Bulgaria by train: a colourful kaleidoscope of nature and traditions
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 19-day journey through the heart of Bulgaria, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of city exploration, historical sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. From the bustling city of Sofia to the tranquil mountain town of Bansko, from the ancient city of Plovdiv to the picturesque museum-towns of Koprivshtitsa and Tryavna, this tour has something for everyone. Experience the thrill of train travel, the serenity of the Black Sea coast, and the charm of Bulgaria's traditional cuisine. With private transfers, guided tours, and ample free time for independent exploration, this tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the wonders of Bulgaria.
Included
Private local guides for 2-h walking tours of:
Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo and Burgas
Private transfer Sofia - Rila Monastery - Bansko
Private transfer train station Koprivshtitsa - hotel, hotel - train station Koprivshtitsa
Train tickets - 1st and 2nd class, reserved seat where necessary:
- Bansko - Septemvri ( narrow gauge )
- Septemvri - Plovdiv
- Plovdiv - Koprivshtitsa
- Koprivshtitsa - Burgas
- Burgas - Varna
Regular coach lines:
Varna - Veliko Turnovo, Veliko Turnovo - Sofia
Traditional cosy hotels with private facilities. Hotel beakfast and city taxes are included. We will send you full hotel information after your booking is completed.
Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant in Sofia ( 3-course menu + mineral water )
vegetarian
Wine tasting in Veliko Turnovo
Destinations
Sofia
Koprivshchitsa
Bansko
Varna
Tryavna
Rila
Veliko Tarnovo
Plovdiv
BurgasMap
Attractions
Retro Museum
The Sea Garden
Sea Garden
Karadzhov kamak
Ovech Fortress
Central" park YambolDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
- Sofia - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, check into your centrally located hotel. If time allows, embark on a private walking tour of the city with a local guide.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Sofia
- Sofia
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- National Art Gallery
- Russian Monument Square
- Ivan Vazov" National Theater
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- St George Rotunda Church
- Sofia City Art Gallery
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Spend the day exploring Sofia at your own pace. If you didn't have the chance to take a walking tour on the first day, meet your private guide for a comprehensive tour covering all major sites in the city center. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant within walking distance from your hotel.
Day 3 – Day 3: Sofia to Bansko via Rila Monastery
- Rila
- Bansko
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- Rila Monastery
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Today, you'll be transferred from Sofia to Bansko. En route, stop for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria, nestled in the picturesque Rila Mountain National Park. Upon arrival in Bansko, a charming museum town, check into your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Bansko and Pirin Mountain
- Bansko
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- Popina Luka
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Dedicate your day to exploring Bansko and the stunning Pirin Mountain, a UNESCO site. From Bansko, you can walk, hike, or trek in Pirin, rent a bike, join rafting, canyoning, or horse riding. The old town of Bansko also offers several small museums and churches to visit, as well as traditional restaurants serving tasty local cuisine.
Day 5 – Day 5: Leisure Day in Bansko
- Bansko
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Enjoy a leisurely day in Bansko. You can choose to continue exploring the town, relax, or indulge in nature activities in the surrounding areas.
Day 6 – Day 6: Train Journey from Bansko to Plovdiv
- Bansko
- Plovdiv
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Experience a full day train ride from Bansko to Plovdiv, passing through valleys and gorges, linking the western part of the Upper Thracian Plain with the Western Rhodopes, Rila, and Pirin mountains. Upon arrival in Plovdiv, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Plovdiv
- Plovdiv
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- Karadzhov kamak
- Plovdiv Regional History Museum
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Spend the day in Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Meet your private guide for a walking tour of the central part of Plovdiv, visit the Old Plovdiv architecture reserve, and explore Kapana, the artistic neighborhood of Plovdiv.
Day 8 – Day 8: Train Journey from Plovdiv to Koprivshtitsa
- Koprivshchitsa
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Depart by train to Koprivshtitsa, a small national-revival town. Upon arrival, take a private transfer from the train station to the town. Koprivshtitsa is one of the most famous museum-towns in Bulgaria, declared a national historical and architectural reserve. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets, stone fountains, and high-stone walls leading to picturesque colorful houses.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Koprivshtitsa
- Koprivshchitsa
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Enjoy a day in Koprivshtitsa for independent discoveries and visits. Explore the town's rich history and architecture at your own pace.
Day 10 – Day 10: Train Journey from Koprivshtitsa to Burgas
- Burgas
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- Археологически музей Бургас Archaeological Museum Burgas
- The Sea Garden
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Depart by train to Burgas, the second-largest seaside city in Bulgaria. Upon arrival, explore the city's lively center, long uncrowded beach, beautiful seafront park, and interesting museums. Don't miss the Archaeological museum and the Maritime garden, the pride of Burgas.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring the Southern Part of the Black Sea Coast
- Burgas
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Spend the day enjoying the southern part of the Black Sea coast. Consider taking independent daily trips to the nearby towns of Pomorie, Nessebur, a UNESCO town, and Sozopol.
Day 12 – Day 12: Another Day at the Black Sea Coast
- Burgas
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Enjoy another day at the southern part of the Black Sea coast. Continue exploring the nearby towns of Pomorie, Nessebur, and Sozopol, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
Day 13 – Day 13: Train Journey from Burgas to Varna
- Burgas
- Varna
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- Ovech Fortress
- Central Balkan National Park
- р Камчия
- Central" park Yambol
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Take the passenger train to Varna, passing through beautiful natural sites like the Chudnite skali rock formations, Kamchiya river valley, Tsonevo water reserve, and the eastern slopes of Stara Planina mountain. Upon arrival in Varna, check into your hotel.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Varna
- Varna
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- Retro Museum
- Sea Garden
- Stone Eagle Falls
- Euxinograd Palace
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Spend the day in Varna, the gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Visit the Sea Gardens, the largest in the Balkans, explore the Euxinograd park, the former Royal Palace, and the Regional museum. Don't miss The Thermae, the largest ancient public building discovered in Bulgaria.
Day 15 – Day 15: Journey from Varna to Veliko Turnovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Varna
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Take the train from Varna to Veliko Turnovo, the medieval capital city of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon tour of Veliko Turnovo with a local guide. Enjoy a wine tasting of some regional wines before settling in for the night.
Day 16 – Day 16: Free Day in Veliko Turnovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
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Enjoy a free day in Veliko Turnovo for your own discoveries. If interested, you can take a taxi to the nearby Arbanassi museum village or Transfiguration Monastery.
Day 17 – Day 17: Day Trip to Tryavna
- Tryavna
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Take a picturesque train ride to Tryavna, the main center of icon painting and woodcarving in Bulgaria. Spend the day exploring the Old Tryavna architectural complex and the many small galleries and workshops. In the afternoon, return to Veliko Turnovo.
Day 18 – Day 18: Return to Sofia
- Veliko Tarnovo
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Take the regular coach line to Sofia, crossing the Balkan mountains and joining Hemus highway. Upon arrival in Sofia, check into your hotel.
Day 19 – Day 19: Departure
- Sofia - Departure day
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Enjoy some free time in Sofia before your departure. Take this opportunity to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
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