Continue your tour of Veliko Tarnovo by visiting one of the finest Bulgarian monasteries, located in a picturesque rocky area in close proximity to the city. Founded far back in the 14th century by Tsar Ivan Shishman of Bulgaria and his mother Sarah-Theodora, hence also known as Sara’s or Shishman’s, the monastery was plundered and destroyed multiple times. It was not fully reestablished until 1882, when some of the greatest masters of the Bulgarian Revival – Kolyu Ficheto and Zahari Zograf – took part in its restoration. Murals of the Last Judgement, and the Wheel of Life and many fine frescoes beautifully covering its outer façade, as well as the gold-plated iconostasis make the main monastery church a valuable example of the painting and woodcarving art of the Revival era. The monastery houses a museum exhibition of very old and precious manuscripts and books.
Sources: Тулешков, Н. Първомайстор Никола Фичев – живот и творчество (1800 -1881), С., 2001, с. 29-30; Тулешков, Н. Архитектура на българския манастир. С. Език и литература, № 4, 1981, с. 93-103; bulgariamonasteries.com; www.peika.bg; svetimesta.com
Departure to Velchevo village and visit to Kapinovo Monastery of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Departure to Kilifarevo Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos and visit to the Monastery
Lunch in Veliko Tarnovo
Departure to the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration – Preobrazhenie and visit to the Monastery
Free time in the city: visit to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, ”Tsarevets” Fortress, Trapezhitsa hill and the old part of Veliko Tarnovo
Overnight accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo
Visit to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo and Medieval Fortress of Cherven
Visit to the Orlova Chuka Cave
Lunch in Ruse
Departure to Caracal, Romania
Overnight accommodation in Caracal
Visit to the the Romanaţi Museum and the National Theatre Hall
Departure to Slatina
Lunch in Slatina area
Visit to the Clocociov Monastery
Visit to the Strehareți Monastery
Departure to Craiova
Dinner and overnight accommodation in Craiova
Lunch in Craiova
Visit to Madona Dudu Church and St. Demetrius Cathedral in Craiova
Visit to the Oltenia Museum, Craiova
Walk along the alleys of Nicolae Romanescu Park and free time in Craiova
Dinner and overnight accommodation in Craiova
Departure