the highlights of the Thracian culture, starting from its megalithic sanctuaries to the refined art of the tomb paintings to the incredible ancient sites of Tatul and Perperikon. And all that garnished with the renowned coziness of the Bulgarian home and delicious home made food.
This Ancient Civilizations tour begin in Meet and assist at airport and direct two hours transfer to the Thracian temple of Starosel – the most grandiose Thracian king complex with mausoleum found until that moment. Afterwards continuation to Plovdiv: the second most important city in Bulgaria after the capital. Cultural visit of the old town of Plovdiv – the ethnographical museum, the church “St Konstantin and Elena”, the art gallery, the Amphitheatre. The atmosphere of the old town is shaped by the multitude of traditional Revival period houses and art galleries, its central square with a roman stadium,a mosque from the 16 centuries and an animated market street. Later: dinner in a traditional restaurant. Read more
Right after breakfast we will have a short morning transfer to Tchotrova Mahala in Rhodope Mountains for a round hiking trip with destination point Belintash. This is another impressing Thracian sanctuary of the type of megalithic structures. Legends will be enlivened by your guide’s tales at the very scene of ancient Thracian rituals – on the height of the rock. Depending on the chosen itinerary the hike can vary from 2 to 5h. Later: back to Plovdiv and second overnight in the same hotel. Read more
Today we head to the Valley of the Thracian Kings for a visit to Kazanlak tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from IVc. B.C. Later we will visit two other interesting tombs discovered recently – “Ostrusha” and “Goliama Kosmatka”, famous for the golden treasure found in them.
Today we go on to Kardjali, making stopover for a visit of the natural phenomenon “The Stone mushrooms”. Further we will walk into the steps of the ancient Thracians in their fortress Perperikon (15km from Kardjali). There we will find traces of all times since its construction in IV c. B.C. to its downfall in XIV c. The town of Kardjali has an interesting Museum of History with a large historical and ethnographical collection dating from Thracian times to contemporary times. Drive to the next place of accommodation in Zlatograd. Read more
Morning visit of the Ethnographical complex in Zlatograd: crafts and houses-museums. Then transfer to the Thracian temple in Tatul, the supposed tomb of Orpheus. A short hike will lead us to Harmankaya (about 3h), believed to be an ancient Thracian observatory. Later: back to Zlatograd for second overnight. orning visit of the Ethnographical complex in Zlatograd: crafts and houses-museums. Then transfer to the Thracian temple in Tatul, the supposed tomb of Orpheus. A short hike will lead us to Harmankaya (about 3h), believed to be an ancient Thracian observatory. Later: back to Zlatograd for second overnight. Read more
oday we will reach the heart of Rhodopi Mountains. Rhodopi are known as the ‘Land of Orpheus” mainly because of the endless myths and legends related with this enchanting musician. As a highlight of the day we will reach Orpheus rocks with wonderful views to the surrounding pristine pine forests. We will have our last panoramic picnic and will descend to Smolyan. In the afternoon: visit to the local Ethnographic museum and Planetarium. Read more
Today we go back to Sofia (3-hour transfer). Departure from Sofia airport or extension to the Black Sea Coast or to Rila & Pirin National Parks. Ancient Civilizations tour ends.
Lubomir Popiordanov, CEO of Odysseia-In, has a huge background: master of law, mountaineer, passionate traveler, photographer, painter, author of a book, producer of films, publisher and philanthropist, freelance journalist…!
Momchil is a mountain guide, who has turned his hobby – trekking and climbing in the mountains – into a profession. He prefers working in the high mountains, but also likes going to all places with beautiful and well preserved nature. He speaks French.
Denitsa leads many of our Spanish and English groups in summer. She is an active ecologist and in the front lines of the Bulgarian organizations for nature protection. She loves flowers and all little creatures on earth.
Simeon is passionate about travel and takes every opportunity to hit the road. It could be the dirt road on his bike, or the 1300steps to reach Machu Picchu, or the fresh snow up in the Mountains…He speaks English and Spanish.
Zornitsa or just "Zori" is really passionate about being in the mountains and exploring the world by hiking. She is qualified mountain guide in English and German language and works as an interpreter too.
Biliana is an experienced mountain guide. Her favorite mountain ranges are the alpine Rila and Pirin. She also has a passion for medieval art and music. Bilyana speaks German, English and Italian.
Martin is a very experienced mountain guide. Apart from that he is also a team-building instructor. Martin is a big fan of free riding and off piste skiing. Martin speaks Spanish, French and English.
Ivaylo is our wine expert - WSET® CERTIFIED Level 2 Wines & Spirits by the London Wine & Spirit School, also a certified tour guide. He speaks fluently English and German, regularly visits wine events in Bulgaria and also adores travelling.
Mihail or just Misho is a licensed mountain leader and in the summer is usually “outdoors”. He loves working in the field of responsible tourism and education of mountain guides. Mihail speaks German and English.
Mitko is a mountain guide with a lot of knowlidge about nature and wildlife. He has graduated the University of Forestry and leads summer and winter snowshoeing groups. Mitko speaks English and Spanish.
Stela is is a passionate traveler, nature enthusiast and active mother. She has graduated as Bachelor in Geology and International Travel and Tourism. Her interests are: hiking, ski-touring, folklore dances and children education.
Ivan has climbed 18 peaks in the Alps including Montblanc and Dufourspitze. Travelling a lot across the whole Balkan Peninsula, he has climbed almost each mountain in Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Romania and Montenegro.
Odysseia-In was a visionary project for its time, founded 28 years ago by Lubomir Popiordanov.
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