Silversea Luxury Cruises A Bourgas

Discover Sozopol, one of the oldest European settlement, dating back to almost 3000 years ago. Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Holy Virgin Church and enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch on this half-day excursion.

Sozopol

Leave the port for a 45-minute scenic drive to Sozopol, one of the oldest European settlements, founded almost 3000 years ago. Named by the Greek colonizers Apolonia, the town developed as a thriving port and commercial center. A guided visit to the Archaeological Museum will acquaint you with the most peculiar details of the town's history and some fascinating discoveries made during recent excavations. Continue with a walk though cobbled streets and picturesque squares decorated by timber houses with charming small courtyards. Step inside one of these courtyards to discover one of Sozopol's gems: the Holy Virgin Church. Built in the 17th century and half dug into the ground it boasts a fine wood-carved iconostasis and marvelous icons. Having taken in the romantic ambience of Sozopol, continue to a local restaurant to experience the traditional Bulgarian cuisine. After a leisurely lunch, spend some free time in town before boarding your motor coach for the return ride to your awaiting ship.

Explore the Medieval history, traditions and flavours of Nessebur during this memorable, half-day excursion to the Old Town.

Bulgarian Countryside Drive

Depart Bourgas for the approximately 50 minutes scenic drive through the Bulgarian countryside before reaching the Medieval town of Nessebur.

Nessebur Walking Tour

Upon arrival begin a stroll through this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking past the ruins of the 14th-century St. Alliturgetos Church. Continue on for a visit to the 11th-century Church of St. Stephen, a prime example of Medieval Bulgarian architecture with a beautiful façade. Inside, view well-preserved, late-Medieval murals and 258 paintings, including more than 1,000 figures and an ornately carved bishop's throne.

Visit the ruins of the Church of St. Sophia, a remarkable monument of Byzantine architecture built in the late-5th century and rebuilt 400 years later. Afterwards, exterior photo stops are made at the St. John the Baptist and Christ Pantocrator churches. Nessebur's main landmark, the Church of Christ Pantocrator boasts spectacular architecture, houses an art gallery and ranks among the best-preserved churches in the Old Town.

Free Time

Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of time at leisure in the old town centre to browse the local shops, cafes and narrow streets.

Ethnographic Complex and Wine Tasting

Next, re-board your coach for the 30 minute drive to the Ethnographic Complex of Orizare village. This homestead museum is dedicated to Bulgarian crafts and folk traditions. Inside the house you may see old women weaving on looms and spinning wool, outside-various workshops representing artisans at work: pottering, woodcarving, pelt treatment, children souvenirs making, dressmaking and tailoring atelier. In the courtyard of the house you will see the place for coal fire burning at night and reviving the ancient pagan art of 'kouker' dancing or fire walking on hot coals. Do not miss out a private chapel with beautiful wood carved iconostasis and colorful murals.

Banitsa Demonstration and Folkloric Performance

Having explored the complex, enjoy the opportunity to taste traditional Bulgarian specialties and produce, and to observe a cooking demonstration of the famous Bulgarian banitsa, a cheese and egg pastry pie. Round off your Bulgarian experience with a light folklore performance by a local ensemble, introducing you to the rhythm, music, and dance of the vibrant Bulgarian folklore with its traditional costumes and haunting bagpipe sounds.

Return to Bourgas during a 50 minute countryside drive.

Join a pleasant half-day tour that offers you the opportunity to visit the beautiful resort of Pomorie combined with a Bulgarian wine tasting experience.

Pomorie

Departing from the pier in an air-conditioned coach, enjoy the 30 minute panoramic drive to the Pomorie resort, located on a small peninsula in the centre of the biggest salt pans in Bulgaria. The town was founded in the 4th century BC near the salty lake, which the ancient Thracians called "sacred" for its curative mud. The salt-pans surrounding Pomorie Lake, one of Bulgaria's main sources of salt, are nowadays renowned for its therapeutic mud baths. Sited upon a peninsula, Pomorie is a quiet, relaxed seaside town with a colourful fishing port.

St. George's Monastery

Pomorie is home to the only functioning monastery on the Black Sea coast. The monastery of St. George is a wonderful monument to medieval architecture, housing valuable icons from the 18 and 19th centuries. Glimpse into the life of the holy men who live in the monastery, and learn about the East-Orthodox Christian tradition through your guided visit to the monastery church.

Stratsin Winery

Pomorie is an important center of Bulgaria's flourishing wine producing industry. From the resort, drive approximately 40 minutes through rural Bulgarian scenery, to the Stratsin Winery. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the winery's owner, who will introduce you to the wine production in Stratsin, starting from the vine fields, through modern production facilities, to the aging room. Then, join a wine-tasting session of the winery's award winning wines. Taste two white wines, one rose, and one red wine complemented with a cheese and salami hors d'oeuvre. In the end, you will have the opportunity to purchase the wine of your choice if you so desire.

Conclude the tour with an approximate 45-minute return drive to the pier.