Unveil the hidden wonders of Europe! Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the rich tapestry of the continent's most ancient culture. Wander through the vibrant capital Sofia, explore the oldest city in Europe Plovdiv, alongside the river that bestowed its name upon the entire continent! Journey back 2,500 years to uncover sanctuaries filled with the golden treasures of Thracian kings in the city of the Bulgarian rose. Trace the illustrious path of the Roman Empire across Bulgarian lands and immerse yourself in the splendor of iconic Orthodox churches that echo tales from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the resplendent Bulgarian Revival.
Delight in the harmonious blend of history and modernity as you traverse the cobbled streets and bustling markets where past and present meet. Savor the exquisite flavors of Bulgarian cuisine, with its tantalizing mix of spices and traditional dishes that tell stories of the land's diverse heritage. Let the majestic landscapes of the Rila and Rhodope Mountains captivate you with their breathtaking views and serene beauty, offering a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Throughout your travels, embrace the warmth and hospitality of the people you meet, each encounter adding a unique chapter to your European odyssey. Whether you are wandering ancient ruins, admiring excellent art, or simply enjoying a leisurely café moment, Bulgaria offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored and cherished.
Hello Bulgaria
8 DaysOverview
Itinerary
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Day
01Sofia
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Welcome ceremony with a traditional bagpipe performance.
Free time and overnight stay in Sofia. -
Day
02Sofia – walking tour, National History Museum and Boyana Church- Sofia
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, 2- hour guided walking tour in the city center along the most popular sites: Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Basilica, the National Theater, the Parliament, the Largo Complex, Saint George Rotunda, and many others.
After that, lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, travel to the outskirts of the town, in the footsteps of the Vitosha Mountain, to visit the Boyana Church (UNESCO heritage site) – famous for it 800-year old frescoes, and the National History Museum – the biggest in Bulgaria, with over 650 000 artefacts!
In the evening – folklore dinner at a traditional restaurant! -
Day
03Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia
Breakfast at the hotel. Day trip to the Rila Monastery – the most famous, important and beautiful Bulgarian Monasteries, and UNESCO heritage site!
Guided tour at the monastery and in the monastery` museums.
Free time for shopping.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant in the area. After that, return to Sofia.
In the evening – free time and overnight stay in Sofia. -
Day
04Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Rhodope Mountain and visit of the Bachkovo Monastery – one of the oldest and biggest preserved monasteries in Bulgaria!
Then, a lunch in a restaurant near the monastery.
After that, departure to Plovdiv – the oldest existing town in Europe! Guided tour in Plovdiv in the old town, including a visit of a Revival house, the Roman theater and Stadium, and the recently discovered and restored Bishop`s Basilica!
In the evening – free time and overnight stay in Plovdiv. -
Day
05Kazanlak – Damascene, museum and gallery, Kazanlak Tomb, Sevt Tomb – Veliko Tarnovo
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Bulgarian Rose Valley. Visit of the ethnographic complex “Damascena”.
Then, continue to the ‘capital’ of the valley – Kazanlak. Visit its museum and the ancient Thracian tomb (UNESCO heritage site).
Lunch at a traditional restaurant.
After that, visit the tomb of the Thracian ruler king Sevt.
In the late afternoon, continue to Veliko Tarnovo – the medieval Bulgarian capital.
Hotel accommodation, free time and overnight stay. -
Day
06Veliko Tarnovo – Tsarevets - Arbanasi (with folklore lunch) - return to Veliko Tarnovo
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided tour in Veliko Tarnovo, with its “Tsarevets” fortress and famous trade street.
Then, continue to the old village of Arbanasi, famous for its churches and white houses.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Return to Veliko Tarnovo.
In the evening, you can enjoy the amazing “sound and light” show of the Tsarevets fortress, if it is available on the current date!
Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo. -
Day
07Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Revival village of Koprivshtitsa, where you will visit 5 of its house- museums and will learn more about the struggle of Bulgarians for national liberation from the Ottoman Empire during the 19 th century.
Lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Then, departure to Sofia and hotel accommodation there.
In the evening – free time and overnight stay in Sofia. -
Day
08Sofia – transfer to airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. End of our services.
The price includes
- Accommodation in 4* hotels
- Breakfast at the hotels
- 6 lunches (from day 2 to day 7)
- One folklore dinner
- Private transfers
- Tour Guide
- Entrance fees: Boyana church, National History Museum, Rila Monastery museums, Plovdiv Roman theater, Plovdiv Revival house, Plovdiv old basilica, Damascena ethnographic complex, Kazanlak museum, Kazanlak UNESCO Thracian tomb, tomb of the Thracian ruler Sevt, Veliko Tarnovo Tsarevets fortress, Arbanasi church, Koprivshtitsa house- museums
- Sound and Light Show in Veliko Tarnovo (if available)
The price does not include
- Dinners at hotels (optional, should be specified in advance)
- Cancelation fees
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities /tips to the guide and driver - recommended on day 7
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol Drinks
- Airplane tickets
See it online https://holabulgaria.com/trip/hola-bulgaria/