A picturesque country with more than 13 centuries of history, Bulgaria lies at the crossroads of East and West. Discover a land rich in ancient culture and heritage, where endless sandy beaches meet the shimmering emerald waters of the Black Sea, and majestic mountains reveal breathtaking gorges and caves. Explore clear lakes and rivers teeming with life, fertile valleys, and rejuvenating mineral springs, all complemented by warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and excellent local wines. Join this 8-day cultural journey and experience the vibrant capital Sofia, the “Pearl of the Black Sea” Nessebar, and the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery. Enjoy authentic village hospitality in Kjulevtscha village, visit remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and uncover many more hidden gems along the way.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Varna: the Bulgarian Black Sea capital is a must-see. Enjoy the picturesque views from one of the numerous beach restaurants, relax in the Sea Garden or discover the oldest processed gold in the world in the Archaeological museum in the town.
Nessebar: the “Pearl” of the Black Sea Coast. The Old Town of Nessebar will fascinate you with the numerous churches from the 13th century and the breathtaking sea views.
The Rose Valley: Breathe the aroma of the famous Bulgarian Rose and understand why it is called “Liquid gold”
Sofia: the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, will offer you a great variety of attractions: from ancient remains, rich museums and typical architecture to a pedestrian zone with numerous cafes, restaurants and fashion boutiques.
Veliko Tarnovo: the former Bulgarian capital will fascinate you with its magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill, the cobbled street of Samovodska charshia and the mastership of the local craftsmen.
1 giorno: ARRIVAL VARNA
Upon arrival at Varna Airport, transfer to your hotel in Varna and check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Varna.
2 giorno: VARNA – NESSEBAR – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV (450km – 6hrs)
Depart early, as today you have a very intriguing program, including two UNESCO sites. Start with the “Pearl” of the Black Sea Coast - the Old town of Nessebar. Follow your guide through the cobbled streets and explore the numerous churches from the 13th century. The narrow streets, the historical monuments and the old churches will turn time back to the days of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. Visit the church St. Stephen, which is one of the most important monuments of the Bulgarian cultural heritage. The church is unique not only because of its architectural style, but mostly because of its iconostasis and remarkable mural paintings. Enjoy your delicious lunch in the Old Town before heading off to the Rose Valley. After a picturesque drive, you will reach the town of Kazanlak, where you will visit the UNESCO-designated Thracian Tomb – dating back to 310 – 290 BC, impressing with its most well-preserved artworks from the Hellenistic world. You will visit a replica of the Tomb. As you are in the Rose Valley, it is a must to witness the unique rose production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Bulgarian Rose in a rose oil distillery or the Rose Museum in the town. Continue to Plovdiv.
Overnight in Plovdiv.
3 giorno: PLOVDIV - BANSKO (150km – 3hrs)
Heir of great civilizations, Plovdiv has a lot to offer – from ancient sites to bohemian quarters with great artistic cafes and ateliers. Start your day with a morning stroll in the maze alleys of the Old Town of Plovdiv to reach the first site for today – the Ethnographic museum (or Hindliyan House). Find out more about the lives of the rich merchants in medieval times. Optionally, you can visit the Roman Amphitheater. Built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Trayan (98 – 117 AD), it is one of the best-preserved antique theatres in the world. Explore this ancient site and embrace the chance to immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the cobbled streets before enjoying a delicious lunch in a typical restaurant in the Old Town. In the afternoon, depart for the famous mountain resort of Bansko. Admire the natural beauty while you travel through the Youndola pass and breathe in the fresh air near Avramovo – the highest train station on the Balkan Peninsula. Upon arrival in Bansko, enjoy a walk around the old town and learn more about the typical architecture of the fortified houses, built in the Revival period. In the evening, celebrate like a local with a picnic dinner in the mountains, accompanied by delicious food and live performances of traditional folk music.
Overnight in Bansko.
4 giorno: BANSKO – DOBARSKO – RILA MONASTERY – SOFIA (250km – 4hrs)
Your day will be dedicated to the Bulgarian Orthodox churches and the most significant monuments. Start with a short drive to the nearby village of Dobarsko to explore the church St. Theodor Tiron and St. Theodor Stratilat – a historical monument and functioning church, dating from 1614. The exceptional frescoes make it one of the most valuable examples of the Bulgarian pictorial art. Continue with a trip through Rila Mountain and enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant along the way. In the afternoon, you will reach the UNESCO-designated Rila monastery. Discover this magical place, an imposing building, representing the spirit of the Bulgarian Renaissance. In the evening, arrive in the Bulgarian capital – Sofia.
Overnight in Sofia.
5 giorno: SOFIA
Today you will discover the secrets of the Bulgarian capital. Start with a morning walking tour in the city centre and explore the biggest Orthodox Cathedral in Bulgaria - St. Alexander Nevski with an inside visit. Be impressed by its gold-plated cupola and the rich interior. Continue with a stroll around the most significant sights in the centre – St. George Rotonda, the Russian church St. Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. Stop for a well-deserved break and lunch in a typical Bulgarian restaurant in the centre. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated site – Boyana church, whose frescoes are considered to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art in Europe. Afterwards, enjoy your free time, or visit the National History Museum (optional, at an extra charge).
Overnight in Sofia.
6 giorno: SOFIA – ETARA – VELIKO TARNOVO (270km – 4hrs)
Start early from Sofia, as today you have a day full of interesting sites ahead of you. After a couple of hours driving through the natural landscapes of the countryside, you will reach Etara – an open-air museum representing a crafts village with workshops, using water as their main source of power. Explore the typical crafts for the region and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to the medieval capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Upon arrival, you will have a stroll along the old part of the town to reach the square in front of the magnificent fortress Tzarevetz. Admire the great landscapes and take memorable pictures before you explore the hidden gems on Crafts Street, Samovodska Charshia. In the evening, dinner with wine-tasting in a typical restaurant in the nearby village of Arbanassi or in Veliko Tarnovo.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
7 giorno: VELIKO TARNOVO – ARBANASSI - MADARA – VARNA (240km – 3hrs)
In the morning, drive to Arbanassi village to visit the famous Nativity church, which is known for its murals. Dating back to the 17th century, murals are a true example of a masterpiece. Continue your trip to the UNESCO-designated site, Madara rider. The only relief of this kind is carved high in the rocks in the plateau of Shumen. Find out more about the legends and mysteries of this place before you head off to a local home for lunch. In the village of Kyulevcha, the local ladies will welcome you with traditional songs and dances and will reveal to you the secrets of the heavenly, delicious home-made dishes. In the afternoon, continue your trip to the seaside and reach Burgas. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour in the pedestrian center, to find out more about the town and the most significant sites.
Overnight in Varna.
8 giorno: DEPARTURE VARNA
Enjoy your last delicious breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Varna Airport for your return flight.
Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes (including also swim suite, hat) for the beach stay. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
