Timeless Bulgaria

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.

Bulgarian Flag

Cathedral Sofia

Bulgarian Bridge

Food Market

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Grand Hotel Sofia

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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. Once you've taken the time to absorb this unique city, you will then be taken to meet a Bulgarian priest for the afternoon, who will take the time to tell you more about Orthodox and Catholic Christianity and what separates the two.

Orthodox Church

Bulgarian Local

Parliament

Sofia Streets

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Grand Hotel Sofia

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After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Balkan Mountain Range (2 hours 20 minutes) for a pottery workshop at the “Eko Art” craft shop in Drashkova Poliana Village. Encho and Velichka, your welcoming hosts, will guide you through traditional Bulgarian pottery techniques, while Velichka prepares a homemade lunch using local ingredients. In the afternoon, you will head to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital. After settling into your hotel once you've checked in, you can take a walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo’s center, including a visit to Tsarevets Royal Hill, once home to Bulgaria’s tsars and nobility. The Old Town features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a charming cobbled street lined with craft shops. The Sarafkina House, a museum on Gurko Street, is also worth a visit. The day will end with dinner at a fine restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo.

Eko Art Drashkova Poliana

Tsarevets Royal Hill

Tsarevets

Veliko Tarnovo at Night

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Bey House Boutique Hotel

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After breakfast, you will head to the Roussenski Lom River valley in northeastern Bulgaria to visit the rock-hewn churches near Ivanovo. Carved into the cliffs by hermits in the 12th century, these chapels, monasteries, and cells feature remarkable 14th-century murals created by artists from the Tarnovo School. Recognized for their significance, the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. Lunch will be at Seven Generations Winery in Mechka village, paired with a glass of local wine. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Ruse, Bulgaria’s fifth-largest city, situated on the right bank of the Danube River, across from Giurgiu, Romania. Known for its striking mix of classical architecture, including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Rococo styles, Ruse was once called "Little Vienna" and was considered Bulgaria’s most European city in the 19th century. Afterward, you will return to Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanasi for a second overnight stay, with dinner at the hotel.

Ivanovo

Ivanovo

Ruse

Danube River

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Bey House Boutique Hotel

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After breakfast, visit the village of Arbanasi, home to the Church of Nativity, the oldest in the area. Its interior is adorned with 16th- and 17th-century frescoes, covering every surface with over 3,500 figures in 2,000 scenes. Next, head to Tryavna, a town that preserves the charm of the mid-19th century and is known for its iconography, woodcarving schools, and traditional crafts. The Old School houses a collection by Dimitar Kazakov, a renowned Bulgarian painter whose works are displayed in the Louvre, the Pushkin Museum, and the Emperor’s Collection in Tokyo. Tryavna’s clock tower and historic bridge are nationally significant landmarks. Enjoy a cup of traditional sand-brewed coffee amongst the locals in the town square, a ritual best savored slowly with a side of white jam. You will then be transferred to your next hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Arbanassi

Woodcarving

Tryavna

Tryavna Town Center

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Park Hotel Stara Zagora

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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.

Rose picking

Kazanlak Thracian Tomb

Kazanlak Thracian Tomb

Plovdiv

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Hotel Vizualiza

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In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town, an open-air museum showcasing cultural landmarks from different historical eras. Key sites include the Roman amphitheater, the ancient stadium, the 4th-century Eastern Gate, the Ethnographic Museum, and the 14th-century Djumaya Mosque, the oldest in Bulgaria. The town's character is further enhanced by beautifully preserved mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries, each reflecting the elegance of its time. The afternoon is yours to wander at leisure, uncovering the city's many charms before spending one last evening in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv City

Rhodope Mountains

Plovdiv

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Hotel Vizualiza

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Today, you will head south toward the Rhodope Mountains, stopping along the way at Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria. There is also an option for a short walk in the surrounding forest. Next, you will visit the village of Kosovo for a traditional Bulgarian lunch accompanied by a folklore performance. Enjoy the sounds of the bagpipe, one of the most iconic instruments in Bulgarian folk music. The journey continues to the village of Gela, with a stop at Shiroka Laka, an architectural reserve known for its well-preserved Rhodope-style houses. The village is also famous for its strong musical traditions and the kaba gaida, a distinctive regional bagpipe. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Gela, a small village with only a handful of residents. Here, you can explore the ruins of an old monastery and two historic churches while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains—a perfect setting for relaxation.

Bachkovo Monastery

Kaba Gaida

Shiroka Laka

Bulgarian Grannies

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Shiroka Laka Hotel & Spa

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After breakfast, you will be driven to the village of Kovachevitsa, a remarkably preserved architectural gem that has served as the backdrop for over 20 historical films. Its timeless charm and traditional stone houses create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into the past. Upon arrival, your hosts, Silvana and Boiko, will welcome you with a homemade lunch, offering a taste of local flavors and hospitality. In the afternoon, your journey continues to the village of Ribnovo, home to a Muslim community of Pomak heritage. This remote mountain village is known for its distinctive traditions, particularly its elaborate wedding ceremonies, which take place in the colder months of the year. These multi-day celebrations are filled with music, dance, and communal gatherings in the village square. One of the most striking customs unfolds on the second day, when the bride’s face is covered in a white layer of paint and adorned with shimmering sequins, creating a breathtaking ceremonial appearance. As the day draws to a close, you will return to Kovachevitsa, for a thoughtfully prepared four-course dinner.

Bulgaria Kovachevitsa

Bulgarian Landscape

Pomak Mosque

Pomak People

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Sharkov Family Hotel

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After breakfast, you will set off for the village of Gorno Draglishte, where you will take part in a hands-on lesson in preparing “banitsa*”*, a beloved Bulgarian dish made with layers of delicate pastry, eggs, and cheese. Under the guidance of local women, you will learn the techniques that have been passed down through generations, gaining insight into the flavors and traditions that define this comforting meal. Following the cooking session, sit down for a homemade lunch in the company of your hosts, including Deshka and the village grandmothers, whose warmth and storytelling bring the past to life. As you share a meal crafted from time-honored recipes, you’ll experience the deep sense of community that defines rural Bulgarian life. In the afternoon, you will return to Kovachevitsa, where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind. You could choose to stroll through the village’s narrow stone streets, take in the surrounding mountain views, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in a traditional guesthouse.

The Locals

Banitsa

Bulgarian Grannies

Bulgarian Dessert

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Sharkov Family Hotel

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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.

Melnik Sand Pyramids

Pirin Mountains

Wine Grapes

Pirin Sand Pyramids

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Medite Resort Spa Hotel

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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.

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Rozhen Monastery

Rozhen Monastery

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Medite Resort Spa Hotel

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After checking out, the journey continues with a visit to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO-listed landmark and one of Bulgaria’s most treasured spiritual and cultural sites. Established in the 10th century, the monastery stands as a symbol of faith and resilience, its ornate frescoes and grand arcaded courtyards offering a glimpse into centuries of devotion and artistry. Before reaching the monastery, you’ll have the chance to visit the secluded cave where St. Ivan Rilski, the revered founder, spent years in solitude. From there, a scenic forest path winds through towering beech trees, leading to the monastery’s main entrance. A guided tour will provide deeper insight into the site’s history, from its medieval origins to its role in preserving Bulgarian identity during the Ottoman period. Following the visit, a short drive will take you to Medi Valley Winery, where a carefully curated lunch awaits, accompanied by a tasting of expertly crafted wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The combination of fine cuisine and locally produced vintages offers a perfect way to savor the flavors of Bulgaria. In the afternoon, you will continue to Sofia for your final evening and farewell dinner.

Rila Monastery Bulgaria

Rila Monastery

Medi Valley Winery

Final Dinner

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Grand Hotel Sofia

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

Bulgaria Tours

Airport

Happy Travels!

Bulgarian Salad

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Grand Hotel Sofia

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