Immerse yourself in the cultural wonders of Bulgaria during this 8 day escorted tour of some of its most prestigious sites. Starting in the captivating city of Sofia, you will explore is 8,500 year history before moving on to see the fascinating towns and cities that cover the landscape. Explore the medieval towers at Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient Thracian kings at Kazanlak, and the stunning wall paintings of the Rila Monastery. Along the route you will travel through jaw dropping mountains, famous wine growing regions as well the valley of the roses, where rose oil is still made to this day. After absorbing all you can of this beautiful country, you will come full circle back to Sofia, having experienced all the Bulgaria has to offer.
8 days - from $2,875
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Fully escorted tour with a professional tour guide
- Traditional meals in authentic restaurants
- Train journey through Rhodope Mountain
- Wine tasting experience in Melnik
- Unique experience – overnight in a XIX century old houses in Leshten village
DAY 1 Sofia
Today you will arrive into the Capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and meet your tour group at your hotel after check in.
Stay at the Art Hotel Simona (3 star) or similar
Meals included: None
DAY 2 Sofia
After breakfast embark on a panoramic tour of this 8'500 year old city. Highlights include the 5th century St. Sofia Basilica, National Parliament; the ruins of the Roman Serdica and the medieval Boyana Church on the slopes of Mt. Vitosha. In the afternoon you have free time to further explore Sofia with a wander through the Vitosha Art Boulevard, with its boutiques, shops and cafes, recommended.
Tonight, you can take an optional tour to have dinner at a Bulgarian folk style restaurant with a folklore show.
Stay at the Art Hotel Simona (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo
This morning depart for Arbanassi, famous for its ancient, richly decorated churches and magnificent architecture. After a delicious home-cooked lunch with a local family depart for Bulgaria’s former capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Here, a city tour will show you historic Tsarevets Hill as well as the Patriarchal Church and Emperor Baldwin’s Tower. This evening enjoy some free time with a walk along the old trade street ‘Samovodska Charshia’ where there is an opportunity to shop for souvenirs
Stay at Hotel Kiev (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Veliko Tarnovo - Kazanlak - Rose Valley - Plovdiv
After breakfast visit the Etara Open-Air Museum where you will discover over 300 years of Bulgarian traditions, and then travel over the Shipka Pass to Kazanlak. A city tour of Kazanlak will visit the Historical Museum which houses the 4th century Thracian Kazanlak Tomb. Following the tour travel through the Valley of the Roses and stop at the Ethnographic Museum to learn about the production of Bulgarian rose oil, before continuing to Plovdiv.
Stay at the Park Hotel Plovdiv(3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Plovdiv - Leshten
This morning discover Plovdiv’s highlights on a walking tour through the beautiful Old Town and marvel at the 18th century Bulgarian architecture, Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques and 2nd century Roman amphitheatre
Depart to Dorkovo, famous for its pre-historic fossil remains, and visit the Paleontological Museum. Afterwards, you will visit a local carpet factory, before travelling by narrow gauge railway to Avramovo which offers magnificent views of the Rhodopes Mountains. Continue by road through lovely highland villages that have retained their 19th century charm to Leshten.
Note: According to the timetable of the train, the schedule for this day may change
Stay at a Leshten Rural House (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Leshten - Melnik - Sandanski
After breakfast, travel through the picturesque Pirin Mountains to Bulgaria’s most famous wine growing region, the Struma River Valley. Leave the Struma Valley for beautiful Melnik to see its natural ‘sand pyramid’ rock formations, and visit the Kordopulova Museum, built in the Bulgarian revivalist style, before a drive to the town of Sandanski, birthplace of Spartacus and now one of the biggest spa resorts in the country
Stay at the Spa hotel Spartak (formally St. Nikola) (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 Sandanski - Rila Monastery - Sofia
A morning departure for Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest spiritual centre. This 10th century monastery contains a rich collection of icons, wall-paintings and rare books and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Return to Sofia for a final evening at leisure.
Stay at the Art Hotel Simona (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Sofia
Your Authentic Bulgaria tour concludes with breakfast and a departure transfer for your onward journey
Meals included: Breakfast
- English-speaking driver/guide
- 4 star hotel accommodation
- 1 night at a Traditional rural house
- Train journey in Rhodopes mountains
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Wine tasting experience in Melnik
- Hotel porterage
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 7 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
Sightseeing tours:
- Sofia,
- Veliko,
- Kazanlak,
- Plovdiv
Entrance fees:
- The Church of St Sofia
- Alexander Nevski Cathedral
- The Boyana Church
- Veliko Tarnovo Fortress
- The Wax Silicone Figures Museum
- Etara Open Air Museum
- The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
- Rose oil distillery
- Plovdiv Ethnographical Museum
- Bishop’s Basilica of Philipopolis
- Dzhoumaya Mosque
- Rhodope carpet factory
- Kordopulova house museum
- Rila Monastery
| Authentic Bulgaria 4 star | ||
|---|---|---|
Twin/Double Single | ||
| 12 Oct 2024 | $3,745 $4,250 | |
| Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |
