Highlights of Bulgaria by train

Welcome to Bulgaria! Upon your arrival at Sofia Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you'll embark on a walking tour of Sofia, a city that Constantine the Great once referred to as 'My Rome'. Explore the Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, St. Sofia 6th c basilica, the Parliament Square, the National Theatre, and the Old City Garden. You'll also visit St. George 4th c Rotunda, the Presidency, and the ruins of Ancient Serdica. After a day of exploration, enjoy a delicious dinner and rest at your hotel (or similar).

Spend the day exploring Veliko Turnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, nestled on four hills above the Yantra river. Your private guide will take you through the Old Veliko Turnovo with its cobble-stone streets, and to Tsarevets Royal Hill where you'll explore the fortress, Baldwin tower, and the Patriah's complex. You'll also visit Samovodska Charshia, the old marketplace, where you'll have the opportunity to taste some local wines. After a day of exploration, you'll have some free time for your own discoveries before retiring to your hotel (or similar) for the night.

After breakfast, take a train to Tryavna, a museum town nestled in the Balkan mountains. Spend the day exploring Tryavna, known as the main centre of icon painting and woodcarving in Bulgaria. Visit the Old Tryavna architectural complex, the Clock tower, the Old school, St. Archangel Michail Church, and Daskalov House, a museum of woodcarving. You'll also have the chance to explore the many small galleries and workshops. Enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants before returning to Veliko Turnovo by train in the afternoon. Overnight at your hotel (or similar).

Spend the day exploring Stara Zagora, a city with a history dating back 8,000 years. Visit the Regional History Museum, built on the remains of the main street of the ancient Roman city Augusta Traiana. Here, you can stroll down the well-preserved ancient road and feel the atmosphere of Ancient Rome. Don't miss the Neolithic dwellings, which take you back in time more than eight thousand years, and the Museum of Religions, a unique site housing remains of religious practices and different faiths throughout the centuries.

After breakfast, depart by train from Stara Zagora to Plovdiv, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and was the European capital of culture in 2019. Upon arrival, check into your hotel (or similar) and meet your private guide for a walking tour. Explore the central part of the town and the Old Plovdiv, an architectural reserve awarded a golden medal by UNESCO. Visit the National revival houses, St. St. Constantine and Helena Church, the Ancient Theatre, and stroll along the longest pedestrian street in the world, where you'll see remains of the Roman forum, Stadium, Djumaya Mosque Square, and more.

Spend the day exploring Bansko and the surrounding Pirin mountain, a national park included in the European Union network of nature protection areas, Natura 2000. There are many opportunities for sightseeing, walking, hiking, or trekking in the area. Bansko is considered the perfect starting point for hiking, trekking, and walking for all levels. Visit popular landmarks such as St. Trinity Church, one of the symbols of the town, and the Museum-Houses of Velyan and Neofit Rilski. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel (or similar) for a restful night's sleep.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred by car to Sofia. En route, you'll stop at the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site and the largest monastery in Bulgaria, located 1100 m above sea level in Rila Mountain National Park. Enjoy some free time to visit the monastery and admire its wooden balconies, colourful murals, and fantastic panorama of mountain peaks. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Sofia, where you'll check into your hotel (or similar) and relax.