Explore the fascinating country of Bulgaria on this 10 day escorted tour through its unique landscape and history. After exploring the capital city of Sofia, you will journey on through mountains and valleys. Along the way discover monuments to ancient empires such as the Romans and the Thracians, experience the religious buildings that have made this country so diverse, including the magnificent medieval frescos at the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, and most of all enjoy rich and interesting culture that brings out the best of Bulgaria.
10 days - from $4,540
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maximum of 10 passengers per tour
- Leave the capital to the foothills of Vitosha Mountain where you will be shown the fantastic Boyana Church
- Enjoy time in Shumen, an area believed to contain healing properties
- See the world renowned, UNESCO heritage, frescos at the Rila Monastery
- Enter the Rose valley, filled with Thracian archaeological finds as well as modern day rose oil distilleries
DAY 1 Sofia
Welcome to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia! You will meet you driver in the arrivals hall of the airport, who will then transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring this fascinating city.
Stay at the St. George hotel (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 Sofia
Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the city. Emperor Constantine called this place "My Rome" and has ben inhabited for over 8,500 years. Visit the forum of the Ancient Serdica which contains the most recent archaeological discoveries of the ancient city. Continue onto St Nedelya Square where you will find the four major religions of Bulgaria, the Orthodox church, Catholic church, Synagogue and Mosque. You will also get to see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as well as many other highlights.
The tour continues to the outskirts of the city where you visit the Boyana church. The church is one the of best preserved monuments of Eastern-medieval art. After a full day of exploration, the afternoon is yours to walk around the city yourself.
Stay at the St. George hotel (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Sofia - Arbanassi - Veliko Tarnovo
Arbanassi village is the first stop for the day as you leave the capital. The village is famed for its ancient and richly decorated churches, once the residence of the Bulgarian king. Next depart for the old capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. On arrival, visit the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower. Also, get to Walk along the old Trade Street “Samovodska charshia”, where you will have the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs.
Stay at the Hotel Terazini (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 4 Veliko Tarnovo - Shumen – Varna
Following breakfast you will travel on to Shumen town. Here you will visit the architecture reserve which contains a 25 metre bas relief of the Madara Horseman. The entire area is seen to have health benefits just by being there! Onwards to Archaeological complex at Pliska, home to once the largest orthodox basilica in Southeast Europe. You will then finish the day in Varna, the sea capital of Bulgaria. Along the journey you will stop at the "Stone Forest", surrounded by stone pillars thousands of years old.
Stay at the Hotel Divesta (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Varna
The day starts with a day tour of Varna, as well as visiting the local museum containing the oldest processed gold in the world. Travel on to Balchik "the white town" where you will visit the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria before returning back to Varna for the night.
Stay at the Hotel Divesta (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Varna – Nessebar – Sozopol – Ropotamo – Burgas
Today your fist stop will be at the ancient town of Nessbar. The town is one of the best preserved medieval sites in the Balkans, with over 40 churches from the ages. Here you will enjoy the atmosphere and indulge in a lunch at a local restaurant. The next location is the town of Sozopol, founded by the Greeks and home to relics of St John the Baptist.
Stay at the Hotel Aqua (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 7 Burgas - Kazanlak – Plovdiv
Set off to Kazanlak, the capital of the Rose valley and Thracian Kings. On arrival a tour will follow. Visit the Historical Museum, which houses a collection of bronze and gold treasures, as well the replica of Thracian Kazanlak Tomb, dating back to the 4th c. B.C. It is listed in the world natural and historical heritage of UNESCO. Continue on to visit an authentic Rose oil distillery where they have been making it since 1909. In the late afternoon you will reach Plovdiv which is where you will stay for the night.
Stay at the Park Hotel Plovdiv (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 8 Plovdiv
Following breakfast you will embark on a walking tour of Plovdiv where you will see the highlights of the old town such as the church of St Constantine and St Helena, the Roman stadium, and the Dzhoumaya Mosque. Your next stop will be the Bachkovo Monastery. Founded in the 11th century, this fantastic medieval monastery contains amazing frescos, with the icon to the virgin Mary considered to be miraculous. You will then return to Plovdiv in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is your to explore further.
Stay at the Park Hotel Plovdiv (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Plovdiv – Rila Monastery – Sofia
The Rila Monastery is on the order for the day, Bulgaria's largest spiritual centre since the Middle Ages, located in a picturesque mountain area. The Rila Monastery has a rich collection of icons and wall-paintings. Whilst here have lunch at the nearby restaurant, famous for its dishes of mountain trout, and afterwards continue back to Sofia.
Stay at the St. George Hotel (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 10 Sofia
Your trip has now come to an end with our transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Stay at the St. George Hotel (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
- Escorted by a professional English-speaking Tour Manager
- 3 star hotel accommodation
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 9 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
Sightseeing tours:
- Sofia
- Varna
- Plovdiv
Entrance fees:
- Boyana Church
- Tsarevets Hill
- Pliska archaeological complex
- Pobitite Kamani Rock Formations
- Varna archaeological museum
- Queen Maria’s summer residence Balchik
- Kazanlak historical museum
- Kazanlak Thracian tomb
- Rose oil distillery
- Bachkovo Monastery
- Rila Monastery
| Best of Bulgaria | ||
|---|---|---|
Twin/Double Single | ||
| 9 May 2025 | $4,540 $5,050 | |
| 13 Jun 2025 | $4,540 $5,050 | |
| 15 Aug 2025 | $4,540 $5,050 | |
| Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |
