Oborishte, Sofia, Bulgaria photo by Neil Carey — Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
Reserve a place now on this extraordinary trip.
Home to rich forests and richer folklore, Bulgaria is a place of mystery and magic. Deluxe Kosher Tours is proud to offer you insight not only into the beauty of Bulgaria itself, but also a chance to explore the storied Jewish heritage of the region.
Romania is a place where the mysterious wonder of Old Europe still remains strong — despite the threats of the modern world — Romania is a place where you can rediscover the magic of Old Europe: gypsy music, Chassidic tradition, Medieval towns, horses, carriages, and a still-thriving agricultural tradition.
Sunday, August 2, 2010 In Transit
Depart for Bulgaria’s beautiful capital, Sofia.
Read blog post “Sofia, Bulgaria, Offers a Compelling Story of Jewish History”
Monday, August 3, 2010 Sofia
Upon your arrival to Sofia airport, Deluxe Kosher Tours will give you a warm Bulgarian welcome and introduce you to the magic of Sofia. Located in the midst of the majestic Balkans, Sofia is one of the most historic cities in Europe, with a history spanning nearly 7,000 years. Reachable by three mountain passes — which lead to the Adriatic, Black, and Aegean seas — Sofia is an oasis of tranquility that nevertheless stands at a cultural crossroads, combining the best of Aegean, Central, and Eastern Europe. Once ruled by Philip of Macedonia, and later Alexander the Great, Sofia also retains Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influence – as well as a strong tradition of Jewish life; the city’s first synagogue was built in 967 CE.
Tuesday, August 4, 2010 Sofia
After breakfast, visit the Sephardic Synagogue, a majestic example of the fusion of Byzantine and Moorish styles. One of Sofia’s most beautiful monuments, the synagogue is also a chance to catch a glimpse of Sofia’s Jewish history: the synagogue houses a collection of cultural treasures documenting the saving of all 50,000 of Bulgaria’s Jews during WWII. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Sofia — including its Roman fortifications and 4th century frescoes.
Deluxe Kosher Tours will also give you a chance to see the National Art Gallery, in the former Royal Palace, for a collection of some of Bulgaria’s finest artwork. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to see the moving film “Beyond Hitler’s Grasp: The Heroic Rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews.” Dine at a local restaurant in the evening for a slice of local color. Finally, rest your head at the luxurious Sheraton Hotel.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Sandanski, Bulgaria, Has the Power to Heal and Restore”
Wednesday, August 5, 2010 Sofia-Sandanski
This morning, Deluxe Kosher Tours will take you on a beautiful mountain excursion to the enchanting resort town of Sandanski. On your way, visit the charming Rila Monastery — one of Bulgaria’s best-preserved and most beautiful, now a national museum. According to legend, the monastery was founded by the 10th century hermit St. John of Rila, during the reign of Tsar Peter. While his relics are on display in the church, St. John is believed to have in fact lived in a series of caves a few kilometres from the complex. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is impressive not only for its architecture, but also for the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it.
After lunch at a mountainside restaurant, arrive in Sandanski, where you should expect to be fully pampered at your spa-hotel, including a visit to the famed therapeutic hot pools. Dinner will be at the hotel, the Interhotel Sandanski.
Thursday, August 6, 2010 Sandanski-Melnik-Sandanski
After breakfast at the hotel, depart late in the morning for Melnik: a gorgeous gem of a town celebrated not only for its architecture — primarily the national revival style — but also for its rock formations and red wine — the latter of which was a favorite of Winston Churchill. After a wine-tasting and lunch at a local restaurant, return to Sandanski for a further afternoon of relaxation, massages, and sunbathing against the glorious backdrop of the scenery.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “The Beauty of Plovdiv, Bulgaria Shines From Far Away”
Friday, August 7, 2010 Sandanski-Plovdiv
Bid a fond farewell to Sandanski today as you travel to the historical town of Plovdiv. On the way, Deluxe Kosher Tours will offer you the opportunity to stop at the beautiful mountain town of Samokav, famous for the Sarafska house, once the home of one of Bulgaria’s most prominent and influential Jewish families: the Arie. You will also stop at Borovets, one of the Rila Mountains’ most famous ski resorts. Upon your arrival in Plovdiv, check into the Trimontium-Princess hotel before spending a Friday night dinner with members of Bulgaria’s Jewish community.
Saturday, August 8, 2010 Plovdiv
Spend Shabbat at Plovdiv’s synagogue interacting with the Jewish community of the area, and exploring Plovdiv. Plovdiv is rich in Thracian history, and still retains echoes of its millennia-old past. The Thracians appear prominently in Greek mythology and legend, and the city’s Roman amphitheater, built under Trajan, serves as a testament to Plovdiv’s Classical past.
Spend time in the Old Town, built in the 18th and 19th centuries: the city’s historical center is a classic of Bulgarian National Revival Architecture.
Sunday, August 9, 2010 Plovdiv-Kazanlak-Veliko Tarnovo
Say goodbye to Plovdiv; today you take a scenic drive through the celebrated Valley of Roses and the historically rich Shipka Pass of the Balkans. On your way, visit Kazanlak — one of the most important towns in the Valley of Roses and famous as the home of the precious Bulgarian rose oil — central to many of the world’s most beautiful perfumes. Learn more about the roses of Bulgaria with a trip to the Museum of the Rose, where you will discover more about these historically exquisite blooms.
The pleasures of the Valley are centered not only around its nature, however, but also around its rich history: artifacts of the Thracian culture dominate the landscape. You will explore a 4th century BCE Thracian tomb and learn from a lecture on Thracian culture and history. Dine at a local restaurant. Finally, conclude the day in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will check into the charming Grand Hotel Yantra.
Monday, August 10, 2010 Veliko Tarnovo
Overlooking the serene Yantra River, Veliko Turnovo’s winding, cobblestone streets wrap around regions of ancient ruins and striking architecture. The capital of the Medieval Second Bulgarian Kingdown, Veliko Tarnovo was the epicenter for much of Bulgarian culture, literature, art, and history for centuries. The first Bulgarian constitution was ratified here.
In the morning, visit the former location of the Royal Palace, the fortress of Tsarevets Hill, and the Museum of the National Revival. In the afternoon, spend time in the enchanting village museum of Arbanassi, storied for its traditional Bulgarian facades, and explore the narrow streets of the ancient Samovedene Marketplace.
Tuesday, August 11, 2010 Veliko Tarnovo-Sofia
After breakfast, return to Sofia, stopping along the way at Tryavna — celebrated for its long-standing tradition of wood-working, as well as for its Bulgarian Revial architecture. After checking in to your Sofia hotel, spend your last day in Bulgaria at your leisure.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “The Mystique of Brasov, Romania”
Wednesday, August 12, 2010 Brasov
Breathtaking mountainous terrain awaits us as we voyage through the Carpathian Mountains to Brasov. Nestled below steep, craggy, tree-clad mountains, this beautiful town is the most visited city in Romania after Bucharest. The Jewish Temple in this historic and bustling Transylvanian city was built in 1901. Tour of the old town, a blend of centuries-old buildings and trendy chill out bars.
Thursday, August 13, 2010 Brasov
Drive to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, a favorite among fans of romantic Transylvanian castles. Visit the castle. Experience the medieval Old Town, and visit the Brasov Synagogue Transfer to Sinaia, an elegant ski resort that boasts up the country’s most fabulous castle, Peles Castle. Visit the castle.
Friday, August 14, 2010 Bucharest
Journey to Bucharest, accommodation in Venezia Hotel 4* for 2 nights. We explore the main sites of Jewish interest in Bucharest, who once had a large and important Jewish Community. Today, it numbers about 4000. Meet a representative of the Bucharest Jewish Community. Visit to the Choral Temple, the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum housed in the former Akhdut Kodesh (Holy Union) Synagogue. Visit to the Jewish State Theatre, with a tradition of 125 years, still opened and performing.
Our tour of Bucharest also includes entrance to the Palace of Parliament (the largest building in Europe and second largest in the world,after the building of the US Pentagon) and a walk in the Historic Centre.
Shabbat, August 15, 2010 Bucharest
Shabbat in Bucharest with the Jewish Community.
Sunday, August 16, 2010 Gura Humorului
You have the opportunity to visit a few of the regions painted monasteries, among the greatest artistic monuments in Europe and UNESCO World Heritages Sites. The painted exterior walls, decorated with 15th and 16th-century frescoes, are considered masterpieces of Byzantine art.
Monday, August 17, 2010 Iasi
Departure to Iasi, the capital of Moldavia from 1565 to 1862. Today is a lively cultural, university and commercial centre in the northeast corner of Romania. In the 1920s, the nearly 45,000 Jews made up more than half the local population and more than 110 synagogues were in operation.
Tuesday, August 18, 2010 Piatra Neamt
Continue to Piatra Neamt, beautifully situated in the forested foothills of the Carpathians. Visit the Ba’al Shem Tov Synagogue (Cathedral Synagogue), one of the most fascinating and precious synagogues in Romania. It was built of wood in 1766. The Leipziger Synagogue next door was originally built in 1839 and reconstructed after a fire in 1904.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Jewish History and Culture in Bucharest, Romania”
Wednesday, August 19, 2010 Bucharest
We return to Bucharest. A last opportunity for city sightseeing and shopping (your own arrangements) in Bucharest. Farewell Dinner in Bucharest in evening.
Thursday, August 20, 2010 Bucharest
After a goodbye breakfast at the hotel, Deluxe Kosher Tours will bid farewell to you at the Bucharest Airport as you depart for your flight home.
COST PER PERSON
$6,495 based on double occupancy (two to a room)
Includes air fare from: New York
LAND ONLY (no air fare included – even domestics) – $5,295
ADDITIONAL COSTS
• Visa fees for non-US citizens (if applicable)
• Snacks or items of a personal nature
• Single Supplement – $995
HOTELS
Sofia – Dedeman Princess
Sandanski – Interhotel
Plovdiv – Dedeman Trimontsium
Veliko Tarnovo – Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo
Iasi – Grand Hotel Traian
Bucharest – Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest hotel
Piatra Neamt – Hotel Ceahlau
Bucovina – Hotel Best Western Bucovina
ITINERARY & HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IF THERE’S A FLUCTUATION IN CURRENCY OF MORE THAN 4% FROM JANUARY 1, 2010
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCREASE IN AIRLINE FUEL CHARGES
Reserve a place now on this extraordinary trip.
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