At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your hotel/accommodation in Plovdiv and your journey in the East Rhodope will begin. Our first aim will be to reach and explore the amazing site of Perperikon. It is an archaeological site in Bulgaria that has a long and rich history, spanning from the Thracian civilisation (5th century BC to 5th century AD) to the medieval period. It is considered one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in Bulgaria. The site encompasses a palace complex, a sanctuary, and a fortress and is believed to have been a political, economic, and religious centre in the ancient Thracian kingdom. During the medieval period, Perperikon was occupied by the Byzantine Empire and was used as a military fortress to protect the region. The palace has impressive stone structures, including a large hall, a tower, and a courtyard. The sanctuary is believed to have been used for religious and mystical rituals, both in the Thracian and medieval periods.
After exploring the amazing city of Perperikon we will continue north and will pass through the regional big city - Haskovo. We will stop for a lunch in the city centre and will admire the biggest statue of Vergin Marry in the world. the monument has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus in the world. The Virgin Mary is the traditional patron saint of Haskovo. The Bulgarian National Revival-time Church of the Holy Mother of God, built from 1832 to 1837, was the first cathedral to be built in Haskovo in modern times.
On our way, we will visit a very interesting medieval mosque that was serving one of the biggest comers fair in the Ottoman empire- the one in Uzunzhovo, which was converted into an Orthodox Christian church at the beginning of the XX century. Part of the Caravanserai is still visible next to the church. The place is unique and definitely deserves a visit.
Our final stop of the day is a masterpiece of ancient art. The Thracian Tomb of Alexandrovo is a well-preserved ancient tomb located near the village of Alexandrovo, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria. It was discovered in 2000 and has been dated to the Hellenistic period, around the 3rd or 2nd century BC. The tomb is cut into a rock and is comprised of a central chamber and two side chambers. It is famous for its well-preserved frescoes and other decorations, which are considered to be among the finest examples of Thracian art. The frescoes depict scenes of daily life and religious rituals and offer a glimpse into the beliefs and customs of the ancient Thracians.
After we visit the tomb we will drive back to Plovdiv where your guide will return you to your hotel/accommodation.