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WELCOME RECEPTION (included in the registration fee) |
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| Тhe reception will be organised on 26th August 2018 at Panorama Restaurant of Park Hotel Moskva. It is included in the fee of all registered participants and accompanying persons. |
CONFERENCE DINNER
(upon personal payment)
The conference dinner will be held at Vodenitsata (water mill) Restaurant on 28th August 2018 at 20:00. It is a folk style establishment with typical Bulgarian cuisine, Bulgarian authentic music, and dances (including fire walking entertainment).
Nestinarstvo or the ritual of fire dancing on live coals, is an ancient Bulgarian custom, which has both Christian and pagan elements. It is believed to originate from the Thracians, and more accurately from their sun worship. St. Constantine and St. Helena are considered patrons of fire dancers.
The price is 40 Euro and includes a 4-course menu, drinks, show programme, and music, transport. Bookings can be made during registration.
TOURIST PROGRAMMES
Sofia Sightseeing Tour, 27th August, 17:30–20:00
(incl. in the registration fee)
The Bulgarian capital has much to offer with its well-preserved ancient history and modern spirit. Sofia has the buzz of a capital city and the convenience of a compact centre where all the main sights can be visited on foot. The walking tour along the central part introduces Saint Nedelya Church, Saint George Rotunda, National Drama Theatre, National Fine Arts Gallery, Saint Nicolas Russian Church, the Parliament, and Saint Alexander Nevski Memorial Church. This tour is included in the fee of all registered participants and accompanying persons.
Excursion to Rila Monastery, 29th August, 14:00–20:00
(upon personal payment)
Rila Monastery is the biggest operating convent in the country and one of the most important cultural sights in Bulgaria. It was founded in 10th century by Bulgarian monk Saint Yoan of Rila and rebuilt during 13–14 centuries. This is the period when a stone tower was erected by local feudal lord Hrelyo Dragovola. A bishop’s chair, a wood-carved door, some books, icons, and church plates are of the same period. 19th century frescos are remarkable. Nowadays, monastery preserves valuable Bulgarian written records: about 250 hand-written books of 11–19 centuries, 9000 incunabula, notated hand-written records, 19th century graphic prints, etc. Rila Monastery has been inscribed into UNESCO world cultural and Natural heritage list since 1983.
Price per person: 55 Euro
The price includes transport, guide in English, museum fee, and dinner.
Note: A minimum number of 10 participants is required to organise this event.
Wine Tasting at Starossel Wine Complex, 30th August, 09:30–17:00
(upon personal payment)
Thracians were known as famous and skilful masters of wine, as testified by the great poet Homer. For them the wine was a magical drink to give inspiration and strength. The consumption was an integral part of the rituals that they practiced.
We will take you to Starosel Winery, which was built in 2005 and is part of the complex for wine tourism, called Starossel, located at the foot of the biggest Thracian Temple Complex. The complex was found in 2000 and has a statute of a group archaeological monument of culture. This is the oldest ever-found royal Thracian complex with a mausoleum. It dates back to the end of 5th and the beginning of 4th century BC. The Thracian Temple Complex at Starosel covers six underhill temples, four of which are unique, as well as a few royal burials.
Price per person: 68 Euro
The price includes transport, guide in English, museum fee, wine tasting, and lunch.
Note: A minimum number of 10 participants is required to organise the event.
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS’ PROGRAMME
(included in the fee)
The following excursions are included in the spouse’s programme.
Excursion 1: Boyana Church and National History Museum
27th August, 09:00–13:00
Situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Boyana Church is one of the few complete and perfectly preserved mediaeval monuments testifying to significant contribution of Bulgarian monumental painting to the Middle Age European culture. This monument was included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list in 1979.
The tour will be highlighted by a visit of the National Museum of History. It is situated in a former governmental residence and a beautiful park and is one of the largest and richest history museums on the Balkan Peninsula.
Excursion 2: Town of Plovdiv
28th August, 09:00–17:00
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. Plovdiv is a picturesque town, with many parks and gardens, museums and archaeological monuments. Plovdiv’s appeal derives first from its lovely old town, largely restored to its mid-19th-century appearance and full of winding cobblestone streets. It is an imposing open-air museum situated on the three hills of the ancient Trimontium. The Old Town is literally packed with atmospheric house-museums and art galleries and, unlike many other cities with ‘old towns’, has eminent artists still living and working within its tranquil confines. One of the most remarkable sights, the Ancient Theatre (a well-preserved Roman theatre), is located there, and used today for open-air performances. Plovdiv has been selected for European Capital of Culture for the year 2019.
Participants can also book for the excursion to Plovdiv
Price per person: 68 Euro
The price includes transport, guide in English, museum fees, and lunch.