Best of Bulgaria

Soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife and art. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature and history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.

Black Sea Beaches
Long, sandy beaches and fine weather reel holidaymakers into Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts each summer. Bulgarian inlanders are helplessly drawn to the freshening sea breeze and miles of turquoise water. Foreign visitors, too, are wise to Bulgaria’s coast, thanks to gorgeous seaside resorts such as Primorsko (and prices that compete well with Western Europe). Even the coast's two big cities, Varna and Burgas, have attractive beaches within minutes of their urban hearts. And while Sunny Beach, Sozopol and other favourites are thoroughly developed, there are still plenty of undiscovered coves north and south of the major hubs.

Churches & Religious Art
No visitor to Bulgaria can fail to be impressed by its religious art, from vast gold-domed churches to miniature icon paintings. Sofia’s Aleksander Nevski Church and 10th-century Rila Monastery draw visitors and pilgrims galore, while Tryavna’s wood carvings and Bachkovo’s apocalyptic murals are gathering fame. But Orthodox churches in even the tiniest villages have much to admire: emotive paintings of saints, often set in carved wooden screens (iconostases), appear magical when bathed in flickering candlelight. Almost as spectacular are the settings of many sacred buildings: granite cliffs, thrashing streams and lonely mountain passes.

Mountains & Forests
Bulgaria’s untamed landscapes quicken the pulse of hikers, mountain bikers and skiers. Seven mountain ranges ripple across the country; glacial lakes sparkle between these snow-dusted peaks, and tangles of forest conceal wolves, bears and lynx, a glimpse of Europe’s primeval past. Networks of trails and hizhas (hiking huts) allow access to such raw beauty as mist-cloaked panoramas in the Stara Planina range and sunrise from Bulgaria’s second-highest peak, Mt Vihren (2915m). Between trekking among Rodopi villages, thundering across ski fields in Bansko or birdwatching in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria has much to delight (and exhaust) lovers of the great outdoors.

Ancient History
Whispers of history emanate from Bulgaria’s fortresses and ruins. Caves secreted in Bulgaria’s river-sculpted wilds hold traces of Neolithic settlements. The mysterious Thracians left behind dazzling hauls of gold and silver, and tombs that can be explored to this day. The Romans built cities of breathtaking scale, the bathhouses, walls and amphitheatres of which sit nonchalantly in the midst of modern cities such as Varna and Plovdiv. Successions of tsars strutted along the ramparts of Tsarevets Fortress at former capital Veliko Târnovo. And these histories are no less relevant today, with Thracian art and Bulgaria’s victory over the Ottomans continuing to inspire.

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Sofia, Bulgaria / Local sightseeing

  Arrival Sofia. Welcome to Bulgaria by our local guide at the airport. Transfer to city center hotel for check in
  
  Bulgaria's pleasingly laid-back capital is often overlooked by visitors heading to the coast or the ski resorts, but they're missing something special.
  
  Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. Excavation work carried out during construction of the metro unveiled a treasure trove of Roman ruins from nearly 2000 years ago, when the city was called 'Serdica'. Away from the buildings and boulevards, vast parks and manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and the ski slopes and hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre.
  
  Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around and explore further.
  
  Once settled at the hotel, later begin a panoramic tour of Sofia ... the enchanting capital city
  
  The city tour begins at the Sveti Nedelja Square, where the wide boulevards begin to appear. A few steps further you will find the St. George�s Rotunda, one of the oldest churches in the city, built in the 4th century.
  
  Next, you have the chance to admire the valuable and interesting buildings of Banya Bashi Mosque, the Archaeological Museum and the Presidency. The main landmark of the city is the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which was built in the 20th century.
  
  Later back to hotel for dinner
  
  Overnight at Sofia

• Day 2

  Sofia - Sightseeing

  After breakfast, start your tour if Sofia
  
  Drive to the National History Museum, which is housed in the former presidential palace. Enjoy its outstanding exhibitions such as the fabulous 4th century BC Thracian gold treasure from Panagyurishte, as well as Roman artifacts, Greek pottery, icons and folk costumes.
  
  From here continue your tour to Boyana Church, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. You can admire here some of the finest examples of Bulgarian medieval artwork represented by beautiful murals dating from the 13th century AD.
  
  Later day free to explore the city on your own ... We recommend you to visit Vitoshka ... the central pedestrian street
  
  Vitosha Boulevard (often called Vitoshka) is the major commercial and retail pedestrian street in Sofia�s city centre. It is a mixture of both entertainment and culture which makes it a preferable choice for locals and holidaymakers. The street is located between St. Nedelya Square and Southern Park. There is a large number of posh stores, restaurants, bars and pubs. The boulevard is featuring a lot of shops raging from souvenir stores to casual outlets and well-known retail brands. A lot of brands which are leaders in high-end fashion / Escada, Versace, Lacoste, Max Mara, Emporio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, D&G, etc./ have outlets situated on Vitoshka and its neighbourhood streets.
  
  In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with Neshtinari fire dances, folklore show and wine
  
  Overnight at Sofia

• Day 3

  Sofia � Rila � Dobarsko - Plovdiv ... 355 kms.

  After breakfast this morning you travel to the Rila mountains, where you will visit the famous Rila Monastery. The beautiful orthodox monastery was built in the 14th century and houses valuable paintings, thousands of manuscripts, old printed books and masterworks of wood carving. The monastery is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
  
  From here you enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains to Plovdiv, one of the oldest towns in Europe.
  
  With an easy grace, Plovdiv mingles invigorating nightlife among millennia-old ruins. Like Rome, Plovdiv straddles seven hills; but as Europe�s oldest continuously inhabited city, it�s far more ancient. It is best loved for its romantic old town, packed with colourful and creaky 19th-century mansions that are now house-museums, galleries and guesthouses.
  
  But cobblestoned lanes and National Revival�era nostalgia are only part of the story. Bulgaria�s cosmopolitan second city has always been hot on the heels of Sofia, and a stint as European Capital of Culture 2019 seems sure to give Plovdiv the edge. Music and art festivals draw increasing crowds, while renovations in the Kapana creative quarter and Tsar Simeon Gardens have given the city new confidence. Once an amiable waystation between Bulgaria and Greece or Turkey, the city has flowered into a destination in its own right � and one that should be on any itinerary through central Bulgaria.
  
  Stop on the way in the small village Dobarsko where you will be greeted by the singing grandmas with traditional banitsa pastry.
  
  Check in at hotel in Plovdiv
  Evening at leisure
  
  Dinner at hotel & Overnight at Plovdiv

• Day 4

  Plovdiv - Sightseeing

  After breakfast, a tour of Plovdiv
  
  Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and an administrative center of Plovdiv County. It is situated in the Upper Thracian Plain, on the both banks of the Maritsa river. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe � the beginning of its history dates back to 5,000 years BC. The Old Town is a true archeological open air museum with countless ancient vestiges from the Roman times.
  
  During the city tour you can discover the unique cultural and historical heritage such as the Ancient Roman Theatre, the Roman Odeon, the roman Stadium, the St. Constantin and Helena Church and the Ethnographical Museum.
  
  Enjoy the afternoon on your own in the Old Town
  
  Plovdiv is the oldest living city in Europe and among the six oldest cities in the world. The Old Plovdiv is one of our lovely part of the city, offering an impressive architectural and historical reserve. I share with you my last ride.
  
  The Old Plovdiv is an unique city within the city of Plovdiv, and its history going back to a Neolithic settlement dated at roughly 6000 B.C. From the Central Square where the Post Office is, turn left to get on the main pedestrian and commercial street Knyaz Alexander I and walk up the Roman Stadium, built in the beginning of 2nd century AD during the reign Emperor Hadrian, and where you can also take a drink
  
  As you stroll on the old town, you feel like you are in a history book, discovering buildings or evidence from almost every historical period. The architectural reserve features archaeological sites, museums, art galleries, old houses and public buildings, religious temples, cafes and restaurants, romantic courtyards and picturesque cobblestone streets. The Old Plovdiv is a popular venue for concerts and exhibitions, casual and business meetings, sightseeing or just strolling around. And the life seems so calm here.
  
  Dinner at the hotel & Overnight at Plovdiv

• Day 5

  Plovdiv � Kazanlak � Shipka Pass � Etar � Veliko Tarnovo ... 300 kms.

  After breakfast today, you start towards Kazanlak, the centre of rose growing, famous especially for the rose oil and creams. In Kazanlak visit the Rose Museum and learn more about the history of rose growing in Bulgaria. Also in Kazanlak you will visit the Thracian Tomb which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site.
  
  Continue with a scenic ride towards Schipka pass and then to Etar Museum. The Etar Museum is an outstanding open-air village museum, where you can still witness craftsmen manufacture souvenirs, jewels and more.
  
  Later transfer to Veliko Tarnavo
  
  Medieval history emanates from Veliko T�rnovo�s fortified walls and cobbled lanes. One of Bulgaria�s oldest towns, Veliko T�rnovo has as its centrepiece the magnificent restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
  
  Historic T�rnovo is tucked into the dramatic bends of the Yantra River, clasped by an amphitheatre of forested hills. Bulgaria�s 19th-century National Revival splendour is easy to relive along historic lanes such as ul Gurko; similarly evocative is the handicraft market, Samovodska Charshiya, which retains much the same atmosphere it had two centuries ago.
  
  The modern town has burst these tidy seams, splaying west from busy bul Bulgaria. Today�s T�rnovo has Bulgaria�s second-largest university and is home to a multicultural expat scene. Its location between Bucharest and Istanbul has made it a backpacker favourite, though it�s worth more than a stopover if you�re to see it from the heights of its fortress down to its ramshackle lanes.
  
  Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Evening at leisure
  
  Dinner at the hotel & Overnight at Veliko Tarnovo

• Day 6

  Veliko Tarnovo - Sightseeing

  After breakfast today, discover the medieval capital city of Bulgaria � Veliko Tarnavo
  
  This city has a history of more than 5000 years. You will visit the Tsaravets fortress and the church St. Demetrius.
  
  After the city tour you will spend some time at leisure on the arts and crafts pedestrian street. It is not accidental that Veliko Tarnovo was declared a Balkan capital of cultural tourism, and a few times it was awarded the prize The Most Beautiful Town in Bulgaria, as a result of annual research conducted by the media.
  
  The town really is magnificent with its beautiful houses, perching amphitheatrically along the river banks; it has a rich history of landmarks that are attractive for the guests.
  
  In the afternoon, travel to the nearby village Arbanassi, visit the Church of the Nativity of Christ and enjoy dinner at the locals.
  
  Overnight at Veliko Tarnovo

• Day 7

  Veliko Tarnovo � Troyan � Koprivstitsa � Sofia ... 300 kms.

  After breakfast, join your local guide for a scenic ride on your way to Troyan, a small city where you will discover the Troyan Monastery, a remarkable monument of national significance, founded in 1600.
  
  Continue your journey to Koprivstitsa. The architecture in this small city reflects the historical development growth of Bulgarian traditional architecture that can still be observed in its various forms at present. Here you will visit the Oslekov House, which was built in 1856 by the wealthy Koprivshtitsa merchant Nencho Oslakov. Of particular interest are the richly decorated walls and columns that suggest the lifestyle enjoyed by a wealthy Koprivshtitsa family during the 19th century. The museum exhibit includes unique items, such as women�s and men�s clothing, a collection of Koprivshtitsa decorative embroidery, and knitted stockings.
  
  Later continue drive to Sofia. Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Farewell dinner at local restaurant in Sofia
  
  Overnight at Sofia

• Day 8

  Departure from Sofia

  After breakfast, morning at leisure
  
  Later transfer to airport for your onward flight

Notes

Round the Year Destination ... Extension recommended to Romania, Serbia & Turkey

Hotels

Grand Hotel Sofia

Sofia

Inter Continental Sofia

Sofia

Hotel Residence City Garden Plovdiv

Plovdiv

Landmark Creek Hotel Plovdiv

Plovdiv

Yantra Grand Hotel Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

The Complex Arbanashki han Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

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