Type of Transport: Bus
Duration: 1 Day
Route: Sofia - Buzludzha - Shipka - Tomb of "Golyama Kosmatka" - Sofia
Departure from Sofia: Departure at 6:30 AM from Serdika Bus Station.
Travel Itinerary:
First Stop: Buzludzha Monument (Hadzhi Dimitar Peak)
Located in the Central Balkan Mountains, this is Bulgaria's largest ideological monument from the communist era. Built near the country's geographic center, construction began in 1974 with the participation of over 600 workers, including soldiers, students, and craftsmen. After the political changes in 1989, the monument fell into disrepair. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Balkan Mountains, with remnants of workers' slogans and vibrant graffiti on its walls.
Second Stop: Shipka Peak and the Freedom Monument
The Shipka Freedom Monument is part of the National Park-Museum Shipka, located at Shipka Peak (1,326 m). Built with donations from the Bulgarian people, it was inaugurated on August 26, 1934. The 31.5-meter-high monument is reached via 890 steps and features a bronze lion guarding the entrance, symbolizing Bulgaria. Inside, exhibits include a marble sarcophagus with the remains of Shipka defenders, soldiers' personal items, medals, photographs, weapons, and documents. The top floor offers a stunning panoramic view.
Third Stop: Memorial Church of the Nativity in Shipka
The church was built with donations from ordinary people in Russia and Bulgaria, initiated by Count Nikolay Ignatyev and Olga Skobeleva. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1902 under Russian architects. The opening coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Shipka battle. Originally a Russian property, the church was gifted to Bulgaria in 1934. Declared a cultural monument in 1970, it is part of the Shipka-Buzludzha historical reserve.
Free Time for Lunch
Final Stop: Tomb of "Golyama Kosmatka" near Shipka
Discovered in 2004 by Dr. Georgi Kitov, this is one of the most magnificent and richest Thracian tombs in Bulgaria. The intact tomb contains the remains of a Thracian king buried with his horse. The tomb’s scale and the value of the treasures suggest it belonged to a prominent Thracian ruler, possibly Seuthes III, the ruler of the Thracian city Seuthopolis.
Return to Sofia: Arrival in the evening.
The price includes:
Transport by bus
Visit to Buzludzha - Shipka (entrance fee not included)
Visit to the town of Shipka
Visit to the "Golyama Kosmatka" Tomb (entrance fee not included)
Tour guide from the agency
The price does not include:
Personal expenses
Entrance fees:
Shipka Monument: Adults - 3.00 BGN, Students and Pensioners - 1.00 BGN
Golyama Kosmatka Tomb: Adults - 6.00 BGN, Students (school and university) - 2.00 BGN
Important:
Entrance fees listed are current as of the program's publication date. The tour operator is not responsible for any changes to these fees. Tourists are required to pay the applicable entrance fees at the time of travel.
Other Information:
Payment:
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Note:
The agency reserves the right to change the sequence of the program.
Children under the age of 18 must travel with an accompanying adult.
Minimum group size: 30 participants.
Notification period: If the minimum group size is not met, participants will be informed at least 2 days before the departure date.
Important:
Tourists are required to wear low, comfortable, closed shoes with good grip (e.g., sneakers; sandals are not recommended).
Remember, good preparation is key to an enjoyable excursion!
The route is accessible to tourists without health issues related to legs, heart, or other medical conditions.
It is recommended to bring packed food and water.
