Private Tour Europe (BUL004) Bulgaria (12 Days 11 Nights)

Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel in downtown Sofia. Enjoy a walk around the city.

Today, we begin by exploring Bulgaria's capital, Sofia. Beyond its modern vibrancy and socialist-era concrete districts, Sofia preserves many beautiful monuments from its glorious past. The city's key landmarks are easily explored on foot: we will visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Assembly Square, Church of St. George Rotunda, the Synagogue, and other major sights.

Depart for Mount Vitosha to admire the frescoes of Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the diverse exhibits of the National Museum of History of Bulgaria.

Afterward, we continue our journey along the scenic route between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora Mountain, stopping at the museum-town of Koprivshtitsa—a charming small town renowned for its National Revival architecture and revolutionary spirit. This visit introduces the history of the major April Uprising as well as Bulgarian culture, craftsmanship, and daily life during Ottoman rule. We then proceed to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO) in the Rose Valley region, where your coordinator will explain the fascinating burial traditions of the Thracians.

Overnight in Stara Zagora.

We travel north to Etara via the scenic Shipka Pass in the Balkan Mountains.

Visit the Russian Memorial Church () (Nativity of Christ).

Etara is an open-air architectural and ethnographic museum where you will see authentic Revival architecture and living crafts preserved from the 17th to the early 20th century, such as cowbell making, pottery, cutlery, goat-hair crafts, shoemaking, and more. We will have lunch here after exploring the traditional crafts of Etara.

Continue to Tryavna, the Bulgarian center of woodcarving and icon painting. We will visit the school of painting museum, the Woodcarving Museum, Captain Dyado Nikola Square, Slaveykov Street, the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, and other highlights.

hotel Overnight In the city of Veliko Tarnovo (Veliko Tyrnovo)

Explore Veliko Tyrnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (12th–14th centuries). Today, you will witness the great cultural, ethnic, and spiritual transformations of the Bulgarian people, from the golden age of the Second Bulgarian Empire to the dark period under Ottoman rule. We start with a visit to "Samovodska charshiya" (Samovodska charshiya) (the old trade street) and the fortress on Tsarevets Hill (Tsarevets hill) (the iconic highlight of Veliko Tyrnovo).

In the afternoon, travel to Preobrazhenski Monastery (14th century), deeply revered by Tsar Shishman, the last Bulgarian ruler before the Ottoman conquest. Next, we travel to the museum village of Arbanassi (17th century). Here, we visit the Konstantsaliev House (17th century) and the Church of the Nativity of Christ (15th century). Although the exterior of the church appears modest, the interior is a breathtaking art gallery with over 2,000 fresco scenes depicting more than 4,000 figures. Before returning to Veliko Tarnovo, we finish the day with a tasting of fine wines in the village of Lyaskovets. Return to Veliko Tyrnovo.

hotel Overnight In the city of Veliko Tarnovo (Veliko Tyrnovo)

Our tour takes us to the Madara Rider monument (UNESCO), a rock-cut bas-relief of a horseman spearing a lion. Carved into the cliff of the Shumen Plateau, this monument dates back to the early Middle Ages and commemorates Bulgarian military victories. Shortly after, we journey to the natural phenomenon known as “Pobitite Kamani” (Pobitite Kamuni) (upright stone columns), a sandy expanse dotted with stone pillars rising like teeth. Many debates and theories surround its mysterious origins, making it even more intriguing.

Overnight in Varna, the capital of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Varna is a premier resort offering everything from beautiful beaches and charming neighborhoods to stunning parks and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Depart to visit Aladzha Monastery, the most famous cave monastery on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. This is a well-preserved historical site where you will see catacombs carved into the rock approximately 30 meters above the ground.

The nearby chapel still preserves 14th-century frescoes, though the site has been used for religious purposes since the 4th century.

Return to Varna to explore the Archaeological Museum, the most visited and impressive museum in Varna. Discover a unique collection of artifacts from prehistoric, ancient Greek, Roman, and Bulgarian eras. The most famous exhibit is the Gold of Varna, the oldest processed gold in the world! Discovered in 1972, this gold jewelry dates back to between 4600 and 4200 BC.

hotel Overnight In Varna

After breakfast, depart along the Black Sea coastal route to the Old Town of Nessebar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The town is situated on a fortified peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The natural beauty of its setting further enhances the tremendous value of its fascinating history and cultural significance. Nessebar was once a major port during ancient Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian rule. As a merchant trading hub, artifacts and influences from diverse civilizations are visible throughout the town.

From Nessebar, admire the vast vineyards of Karnobat en route to Plovdiv. This city has its own distinct charm and rhythm. You will have free time to experience the local lifestyle, do some shopping, or enjoy a drink at a scenic restaurant.

hotel Overnight In Plovdiv

After breakfast, set out to explore Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest settlements and the second-largest city in Bulgaria. We will head to the Old Town, which is filled with fascinating stories, heroic legends, and beautiful architecture from various eras. Plovdiv is an open-air museum preserving antiquities from Thracian, Slavic, Roman, Turkish, and Bulgarian times, all within easy walking distance of one another.

After lunch, we will visit two major nearby attractions: Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress, situated high above the monastery. Bachkovo Monastery is an important religious site with sacred icons and beautifully decorated churches that attract pilgrims from across Bulgaria and visitors from around the world. Founded in 1083, the monastery is renowned and admired for its unique blend of Byzantine, Caucasian, and Bulgarian cultural elements, united by a shared faith. High up on the limestone cliff is Assen's Fortress, a strategic medieval fortress offering breathtaking views of the Chepelarska River and the Thracian Plain.

Overnight in Plovdiv.

After breakfast, depart for the village of Shiroka Laka (Shiroka Luka), an architectural and folklore reserve. Immerse yourself in nature and admire the distinctive architecture of the houses in Shiroka Laka compared to the Old Town of Plovdiv.

Next, visit the Etar Reserve (Etara Reserve) and Koprivshtitsa, a delightful excursion where you will gain plenty of enriching insights.

Then stop by the village of Dolen, where every house is built like a fortress of wood and stone. Stroll along cobblestone streets to soak in the village's charm and stretch your legs.

Overnight in Bansko, Bulgaria's premier ski resort.

After breakfast, head out to explore Bansko. In the 19th century, Bansko was one of the wealthiest towns in Bulgaria, and its historic monuments still stand as testament to that heritage. We will tour the town center and then travel to Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria. The route passes through the Pirin and Rila mountain ranges, then follows along the Struma River, where you can observe and feel how the continental climate transitions into a Mediterranean one.

Admire Melnik's white houses clustered in a valley framed by colossal sand pyramids, a stunning natural phenomenon. The town is famous for its rich red wine produced in cellars carved directly into the sand pyramids.

Enjoy wine tasting at the Kordopulov House (Kordopulos), the largest National Revival period home in the Balkans. From Melnik, we will visit Rozhen Monastery and learn about its fascinating history.

Overnight in Sandanski.

After breakfast, depart for the largest monastery in Bulgaria, a monument to faith and education. Those with plenty of energy can climb Hrelu’s Tower, the oldest structure on the monastery grounds. The monastery museum is not to be missed. Our coordinator will gently explain the entire history of the monastery, from its founder, John of Rila, to its important symbols and religious role today. The rugged peaks and beech and pine forests over 100 years old in Rila National Park make this area peaceful and spiritual. We also include a short walk in this itinerary. After lunch, we return to Sofia, with free time until the farewell party.

Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.