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An experience of Bulgaria’s heritage, flavors, and traditions, showcasing its rich culture and scenic beauty.

from US $ 11060 pp

Bulgaria Map

Tour Highlights

Organic Wine Tasting

Traditional Folklore Dancing

The Valley of the Roses

Lunch with the Locals

Local Village Visits

Traditional Cuisine Tasting

Hills Brewery Park Tour

about this tour

about this tour

This Bulgarian tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the country's connection to its past and evolving cultural landscape. Throughout the journey, you’ll visit diverse regions that offer a blend of ancient landmarks, charming villages, and timeless traditions, all of which have shaped the identity of Bulgaria. The tour takes you through renowned wine regions, where you can taste locally produced wines paired with traditional dishes made from regional ingredients, giving you a true sense of the country’s flavors. Along the way, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, centuries-old monasteries, and lush landscapes, learning about their role in Bulgaria’s development. The journey also includes visits to lesser-known but equally fascinating destinations, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet locals and engage with their culture, crafts, and customs. This tour is designed for those who appreciate both history and natural beauty, with a perfect balance of engaging activities and time to relax. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, wine lover, or someone looking for a distinctive European destination, this trip through Bulgaria offers a chance to experience the country’s diverse heritage, its serene landscapes, and the warmth of its people. This well-rounded experience ensures that you leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of this beautiful, often overlooked corner of Europe.

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FOLKLORE PERFORMANCE At the home of Deshka in Gorno Draglishte. Known for her warm hospitality and dedication to local traditions, Deshka welcomes guests into her cozy home and prepares a feast of traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Enjoy specialties like banitsa, a flaky pastry with rich cheese filling; kavarma, a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew; and fresh farm cheese, made using generations-old techniques. During lunch, local village women bring the gathering to life with traditional singing and dancing.

  • 1

    Arrival in Sofia

    Upon your arrival at Sofia Airport, your guide will greet you and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the city center. Along the way, you’ll get a first glimpse of Sofia’s unique blend of architecture, culture, and daily life. After check-in, take some time to relax or start getting acquainted with the surroundings at your own pace.

    Upon your arrival at Sofia Airport, your guide will greet you and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the city center. Along the way, you’ll get a first…
  • 2

    Sofia's Markets, Local History & Fine Dining

    In the morning, you will set out to discover the highlights of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. During the city tour, you’ll visit key landmarks, including the iconic yellow-cobbled streets, ancient Roman ruins, and natural thermal springs in the heart of the city. You’ll also see the National Theatre Ivan Vazov, the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia University, the Mosque, the Synagogue, and the Round Church of St. George, which dates back to the 4th century. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum will offer a glimpse of one of Bulgaria’s most renowned Thracian golden treasures, dating to the 4th century BC. Along the way, you’ll encounter many other notable sites that reflect Sofia’s character and heritage. Your tour will also include two of Sofia’s most well-known markets. The first stop is the Antiques Market near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, where you’ll find a variety of unique items such as old cameras, coins, medals, hand-knitted socks, Russian matryoshka dolls, jewelry boxes, and more. Prices can vary, and bargaining is common, often leading to significant discounts. Next, you’ll visit the Women’s Market, Sofia’s oldest market, established in the late 19th century after the end of Ottoman rule. Though its beginnings were modest, it quickly grew into one of the city’s main trading hubs in the 20th century. Today, it remains a lively spot, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices along a pedestrian street lined with dairy shops, local producers, restaurants, fast food stalls, bars, souvenir stores, and more. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal at Manastirska Magernitsa, known for its authentic regional dishes. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you wish—whether strolling through the city, relaxing at a café, or visiting additional sights. To conclude the day, you’ll dine at Shtastlivetsa or a similar fine-dining restaurant, where you’ll savor a selection of expertly prepared Bulgarian and European dishes in an elegant setting.

    In the morning, you will set out to discover the highlights of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. During the city tour, you’ll visit key landmarks, including the iconic yellow-cobbled streets, ancient Roman…
  • 3

    Local Cooking in Bulgarian Villages

    Today, you will travel to the scenic and lesser-known South Sakar Mountain region. On the way, you’ll stop in the town of Panagyurishte for a hands-on cooking class and lunch at Djudjeva House. Here, you’ll learn to prepare Panagyurski Tutmanik—a traditional banitsa filled with white cheese. Guided by your hosts, you’ll knead the dough, roll out the crusts by hand, add the cheese, and bake it to perfection. Once ready, you’ll enjoy your homemade creation alongside other local specialties, including slow-cooked beans in a clay pot, Panagyurishte-style eggs (poached eggs with white cheese and Bulgarian yogurt), and Panagyurishka lukanka (a homemade sausage seasoned with aromatic herbs). After lunch, you’ll have the chance to dress in traditional Bulgarian attire and take photos in the picturesque courtyard of Djudjeva House, adding a special touch to the experience. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the village of Glavan, where you will spend the next two days. The evening will end with a dinner featuring locally sourced dishes, paired with regional wines.

    Today, you will travel to the scenic and lesser-known South Sakar Mountain region. On the way, you’ll stop in the town of Panagyurishte for a hands-on cooking class and lunch…
  • 4

    A Day of Crafts, Cuisine & Culture

    Today, you will visit the village of Dositeevo, where locals will demonstrate traditional crafts and share the process of making sesame-based dishes and Katak (a dairy specialty). The grandmothers of the village will also treat you to folk songs, adding to the experience. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a homemade casserole served among the vineyards near Kolarovo. In the afternoon, there will be an optional visit to one of the best-preserved dolmens, along with the Alexander Tomb, an impressive Thracian monument. You will then return to the hotel for a second overnight stay.

    Today, you will visit the village of Dositeevo, where locals will demonstrate traditional crafts and share the process of making sesame-based dishes and Katak (a dairy specialty). The grandmothers of…
  • 5

    The Valley of Roses - Kazanlak Thracian Tomb - Plovdiv

    Today, you’ll visit Kazanlak, known as the heart of the Rose Valley and the site of the famous Rose Festival. You’ll explore the Rose Museum, where you’ll learn about the region’s rose oil production, an essential part of Bulgaria’s economy. This centuries-old industry is unique to the area and has long been considered one of the country’s most significant. If you’re visiting in May or June, you can join in the rose-picking process and, under the guidance of a pastry chef, prepare rose jam or other rose-based desserts. You’ll also visit a replica of the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 4th century BC. Afterward, you’ll continue to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city and the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

    Today, you’ll visit Kazanlak, known as the heart of the Rose Valley and the site of the famous Rose Festival. You’ll explore the Rose Museum, where you’ll learn about the…
  • 6

    Winery Visit and Plovdiv’s Old Town Tour

    After breakfast, you’ll head south toward the Rhodope Mountains for a visit to Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria. (An optional walk through the surrounding forest is available.) Next, you’ll visit the small Dragomir Winery Estate, where you can sample local wines along with a light lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Plovdiv for a walking tour of the city center (1.5 to 3 hours). The tour will take you through the Old Town, which is an open-air museum filled with cultural landmarks from various historical periods. Highlights include the Roman amphitheater, Roman stadium, Eastern Gate from the 4th century, the Ethnographic Museum, the Djumaya Mosque (the oldest in Bulgaria, dating to the 14th century), and charming mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Plovdiv is considered one of the country’s most beautiful cities and was named European Capital of Culture in 2019.

    After breakfast, you’ll head south toward the Rhodope Mountains for a visit to Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria. (An optional walk through the surrounding forest is available.) Next,…
  • 7

    Brewery Park - Hosted Local Lunch - Kovachevitsa

    Today, you’ll travel to Perushtitsa and visit Hills Brewery Park, where you can taste local craft beer and enjoy attractions like a mini zoo, a scenic lake, and views of the surrounding mountains. Next, you’ll head to the village of Gorno Draglishte for a traditional lunch, accompanied by a folklore performance. Your host, Deshka, a member of Bulgaria’s Slow Food Movement, will prepare regional dishes while the village grandmothers entertain with a folklore performance. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Kovachevitsa, a picturesque village known for its well-preserved architecture, which has served as the backdrop for over 20 historical films.

    Today, you’ll travel to Perushtitsa and visit Hills Brewery Park, where you can taste local craft beer and enjoy attractions like a mini zoo, a scenic lake, and views of…
  • 8

    The Village of Ribnovo

    Today, you’ll travel to the village of Ribnovo, home to a Muslim community of Pomak origin. The village is known for its unique culture and wedding traditions, which blend old Bulgarian customs with Islamic influences. The wedding season typically takes place in autumn and winter, with festivities lasting five days, filled with singing and dancing in the village center. On the second day of the celebration, the bride’s face is painted white with sequins.

    Today, you’ll travel to the village of Ribnovo, home to a Muslim community of Pomak origin. The village is known for its unique culture and wedding traditions, which blend old…
  • 9

    Melnik & Zornitsa

    The first visit today will be to Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, nestled among striking sandstone pyramids. Known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions and well-preserved Revival-era architecture, Melnik offers a glimpse into the country’s past through its historic mansions and winding cobbled streets. You can visit the Kordopulov House, an impressive 18th-century merchant’s home with ornate murals, vast wine cellars, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Try the region’s distinctive wines, made from the indigenous Broad-Leaved Melnik grape, to deepen your appreciation for the area’s vinicultural heritage. Then continue to Zornitsa, a serene countryside retreat known for its rolling vineyards and exceptional cuisine. Here, you will have the opportunity to savor a carefully curated meal, pairing locally sourced ingredients with expertly crafted wines. You can take a walk through the estate, unwind with a glass of wine overlooking the hills, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

    The first visit today will be to Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, nestled among striking sandstone pyramids. Known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions and well-preserved Revival-era architecture, Melnik offers a glimpse…
  • 10

    Organic Wines & Rozhen Monastery

    Around noon, you’ll visit Orbelus, an organic winery set among seven mountains in the Melnik region. The winery’s sustainable architecture minimizes energy use, creating a winemaking process in harmony with nature. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. Before returning to the hotel, you may visit the Rozhen Monastery, nestled among the Melnik Earth Pyramids. It is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries that has remained well preserved. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, with options including spa treatments and massages at your hotel.

    Around noon, you’ll visit Orbelus, an organic winery set among seven mountains in the Melnik region. The winery’s sustainable architecture minimizes energy use, creating a winemaking process in harmony with…
  • 11

    UNESCO Site Tours & A Farewell Meal

    After check-out, you’ll visit Rila Monastery, a 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spiritual landmark of Bulgaria. Its founder, St. Ivan Rilski, once lived in a nearby cave, which you can visit before following a forest trail through ancient beech trees leading to the monastery’s entrance. For lunch, you’ll stop at Medi Valley Winery for wine tasting and a final meal of the journey. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Sofia for your last overnight stay and dinner. On the way, you may visit Boyana Church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Your final dinner will be at Restaurant COSMOS, a highlight of Sofia’s dining scene. The restaurant offers a six-course pairing menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients, modern Bulgarian cuisine, and expertly selected wines. The experience includes a glass of rakia and three Bulgarian wines, with dishes crafted by a chef who trained at DiverXO, Madrid’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

    After check-out, you’ll visit Rila Monastery, a 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spiritual landmark of Bulgaria. Its founder, St. Ivan Rilski, once lived in a nearby cave, which…
  • 12

    Departure Day

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sofia Airport for your departure after a memorable week and a half of flavorsome experiences. Safe travels!

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sofia Airport for your departure after a memorable week and a half of flavorsome experiences. Safe travels!

Why Book With Us?

Selected luxury hotels that deliver exceptional service in authentic local style.

Finest Hotels

Our in-country experts have in-depth knowledge of their city and culture for an exceptional travel experience.​

Boots on the Ground​

Our experienced travel consultants are there to support you throughout your journey.​

Customer Support​

We favor local partners who share our focus on quality customer service while providing value to the local communities.​

Responsible Tourism​

Our in-country expert

My name is Anna and I live in Sofia, Bulgaria. I am a product manager for the English speaking market with more than 11 years of experience. As a local, I know a lot about my country and will make sure you get a real and unique experience during your Balkan adventure here. I love...
Anna
Anna

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