COUNTRY GUIDE

• For dinner the excellent Shastlivetsa is a great place to eat the local cuisine and it's only a few minutes around the corner from the hotel. Apart from the National   Theatre there is Opera and Concerts for a bit of culture.

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“Plovdiv is the biggest and loveliest of all cities. Its beauty shines from faraway.”                                                                                     - Lucian of Samosata, Ancient Greek satirist (120 – 200 A.D.)

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 5  Plovdiv - 4N

• Hop on a train  down to Plovdiv - Bulgaria's hidden treasure. It has around 8,000   years of history, is the oldest city in Europe and ranked the 6th oldest living city in  the world. Meet the friendly laid back locals and learn why they love the idea of aylyak.

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• It is one of the many cities built on 7 hills but one of the hills were used to pave the Old Town's winding cobblestone streets. It is a wonderful area with restored old buildings and a Bohemian Quarter with restaurants, bars and a lively nightlife.     There are Roman ruins, hot springs and so much to see you'll probably need to extend your stay.

1. Stay at or near Kapana Plovdiv - in an excellent location in the Bohemian Quarter​

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• Start off with a trip next door to the bakery to pick up a few treats to fortify you for your wanderings. Next head down through the Old Town to the Ancient Roman Theatre to see if there are any shows on you'd like to catch. From here backtrack to the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. You are now on the main street and longest pedestrian street (1.8 kms) in Europe - Knayz Alexander I Street. It goes from the Central Square in the south to the pedestrian bridge across the Maritsa River in the north. Turn right and go exploring. It will lead you to the river. You should be able     to find a good coffee, ice cream and pre dinner aperitif. Find a good spot and do some people watching.

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• Head back to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for dinner and a night out in     the Kapana.

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6 Wednesday

• Start the day with brunch after a bit of a sleep in. A free walking tour starts at            11 am outside the Municipal Building on the main street about a 10 minute walk   from the hotel. It's always good to hear a few stories from the locals. Just show up and they last around 2 hours. 

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• Hopefully all of that walking has rekindled your appetite. If not just have a coffee or   a cocktail or something. There are a heap of cafes near the walking tour pick up location. Find one with outdoor tables and chairs and watch the world go by.

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• 2 options after lunch. Do a secret tour (choice of 3) or visit the Secret House of Tastings in the Old Town to sample the local Rakia. As it's secret you might have to ask the locals where it is. Both are walking distance.

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• When you're ready start strolling up the hill to Nebet Tepe (the birth certificate of Plovdiv). After you're finished scrambling around the ruins and taking in the views     of Plovdiv make your way to nearby Rahat Tepe. A well known beer garden with  great food and views. Stick around for sunset and dinner.

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• Wander down to the main street and see if there is anything going on. See a show    at the Roman Theatre or have a look through this for something you like.

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7 Thursday

• Off for a bicycle tour of town today to get a bit further out. Plovdiv is known as the  "Cyclist's City" and has over 60 kms of bike lanes. You cannot ride in the main street so   just walk the bike to avoid fines. This route only crosses it. Don't forget your bathers / swimmers / togs / budgie smugglers or whatever you like to call them. It's a 5 minute     walk up to Plovdiv Bike Rent.  Pick up your chariot then ride down to vegan friendly Raffy Bar & Gelato. They do a breakfast menu until noon including cooked English, French    toast and Omelettes. 

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1.  Ride through the Tsar Simeon's Garden and past the Singing Fountains where you will      be returning to later on tonight.

2. Next stop is the highest hill (around 300 metres) in Plovdiv, the hill with many names. Two   of them being Youth Hill and Dzhendem Tepe. You can ride around the base of the hill     on the Children's Railway. It takes about 25 minutes. Or you could walk up the relatively easy 3 km path or try riding up to reach some of the best views in the city. Coming down should be a hoot.

3. Continue on for a lap or two at the bike park at Otdih i Cultura Park

4. Next door is the Rowing Canal aka the Grebnata where you will find food, and beer   houses and somewhere you can sit down and relax. Fried fish, chips and beer is popular here.The channel is 2200 metres long and has a bike path around it. So if you have to   much energy go for a lap or two.

5. Time to cool off and relax those muscles. Ride to the Aqua Park at the Saint Petersburg Hotel. It has 5 pools, casacades, waterfalls, fountains, caves, a water bar and 4 cocktail   bars. It closes at 7pm so you should get plenty of time here.

6. If you are interested the History Museum of Plovdiv and adjoining Regional    Archaeological Museum are on your way back to the bike rental place. Drop the bike off and go home to get ready for the evening.