Deshka house in G. Draglishte
Among the beautiful nature, one can come in contact with the Bulgarian spirit and traditions. One can take part in the demonstrations of old local customs and songs, taste delicious homemade meals served with wine or hot rakia and see the craftsmen workshops.
Dobarsko
An old church in this traditional village is the highlight of this excursion because of the very impressive paintings that can be found in this church including a painting where Jesus is presented using a vehicle similar to a space craft. In Dobarsko one can also visit the 24 metre waterfall while ending this day tour with a very typical lunch in one of the traditional Mehanas.
Dancing Bears Park, Belitsa
Тhe bears that were forced to dance on hot surface by the gypsies can now be found in their new home ‘The Dancing Bears Rehabilitation Park’ in Belitsa founded by Bridgitte Bardot and foundation Vier Pfoten.
This park is situated 33 kilometres away from Balkan Jewel Complex and is found amongst natural forests, valleys and water areas. This activity is a nice experience for young children and animal-lovers because they will have the opportunity to watch these bears with only a fence dividing them.
Mineral Springs in Bania and Dobrinishte
Only 15 km away from the Balkan Jewel Resort there is the village of Bania, famous for its hot mineral springs. There are more than 70 mineral springs with average temperature of 58° С. The open swimming pool with mineral water, the public bath and the old Turkish bath (built in 1735) are an attraction for tourists.
Nearby the complex there is also another balneology resort - Dobrinishte. There are about 17 hot mineral springs in the town with an average temperature of 30 – 43° С. Balneo-treatments are offered in the public mineral bath and the open swimming pool.
Cave Exploration
Most caves in Bulgaria can be found in the west part of the Rhodope Mountains. The most famous caves are Yagodinska cave and Devil’s Throat having prehistoric paintings, stalactites and caves pearls. One day trips can be arranged including guide, transfers and lunch.
Kovachevitsa and Leshten
These two traditional villages can be visited together in a day trip. Their authentic look and revival houses will help you come in contact with the Bulgarian culture and customs. The thermo swimming pool in Ognyanovo could be visited upon request. There you can spoil yourself with spa treatments.
Melnik
The smallest town in Bulgaria (230 inhabitants) is well known for its tempting and delicious red wine traditional production. It is a known fact that Roman Emperors ordered wine from this village in early times and this tradition is still living till today. This one day tour to Melnik passes from Karlanovo to visit the Sands Pyramids and then continues to the Rozhen Monastery where one can get in touch with the phenomena of tranquility and serenity. This tour highlight is the wine tasting session and traditional lunch in Kordopulova Museum House.
Rila Monastery
The largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria is the Rila Monastery named after famous Bulgarian Saint and hermit Ivan of Rila. This monastery is surrounded by the Rila Mountain and to arrive to it a nice drive of about 1 hour takes you through splendid scenery. Up in the mountain one can breathe the fresh air and imagine how this Saint lived in the 10th Century in a cave without any material possessions. This tour is ideal for religious believers but also for people that love nature and want to come in touch with this sacred place. A lunch and a guide can also be arranged.
Rupite
This village includes a small mountainous protected area and is best known as the place where the Bulgarian supposed clairvoyant Baba Vanga lived and was buried. The area is in fact a crate of an extinct volcano, its appearance being shaped by the volcanic hill of Kozhuh. The thermal springs and the church and house where Baba Vanga lived can be visited.
