Ruled by a powerful warrior aristocracy, the ancient Thracians inhabited an area extending mostly over present-day Bulgaria. The Thracian civilization is regarded as one of the bedrocks of Bulgarian heritage evidenced by numerous archeological finds, uncovered tombs, rich gold and silver treasures. Thracian rulers and members of the nobility were buried in monumental stone tombs, which also served as places for ritual ceremonies to honor the deceased ruler, with offerings of rich funeral gifts. Approximately fifty such extraordinary burial tombs have been discovered in Thracian mounds in Bulgaria up to the present time. The tour's mileage is 900 km.
Day 1: Tour starts in Sofia. Meeting at the airport. If arriving schedule allows - a short ride to the village of Koprivshtitsa, otherwise overnight stay in Sofia. Welcome dinner.
Day 2: In the morning we will ride to the Starossel tomb - a recent phenomenal discovery in the summer of year 2000, dated back from the 4th-5th century BC. The uncovered two-chamber grave is approached by monumental stairs and a corridor and surrounded by a wall made out of some 4000 stone blocks. In the Starossel tomb archeologists have found a magnificent trove of relics, including a large gold funerary wreath, other gold jewelry, bronze shields, helmets and swords, and two sets of silver decorations for horses. The grave and its surroundings are also thought to have been an important religious site for Thracians dating from the stone age. After touring the tomb, we will be heading to the town of Kazanlak, where we will spend the night in a cozy hotel situated near Koprinka lake.
Day 3: On the next morning after breakfast, a short ride and a visit of the Kazanlak tomb - one of the most famous monuments of Thracian culture of the early 3rd century BC, included in the World Register of Historical Sites of UNESCO for its extraordinary art gallery. The scenes of funeral procession , the musicians, the Thracian ruler and his wife, the chariots, the horses and other depictions are all very interesting. After Kazanlak tomb you will visit Helvetika tomb uncovered near the town of Shipka, in the south foothills of the Balkan Range. The tomb dates back to the 4th century BC. The metal part of a Roman soldier's shoe found at the site indicates that the tomb may have been plundered as early as in Roman times. The Shipka Tombs are seven in total on an area of central Bulgaria considered to have been the Valley of the Thracian Kings. We will continue the day taking on the Shipka pass. On our way you will have lunch on top of Shipka pass, tasting the local specialty - the delicious Buffalo milk and then riding through the town of Gabrovo and Dryanovo monastery to the city of Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 4: On the next morning a ride to the town of Razgrad and then to the Sveshtary tomb which is arguably the finest Thracian tomb yet discovered in Bulgaria, located 7 km from the town of Isperih. Uncovered during excavations of a sepulchral mound it dates back to the first half of the 3rd century BC. The funeral rites, the building technique, the architectural design and the rich decoration, distinguished for Hellenistic models, provide evidence that a Thracian ruler has been buried there. From the Sveshtary tomb you will be riding to the city of Russe and spending the night there.
Day 5: On the last day of the tour, a full day ride to Sofia with a stop in the city of Pleven for lunch in Kailaka city park. Arriving in Sofia and transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- Tour guide riding its own motorcycle
- Motorcycle rental plus liability and comprehensive insurance
- All entrance fees for extra activities scheduled on this tour
- 4-night accommodation in 2 and 3-star hotels
- Transfer from/to Sofia airport
- 4 breakfasts and a welcome dinner
- Route map
- 24 hours phone support
- T-shirt
- Your pictures on your web site
Prices shown are per rider and double room occupancy. We also offer Supported tours that include back-up vehicle with driver, spare equipment and storage for participants' personal belongings and Guided tours. Passengers on guided tour pay 50 % of Rider's price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Motorcycle Tours
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