8 Day Bulgaria Tour (Visit Sofia, Tsarevets, Rila Monastery & More)

Tour Overview

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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

Our Bulgaria tour reveals a land with a turbulent history that stretches back to the 7th century, a diverse topography of great beauty and an ever-welcoming people who are still in the process of trying to adapt to a capitalist framework, Bulgaria is a land of intriguing contrasts that proves a highly rewarding tour destination.

We travel across the Plain of Thrace to meander through the Old Quarter, visit the Roman amphitheatre and see typical 19th century Bulgarian architecture in the streets of Plovdiv.

We take to the countryside through the world-famous Valley of the Roses, where a mind-boggling 70 per cent of the world's rose extract is produced.

Thracian tombs, domed churches, fortress walls and Czar castles are just a few of the ancient sites that we'll be exploring en route to the highly revered, 1000-year-old Rila Monastery, wherein we find stunning frescos, and then it's on to the capital, Sophia, to finish our tour in style.

Dates & Prices

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

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2024

2025

Optional Single Supplement: $540 USD (number of singles limited).

Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Sofia
Arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

Overnight in Sofia.
Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Sofia & Rila Monastery
This morning we depart for the 10th century Rila Monastery, 121 km (75 miles) south of Sofia at the end of a winding road through high rock walls with formations like giant animals waiting to pounce. This most-revered of all Bulgarian monasteries lies nestled in a soft, green wood. Mountains rise all around it; below it the Rilska River races over a stony bed.

In the 9th century, twenty-year old Ivan Rilski (John of Rila) fled to this peaceful place seeking escape from the sordidness of the world. Finding a cave in the woods above this present monastery site, he took up the hermit life. Here he fed the animals and the birds and prayed in the stillness to God. In time, like-minded men joined him and they built the first monastery here about a 2.4 km (1.5 mile) from the present site, where, today, you will find his tomb, the little Church of St. Luke, and the cave he inhabited. In the past, pilgrims were not deemed sinless enough to enter the monastery.

The Rila Monastery is one of Europe's largest monasteries, located in some of Bulgaria's most beautiful terrain. Sightseeing of the monastery features the unsurpassed frescoes of the Church of the Blessed Virgin. Monks still practice within this five-domed treasure. Also contained within the exquisite fortress-like walls of the monastery is the Historical Museum featuring a collection of objects connected with the monastery's thousand-year history. After lunch we will return to Sofia.

Overnight in Sofia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Sofia - Plovdiv
Today we travel to the ancient city of Plovdiv, situated in the Plain of Thrace. Plovdiv was formerly known as Pulpudeva until Philip II of Macedon's weary horse collapsed under him here at the edge of the Thracian plain in AD 342. Since that was surely an omen, he built Philippolis on the site in the horse's honour. Later the Romans renamed it Trimontium -- the City on Three Hills. For five centuries, under Turkish rule when it was known as Philibe, it suffered much devastation. Today it is a city of great charm, with legacies of a hectic past.

Plovdiv has a lovely "stariyat grad," or old town, with Turkish influences and a charming character. Our tour includes the Old Quarter, the Ethnographical Museum, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Within Trimontium, the historic heart of Plovdiv, typical 19th century Bulgarian homes line the streets.

Overnight in Plovdiv.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Plovdiv - Valley of the Roses - Veliko Tarnovo
This morning we depart Plovdiv for the world famous Valley of the Roses.

In this valley, 70 percent of the world's "attar", or extract from roses, is produced. Nimble- fingered women and girls do most of the picking, while donkeys are used to carry the petals away.

In the town of Kazanlak we visit the Thracian Tomb (fourth and third centuries BC). The Thracians are regarded as the original Bulgarians, a people closely linked with the ancient Greeks. Before our climb over the Shipka Pass we will visit the Shipka Memorial Church. The golden Domes of this Russian-style church rise out of the hillside. After crossing the spectacular Shipka with its majestic vistas and momentous history we visit the open-air Ethnographical Museum of Etura, a recreation of a typical 19th century village.

After a tour of the museum we continue on to Veliko Tarnovo, once the capital of Bulgaria (1185-1396) and still showing the remains of its past glory -- fortress walls and palaces perched among the steep cliffs of the Yantra Gorge. Clinging to the crags that rise above the River Yantra, this capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom of the Middle Ages is one of the country's most picturesque sites. It rises on three main hills: fortified Tsarevets; Trapezitsa, where boyars lived; and Sveta Gora, then the centre of a scholarly monastery, now a university site.

Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo: Town Tour
Today we have a tour of this town laced with history. We will admire the breathtaking views of this picturesque region during our tour of the Tsarevets Citadel (Castle of the Czar). This commanding position was first fortified in the 6th century and had become the royal centre of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom by the end of the 12th century. A short drive away is the hilltop village of Arbanassi, first settled by Albanian immigrants in the 15th century. We will have the opportunity to visit several of the houses in the region dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Veliko Turnovo - Sofia
Today we travel to Sofia via the beautiful Danube Plain. En-route we will cross over the Troyan Pass and visit the nearby Troyan Monastery, Bulgaria's third largest. After a lunch break we will continue on the well-preserved 'museum-town' of Koprivshtitsa. It was here that the revolt against the Ottoman occupation began in 1876. A visit here gives us an insight as to how Bulgarians lived a century ago. Our WALK throughout the enchanting town will bring us to many unique houses with wooden columns, painted facades, richly decorated interiors, and lovely gardens.

Overnight in Sofia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Sofia: City Sightseeing
Today we have a sightseeing WALKING tour of Sofia.

The motto of the city is "Sofia Grows but Never Ages"; founded over 7,000 years ago, Sofia today is an exciting meeting place of history and the present. Traces of the lives of Thracians and Romans, Proto-Bulgarians and Slavs can be seen here. More than 250 historic, archaeological and architectural monuments have been preserved in Sofia, the center of the country’s political and cultural life. A highlight of our day is the National Museum of History, which will act as retrospective summation of the things that we have experienced and seen on our trip.

We'll also see some of the most famous landmarks: The magnificent St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the most spectacular buildings in Sofia. In addition to the splendor of the building itself, the cathedral is also remarkable for its icons and murals, painted by the time's foremost artists. Its crypt contains the most valuable collection of Bulgarian icons.

St Sofia's Church is the second oldest, but most significant building, which gave the city its name. Specialists highly value this remarkable archaeological monument, witness of Serdica's golden age during the 6th century. The large archaeological complex of Roman and medieval ruins, dominated by St George Rotunda is the oldest building in Sofia. Repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, the St George Rotunda has been restored to its original 5th century appearance when it was used as a Christian church.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Overnight in Sofia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Departure
Departure from Sofia.

PRIJATNO PATUVANE!!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.

Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall the most popular of which is are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild and crowds thinner. Showers quite possible in spring and fall, somewhat less so in summer though can occur any time. Summers can be humid though long daylight hours maximize exploration.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. There may not be porters available in all locations. We also make use of public transit in some cities in order to maximize sightseeing where vehicles are impractical (most people quite enjoy this insight into daily life).

This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite toilet and bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.

Group Size
10-18 (plus Tour Leader)

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Romania & Bulgaria

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: RO2

Tour Overview

Romania, Hungary & Bulgaria

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: HU3

Tour Overview

Slovakia, Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: SL4

Tour Overview

Czech, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria

MAY SEP

TOUR CODE: CZ5

Tour Overview

Romania & Bulgaria TOURCODE: RO2 Bucharest: "The Little Paris of the East"; The "painted monasteries" of Bucovina; Bran Castle, mythical home of Dracula; Famous Valley of the Roses; Unsurpassed frescoes of Rila Monastery; Sofia: City tour

Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

Before setting foot in these two countries found in Eastern Europe, it would be easy to confuse them as quite similar. Both are lands with a sprawling history, impressive nature, and sophisticated cities.

Either country will impress with its fascinating culture that has remained since medieval times into the communist eras of the 20th century. However, by taking our Romania and Bulgaria tours, one discovers that these two neighbours are each unique in their experiences.

Our Romania and Bulgaria tours start with an arrival to Bucharest, where we are greeted by castles and churches. From the new Renaissance architecture found at Peles and Pelisor Castles to the Dracula folklore inspired by Bran Castle, there is more than meets the eye in terms of towers and furniture collections.

Much of Romania feels still medieval in its beauty. Old world charms become apparent in the narrow winding streets, houses with thick walls and huge portals painted in vivid colours, towers, and churches found around every corner. Where clock towers still adorn town halls and fortified walls surround the town centres.

It is a place where across the Transylvanian plateau towns have a marked history of bloodshed, a predictable outcome for a country resting within the crossroads of Europe. Influences from Germans, Turks, Saxons, and Tartans, are but a few of the invaders and occupiers who called this land home.

In times of war and times of peace, religion has always been prevalent in this area, and Romania and Bulgaria tours make several stops to highlight its importance. We'll pause at the painted monasteries at Bucovina, delighting in their artistic brilliance and UNESCO significance.

Along the way between the old medieval towns and ancient monasteries, our Romania and Bulgaria tours will discover the Carpathian mountains that make a wide curve, having left a network of craggy peaks, dense forests and green meadows that nature enthusiasts will revel in.

From there, our journey continues south, to one of the most exuberant nations in the Balkans. Bulgaria is laced with history, ancient mythology and has been blessed with mist-shrouded mountains that extend from a glimmering coastline. Once a medieval hub, Bulgaria has re-emerged as one of Europe's most exciting destinations and for good reason.

Our Romania and Bulgaria tours begin in Bulgaria's capital Sofia, a city with wide boulevards and a motto that it grows but never ages. It's true. In its 7000 years of existence, more than 250 historic, archaeological and architectural monuments have been preserved.

History comes alive in the countryside as well, with evidence of Roman, Ottoman, and Persian influences. Roman amphitheatres sit nearby to Turkish old towns with 19th century Bulgarian homes lining the outer streets in towns such as Plovdiv.

Outside the cities are Valleys of Roses, fortified palaces, and picturesque hillside towns. With such a multi-layered history, Romania and Bulgaria tours navigate the vast relics of the past with intimate looks at the tombs of the heroes, locations of the legacies, and landscape that has been carved over the centuries.

Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe
Countries visited: Bulgaria

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Eurostars Sofia City

Location: Sofia

Country: Bulgaria

Not far from the Parliament building and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you will find Eurostars Sofia City, an accommodation with contemporary, colourful décor offering the best services and facilities for a few unforgettable ... discovering the life and culture of Sofia.

Click here to visit hotel website

Grand Novotel Plovdiv

Location: Plovdiv

Country: Bulgaria

Grand Hotel Plovdiv is a 4 star hotel, located in the heart of the city of Plovdiv. The hotel is perfectly situated - with an easy access to highway Trakia, on a ... distance from Plovdiv International Fair and 15 minutes walking distance from historical and administrative city center.

Click here to visit hotel website

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASK A QUESTION

01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?

Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.

02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?

Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.

03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?

The easiest way to make a reservation is to contact us by telephone. You can also book online through our website. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?

Please review our cancellation policy page for details.

05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?

All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.

06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?

Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").