CSULB: Bulgaria & Greece (2023)

We will take a late afternoon/early evening flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. This will be an overnight flight with a stop in one of Europe’s large cities. Arrival in Sofia is on the afternoon of day 2 considering the 7-hour time difference.

We will arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria early/late afternoon. Check into hotel. You can explore in the late afternoon before heading off to a Welcome Dinner.

Enjoy a morning tour of Sofia and explore Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other historic landmarks.

Late in the afternoon we will travel to the Stone & Compass Center in Stolat, Bulgaria. This will be our home base for majority of our stay.

This morning we will visit The Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party, also known as the Buzludzha Monument. Afterward, we will visit the beautiful church – The Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ, which was officially opened in 1902.

Later this afternoon back at the center, we will work on assignment #1/ Class meeting/discussion on assigned readings.

Today you will enjoy a day trip to the 2nd Bulgarian empire’s capital city of Veliko Tarnovo. Here you will have the opportunity to climb Tsaravets Fortress which was the hub of this medieval city. Shopping, gelato, and traditional crafts make Veliko a favorite of all who visit. Participate in on-the-go lectures as we pass through hundreds of years of history.

Tonight, we have a special pizza dinner with Bulgarian Dancers back at the center

Today we day trip to Necopolis ad istrum. This ancient town is located near the village of Nikyup, the district of Veliko Turnovo, at 20 km from the town of Veliko Turnovo. Nicopolis ad Istrum was founded by the Roman Emperor Trajan after his victories over the Dacians in 101 and 106. It was built over an area of 30 hectares and is surrounded by fortress walls.

Word Day/Class meeting/discussion on assigned readings (afternoon) at the Stone & Compass Center.

Stone & Compass Center

Upon arrival in Thesaloniki, we will check into our hotel. Later this afternoon, we will go on a food tour, where you will have a chance to get a true taste of Thessaloniki’s cuisine on a food walk around the city. We will explore markets, try local delicacies, sip coffee and get food tips and history.

Start the day in the Upper City and stroll down to Lower City. Along the way admire the frescoes and mosaics of Osios David, Nikolaos Orphanos, and Profitias Elias. After a break for lunch and coffee, continue with a leisurely walk to view the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, and the Roman agora. Return to the hotel for dinner and much needed rest.

This evening we will have a Farewell Dinner at one of Sofia’s traditional Bulgarian restaurants, for your last chance to try your favorite Bulgarian food before you leave!

Wake today and cherish the memories you have made as we head back to the US.