Brochure - The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo

Legend with a Future The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo represents a colourful palette of opportunities for recreation and entertainment. For those who are fond of history, the centuries reveal their mysteries in the cultural sights of the region. Destination Rila offers its numerous eco paths and walking routes to those who like eco tourism. To those who seek spiritual satisfaction, the old temples and monasteries offer peace and a place of solitude. The fans of active pursuits are greeted by the mountains amidst vertical rocks, rough waters and endless spaces. For those who seek the cosiness of home, the residents of the region will open both their hearts and homes greeting everyone with a warm "Welcome!"

Destination Rila invites you to an unforgettable journey to the land of mystic nature!

Cultural, Eco and Rural Tourism in the Region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

Where do I go Tourist destination Rila is a kaleidoscope of breath-taking natural scenes, rich historic heritage, legends and adventures.

Situated at a comfortable distance of about one hour from the capital Sofia, the region Dupnitsa-Rila-Boboshevo offers countless opportunities for cultural, eco, pilgrimage and active tourism. The predominant moderate continental climate with Mediterranean influence makes it an attractive destination with mild winter and long summer. Convenient transportation links connect the settlements in the region with other settlements in the country and abroad. Dupnitsa is the largest of the three towns. It takes

Destination Rila

pride in its centuries-long history and beautiful nature. The ruins of ancient fortresses, the clock tower dating back to the Bulgarian national revival, the well maintained parks and gardens are only a part of the town's sights. The town of Rila lies on the slopes of the majestic mountain bearing the same name, and fascinates the tourists with its wonderful nature. Through the town passes the only road leading to the world-known Rila Monastery "St. John of Rila" which is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

As a successor of ancient cultures, the town of Boboshevo and the region around it impress with numerous religious monuments and inspiring nature. Amateur ornithologists will find here their oasis on the territory of the protected zones for preservation of wild birds in Skrino and Boboshevo.

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www.go.dupnitsa.bg

Welcome to Dupnitsa Dupnitsa welcomes its guests with a diversity of cultural, natural and religious sights. The history of the town dates back to the late stone age. During the centuries, the town has existed under different names, but it has been known under its current name since XV century. The past of Dupnitsa is preserved in the ruins of an ancient fortress situated in the area Kulata, in the town's clock tower, in the rich fund of museum exhibits of the Municipal Historic Museum and its exhibitions. The building of the Mosque which today hosts the town's art gallery, can also speak about the past ages. It was built in the XVI century over the ruins of a Christian temple. Today, in its

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garden, you may fully relax in the heart of the town. A wonderful place to have a rest is also the most modern park in Bulgaria - "Rila", located at 1.5 km away from the centre of the town. Walking alleys, picnic places, swimming-pool, playgrounds and sports grounds make the park a preferred place not only by the residents of Dupnitsa.

Those who are fond of religious sights will be interested in the three temples in the town - "St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror", "St. Nikola" and "Holy Mother of God". In the village of Cherven breg, Dupnitsa region, a late Medieval chapel is preserved - "St. Spas" - a cultural sight. A visit to Dupnitsa and the region must include the impressive earth pyramids near the village of Dzherman, the stone river of moraines located in the area of the same name located near the river of Bistritsa and the Bistritsa waterfall.

Legend with a Future

Cultural, Eco and Rural Tourism in the Region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

www.go.dupnitsa.bg

Welcome to Boboshevo

Welcome to Rila Amidst the centuries-old forests of the Rila Mountain, the small same-name town of long history meets its visitors with warm hospitality. The town and the region offer entertainment for everyone - from visits to valuable cultural sights to extreme experiences in the Natural Park "Rila Monastery". The holy monastery, founded by St. St. John of Rila, is located 20 km away from the town. In the outskirts of Rila there is a vault dating back to I - II century A.D., the visit to which may be combined with a pleasant trip on the mountain eco paths. Within the town limits, those who are fond of historic sights may visit the residential district "Babinska mahala" which is preserved from the Revival and represents an architectural complex comprising houses, monastery school, and the church "St. Archangel Michael" dating back to XII-XIII century. Marked eco paths and tourist routes take enthusiasts through the inspiring natural scenes in the region.

Destination Rila

Myths, legends, inspiring nature, ancient history and the memory of St. John of Rila make Boboshevo and its region a must-visit destination for each traveller. The past of the town has left its traces in the area of Mardishte and the Medieval fortress Gradishteto, the ruins of which may be seen even today. In addition to the historic sights of the town and the nearby settlements, the municipality has also been blessed with many holy places - from the cave where St. John of Rila had spent 12 years of his life, the Medieval monastery where he had become a monk, to the church from the revival age "Holy Mother of God" which attracts the attention with its magnificent frescoes and 19 domes. One of the most recent monasteries in Bulgaria - the Ruen Monastery - meets the laymen in the mountain above the village of Skrino, Boboshevo region.

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The Spring of Local History A collection of historic sights remind of the ancient history of the tourist region Dupnitsa-Rila-Boboshevo. Its past meanders in the maze of past ages all the way back to the late stone age related to the first revealed data of settled life in this region.

History has left its mark on thousands of places in the area, and the human hand has collected them in the broad exhibition of the Municipal Historic Museum of Dupnitsa. The museum impresses with its rich fund encompassing all spheres of the history and culture of the town and its region. The urban and rural lifestyle in the area are presented in an ethnographic collection displayed in the home of the prominent resident of the town Vasil Demirevski (Zhelyo).

The beautiful building of the old mosque in Dupnitsa, an

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architectural monument of culture, today hosts the town's art gallery. The mosque was built in the XVI century over the ruins of an Orthodox church. The collection of pieces of art by talented brush-masters from the region and the entire country includes over 1000 exhibits. The pride of the region, the famous Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov the Master, is also represented through 37 of his canvasses. The lovely garden set up around the building of the gallery, calls for a short rest at the very bank of the river of Bistritsa.

The pretty town gardens are like an emblem of Dupnitsa.

Another emblem of the town is its clock tower located among green areas above the town square, revealing an excellent panoramic view to the heart of the town and the shiny domes of

Legend with a Future

Cultural, Eco and Rural Tourism in the Region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

the cathedral church "St. George". The tower was built in 1782, first as a battle tower of the bey, and then turned into a clock tower at the end of the century.

The gratitude of the residents of Dupnitsa for the heroic deed of those who had died for their homeland has found an expression in the large cross rising on a height north of the area Kulata (the Bone-vault). In 1994, in this place were reburied the mortal remains of 1200 officers, sergeants and soldiers from the VII Rila troop division who had died in the Military Hospital in the municipality during the Balkan War, the Second Balkan War and the First World War. In the same region were discovered and preserved the ruins of an Early Byzantine fortress of V-VI

Destination Rila

century which had existed until XII century. Another historic fortress in the region, parts of which may be seen even today, is the Medieval fortress "Gradishteto" situated to the north of Boboshevo. According to experts, the fortress dates back to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

An entire neighbourhood takes the visitors of the town of Rila to the times of the glorious Bulgarian Revival. The preserved houses and monastery school in the architectural complex Babinska mahala carry the memory of Bulgaria before its liberation, and the cemetery church "St. Archangel Michael", also a part of the complex, is a model of the Medieval church architecture. It is also among the few cross-in-square churches preserved in Bulgaria.

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www.go.dupnitsa.bg

Following the Steps of the Saint

The name of St. John of Rila is a compulsory part of the tourist destination DupnitsaRila-Boboshevo. The legends about the miracles he had made and the power of his healing prayers are still transmitted by word of mouth. The feast of the saint on October 19th is celebrated everywhere, and in Dupnitsa it is an official holiday of the town. The largest Bulgarian monastery, one of the most important symbols of the country - the Rila Monastery, was founded in X century by the Rila saint himself and was named after him. The magic of the holy monastery does not only lie within its unique architecture and its size. It carries its centuries-long atmosphere and spiritual

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emanation that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. One of the most recent Bulgarian monasteries also bears the name of the saint. The Ruen Monastery is located above the village of Skrino, in a close proximity to the cave where St. John of Rila had spent 12 years of his life in total isolation. The oldest monastery in the region - "St. Dimitar" - is the place where the Rila saint had devoted himself to God. Today, only the monastery church has remained from it. It is situated above Boboshevo and one can see valuable frescoes of XV century there. Numerous Medieval churches scattered throughout the entire region have been pillars of the faith during the centuries. In the village of Cherven breg, there is the chapel "St. Spas", and in the village of Vukovo - the two temples "St. Petka" and "St. Nikolay" - declared cultural monuments, in Boboshevo - the temples "St. Todor", "St. Atanas" and "St. Iliya", and in Rila - the cemetery church "St. Archangel Michael" in Babinska mahala.

Legend with a Future

Cultural, Eco and Rural Tourism in the Region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

The Magic of Natural Wealth In the fast pace of today, the centuries-old forests and the majestic peaks of the mountain are the oasis sought by the contemporary man longing for peace and silence. This is why the highest Bulgarian mountain - Rila, is among the most preferred destinations by nature-lovers.

On the territory of the municipalities of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo is situated a part of the National Park "Rila" - the "Promised Land" for rare and endangered plant and animal species, glacial lakes and unique mountain sceneries. Diverse routes take enthusiastic nature-lovers through the steep rocks and

Destination Rila

the mountain meadows of the park where one usually encounters wild goats, rock partridge, or representatives of the only highmountain population of ground squirrels. Only here one can see Rila primrose, Pawlowski lady’s mantle and Ornamental rhubarb.

On horseback, by bicycle, ski or on foot, everyone can see Rila in its diff erent seasonal attires and remain forever captured by its natural charm.

The natural park "Rila Monastery", a part of National Park "Rila", is a compulsory stop for tourists who, in addition to inspiring natural scenes, are also attracted by the secrets revealed by history. The territory of the park encompasses forests, mountain meadows, alpine areas, high peaks and moving sceneries, in addition to over 28 high mountain lakes in the heart of Rila mountain. Specialized

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www.go.dupnitsa.bg

botanic and eco paths introduce the rich biological diversity and the Bulgarian cultural and historic heritage to the visitors of the park. In the park, there is the most important monument of the Bulgarian culture and spirituality - the Rila Monastery, founded in the X century by St. John of Rila.

In addition to the parks, the region also takes pride in unique natural phenomena drawing the attention of both amateurs and experts. The earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman, the Bistritsa waterfall, and the area "Morenite" are remarkable for their attractive relief shapes in the region. The high rocky walls of Rila are interesting for the enthusiastic rock climbers.

The exceptionally beautiful rocky arc in the region of Cyril's meadow, which includes the peaks Zliya zab, Iglata, Kupenite,

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Lovnitsa, Orlovets and Eleni vrah, captivates with its remarkable appearance.

The magnificent view of flocks of birds flying over is typical for the Struma river valley which is the second largest migration route in terms of the number of birds - Via Aristotelis. Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Syrian Woodpecker may be seen in protected zone "Boboshevo", while White Stork, Eurasian Scops Owl, and Common Kingfisher may be noticed in protected zone "Skrino".

The diversity of natural sights, combined with cultural ones, makes the visit to tourist destination "Rila" a desired adventure offering countless opportunities for recreation and entertainment amidst nature.

Legend with a Future

Cultural, Eco and Rural Tourism in the Region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

Traditions Come to Life To meet with the local people, to show curiosity about their traditions and customs, to learn about their lifestyle and crafts, to celebrate with them - these are the things that make your stay in destination "Rila" fulfilling. The warm hospitality of the local people will make you fall in love with the place and the people.

The tasty local meals, the skilfully rolled banitsas, the ecologically clean products and the delicate drinks leave the taste of Rila in everyone who had come here for a long time. Your hosts will readily tell you interesting stories about the region and the old legends whose main character is often the Rila's Saint.

Destination Rila

In the evenings around the bonfire, in the mornings of the mountain, you will feel the mythical nature of this ancient region. You will discover the past in the folklore traditions and the local beliefs. The dynamics of the modern city often takes us far from the roots, from the earth which gives power and vitality, and reveals the bright colours of life, and destination Rila is a place where you can come back to them. It is the place where with your own hands you may gather healing herbs from the mountain slopes, fragrant mushrooms in the dense centuriesold forests, or prepare a typical dish supervised by local chefs. Rila and Boboshevo, and the villages of Pastuh, Pastra, Smochevo and Samoranovo offer hospitality in the cosiness of the rural lifestyle.

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www.go.dupnitsa.bg

Adventures in Rila The courage and endurance of those who have dared to challenge the nature will be tested in the tourist region Dupnitsa- Rila- Boboshevo. Raf ting on the rough spring waters of the Rilska river, kayaking on Struma, rock climbing in Rila mountain, mountain biking, of f-road trips on the hills. These are only a par t of the countless oppor tunities for spor ting pursuits and adventures amidst the nature of the region. The mountains Rila, Vlahina and Ruen are the per fec t star ting point for long walking trips through centuriesold forests. The beginners have at their disposal the easier

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eco paths that reveal magnif icent colour ful natural scenes.

The cosy mountain hostels greet warmly ever yone who has to spend the night in the mountain. In the region, hanggliding is of fered to those who want to f ly high above the ground. One may race with the wild wind even on horseback somewhere across the endless mountain meadows. Great oppor tunities to combine ac tive spor ting pursuits with cultural tourism are of fered in the region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo. A great par t of the walking routes either lead to or pass by religious and historic sights. Another way to combine the love for nature with histor y is to visit the Rila Monaster y and take trips amidst the wonder ful nature of the natural park of the same name.

Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

Following the Steps of History Themes Cultural tourism Duration 2 days of active pursuits, 1 night Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons.

Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa and Boboshevo Target groups The package is aimed at attracting tourists from the country and from foreign markets by presenting in an attractive and nontraditional manner the cultural heritage of the region.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages.

No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

Destination Rila

TWO-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa 10:30 Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum – with an option for a

lecture about the history of the region 11:30 Visit to the Art Gallery "Okoliiska kashta" 12:30 Lunch in a lifestyle tavern with typical regional meals 13:30 Departure for the village of Dzherman 14:00 Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman 15:00 Visit to the temple "St. Spas" in the village of Cherven breg –

the only preserved late Medieval church in Dupnitsa Municipality

dating back to 1500 17:00 Visit to the latest and most modern park "Rila" near the town

of Dupnitsa – with opportunity for diverse tourist attractions

(water wheels, swimming-pool, small zoo, theatre stages) 19:30 Dinner with folklore programme – preliminary organization required

A Legend Comes to Life

Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Visit to the Orthodox temples "St. Nikola", "Holy Mother of God"

and "St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror", as well as the

non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century in the town of Dupnitsa 11:00 Visit to the Clock tower and a short tour in the central part of

Dupnitsa – with an option for a lecture about the history and

famous people of the town 12:00 Lunch with local cuisine meals 13:00 Departure for the town of Boboshevo 14:00 Visit to the Ruen Monastery "St. John of Rila" and the birthplace

of St. John of Rila in the village of Skrino – with an option for a

lecture about the life and deeds of the saint 15:30 Visit to a protected area in the village of Skrino 16:30 Departure

Municipalities Rila

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TOURIST PACKAGES

TWO-DAY PACKAGES

Day 1 10:00 Visit to the prehistoric settlement in the area "Chardako" near

the village of Slatino where traces of life have been found from

5 thousand years B.C. 11:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Rila 12:30 Lunch with local cuisine meals 13:30 Visit to a masonry vault from I-II century, the museum collection

in the town of Rila and architectural complex "Babinska mahala" – with an option for demonstration of local crafts upon

preliminary request 14:30 Visit to cemetery church "St. Archangel Michael" with frescoes

dating back to XII-XIII century 16:00 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo – with an option

to taste local wines 19:30 Dinner

Themes Cultural tourism with an accent placed on the religious sights Duration 2 days of active pursuits, 1 night Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.

Target groups The package is suitable for both Bulgarian and foreign markets (including the Western European markets - Germany, UK, etc.).

Specific target groups are also the Bulgarian emigrants abroad, as well as foreigners who are residents or visitors of Sofia.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages.

No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

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Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Visit to convents "Orlitsa" (church St. Petar and Pavel") and

"Pchelino" (church "Uspenie Bogorodichno") – part of the

complex "Rila Monastery" 11:00 Arrival at the Rila Monastery and visit to the historic museum

of the monastery 12:00 Lunch in the monastery kitchen 13:00 A tour in Rila Monastery – with an option for a lecture about its

history and the life of St. John of Rila 14:00 Visit to hermitages "St. Evangelist Luke" and "St. John of Rila"

where the first grave of the saint was located 16:30 Departure

Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

The Spring of Local History Themes Cultural and Eco Tourism Duration 2 days of active pursuits, 1 night Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons.

Most suitable season: late spring, summer, and autumn.

Municipalities Boboshevo Target groups The package is intended to present in an attractive manner the cultural heritage of the region, and in the same time to satisfy the needs for adventures in a natural environment, and includes thematic (ornithological) routes.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages.

No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

Destination Rila

TWO-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Boboshevo 10:30 Visit to the Orthodox temples "St. Todor" X-XI century, "St. Atanas"

XVI century, "St. Iliya" XVII century and "Uspenie /Assumption/ of

the Holy Mother of God" XIX century – with an option for a lecture

about the history and traditions in the region of Boboshevo 12:30 Lunch with local meals 13:30 Visit to the birthplace of St. John of Rila – village of Skrino, the Ruen

Monastery "St. John of Rila" and the cave where the saint had

lived – in the Ruen Monastery, no visitors are allowed on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 16:30 Visit to the Boboshevo Monastery "St. Dimitar" 19:30 Dinner

*In January, the feast of wine is celebrated in the town of Boboshevo.

Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds "Boboshevo" and

an ornithological tour 12:30 Lunch with typical regional meals 13:00 Departure for the village of Vukovo 13:30 Visit to the churches "St. Petka" and "St. Nikolay", dating back to

XVI century 15:00 Departure

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TOURIST PACKAGES

TWO-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00

11:30 12:00

15:30 16:00

16:30

19:30

A Palette of Emotions Themes Ecotourism combined with extreme tourism Duration 2 days of active pursuits, 1 night Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons.

Most suitable season: late spring, summer, and early autumn.

Visit to architectural complex "Babinska mahala" and monastery school from XIX - among the first in Bulgaria Lunch with local meals Trip on eco path "Vodopadi Bohemia" and visit to consecrated ground "St. Nedelya".

Departure for the Rila Monastery A tour in the monastery – with an option for a lecture about the history of the Rila Monastery and the life of St. John of Rila Short trip to the hermitages "St. Evangelist Luke" and "St. John of Rila" Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed to sleep in the same room in the monastery

Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Departure for the town of Rila 10:00 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock

climbing) – by choice or depending on the season 14:00 Lunch with typical regional meals 15:00 Visit to cemetery church "St. Archangel Michael" 15:30 Departure

Municipalities Rila Target groups The package is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes, while giving an opportunity in an attractive manner to experience and touch the nature, culture and spirit of Destination Rila.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups. It is recommended that participants wear suitable equipment to ensure their comfort and safety during the trips and active pursuits.

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Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

Traditions Speak Themes Cultural tourism with an accent placed on the ethnographic heritage Duration 3 days of active pursuits, 2 nights Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Boboshevo and Rila Target groups The package in intended for Bulgarian and foreign tourists interested in the Bulgarian folklore, traditions and cuisine, presenting in an attractive and nontraditional manner the cultural heritage of the region.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages.

No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

Destination Rila

THREE-DAY PACKAGE Day 1 10:00 10:30

12:00 13:00

15:00

16:30

19:30

Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum, the Art Gallery "Okoliiska kashta", the Clock Tower and the ethnographic collection of the town Lunch with local meals Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) – with an option for a lecture about the region's history for groups or by preliminary arrangement Visit to the temple "St. Spas" in the village of Cherven breg – the only preserved late Medieval church in Dupnitsa Municipality dating back to 1500 A tour of the religious temples in the town of Dupnitsa – "St. Nikola", "Holy Mother of God" and "St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror", as well as the non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century Dinner with local meals and wines – with an option for folklore programme by preliminary arrangement

Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Departure for the town of Boboshevo 10:00 Visit to the religious temples of the town, monastery "St. Dimitar"

and the Ruen Monastery "St. John of Rila" – with an option for a

guide's lecture 12:00 Lunch in the town of Boboshevo

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TOURIST PACKAGES

THREE-DAY PACKAGE 13:00 14:00

15:00

16:00 19:00

Departure for the Rila Monastery Visit to convents "Orlitsa" (church "St. Petar and Pavel") and "Pchelino" (church "Uspenie Bogorodichno") – part of the complex "Rila Monastery" A tour in Rila Monastery – with an option for a lecture about the history of the monastery and the life of St. John of Rila Visit to the cave where St. John of Rila had lived Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed to sleep in the same room in the monastery

Day 3 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Departure for the town of Rila 10:30 Visit to the ethnographic collection of the town 12:00 Lunch in a traditional tavern 13:00 Visit to architectural complex "Babinska mahala" – with an option

for demonstration of local customs by preliminary arrangement 14:00 Visit to cemetery church "St. Archangel Michael" with frescoes

dating back to XII-XIII century 14:30 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo – with an option

to taste local wines 17:00 Departure

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Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

The Magic of Natural Wealth

Themes Ecotourism combined with extreme tourism Duration 4 days of active pursuits, 3 nights Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons.

Most suitable season: spring, summer, and early autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Rila, Boboshevo Target groups The product is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes, while giving an opportunity in an attractive manner to experience and touch the nature, culture and spirit of Destination Rila.

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:00 19:00

Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman Lunch with traditional regional meals Departure for the village of Bistritsa Visit to the Bistritsa waterfall and a tour in the area Dinner in the town of Dupnitsa

Day 2 07:30 Breakfast 08:00 Departure for the Rila Monastery 09:00 Trip on selected route (to the Fish Lakes, the Dry Lake,

on dendrological route; to the Seven Rila Lakes) – each has a

marking, different degree of difficulty and duration 12:30 Lunch outdoors

TOURIST PACKAGES

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 3 08:00 Breakfast 08:30 Departure for the town of Rila 09:30 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock

climbing) – by choice or depending on the season 13:30 Lunch in a traditional tavern 15:00 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds "Boboshevo" –

with an option for a lecture about the bird species in the region 16:30 Departure for the town of Dupnitsa 17:30 Accommodation in Dupnitsa and free time 19:30 Dinner Day 4 08:00 Breakfast 08:30 Departure

*Return to the Rila Monastery (or the nearby lodging places) in case of short routes, or overnight stay in a mountain hostel for the longer routes

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups. It is recommended that participants wear suitable equipment to ensure their comfort and safety during the trips and active pursuits.

Destination Rila

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Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

To the Roots of History

Themes Eco and cultural tourism with an accent placed on the ethnographic heritage Duration 4 days of active pursuits, 3 nights Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons.

Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Boboshevo and Rila Target groups The package in intended for Bulgarian and foreign tourists interested in the Bulgarian folklore, traditions and cuisine, and who also need active recreation and adventures in a natural environment.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages.

No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

Destination Rila

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00 10:30

11:30 12:30 13:30

16:00

19:30

Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum – with an option for a lecture about the history of the region Visit to the Art Gallery "Okoliiska kashta" Lunch with local meals Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) near Dupnitsa and the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman A tour of the Orthodox temples in Dupnitsa – "St. Nikola", "Holy Mother of God" and "St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror", as well as the non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century Dinner with local meals and wines

Day 2 08:30 Breakfast 09:00 Departure for the town of Boboshevo 09:30 Visit to the Boboshevo Monastery "St. Dimitar" and the Ruen

Monastery "St. John of Rila" 11:30 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds "Boboshevo" 13:00 Lunch in Boboshevo with typical regional meals 14:00 Departure for the town of Rila 14:30 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo 16:00 Accommodation in the town of Rila 16:30 Visit to the cultural and religious sights of the town – with

an option for a guide's lecture 19:30 Dinner with folklore programme – on preliminary request

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TOURIST PACKAGES

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 3 08:30 Breakfast 09:30 Departure for the Rila Monastery 10:00 Visit to the historic museum to the monastery and

the Hrelyo's tower 12:00 Lunch in the monastery kitchen 13:00 Visit to hermitages "St. John of Rila" and "St. Luke" – short trip

in the reserve "Rilomanastirska gora" on a marked route 19:00 Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of

the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed

to sleep in the same room in the monastery Day 4 08:00 Breakfast 08:30 Trip in the Natural Park "Rila Monastery". Free time amidst nature.

12:30 Lunch in a mountain hostel 14:30 Visit to convents "Orlitsa" (church St. Petar and Pavel") and

"Pchelino" (church "Uspenie Bogorodichno") – with an option

for guide's lectures 16:30 Departure

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Legend with a Future

TOURIST PACKAGES

Adventures amidst

the Magical Nature Themes Ecotourism combined with extreme tourism Duration 4 days of active pursuits, 3 nights Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons.

Most suitable season: spring, summer, and early autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 1 10:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Rila 10:30 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock

climbing) - by choice or depending on the season 14:00 Lunch with local cuisine meals 17:00 Visit to cultural sights in the town of Rila 19:30 Dinner Day 2 07:30 Breakfast 08:00 Trip on a marked route from the Rila Monastery to mountain

hostel "Ivan Vazov" and National park "Rila", and accommodation

in the hostel – the trip takes about 4 hours and 30 min.

13:00 Lunch 14:00 Free time amidst nature

*upon request, climbing Vazov peak (Damga peak) – the trip takes

about 1 hour

19:00 Dinner

Target groups The product is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes.

TOURIST PACKAGES

FOUR-DAY PACKAGES Day 3 07:30 Breakfast 08:00 Trip to the village of Bistritsa on a marked route – the trip takes

about 5 hours and 30 min.

13:30 Visit to the Bistritsa waterfall 14:30 Lunch 15:30 Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman 16:30 Accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa and free time

*upon request, a short tour of the cultural sights of the town 19:00 Dinner with local meals and wines Day 4 08:00 Breakfast 08:30 Departure for the town of Boboshevo 09:30 Visit to the prehistoric settlement in the area "Chardako" near

the village of Slatino 12:30 Lunch 13:30 Visit to protected zone "Skrino", the birthplace of St. John of Rila –

village of Skrino, and the Ruen Monastery "St. John of Rila" 16:00 Departure

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups.

It is recommended that participants wear special equipment.

Destination Rila

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Legend with a Future

Project tourist packages "Tourist Region Rila“ 1. Two-day package “Following the Steps of History” 2. Two-day package "A Legend Comes to Life" 3. Two-day package "The Spring of Local History" 4. Two-day package “A Palette of Emotions” 5. Three-day package "Traditions speak..."

Information TIC Rila Vazrazhdane Sq. Phone: 0701/98 403, 0886 89 89 56 E-mail: rila_dianaivanova@abv.bg; tic.rila@abv.bg Working hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Dupnitsa Railway Station Phone: 0701/218 366, 31 127

6. Three-day package "The Magic of Natural Wealth" 7. Four-day package "To the Roots of History" 8. Four-day package "Adventures amidst the Magical Nature"

cultural sight

natural sight

Dupnitsa Bus Station Phone: 0701/40 854

rural tourism

information centre