Farmville - Yogurt, Meat and Wine
‘A person engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials.’ Probably, this is the first simplistic definition, which comes to our mind when thinking about a farmer’s profession and vocation.
However, to be a successful farmer, one should first and foremost, love and respect the nature, demonstrate a passion for the outdoors, knowledge of agricultural machinery, and physical stamina. Last but not least, the farmer knows and respects the local traditions where his livelihood stems from.
Welcome to an inspiring journey through the magnificent nature and artisan traditions of the Balkan mountain region. During our trip, we are going to visit family businesses in key industries from various places and will get familiar with the farmer’s job in Bulgaria.
Our first stop will be the famous Ledenika cave, where we will see the variety of Bulgarian nature. The cave features an abundance of galleries and impressive karst formations including stalactites and stalagmites. А professional guide will explain the wonders inside and give us overview of the region and how it was formed. Afterwards, we will walk around the city of Vratsa and have a lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will be guests in the farm of Parshevitsa, one of the biggest dairy producers in Bulgaria. There, we will see the pedigree, milky goats, and small orangery with homegrown agricultures, free of any chemicals. The business owners - family Zorovi will make a presentation of their company along with cheese testing.
The next day we will be traveling to Troyan Monastery, which is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria and a pilgrimage site for many Christians. Inside, we will see an icon of St. George which is considered to have miraculous powers and the room where Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski was hiding during the Ottoman period. We’ll finish this amazing day in a cozy hotel in Troyan with traditional Bulgarian dinner.
Our next stop is Gabrovo city, well known for its clothes, leather goods, and accessories production, as well as manufactories for machine tools, footwear, electrical and textile machinery. There, Vatevi family -one of the biggest meat producers in Bulgaria, will present their family business, will make a demonstration of the meat producing process and testing of their delicious meat products.
The next day of our Farmville tour is dedicated to the family business of winery Chateau Copsa. We will witness the process of wine making and walk around the vineyards. Later, we will enjoy a wine testing with the best wines, selected especially for us by the owner. Mrs. Minkova will present interesting details about her family business as well.
Delighted by the beauty of all these places, we will travel back to Sofia. Our lunch will take place in a unique restaurant, blending traditions and newest trends, called Rocket Rakia Bar. The interior exhibits items linked to Bulgarian culture back in the days of Communism. Finally, we will experience Rakia, typical Bulgarian drink in various tastes.
Program
Please note that the program is subject to changes.
Sunday, 5 June
Arrival at Sofia Airport. Check-in to Millennium Hotel.
19:30 – 22:00 Informal dinner
Monday, 6 June
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
09:00 – 11:00 Travel to Ledenika Cave
11:00 – 12:30 Visit Ledenika Cave
13:10 – 14:30 Lunch in Green Hotel, Parshevitsa
14:30 – 17:30 Testing Bulgarian cheese bites and wine, meeting the business owner family Zorovi
18:00 – 18:30 Check-in to hotel Leva
18:30 – 20:00 Walk in the town of Vratsa
20:00 - 22:00 Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Tuesday, 7 June
09:00 – 10:00 Traditional Bulgarian breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel with mekitsa (deep fried flatbread)
11:00 - 13:30 Travel to Troyan Monastery
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch in Taverna Merak
15:00 – 16:30 Troyan Monastery
16:30 – 17:30 Travel to the hotel in Troyan
17:30 – 18:00 Check in to Chateau Montagne hotel in Troyan
18:00 - 19:00 Walking around Troyan
19:00 - 20:00 Free time
20:30 - 22:30 Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Wednesday, 8 June
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 – 10:30 Travel to Gabrovo
10:30 – 11:30 Family visit – „Tandem“ with the hosts Vatevi Family - tasting meat and learning the company story
11:30 – 13:30 Travel to Chateau Copsa
13:30 – 14:00 Check-in to Chateau Copsa
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch in Chateau Copsa
15:00 – 17:00 Wine testing, tour around and family business presentation
17:00 – 20:00 Free time, walk around the valley / Optional: walk in Karlovo
20:00 – 22:00 Dinner at Chateau Copsa
Thursday, 9 June
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast at the hotel
10:30 – 13:00 Travel to Sofia
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch in Sofia
15:00 Travel to the Summit venue
Useful information
• Arrival airport: Sofia Airport
• Recommended arrival date in the city: Sunday 5 June, afternoon
• Accommodation: shared rooms
• Dress code: wear comfortable casual clothes and shoes. Do not forget to bring a light jacket, because of the season and air-conditioning.
• Number of participants per learning journey is limited - first come first served! Approx 30 people per Learning Journey
• For any questions, please contact us: ljs@fbn.bg
Hosts: Tandem – V Ltd.