Journey in the footsteps of Communism in Bulgaria – 7 days

Interior of the Buzludzha building (restricted access)

Thematic trip in Bulgaria: Journey in the footsteps of communism

Duration: 7 days, dates to choose.

Trip summary:

Bulgaria had a communist regime during 52 years, since 1947 until 1989, and for that reason it had the support of the USSR. Although it is currently a democracy and belongs to the European Union, from that communist stage there are many brands in the country: great monuments, factories, physiognomy of cities, and of course customs and culture. In this trip a tour of the country is made that allows a trip back in time, knowing that way of life in an instructive way and at the same time looking for the fun of an adventure trip.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sofia.

Pick up at Sofia Airport, welcomed by a Spanish speaking driver, Each tourist is given a communist era red tie. The transfer is made to a typical hotel of the communist era. Overnight in a hotel 4**** From Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Pravets – Pleven / aprox. 180 kilometres.

We started with Bulgarian breakfast - communist era style. Departure to Pravets, Todor Zhivkov's birthplace (the communist leader in Bulgaria in the period 1954-1989), you visit what was his house and is now a museum about his history. We will make a presentation on the History of Communism in Bulgaria. Then transfer to the city of Pleven, visit to “Epic of Pleven 1877” that it is a unique communist museum and building and that it is the most majestic monument to the military glory of Russia and to the Bulgarian-Russian friendship. It was established in memory of the 100 years anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1977 in which Russia collaborated. Overnight at a hotel in 3*** in Pleven of Soviet aesthetics.

Museum “Epic of Pleven 1877”

Day 3: Pleven – Arbanassi – Veliko Tarnovo / aprox .. 140 kilometres.

Departure to Arbanassi which is a town notable for the impressive architecture of the houses and churches with rich interior decoration., the wood carvings and wall paintings created in XVI – XVII century . lunch (optional) in an ex-communist residence in Arbanassi built in 1975 by former President Todor Zhivkov; nowadays the residence is a hotel. Then in the city of Veliko Tarnovo which is contiguous to Arbanassi (4 km) panoramic view of the medieval fortress of Tsarevets and walk along the typical Samovodska street in traditional Bulgarian style. Overnight at the Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo 4**** built in the time of communism and typical Soviet aesthetics.

Medieval fortress of Tsarevets

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo – Buzludzha – Kazanlak / aprox. 100 kilometres.

We visit the Buzludzha building. Actually Buzludzha is a historical mount in the Central Balkan mountain. The final battle between the Bulgarian rebels and the Turks took place on the Buzludzha in 1868. Shortly after, in the year 1891, followers of socialist ideas secretly gathered in this area to create an organized socialist movement. In memory of this act the Buzludzha Monument was built, one of the symbols of socialism in Bulgaria, click here to read more from Buzludzha.

Inauguration of the Buzludzha el building 23/08/1981

Buzludzhas abandoned today

In the city of Kazanlak, visit to a store representing the local plant for the manufacture of the famous AK-47 rifle (Kalashnikov rifle), used by many armies in the world for years, even currently. Then visit the Museum of Roses, where you will learn about the production of Bulgarian Rose oil, first world producer.

Accommodation in a hotel in 3*** around Kazanlak.

Day 5: Kazanlak – Sofia / 230 km aprox.

Transfer to Sofia, on the way we will make a stop to try the typical food and drink of the years 80 and 90: the boza, el airan, the banitza, etc…Arrival in Sofia around 13:00 h.

In Sofia you can visit the monuments of the communist era and other general tourist attractions such as the second-hand antiques market in the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, The National Assembly of Parliament, sculpture in Borisova garden, Soviet army monument, Bulgarian Army Theater, National Palace of Culture, the headquarters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (E.G), military Museum, and more.

Visit to the Museum of Socialist Art (closed on mondays), where you can see a short movie of the past, see some statues of the leaders and some art from this communist period in Bulgaria. Visit to Bell Park, built in 1979 by the daughter of Todor Zhivkov (Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Bulgaria since 1954 until 1989) in honor of all the children of the world. Then visit a neighborhood with typical Eastern aesthetics, with precast concrete blocks. At the time of communist society they used to be defined as buildings “without classes” with people who share the same living standards because all houses were the same in shape and size… Today a significant part of the Bulgarian population still lives in the old buildings from the communist era.

Overnight in a hotel 4**** From Sofia.

Antique street market from World War II and the Communist era

Day 6: Sofia – Trinkets – Radomir – Sofia / aprox .. 120 kilometres.

Pernik is the largest center for coal mining and heavy industry in Bulgaria. In 1899, Bulgaria's first electric power plant is installed in Pernik. Visit to the Mining Museum (closed on Sundays).

In the city of Radomir gray is the predominant color, surrounded by concrete apartment blocks, the visitor feels like going back to the socialist times on a trip back in time. Local stores are still poorly stocked, how was it during the time of communism. The city developed in the past due to the heavy industry plant based there. Return to Sofia – Farewell dinner at a communist-decorated restaurant (optional). Overnight in a hotel 4**** sofia stars.

Day 7: Sofia.

Breakfast at the hotel, free time and transfer to the airport depending on the flight departure time. Fired.

Chauffeured trip prices.

VAT included per person (with Spanish speaking driver throughout the trip, transfers, bed and breakfast) :

For more than 4 people or other types of room distribution, check price please.

What includes:

• Reception at Sofia airport upon arrival. • Spanish speaking chauffeur service throughout the program. • Transfers according to itinerary in a vehicle with air conditioning and driver throughout the program. • 6 nights of bed and breakfast in hotels of 3*** and 4****. • Transfer to Sofia airport on the day of departure. • Administration fees.

What is not included:

• Plane tickets. • Travel assistance insurance, nor rescue. • Tips and personal expenses. • Fuel costs, nor parking. • Entrances to tourist places: museums, monasteries, iglesias, strengths, caves,… • Optional excursions • Tour guide functions by the driver, the driver just drives, does not accompany visits unless a supplement is paid for this service.

Self-guided tour prices.

VAT included per person (with rental car included in the price, bed and breakfast) :

Optional.

• Russian retro car Chaika with driver in Sofia on day 1 Transfer from airport to hotel in a retro Soviet car (year 1984). Bulgarian music and typical Russian songs will play on the car radio.

• Add full board: Meals and dinners.

• Superior category hotels: 4**** oh 5*****.