Traditional crafts holiday in Bulgaria

Our trip will start from Sofia Capital. From there we will have a direct transfer to Apriltsi village hidden in the Northern footsteps of the Balkan Range. On our way we will visit the third biggest Ortodox Sanctuary in Bulgaria – Troyan Monastery. The monastery guards a miraculous 17th c. icon of the Three-handed Virgin. Later, we will enjoy the colorful collection in the unique for Bulgaria National Crafts Museum of Troyan. The museum is situated in a 19th c. old house with traditional Revival Architecture. Each hall reveals us a new craft: pottery, woodcarving, traditional folk dresses, and icon painting

We start the day with a fresh home-made breakfast. Later we will enter into the crafty world of the pottery. The region of Troyan and Apriltsi is famous for its pottery. Works from the Troyan pottery masters is recognised internationally. One of these masters will be our teacher who will show us the main techniques of pottery art. At the end of our workshop we will have the opportunity to take home our pottery.

One of the best ways to discover the real Bulgarian spirit and traditions is through Bulgarian Folklore. By learning Bulgarian folk dances, you will get in touch with the Bulgarian everyday life from the last centuries. You will be introduced to the world of Bulgarian folk dancing by a personal tutor, who will show you the steps of the most common Horo. With a few steps of Bulgarian Horo you can easily enjoy taking part in local celebrations and festivities. It is fun and easy! This workshop is ideal for beginners.

Iconography as a form of religious art is special. It uses the beauty of the image to reach the spiritual dimension within us. It is more than just an artistic process, it is a spiritual journey for the artist. And a beautiful icon carries a message that is sublime. We will start the workshop with presentation of Ortodox traditions: iconography, praying, holidays. Later on, we will try to create an icon by using only wood, color and faith!

Today we will leave our workshop activities for a while to make a short visit to the Old Capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. The town is famous for its medieval castle-fortress called “Tzarevetz” and its craftsman’s street “Samovodska charshia”. There we will observe the craftsman in action. Veliko Tarnovo will encharm you with its steep cobbled streets and its dynamic art life. In the afternoon, we will visit Arbanassi village, situated on a nearby hill. The village is declared architectural reserve with houses representing the Bulgarian Renaissance from 17-18th century. The most outstanding house-museum in the village is Konstantzaliev’s house-museum. At the end of our tour we will visit the “Nativity of the Virgin” church with its beautiful frescoes. Later in the afternoon: transfer back to Apriltsi village.

After breakfast we will have a short transfer to the starting point of our hike. The path will lead us to the picturesque Pleven Hut, from where we will be revealed one of the most stunning views to Peak Botev (2376m – the highest in the Balkan Range). During our walk we will enjoy one of the best preserved beech forests in Europe. The trail is part of “Northern Hell” Nature Reserve – with steep slopes and jugged rocks. Once we arrive at the hut we will have picnic lunch and descend back to the bus for a relaxing afternoon.

Woodcarving is one of the best guarded Bulgarian traditions. In the past it was a major craft, especially in the mountain villages along the Balkan Range. This workshop will reveal you the beauty of the small details and the aroma of wood. The piece of art that will come upon your hands will be a life time present and a good memory from Bulgaria!

Transfer back to Sofia..