Sunny beach - Varna, Aladzha, Dolphins show

Balchik is a town of steep cobbled lanes flanked by quaint whitewashed and terracotta-tile-roofed cottages set below white chalk cliffs. An early Roman town closer to the shoreline was wiped out by a tidal wave, probably caused by an earthquake on an Aegean or Turkish fault line , so 'new' Balchik was rebuilt at a higher elevation in the 7th century AD. In 1913 the region around the town was annexed by Romania. It returned to Bulgarian sovereignty in 1940 but this short period of Romanian rule left the town the legacy of its greatest attraction - the Summer Palace of Queen Marie.

The English born Queen, consort to King Ferdinand of Romania, wanted a retreat from court life and this palace, built in early 1920s, was perfect.Set in 35hectares the palace is made up of several separate modest villas set at different height levels and distance from the sea with a stream, a waterfall and a church all linked by cobbled pathways - rather like a small village. One villa was for the use of the royal couple while others offered space for guests, courtiers and servants. An Italianate garden was planted along the seafront with seating areas to enjoy the views. The botanical gardens that grace the palace grounds were developed in the 1950s and now incorporate over 500 species of plant.

The palace and gardens hosts an annual arts festival in early July.

08:00 Departure from Sunny beach; 10.30 Arrival in Varna; 11.00 Visit to the Dolphinarium and observation of a splendid dolphin show; 12.30 Lunch; 14.00 Visit to the Aladzha Monastery –a monastery in a cave dating from 14 – 15th century; 15.30 Free time in Varna;  16.30 Departure from Varna;  18.00 Arrival in Sunny beach;

Costs: Adults: 85 bg leva Kids (5-12 years old): 45 bg leva

Booking contact: airportpickup.tripod.com/trips