19 U S A ( To l l - f r e e ) 1- 877- 381- 2 9 14 E m a i l inf o@the culturalexperience.com Early Periods for exploration. Thence to the pretty spa town of Hisayra, dominated by its extant impressive, well-preserved ancient walls enclosing a remarkably retained irregular late Roman layout. Walk the walls and visit the Roman baths. Day 4 – Neolithic and Roman. Travel to the Neolithic house at Nova Zagora with its excellent museum, amazing displays and contents including early gold. At Karanova we find a settlement mound which exhibits successive occupation from the 6th Century to the 2nd Century BC, with slices cut out of the mound to reveal its chronological sequence. Thence to Stara Zagora (Roman Augusta Traiana) with its so called forum, fine sculptures, marble seating, Roman baths and a remarkable luxurious 4th century house with superb mosaics. Day 5 – Bulgarian history. Drive to the dominating Shipka Pass with its tremendous views. Those feeling fit enough can climb the many steps to the Russian monument commemorating the series of battles fought against the Turks in 1877/8 which helped secure independence, others can remain at the bottom enjoying a coffee ffee ff and breathtaking views. We visit the quaint water-powered village of Etar, where artisans in original houses produce rugs, wooden objects and leather goods, ending the day at the preserved town of Arbanassi with its excellent 17th and 18th Century frescos, timber buildings and fine church. Check in to our hotel in Veliko Tarnovo for two nights. Day 6 – Nicopolis ad Istrum and Novae. At the former we stroll down paved streets and immerse ourselves in this Roman Empire city with its wealth of inscriptions, monumental masonry blocks and extant buildings. Still a working site, archaeologists will reveal its latest secrets and their interpretations. On the southern extremity lies a remarkable early Byzantine city that was discovered and unearthed by our guide, Professor Poulter, between 1985 to 1996. Listen in-situ as he relates his discoveries and their important implications for our understanding of the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Thence tothe1stCenturylegionaryfortressofNovae with its later developed large extramural settlement, 3rd century hospital, principia, 6th century basilica, numerous inscriptions and fine views of the Danube. Day 7 – Sofia. Drive to Sofia and check in to our hotel for the last two nights. This afternoon we explore the recently exposed ruins of Roman Serdica, St George’s Rotunda, 5th century church of St Sophia and visit the national archaeological museum. Day 8 – Boyana and Rila. Enjoy the wonderful 12th century frescos in Boyana’s medieval church and the national history museum in the former palace of the communist leaders. We enjoy the spectacular drive up to Rila monastery with its dramatic setting picturesquely perched amongst the mountains. This reconstructed working monastery, built for both defence and worship, faithfully reflects its original style and boasts some fine but foreboding frescos. Day 9 – Depart. A late morning check-out from our hotel. Return flights from Sofia to London Rila Monastery Shipka Pass