Discover the secrets of Bulgaria during this 8 days exclusive group tour. Start with the former Bulgarian Capital of Veliko Tarnovo and be fascinated by the magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill. Explore the nearby villages and learn how wealthy merchants have lived in the Bulgarian Medieval ages. Then head to the romantic Black sea coast, the Sea Capital Varna and the old aged town of Nessebar. Spend several days travelling through the countryside, learning more about the culture and traditions of rural Bulgaria. Stop in the European city of Culture, Plovdiv and have enough time to feel the special atmosphere of this colourful town. Finally explore the capital of Bulgaria, a modern and buzzing city which keeps impressive history from Antiquity to nowadays. Lots of history, scenic nature and rustic traditions – what memories to share!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Veliko Tarnovo: the former Bulgarian capital will fascinate you with its magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill, the cobbled street of Samovodska charshia and the mastership of the local craftsmen.
Varna: the Bulgarian Black sea capital is a must see. Enjoy the picturesque views from one of the numerous beach restaurants, relax in the Sea Garden or discover the oldest processed gold in the world in the Archaeological museum in the town.
Nessebar: the “Pearl” of the Black Sea Coast. The Old town of Nessebar will fascinate you with the numerous churches from the 13th century and the breathtaking sea views.
The Rose Valey: breathe the aroma of the famous Bulgarian Rose and understand why it is called “Liquid gold”
Sofia: the capital and largest city of Bulgaria will offer you a great variety of attractions: from ancient remains, rich museums and typical architecture to a pedestrian zone with numerous cafes, restaurants and fashion boutiques.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SOFIA (10km – 30min)
Upon arrival at Sofia Airport transfer to your hotel. Check-in and meet your professional guide, who will escort you through the tour. Enjoy a walk at your own pace in the pedestrian centre to find out more about the town and its most significant sites. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel.
Overnight in Sofia
Day 2: SOFIA – VELIKO TARNOVO (240km – 3 hrs)
Depart early today, after rich breakfast, as you have a very intriguing program ahead – Veliko Tarnovo. The former Bulgarian capital will fascinate you with its magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill. Stroll down to the cobbled street of Samovodska charshia to find out the mastership of the local craftsmen. Spend your free time taking a rest at some of the numerous restaurants and cafes to enjoy the panoramic view over the river and the town. Continue to the small village of Arbanassi, where you will experience truly Orthodox magic while listening to the Acapella performance of the Orthodox choir in the church “St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel”. Explore the unique wall paintings in the modest church, dated back to the 17th century and follow your guide through the tiny streets to find out how wealthy merchants lived in the Bulgarian Medieval ages. At the end of the day you will meet the local cuisine and wines in a typical for the region restaurant, where you will ponder your taste with delicious dinner with wine-tasting.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
Day 3: VELIKO TARNOVO – MADARA – VARNA (250km – 3.5 hrs)
Enjoy a nice breakfast at the hotel. Dedicate this day to a picturesque drive through the country to reach the sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast. On your way expand your knowledge about Bulgaria by visiting one of the UNESCO World heritage sites – namely Madara rider. This exceptional work of art, created at the beginning of the 8th century has an incredible story behind it, so observe it carefully. After a good walk, take a rest and feel the Bulgarian hospitality in a local home in the village of Kyulevcha. Ponder your senses with a delicious homely prepared lunch and learn from the masters how to prepare the most popular filo pastry in Bulgaria – “Banitsa”. Continue to the Bulgarian Black Sea capital – Varna, where in the Archaeological Museum you will experience a walk back in time through the ages from the Antiquity to the Medieval Period of Varna and the region. You will find out a treasure more than 6000 years old - the oldest processed gold in the world. Enjoy your free time in the evening in one of the numerous beach restaurants and bars on the alley. Or you may choose to go on the following Optional Dinner (not included):
Dinner in a restaurant in Varna: Enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the fanciest restaurants in the town. The perfectly selected four course menu will be accompanied by a glass of wine that will fulfil your senses. (Included: 4 course dinner, including a glass of wine. Not included: guidance, transportation).
Overnight in Varna
Day 4: VARNA – NESSEBAR – PLOVDIV (400km – 5 hrs)
Depart early, after a delightful breakfast, as today you have a very intriguing program, including two UNESCO sites. Start with the ‘Pearl’ of the Black Sea Coast - the Old town of Nessebar. Follow your guide through the cobbled streets and the numerous churches from the 13th century. The narrow streets, the historical monuments and the old churches will turn time back to the days of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. Visit the church St. Stephen which is one of the most important monuments of the Bulgarian cultural heritage. It is unique not only because of its architectural style but mostly because of its iconostasis and remarkable mural paintings. Have some free time to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the old town. Then, drive further to Plovdiv. Wander in the Old town and emerge in the unique atmosphere of this ancient town. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the ruling of Emperor Trayan. It is one of the best preserved antique theatres in the world. Your next stop is the visit of the Hindlyan House – built to the taste of the rich merchant and landowner. This is one of the most richly decorated houses from the Bulgarian Revival in Plovdiv. Have your dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Plovdiv
Day 5: PLOVDIV – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV (350km – 5 hrs)
After your desired breakfast, enjoy a drive to the Rose Valley. As you are there, it is a must to witness the unique rose production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Rose Valley in Rose Oil Distillery in a village nearby Kazanlak. If you are lucky to be in Bulgaria in May or June, you may have a chance to pick yourself a rose from the field! Your trip continues with a drive to the town of Kazanlak where you will visit the UNESCO designated Thracian Tomb – dating back to 310 – 290 BC, impressing with its most well preserved artworks from the Hellenistic world. You will visit a replica of the Tomb. Have your afternoon to walk around Plovdiv by yourself. Heir of great civilizations Plovdiv has a lot to offer – from ancient sites to bohemian quarters with great artistic cafes and ateliers. In the evening, celebrate this lovely day in a local restaurant with typical Bulgarian dishes.
Overnight in Plovdiv
Day 6: PLOVDIV – STAROSEL – PANAGUIRISHTE – SOFIA (200km – 3.5 hrs)
Start your day with a nice breakfast at the hotel and prepare for deep dive into Bulgarian History. Your first stop will be at the Thracian cult temple, opened in 2000 near the village of Starosel. Archaeologists found the enormous grave of what is believed to be a Thracian ruler, possibly Sitakes I, the first king of a combined Thracian empire. Visit of the Thracian tomb, dating from the 4-5 centuries B.C. Then, continue your journey to the little renaissance town of Panagyurishte. This beautiful town is situated in a picturesque valley of the Sredna Gora Mountain. The town region has been populated since antiquity, which is evident by more than 300 monuments found here – necropolises, settlements, fortresses, military camps and road construction installations. The best evidence for this you will find in the History Museum in Panaguirishte. Although there are a lot of interesting findings exposed there, the most interesting hall here is the one dedicated to the world-famous golden treasure of Panagyurishte, which was part of the temporary exhibition in the Louvre museum. You will see a replica of the treasure. Next you will visit the famous Lekova House which is famous for its wall paintings and combines both history and remarkable architecture. Continue to Sofia – the Bulgarian capital. Enjoy a sightseeing walking tour of the city centre – visiting one of the most famous venues – the Alexander Nevski Cathedral - the biggest Cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula with gold–plated cupola and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Have your dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Sofia
Day 7: SOFIA – RILA MONASTERY – SOFIA (260km – 4hrs)
Have your leisure breakfast at the hotel and prepare for the last day of your journey, which will definitely be full of emotions. Start with a visit to the National History Museum – housing one of the largest collections in the Balkans with 650 000 finings. Next is Boyana church - one of the most remarkable medieval monuments in the world with especially fine wall paintings in the interior, a UNESCO designated monument. Continue with a picturesque drive to Rila Monastery, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Imposing, the monastery creates a great impression on the visitors with its renaissance architecture and frescoes. Celebrate the evening by being part of a typical Bulgarian night with a delicious farewell dinner and folklore program. Songs, dances… what a magical night full of unforgettable moments to share and this will not be the end. Nestinari dances*, part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage will be the cherry of this night! Typical for the Black Sea coast region, this performance involves barefoot dance on smouldering embers. The ritual will lead you to the mystery of the Eastern Orthodox beliefs together with the older pagan traditions from the Strandza Mountains. (*Nestinari dances are weather dependable).
Overnight in Sofia
Day 8: DEPARTURE SOFIA (10km – 30min)
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before you check out from the hotel and catch your return flight home. If you have enough time to your flight, you can participate in our Optional tour (not included):
Typical Bulgarian bread cooking class*
Spend your last hours in Bulgaria, revealing one of its most delicious secrets. The Bread was, is and will always be the most important part of the Bulgarian folk culture. The sourdough - a natural yeast used by our grandparents, is also symbolic and has many customs associated with it. During this experience led by a professional bread maker, you will first understand the different types of grains and will compare the old and new milling technology. Feel the whole grain flour, grinded on stone, learn more about the secrets of growing a sourdough and of course, prepare with your own hands this so valued Bulgarian food. Enjoy some farm cheese, homemade “kyopolu” (aubergine puree) and traditional mixed salt together with freshly baked bread, while you savour this unique experience!
*The optional cooking class can be organized on day 1 if the flight schedule allows.
Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes (including also swim suite, hat) for the beach stay. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
