Bulgarian Service Learning Spring Break Tour

Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria’s 7,000-year-old capital, and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Walk down the “Yellow Brick Road” as you pass through the historic section of Sofia and view sites from the time of Constantine the Great to post-communism and through to the modern day. Walk on a Roman road in the Ancient Complex of Serdica, see iconography of the Eastern Orthodox church at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and shop for unique souvenirs at the antique flea market.

Get some stretching in this morning because we’re going for a hike. Explore the beautiful Emen Gorge. Traverse some harrowing (but perfectly safe) walking bridges. And get refreshed in a watering hole beneath a waterfall (pictured).

Explore Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of Second Bulgarian Empire. Climb the steps of the medieval fortress of Tsarevets for panoramic views of this city and the river that winds around it. Inside the reconstructed church atop the fortress you will see unique modern frescoes reflecting the long history of this site.

Help restore a community era theater and culture center. End the day with a traditional dinner complete with Bulgarian performers sharing music, song, and dance.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Etara, a living museum featuring a traditional craft marketplace. Waterwheels power machinery used for woodcarving, pottery, weaving, and silversmithing, among others. Try traditional apple pastry from the bakery or Turkish coffee brewed over hot sand while you watch the artisans at work and shop for unique handcrafted items.

Today we will explore the Danube River, the physical geographic border with Romania and the second-longest river of Europe, which passes through ten countries.

Have one last morning coffee in the barn and enjoy the view before traveling back to Sofia for departure home