每日行程
From the quiet mountain setting of Rila to the seaside streets of Sozopol and Nessebar, this journey brings together different sides of Bulgaria in one tour. Monastery courtyards, an ancient theatre, fortress walls, houses from the Bulgarian National Revival and traditional crafts all await you.
We will take time to explore Plovdiv Old Town, walk beside the Black Sea and continue to the medieval heritage of Veliko Tarnovo. The route back to Sofia takes us through Etar, the memorial church in the town of Shipka, Kazanlak and Koprivshtitsa.
Two consecutive nights in both Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo give us more time to explore these towns. The itinerary is suitable for travellers who enjoy cultural sights and walking tours.
The tour begins and ends with an overnight stay in Sofia. A welcome on arrival and a transfer from Sofia Airport or a bus station agreed in advance to the hotel are included on the first day, as is a transfer to the airport or bus station on the final day.
Admission fees for sites that charge entry are payable separately. The hotels, services and final price will be confirmed in the quotation for your selected dates.
Day 1
Sofia Airport or Sofia bus station – hotel in Sofia
Arrive at Sofia Airport or at a bus station in Sofia agreed in advance. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Check-in is subject to the chosen hotel's check-in time. Free time to relax and explore independently, depending on your arrival time. Overnight in Sofia.
Day 2
Sofia – Rila Monastery – Plovdiv
Breakfast. Depart in the morning from the hotel in Sofia for Rila Monastery. Set among the wooded slopes of the Rila Mountains, the monastery complex is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A walk through the courtyard reveals the arcaded galleries, frescoes and architecture of one of Bulgaria's most recognisable religious landmarks.
Visit the main Church of the Nativity of the Virgin and view Hrelyo's Tower from the outside. Free time to explore independently, take photographs where permitted and have lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue to Plovdiv. Check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax and have dinner. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Day 3
Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv
Breakfast. We begin the day with a walking tour of Plovdiv Old Town. Along its cobbled streets, we will see houses from the Bulgarian National Revival and visit the Ancient Theatre. Our guide's commentary will connect the city's ancient heritage with the lives of Plovdiv's merchants and craftspeople during the Revival.
We continue to the Roman Stadium and the central pedestrian area. A short walk through the Kapana district is followed by free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we depart for Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God. We visit the main monastery courtyard and church, with time for prayer and a walk. Return to Plovdiv. Free evening and a second night at the same hotel.
Day 4
Breakfast and departure for the southern Black Sea coast. On arrival in Sozopol, we will take a walk through the Old Town. Stone ground floors, timber façades and narrow streets reveal the distinctive architecture of this coastal town.
We will walk past the old houses and along the waterfront promenades, with time for photographs and independent exploration. Free time for lunch and a coffee overlooking the sea.
We continue to Burgas and check into the hotel. The evening is free for dinner and relaxation. Overnight in Burgas.
Day 5
Breakfast. Depart for Nessebar Old Town, a historic town on a peninsula inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our walking tour takes us through the fortress gateway, past the ruins of the Church of St Sophia and along streets lined with historic houses.
We will discover the different layers of Nessebar's history and allow time for a walk by the sea. Free time for lunch. Visits to additional museum exhibitions are optional and subject to their opening hours.
In the afternoon, we travel to Varna. After checking in, we take a short introductory walk through the city centre, viewing the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral from the outside, with the opportunity for free time in the Sea Garden. Overnight in Varna.
Day 6
Varna – Madara Rider – Veliko Tarnovo
Breakfast and departure for Madara. Visit the area of the Madara Rider, the medieval rock relief inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our guide will explain its significance in early Bulgarian history.
The viewing area is reached on foot via steps. There will be time to view the relief and take photographs; the visit does not include the climb to the fortress on the plateau.
We continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Check into the hotel, with free time to begin exploring the town and have dinner. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 7
Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanasi – Veliko Tarnovo
Breakfast. The day is devoted to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Visit Tsarevets Fortress, where we will learn about the history of Bulgaria's medieval capital and enjoy views of the town and the Yantra River.
We continue with a walk along Samovodska Charshia, with time to browse the craft shops. Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we depart for Arbanasi. Walk among its characteristic stone walls and historic houses. We will visit the Church of the Nativity of Christ, with its frescoes, at a time arranged in advance for the group. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Free evening and a second night at the same hotel.
Day 8
Veliko Tarnovo – Etar – Shipka – Kazanlak
Breakfast. We depart for the Etar Open-Air Ethnographic Museum near Gabrovo. A walk through the crafts street, workshops and water-powered exhibits introduces the traditional way of life and skills of Bulgarian craftspeople. We allow plenty of time for exploring, shopping for souvenirs and lunch.
We continue across the Balkan Mountains to the town of Shipka. Visit the Nativity of Christ Memorial Church, recognisable by its golden domes and dedicated to those who died in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Kazanlak. Check into the hotel, with free time for a walk around the town. Overnight in Kazanlak.
Day 9
Kazanlak – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
Breakfast. Visit the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak. The reproduced scenes offer an insight into the composition and artistic richness of the original frescoes. The original tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this itinerary includes a visit to the replica.
Depart for Koprivshtitsa. Take a walk among houses from the Bulgarian National Revival, stone bridges and cobbled streets. Visit one selected house museum, according to its opening schedule for the date of the tour. Free time for lunch and independent exploration.
In the afternoon, depart for Sofia. Arrive in the evening, check into the hotel and enjoy free time for dinner. Overnight in Sofia.
Day 10
Hotel in Sofia – Sofia Airport or Sofia bus station
Breakfast. Check out in accordance with the hotel's requirements. An organised transfer takes you to Sofia Airport or the bus station in Sofia agreed in advance, timed to suit your departure. End of the tour.
