The Best of Bulgaria
Bulgaria 42.7° N / 25.5° E
“There is a land where everything is alive – the nature, the history, and the soul of the
people.”
— Ivan Vazov (Bulgarian writer, poet, and patriarch of Bulgarian literature)
The Spirit of Travel
Sofia, Rila, Plovdiv, the Black Sea, Veliko Tarnovo… Names that tell stories, preserve spirit, and awaken the senses. Discover Bulgaria through a journey across the centuries – from royal capitals and sacred monasteries to charming villages and beaches overlooking antiquity.
From the golden domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the mysterious frescoes of Arbanasi, you will be guided by locals who carry the culture and stories of this land. In the nature of Rila, taste authentic dishes prepared with love and local ingredients before immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the UNESCO-protected Rila Monastery.
In Plovdiv, stroll along cobblestone streets lined with revival-era houses and Roman ruins. Then the road leads you through the Valley of Roses – to taste rose water, jams, and liqueurs. Continue to the seaside towns of Nessebar and Varna, where you’ll enjoy a Black Sea dinner and witness the ancient ritual of fire-dancing – Nestinarstvo.
The journey concludes among the hills of Veliko Tarnovo – capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Here you’ll find mighty fortresses, artisan workshops, a hands-on pottery lesson, and a final evening of folk music, dancing, and a Balkan feast.
A journey where nature, history, culture, and heart intertwine – one that will stay with you forever.
Program
Day 1: Welcome to Sofia
Your first encounter with Bulgaria begins in the capital – a city where history and modern
life intertwine at every step. After your airport transfer, enjoy a relaxed dinner and a well-
deserved rest.
Day 2: City stories & monastic silence – Sofia – Rila Monastery – Plovdiv
In the morning, feel the pulse of Sofia – cathedrals, ancient ruins, and the aroma of freshly
baked banitsa with a tasting of traditional Bulgarian breakfasts. At noon we head to Rila,
where the majestic Rila Monastery welcomes you with peace and beauty. The day ends in
Plovdiv with a walk and a cocktail in the artistic Kapana district.
Day 3: Through time – from antiquity to roses – Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Nessebar
In Plovdiv, wander the cobblestone streets and dive into one of Europe’s oldest stories. In
the afternoon, head to the heart of the Rose Valley, visit distilleries, and taste rose-based
products, before reaching Nessebar by the sea for a dinner with the flavors of the Black Sea.
Day 4: Sea spirit & ancient stories – Nessebar – Varna
Old Nessebar will captivate you with its stone churches and endless blue horizons. After free
time by the sea, we continue to Varna – Bulgaria’s seaside capital. The evening is dedicated
to live music, folk dances, and the mystical fire-walking ritual Nestinari.
Day 5: Palaces, cliffs & the road to royal glory – Varna – Balchik – Veliko Tarnovo
The day begins with the fairytale of Balchik – its palace and botanical gardens, still echoing
the spirit of a queen. We continue via the rock-hewn Aladzha Monastery to Veliko Tarnovo –
Bulgaria’s medieval capital, where we overnight under the shadow of Tsarevets Fortress.
Day 6: Crafts, legends & a sip of wine – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanasi – Tryavna – Veliko Tarnovo
Walk in the footsteps of kings at Tsarevets, craft your own pottery in a workshop, and
experience the revival-era spirit of Arbanasi. The day concludes with mountain wine tasting
near Tryavna – a sip of authenticity in the heart of the Balkan Mountains.
Day 7: The craft world of Etara & a farewell evening in Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Etara – Sofia
Cross the scenic Balkan range to reach Etara – an open-air ethnographic museum where
traditional crafts come alive. In the afternoon, return to Sofia for a final evening filled with
music, dances, and Bulgarian hospitality.
Day 8: Farewell & departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport with lasting memories of a journey you will carry with you for a long time.
Prices on Request
The price includes:
✔ 7 nights in carefully selected hotels with convenient locations, comfort, and authentic atmosphere (Sofia, Plovdiv, Nessebar, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo)
✔ Meals according to the chosen option: breakfast only, half board (breakfast and dinner), or full board (upon request)
✔ All transfers and travel according to the program by tourist coach or minivan
✔ Meet & greet and airport transfers to/from Sofia Airport
✔ Organized visits to sites such as Rila Monastery, the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Tsarevets Fortress, the Episcopal Basilica, Varna Archaeological Museum, Etara Open-Air Museum, Aladzha Monastery, the Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi, and more
✔ Visit to a rose distillery, a winery, and a pottery workshop
✔ Participation in a traditional pottery class
✔ Folklore evening with Nestinarstvo fire-dancing and an evening with folk music
The price does not include:
✘ Flights to/from Bulgaria
✘ Travel insurance (available as an additional option)
✘ Entrance fees to tourist sites mentioned in the program
✘ Expenses for tastings and purchases of rose products, wine, or other local specialties
✘ Personal expenses, including drinks outside the included meals, souvenirs, and additional services
✘ Expenses outside the included program or activities undertaken at the travelers’ own initiative
Minimum number of participants: 6 persons
The program is available for both individual travelers and organized groups, with conditions and content adaptable to the client’s preferences.
All that’s left is to pack your bags!
To make sure you feel comfortable during your trip, we’ve prepared a list of recommended items that might be useful depending on the season and route.
Here’s what’s good to take with you:
– Valid ID document with at least 6 months remaining before expiration (ID card or
passport)
– Comfortable walking shoes for tours and site visits
– Seasonal clothing:
• Spring/Autumn: light jackets, long trousers, a scarf or light sweater
• Summer: light and breathable clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Winter: warm coat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy shoes
– Camera or smartphone with a camera
– Charger and/or power bank– Small backpack for day excursions
– Personal medication (if needed)
– Swimwear (for summer programs or when a spa area is available)
– Cash for small purchases, souvenirs, or tips
– Copy of your travel insurance policy (if purchased separately)