Full Day tour from PLOVDIV to Bachkovo, Shiroka Laka & Vacha Dam

Embark on this journey through one of the most picturesque roads in the Rhodopes. Visit the second biggest monastery in the country and hear the incredible stories that are hiding within its confines. This tour will give you a unique opportunity to indulge in the traditional lifestyle of Rhodope people and to experience their food culture. Stopping at Shiroka Laka village, you will be introduced to the authentic architecture of the houses there. Our hosts will welcome you to take a look at the beautiful wood carved ceilings adorning the interiors of these monuments of history. Shiroka Laka is also famous as the birthplace of the unique folklore Rhodope music. After enjoying your specially prepared organic lunch, we will head back to Plovdiv passing through the scenic road of Vacha Dam. There, you will have the time to relax and drink your afternoon cup of tea/coffee while admiring the breathtaking view of the dam in front of you.

Itinerary

1. Bachkovo Monastery · 30 min

   Our first stop will be Bachkovo Monastery – the second in size and importance monastery in Bulgaria. Build as a center of Georgian monasticism the cloister witnessed the great struggles between the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Kingdom. It served as a clashing point of many cultures and religions, finally to came under the authority of the Bulgarian Exarchate in 1894. Follow your leader, who is by profession an art historian, to understand more about the history and symbolism embedded in the beautiful murals on the church walls and the rich collections of jewelry, coins, and old manuscripts preserved in the library.

2. 2 h

   Entering the central parts of the Rhodope Mountains, we will stop by the architectural village of Shiroka Laka, immersing ourselves in the authentic lifestyle of its dwellers. The old houses perched on both sides of the river bed represent the typical traits of the region’s architecture style. You will have the opportunity to pop in some of the well-preserved houses and admire the beauty of their detailed wooden interiors. As the birthplace of the magical Rhodope music, Shiroka Laka will reveal the secrets of the unique method of folklore singing and back pipe playing which originated in this area centuries ago. During such a cultural encounter, it is not possible to miss learning about the mystical culinary traditions of the local people. You will be welcomed in a traditional house for lunch where your hosts will enchant you with their stories and delicious specialties.

3. 30 min

   The last stop for the day will be the gorgeous Vacha dam, raising with the highest dam wall in the country – 144.5 meters. The reservoir is situated in the stunning gorge of river Vacha. Enjoy your afternoon tea/coffee break in this peaceful atmosphere and take your moment to feel the power of mother nature and the mesmerizing beauty of its creations.

What's included

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Professional Guide Services

What's not included

• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities

Meeting point

Start time

09:00

End point

Languages

In-person guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish

Travellers

• Child (4–11)
• Adult (12–99)

Options

• Full Day tour from PLOVDIV to Bachkovo, Shiroka Laka & Vacha Damfrom €120

  Pickup included

  Start time: 09:00

  In-person guide: German, Italian, Spanish, English, French

Additional information

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.