Bulgaria Highlights
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Bulgaria, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the bustling capital city of Sofia to the serene monastic retreats nestled in the mountains, the smallest town of Melnik, and the stunning Black Sea coast. Along the way, you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, taste local delicacies, and meet the warm and welcoming locals. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour promises a unique blend of attractions and activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Included
daily breakfast, 1x lunch, 5x dinner
traditional dinner with nestinari
Panoramic ride on the narrow-gauge railway
Transportation in air conditioned vehicles
Transfer from Sofia airport to the hotel and back, waiting time at the airport possible.
9 nights in double room (DR) with bath or shower/WC.
small group with max. 14 guests
guaranteed from 4 guests
German-speaking, local tour guide
Outbound flight
:
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) - Sofia Airport (SOF)
Return flight
:
Sofia Airport (SOF) - Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
Flight (Economy) to Sofia (SOF) and return, subject to availability. Flight surcharge may
apply.
Please note: Due to fluctuating flight prices, prices may vary. Direct flights cannot be guaranteed. Please also note that international flights may take place overnight on day '0' - from your preferred airport. Our team will be happy to provide you with a final offer.
Entrance fees
wine and brandy tastings
tasting of local specialties at a local market
meetings with the villagers in Golyam Izwor
fire dances
SKR Reisen compensates the 0.9 t CO2e emissions of this trip through climate protection projects of ClimatePartner.
Map
Attractions
Arapovo Monastery
Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Kordopulov House
Roman Baths
Boyana Church
KaliakraDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
Welcome to Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria! Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delightful dinner in a restaurant located in Sofia's Old Town, where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers. Overnight stay in Sofia.
Day 2 – Day 2: Sofia to Melnik - Monastic Treasures
Day 2: Sofia to Melnik - Monastic Treasures
- Rotunda in Bankya
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- More
Today, we'll explore Sofia's iconic landmarks including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Rotunda of St. George. We'll also visit the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdika. Our journey then takes us to the Rila Monastery and Rozhen Monastery, both significant spiritual and cultural sites. The day concludes with a relaxing dinner at our family-run hotel in Melnik.
Day 3 – Day 3: Melnik to Plovdiv - Wine and Scenic Train Ride
Day 3: Melnik to Plovdiv - Wine and Scenic Train Ride
- Kordopulov House
- More
We start the day in Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria, and visit the historic Kordopulov House. Here, we'll enjoy a taste of Bulgarian wine. We then head to Bansko for a picturesque train ride through the mountains. Our day ends in Plovdiv, the European Capital of Culture 2019, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 4 – Day 4: Plovdiv and Ustina - Cultural and Culinary Delights
Day 4: Plovdiv and Ustina - Cultural and Culinary Delights
- Arapovo Monastery
- Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
- Roman Baths
- More
Our day begins in Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest settlements. We'll explore the Roman Theater, the Old Town, and the Artisan quarter 'Kapana'. We'll also visit the Batschkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria. On our way back, we'll stop at a local market for a taste of grilled specialties. In the village of Ustina, we'll sample wines from the 'Thracian Plain'. The evening is yours to enjoy in the old town of Plovdiv.
Day 5 – Day 5: Plovdiv to Nessebar/Burgas - From Roses to the Sea
Day 5: Plovdiv to Nessebar/Burgas - From Roses to the Sea
- Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - Copy
- The Old Town Of Sozopol
- More
Today, we journey to the coast, stopping at Tarnicheni to visit the country's oldest rose distillery. We then continue to Kazanlak, the valley of the Thracian kings, to visit the replica of the Thracian tomb. The afternoon is dedicated to the Black Sea coast where we'll explore the old town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll enjoy fresh fish from the Black Sea at a family-run harbor restaurant. Depending on the date, we may continue to Burgas for a local cuisine experience. Overnight stay in Nessebar or Burgas.
Day 6 – Day 6: Nessebar to Varna - Ancient Treasures and Relaxation
Day 6: Nessebar to Varna - Ancient Treasures and Relaxation
- Archaeological Museum Varna
- More
We start our day with a drive towards Varna, stopping en route to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In Varna, we'll visit the Archaeological Museum, home to the world's oldest gold treasure. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the beach or explore the lively pedestrian zone. Overnight stay in Varna.
Day 7 – Day 7: Varna to Russe - Mystical Landscapes and Royal Gardens
Day 7: Varna to Russe - Mystical Landscapes and Royal Gardens
- Balchik Botanic Garden
- Kaliakra
- More
Today, we'll visit the mystical Cape Kaliakra, known for its towering red limestone cliffs. In Baltchik, we'll explore the summer palace and botanical garden of the former Queen Mary, offering stunning views of the sea. Our day concludes in Russe, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, where we'll spend the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Russe to Veliko Tarnovo - Rock Churches and Fortresses
Day 8: Russe to Veliko Tarnovo - Rock Churches and Fortresses
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- More
We start the day with a short city tour in Russe before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the rock churches of Ivanovo. We then proceed to Veliko Tarnovo, a city known for its unique location on the slopes of the Yantra River. Here, we'll explore the Tsarevets Fortress and the famous Samovodska Charshia, the city's most visited street. Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 9 – Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia - Village Life and Byzantine Art
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia - Village Life and Byzantine Art
- Museum of the Revival and Constituent Assembly
- Boyana Church
- More
Our day begins with a visit to the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Arbanassi, known for its well-preserved frescoes. We then stop in Golyam Izwor for an authentic insight into Bulgarian village life, including a visit to a 19th-century cell school and a barbecue picnic. Before arriving in Sofia, we'll visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its late Byzantine art. Our last evening concludes with a farewell dinner featuring a folklore program and Nestinari fire dances. Overnight stay in Sofia.
Day 10 – Day 10: Departure from Sofia
Day 10: Departure from Sofia
After an eventful journey through Bulgaria, it's time to bid farewell. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
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