Buzludzha Monument and East Block Aviation: A Glimpse into Bulgaria's Communist Past
5.0
4 Ratings
Kazanluk
Explore Bulgaria's communist past with a visit to the iconic Buzludzha Monument and the impressive East Block aviation industry. Discover the history and grandeur of this era on a captivating tour.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Buzludzha Monument - At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Plovdiv and will have around 2 hours drive to our first point of interest- Buzludzha monument, which is one of the most notable from the socialist period After approximately a 3-hour scenic drive we will reach Buzludzha monument. It was erected in 1981 to commemorate socialism. Work on the monument began in 1974 and was undertaken by units of the Bulgarian Army assisted by numerous artisans responsible for the large statues and murals. After the government’s fall from power in 1989, the site was abandoned and left open to vandalism until recently. The monument was restored because of the incredible labor of many volunteers, artists, and experts from Bulgaria and other European countries.
- Dimitrovgrad - After the amazing visit to the Buzludzha monument, we will go down from the mountain and will drive toward one of the very few towns established during the Communist era. It is a very charming little town with wonderful parks and typical Communist monumental buildings. We will walk into the center and you will feel the atmosphere of the period.
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Air Museum Plovdiv - Our next stop will be the Museum of Aviation which is located on the grounds of the Plovdiv International Airport and houses a wide range of aircrafts, including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes.
One of the highlights of the museum is the MiG-21, which was a staple of the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War. The aircraft is in excellent condition and visitors can even climb inside the cockpit to get a feel for what it was like to fly one of these powerful machines. Another impressive feature of the museum is the collection of helicopters, including the iconic Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.
The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that provide a wealth of information about the history of aviation in Bulgaria and the role of the Bulgarian Air Force in world history, also an exhibition dedicated to the Space program.
After this interesting visit, we will drive back to Plovdiv. Your guide will drop you anywhere you like the city.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned transportation
- All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
Join us for an expedition through Bulgaria’s colourful past, with an emphasis on the renowned Buzludzha Monument and the remarkable accomplishments of the Eastern Block aviation sector. Constructed during the late 1970s, the Buzludzha Monument is an emblem of Bulgaria’s erstwhile communism and is an essential stop for those fascinated by the nation’s past.
The monument is perched atop a mountain and is reachable through a serpentine road. Our itinerary also includes an excursion to the East Block aviation museum, providing insights about the formidable achievements of the Eastern Block in aircraft warfare and their space programs during the Cold War period. Prepare to witness the power and splendour of the communist Bulgaria through this memorable tour!
Location
Buzludzha Monument
Central Stara Planina
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Guide20194246295
Mar 6, 2024
Best experience in Bulgaria! - Best experience in Bulgaria! If you like Soviet brutalism, then you will be served with the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party, and Dimitrograd. I loved this excursion, and the guide had lots of interesting things to tell about the Soviet era. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikept7567gg
Sep 11, 2023
Great experience with a very knowledgeable guide - I had the pleasure of doing this tour with Adrian. To say that he knows what he's talking about would be an understatement. He is a walking history book, not afraid of voicing his opinions, but always in a respectful manner. Great guy. Seeing Buzludzha was awesome, as was the walk through Dimitrovgrad with its socialist buildings. The Museum of Aviation was a nice bonus, and he arranged a guide to walk me through it. She was good, but to be perfectly honest, I would also have been happy to explore it on my own. Very nice trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bj_s
Jun 15, 2023
Bucket list item ticked off! Fantastic guide and Company. - Awesome trip and a bucket list item ticked off! Great experience from the initial booking to the communication with the operator. It’s a long day with a lot of driving but the car was very comfortable. Can’t speak highly enough of our guide ‘Evo’ who even though is very young was so incredibly knowledgeable of every single aspect of not only the monuments but of Bulgaria. It’s very clear he loves this country and I feel like I learnt so much about a country I knew nothing about!
Review provided by Viator
