10 days · Quoted per enquiry

Essential Bulgaria

Sofia · Rila Monastery · Plovdiv · Kazanlak · Veliko Tarnovo · Arbanasi · Sofia · Koprivshtitsa · Sofia

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days on the ground

stops on the route

Worth knowing

Two UNESCO sites and the Rose Valley

Day by day

The complete journey.

Accommodation, transport and included experiences are confirmed in the tailored proposal. No departure dates or prices have been invented.

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Sofia

Day 1–2

Day 1

Sofia

Arrival in Sofia, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Free time for your first impressions of the Bulgarian capital.

Day 2

Sofia

Panoramic and walking tour of Sofia featuring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, ancient Serdica, the Rotunda of Saint George, the Presidency and the National Theatre.

Plovdiv

Day 3–4

Day 3

Sofia – Rila Monastery – Plovdiv

Travel to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most important Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Plovdiv after the visit.

Day 4

Plovdiv

Full-day exploration of Plovdiv, including the Old Town, Ancient Theatre, Roman Stadium, Revival-period houses and the creative Kapana district.

Veliko Tarnovo

Day 5

Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Veliko Tarnovo

Travel to the Rose Valley and visit Kazanlak, including a Thracian tomb or museum and an introduction to Bulgaria’s famous rose-oil tradition. Continue across the Balkan Mountains to Veliko Tarnovo.

Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo — Tsarevets (fortress)

Arbanasi

Day 6

Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Visit Tsarevets Fortress, Samovodska Charshiya and the historic centre. Afternoon excursion to Arbanasi, known for its traditional stone houses and richly decorated churches.

Frescoes inside Saint George Church in Arbanasi, Bulgaria — Saint George Church · Arbanasi

Sofia

Day 7–10

Day 7

Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia

Travel back to Sofia. Free afternoon for relaxation, shopping or independent exploration.

Day 8

Sofia – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia

Full-day excursion to Koprivshtitsa, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful Revival-era towns. Walk along its cobbled streets and visit selected historic houses and museums before returning to Sofia.

Day 9