Bulgaria At a Glance
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Duration
Languages Support
English
Tour Description
In this beautifully curated, compact tour, discover the essentials of old Bulgaria: historic architecture, vibrant traditional arts and crafts, sweeping panoramic vistas, medieval monasteries and fortresses, and Roman traces and Thracian culture.
Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia, where youโll stroll along the famed yellow-paved streets to explore major landmarks such as the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral and the covered food market. At the 11th-century Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore the priceless treasures at your leisure.
Drive into the mountains to the Bulgarian Orthodox Rila Monastery, built a full 1147 meters above sea level. In the picturesque, artistic Plovdiv, tour the Old Town, Antique Theater, and Roman Stadium. In Kazanlak, home of Bulgarian rose oil more valuable than gold, visit the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage, 4th-century B.C. Thracian Tomb.
On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, drive through the breathtaking Shipka Pass, the site of the final Bulgarian victory over the Ottoman Turks. Visit the soaring Tsarevets Fortress, and take in the spectacular view of the Old Town. Explore Samovodene Street, a mecca for folkloric Bulgarian arts and crafts.
Next, visit the architecturally significant village of Arbanassi. Tour Konstantzalieva House, where youโll explore the daily realities of a well-to-do 17th-century family. You will alsoย explore the Nativity Church, built when Christian architecture in Bulgaria was subject to restrictions imposed by the Ottoman Turks.
If you’re looking for different tour options in Romania 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!
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Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Sofia, unpack your bags, and recover from your long journey at the Hotel Niky, the ideal point of departure for taking in the reinvigorated, ultramodern culture of the city.
In the afternoon, enjoy aย guided walkย along Sofiaโs magnificent streets, paved in golden โ colored cobblestones. Tour the glorious Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Presidency, and the 4th-century Church of St. George, complete with a surviving Roman street and surrounding ruins. Journey in the shadow of Vitosha Mountain to tour the medievalย Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extensive, archetypal compendium of 13th-century icons and paintings.
*Please note that if you experience a delayed arrival in Sofia for any reason, the city tour can be broken into two parts: the afternoon of your arrival day and the following morning.
Overnight in Sofia,ย Hotel Niky***ย (centrally located)
Embark on a Day Trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in the 10th century by Bulgariaโs revered patron saint, this monastery is regarded as one of the nationโs most sacred locations. As an architectural gem, it significantly contributed to the preservation of Bulgarian culture during the Middle Ages and into the 19th century, when skilled artisans crafted stunning frescoes and icons during restoration efforts.
After your visit, head back to Sofia in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.
Overnight in Sofia,ย Hotel Niky***ย (centrally located)
Overnight in Plovdiv,ย Hotel Evmolpia****ย (located in the Old Town)
Today, your destination is the ancient capital ofย Veliko Tarnovo. On the way, stop atย Kazanlak, renowned for its exquisite rose harvest, and visit theย Thracian Tombย (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Please note: you will be touring the replica, as visits to the original are permitted only on rare occasions. This vast Hellenistic complex, unearthed in the 1940s, comprises a vast necropolis of the deadโs Thracian cult.
Continue your journey over the wonderfulย Shipka Pass, where Bulgarians defended their country against the Ottoman Turks in the War of Independence in 1877.
Arrive in Veliko Tarnovo in the late afternoon.
Overnight in ย Veliko Tarnovo,ย Hotel Gurko***ย (located in the Old Town)
In the morning, tourย Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Take aย walking tourย through the Old Town, and discover picturesque handicraft shops filled to the brim with icon paintings, textiles, and metalworkingโall available for purchase.
Next, tour the strategic fortification of Tsarevets, built high on a monumental hillside. It was the stronghold of kings during the Middle Ages. Explore the extensive medieval walls, church, and watchtowers.
Later, step back in time at the exquisite village ofย Arbanassi, an architectural jewel featuring beautifully-preserved 17th- and 18th-century churches and merchantsโ houses. The picturesque settlement remains largely unchanged and offers unparalleled opportunities for investigating the deep past. The finest example can be found at the 17th-century National Revival-style Konstantsalieva House. Youโll also tour the Nativity Church, an outstanding representation of the timeโs religious architecture.
In the afternoon, drive back to Sofia.
Overnight in Sofia,ย Hotel Niky***ย (centrally located)
Your tour ends; transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included / Excluded
โ Personalized Itinerary โ Weโre happy to customize your itinerary before the tour starts, completely free of charge!
โ Flexible Daily Plans โ Plans can change, and thatโs okay! Youโll have the freedom to adjust your daily itinerary even after the tour begins.
โ Private Licensed English-speaking Guide/DriverโYour dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable guide/driver will keep you safeย throughout the journey.
โ All Guide Expenses Covered โ No hidden costs here! Your guideโs meals, accommodation, and other expenses are fully included.
โ Comfortable Private Transportation โ Relax and travel in comfort with your own air-conditioned vehicle.
โ All Vehicle Costs Included โ Gas, parking, and road tolls are all taken care ofโone less thing to think about!
โ Entrance Fees & Guided Visits โ All entrance fees in the itinerary are covered, with your guide ready to share insights at each stop. Want to add a new spot along the way? Just ask!
โ Carefully Selected AccommodationโStay in handpicked, centrally located hotels from our recommended list, or let us know if youโd like us to suggest other options thatย match your style.
โ Daily Breakfast โ Start each day right with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.
โ Seamless Airport Transfers โ Private transfers to and from the airport will make your arrival and departure easy and stress-free.
โ International Airfare โ Flights to and from Bulgaria are not included.
โ Credit Card Processing Fee (3.25%) โ To help you save, we also offer the option to pay via domestic bank transfer (available for the E.U., ย U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.).
โ Additional Meals & BeveragesโMeals and drinks other than those listed in the itinerary are not included, so you haveย the freedom to explore local cuisine at your own pace.
โ Gratuities for Your Guide โ A gratuity for your guide is not included and is a meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work in making your trip memorable.
โ Photo Fees at Certain Sights โ Some sites may charge a small photo fee (usually around โฌ2โโฌ3 per location).
Tour Information
Duration
Languages Support
English
Places Visited:
Total Distance Traveled:
Tour Fees:
- Single traveler: from โฌ2485 per person
- 2 travelers: from โฌ1315 per person
- 3 travelers: from โฌ985 per person
- 4 travelers: from โฌ1010 per person
- For a different number of travelers, don't hesitate to contact us.
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