Best of Bulgaria

Bulgaria

From

1630 

Duration

8 days

Languages Support

English

Tour Description

Begin your tour in Sofia, where you’ll take in the spectacular sights of the Bulgarian capital while strolling along its famous yellow cobblestoned streets. The next day, tour Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century, and the fantastic Rila Monastery, a Bulgarian arts and culture repository since the Middle Ages.

Explore Samovodene Street in Veliko Tarnovo, a vibrant shopping destination for traditional arts and crafts. Savor a cup of Turkish coffee brewed over hot sand, just as it was prepared hundreds of years ago. A guided walking tour of Arbanassi provides an exclusive view of daily life during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Next, tour three great UNESCO World Heritage outdoor sites: the Ivanovo Churches, the Sveshtari Thracian Tomb, and the ancient Madara Horseman, a famous Bulgarian symbol.

Your adventure continues in Varna, where you’ll view the world’s most ancient gold treasure. Relax on the beach, or explore the exquisite Balchik Palace and the caves of the Aladzha Monastery.

On the peninsula of Nessebar, you’ll find a gorgeous town with a history spanning thousands of years, beautiful old cobblestoned streets, and delightful restaurants with sea views. In Kazanlak, the center of the famous rose harvest, visit the Hellenistic Thracian Tomb.

Wind down your epic tour in Plovdiv, a modern urban center with a lovely Old Town and deep ties to the past. Visit Bachkovo Monastery and Asenovgrad Fortress before going to ancient Starosel, Bulgaria’s largest Thracian complex.

If you’re looking for different tour options in Bulgaria or have specific preferences, feel free to explore our alternative tours in Bulgaria or reach out to us for a personalized experience tailored just for you!

Ready To Book Your Tour?

Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Sofia, get acquainted with your guide, and make yourself comfortable at the Hotel Niky, conveniently located on Sofia’s main shopping thoroughfare.

It’s the ideal jumping-off place for taking in the vibrant, revitalized tone of the city. In the afternoon, savor a guided walk along Sofia’s cobblestoned streets, paved with Viennese gold-colored bricks. You’ll visit the magnificent Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Roman Rotunda of St. George, the Presidency, and the Parliament.

*Please note that the city tour can also be done the following day if you experience a delayed arrival in Sofia.

Overnight in Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located)

Today, you will explore Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Bulgaria’s 10th-century patron saint, it is regarded as one of the country’s holiest sites. This architectural masterpiece played a vital role in preserving Bulgarian culture throughout the Middle Ages and well into the 19th century when exquisite restoration work created frescoes and icons by renowned masters.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a visit to the stunning Boyana Church (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), located on the outskirts of Sofia. Built over more than six centuries, the church is celebrated for its well-preserved, realistic Byzantine-style frescoes.

Return to Sofia Old Town later in the day and enjoy the rest of your time at leisure.

Overnight in Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located)

After breakfast, leave Sofia for Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval “City of the Tsars.” Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll encounter charming shops filled with traditional arts and crafts. You’ll discover the intricacies of icon painting, woodcarving, textiles, and metalworking.

In the afternoon, proceed to the village of Arbanassi, known for its rare architectural gems from the 17th and 18th centuries. Arbanassi thrived under the patronage of an Ottoman sultan, establishing itself as a residential hub for affluent merchants. At the Konstantsalieva house, you’ll get a detailed look at how the elite class lived in the 18th century.

Next, visit the Nativity Church in Arbanassi, constructed during the Ottoman occupation in accordance with the strict codes and tenets of that era.

Overnight in  Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Gurko*** (located in the Old Town)

Today, you’ll have a rare opportunity to visit three distinct outdoor UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You’ll begin the day at the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, an extraordinary medieval religious complex carved into solid rock.

Next, proceed to the 3rd-century B.C. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, famous for its unusual half-plant, half-human caryatids and elaborate murals.

Conclude the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Madara Horseman, an ancient landmark and popular symbol of Bulgaria. This massive early-medieval relief, carved into a high cliff, may represent a past military victory or Thracian deity.

You’ll arrive in Varna in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Varna, Hotel Graffit*****

This morning, take a stroll along the vast Sea Garden in the Black Sea resort of Varna, passing by the Roman Baths. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the Gold of Varna, the oldest gold treasure ever discovered, featuring priceless artifacts dating back to 4000 B.C.

Spend the afternoon on your own, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the beautiful Balchik Palace with its botanical gardens and the Aladzha Monastery, a cave structure elegantly adorned with vibrant exterior frescoes.

Overnight in Varna, Hotel Graffit*****

Morning brings a journey to Nessebar, a beautiful 9,000-year-old town built on a former island (now a stunning peninsula). Nessebar is known for its picturesque churches and houses, and the settlement still boasts a vibrant fishing culture. Secure a table at one of the charming restaurants overlooking the sea, and breathe in the refreshing salt air.

Next, stop in Kazanlak, an area famous for its rose harvest. Here, you’ll visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Thracian Tomb. This remarkable complex, discovered in 1944, includes a vast Thracian necropolis featuring an impressive array of murals. It represents Bulgaria’s only collection of Hellenistic masterpieces still in their original condition.

Arrive in Plovdiv in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia*** (located in the Old Town)

Today, discover Plovdiv, one of the most historically diverse cities in Europe. Founded by the Thracians, Plovdiv later emerged as a key center for the Greeks and Romans. The city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and bohemian atmosphere, featuring an abundance of galleries and cafés. With your guide, visit the ancient Roman theater of Philippopolis and the notable Ethnographic Museum, housed in one of Plovdiv's oldest buildings.

Next, journey to the Chepelare River to explore the expansive Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 1083, and take in the stunning views at the impressive Asenovgrad Fortress, perched on a strategically high point that has been inhabited since the Thracian and Roman eras.

Overnight in Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia*** (located in the Old Town)

Today, you’ll explore the charming village of Koprivshitsa. On your guided walking tour, wind your way along the narrow cobblestoned streets to admire the abundance of 19th-century architecture: over 400 of Bulgaria’s best-preserved National Revival houses can be found here.

Travel through the picturesque countryside to Starosel, the location of the largest known Thracian complex in Bulgaria. The mausoleum, consisting of six underground temples, dates back to the 6th century B.C. Visit the Chetinyova Mogila temple, the only one of the existing sites that is open to the public.

Continue to Sofia; arrive in the late afternoon or evening.

Overnight in Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located)

Your tour ends. Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Included / Excluded

Fully Customized Itinerary – We’re happy to tailor your itinerary to your preferences before the tour begins, completely free of charge!

Flexible Daily Plans – Even after the tour starts, we offer great flexibility to adjust your daily schedule to fit your mood and interests.

Private English-speaking Guide/Driver – Enjoy the dedicated service of a licensed English-speaking guide and driver throughout your journey.

All Guide Expenses Covered – No need to worry about extra costs—your guide’s meals, accommodation, and other expenses are fully included.

Comfortable Private Transportation – Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth and relaxing ride.

All Vehicle Costs Included – Gasoline, parking fees, and road tolls are all taken care of for you.

Free Wi-Fi Onboard – Stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access in the vehicle.

Entrance Fees & Guided Visits – All entrance fees listed in the itinerary are covered, and your guide will provide insights during visits. If you’d like to explore something extra along the way, your guide will happily share information and assist!

✅ Carefully Selected Accommodation—Stay in handpicked, centrally located hotels from our recommended list, or let us know if you’d like us to suggest other options that match your style.

Daily Breakfast – Start each day with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.

Special Dinner Experience—For an authentic cultural experience, enjoy a memorable dinner paired with a live folklore show.

Seamless Airport Transfers—Relax with private transfers to and from the airport, ensuring a smooth start and end to your trip.

International Airfare – Flights to and from Bulgaria are not included.

Credit Card Processing Fee (3.25%) – To help you save, we also offer the option to pay via domestic bank transfer (available for the E.U.,  U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.).

Additional Meals & Beverages—Meals and drinks other than those listed in the itinerary are not included, so you have the freedom to explore local cuisine at your own pace.

Gratuities for Your Guide – A gratuity for your guide is not included and is a meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work in making your trip memorable.

Photo Fees at Certain Sights – Some sites may charge a small photo fee (usually around €2–€3 per location).

Tour Information

Duration

8 days

Languages Support

English

Total Distance Traveled:

1750 km / 1085 mi

Places Visited:

Sofia | Rila monastery | Veliko Tarnovo | Arbanassi | Ivanovo Rock churches | Thracian tombs at Sveshtari, Kazanlak and Starosel | Madara Horseman | Varna | Balchik | Aladzha monastery | Nessebar | Plovdiv | Bachkovo monastery | Koprivshtitsa

Tour Fees:

  • Single traveler: from €4020 per person
  • 2 travelers: from €2145 per person
  • 3 travelers: from €1630 per person
  • 4 travelers: from €1655 per person
  • For a different number of travelers, don't hesitate to contact us.

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