Bulgaria Rowing Tour
Bulgaria offers something for every type of traveler.
September 16 – September 24, 2018
Bulgaria is an extraordinary country at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Its culture is a living history that combines Thracian, ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Roman influences. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to tourism opportunities. Whether you are a history buff, gastronome, or a beach fan, Bulgaria offers something for every type of traveler. The main stops in this trip are Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria), Plovdiv (some say the first settlement in Europe), Ruse (Iva’s hometown) and Burgas (as you can’t leave without spending some time by the magical Black Sea). While not too far from each other, they each have their own distinctive feels and personalities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Sofia and check in a hotel in center of town, close to all the main attractions. Enjoy some down time and get together for a welcome group dinner
Day 2
Row in the morning and in the afternoon we have planned a guided walking tour to see some of the main attractions in the Sofia center.
Day 3
Row in the morning and after lunch depart for Plovdiv. On the way visit the National History Museum, home of Bulgaria’s unique treasures. The building of the museum used to be a residence for Bulgaria’s former communist president. Before we reach Plovdiv we make another stop at a local village for wine tasting and dinner.
Day 4
Row in the morning and after a little free time and lunch on your own we meet for a guided tour of Plovdiv, an ancient city, voted European Capital of Culture for 2019. You’ll be surely intrigued by its partially unearthed roman stadium, most of it still laying underneath the central pedestrian street, a gorgeous Roman Amphiteater and the most delightful Old Town, full or architectural gems and artisan shops offering handmade souvenirs.
Day 5
Row in the morning and depart for Ruse, my hometown. On the way we visit one of a kind Ethnographic Village Museum, where you can still witness masters of old Bulgarian trades immersed in their work, and you can also purchase some handmade souvenirs. If time allows we can also go for a brief hike in the ruins of a Bulgarian Fortress.
Day 6
Row in Ruse on the same lake where I rowed from age 10-18, prior to being recruited to row for USC. You will get to meet my coach and we surely enjoy the support of some local rowers. In the afternoon take a walk around town or enjoy some relaxing time at the hotel’s spa before heading out to the country side for some wine tasting and dinner.
Day 7
Row in Ruse and depart for the city of Burgas. Before we check in at our brand new and simply wonderful beachfront hotel, we’ll stop for a stroll by two prominent landmarks along the Black Sea Coast, Cape Kaliakra and the Balchik Botanical gardens.
Day 8
Explore nearby Old Town Nessebar, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide. Enjoy some free time for the rest of the day before uniting for our last group dinner.
Day 9
Departure Day. Tour officially ends with hotel check out time.
Tour details
This once in a life time experience is priced at $3,750 (10% discount for iROW clients/previous tour participants). In other words, the trip is priced to include almost all costs while you are in Bulgaria with exception of any items of personal nature you may want to purchase. Beyond that all you need is your plane ticket and travel insurance.
$3,750
10% discount for iROW clients/previous tour participants
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8 nights upscale accommodations (2 in each location: Sofia, Plovdiv, Ruse and Burgas), double occupancy/Single supplement $550
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6 coached rowing sessions of about 1.5 hours (total block of about 3hrs) weather permitting
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All meals and drinks
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Alternative activities such as hiking, biking,
swimming, etc. as a substitute to rowing
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Guided tours in all of our destinations
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All fees associated with tour guides, museum visits, boat rentals
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Private transportation
We must have a minimum of 6 people signed up by June 1, 2018 in order to proceed with the trip. To sign up, please send a $1,000 non-refundable security deposit. This reserves your spot in the tour. The remaining amount is due on Aug 1, 2018. For questions, please contact Iva Boteva at iva@larowingcoach.com or 310.895.5506.