Depart around 8am and arrive via Pazardchik at Plovdiv at 10am. Visit Plovdiv, the European Capital of Culture 2019, an ancient city with Roman, Persian and Ottoman influences. Check out its most famous cultural monument, the Arena Theater: a Roman amphitheatre in a strategic position on a hill above the city. Stroll through "The City of the Seven the Hills" a pedestrian area full of shops, terraces and galleries. Departure around 12:00

Continue for 23km your Bulgarian road trip to arrive around 12:30 into the impressive Rhodope Mountains and follow the winding road up to where you find the Fortress of Asen standing on a rocky ridge. The Fort was built in the 6th century during the rule of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great and the fort had an important strategic function during the Middle Ages. Ruined after the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, only the authentic church survived, but you will enjoy the great panoramic view from the top. Departure are 13:30.

After 15 minutes drive you will arrive at Bachkovo for lunch, we booked you a lunch at a rustique place by the river for you.