Bulgaria Secrets Exploration

Welcome to Bulgaria. On arrival at Varna or Bourgas Airport, we’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and meet your professional guide for the journey ahead. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and explore at your own pace. You might like to wander through the pedestrian centre to discover Varna’s main sights, stroll along lively promenades, or unwind in the tranquil Sea Garden. The city offers a range of museums showcasing local history and traditions, or you can simply head to one of the nearby beaches for a relaxing swim. Overnight in Varna or Bourgas.

After breakfast, we set off early for a day rich in history and culture, including visits to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our first stop is the Old Town of Nessebar, often called the ‘Pearl’ of the Black Sea Coast. We’ll explore its cobbled streets and discover several 13th-century churches, gaining insight into the town’s significance during the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. We visit the Church of St Stephen, renowned for its distinctive architecture, intricate iconostasis and remarkable mural paintings.We then continue inland, travelling through scenic countryside to reach Kazanlak. Here, we visit a replica of the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb, dating from 310–290 BC, which features some of the best-preserved Hellenistic art in the region. As Kazanlak lies in the heart of the Rose Valley, we also visit the Rose Museum to learn about the area’s unique rose oil production and its importance to local culture. The day ends with an overnight stay in Plovdiv.

After breakfast, we set out to discover Plovdiv, a city shaped by centuries of history. Begin with a morning walk through the winding lanes of the Old Town, arriving at the Ethnographic Museum or Hindliyan House to learn about the lives of wealthy merchants during the medieval period. Next, we visit the Roman Amphitheatre, built in the early 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, and recognised as one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres. Take time to explore this remarkable site and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets before we pause for lunch in a traditional Old Town restaurant.In the afternoon, we travel to the renowned mountain resort of Bansko, passing through the scenic Yundola Pass and taking in the fresh mountain air near Avramovo – the highest railway station on the Balkan Peninsula. On arrival in Bansko, we enjoy a guided walk through the old town, where you’ll learn about the distinctive fortified houses built during the Revival period. The evening is yours to explore further and perhaps find a local tavern for dinner, experiencing Bansko’s hospitality at your own pace.Overnight in Bansko.

After breakfast, we take in the fresh mountain air from the hotel terrace before setting out to explore some of Bulgaria’s most significant Orthodox sites. Our first stop is the village of Dobarsko, where we visit the Church of St Theodor Tiron and St Theodor Stratilat. Dating from 1614, this functioning church is renowned for its exceptional frescoes, considered among the finest examples of Bulgarian pictorial art.We continue our journey to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, nestled deep in the mountains. The monastery is a key monument of the Bulgarian Revival period, noted for its striking Renaissance architecture and impressive frescoes. In the evening, we arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, where we spend the night.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Our morning walking tour takes us through the city centre, starting with a visit to St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the largest Orthodox cathedral in the country, renowned for its gold-plated dome and ornate interior. We continue past key landmarks including the St George Rotunda, the Russian Church of St Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. Lunch is arranged in a contemporary restaurant that celebrates local folklore traditions. In the afternoon, we visit the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, famous for its frescoes, which are among the earliest examples of Renaissance art in Europe. Afterwards, you have free time to explore at your own pace or, if you wish, you can visit the National History Museum – this optional excursion includes a guide, entrance fee, and transport, and lasts around 1.5 hours. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional dinner featuring a traditional four-course Bulgarian menu, accompanied by a folklore show and the unique Nestinari fire-dancing ritual (performed outdoors, weather permitting). Dinner begins at 20:00 and concludes at 23:00. Overnight in Sofia.

After breakfast, we set off into the heart of the Balkan Mountains, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. Our first stop is Etara, an open-air museum that recreates a traditional crafts village, where we discover regional crafts and see how water power drives the workshops. We then continue to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital. On arrival, we stroll through the old town, reaching the square in front of the impressive Tsarevets Fortress—an ideal spot for photos and panoramic views. Afterwards, we explore the hidden corners of Samovodska Charshia, the town’s historic crafts street. If you wish, you can join an optional demonstration of traditional crafts such as pottery or wood-carving, with guidance and entrance included. In the evening, we take a short transfer to the nearby village of Arbanassi for dinner in a typical mehana restaurant. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out and set off on a scenic drive across the country towards the Black Sea coast. Our first stop is the village of Arbanassi, where we visit the Nativity Church, renowned for its 17th-century murals—an outstanding example of Bulgarian religious art. We then continue to the UNESCO-listed Madara Rider, a unique rock relief carved high into the cliffs near Shumen, offering insight into Bulgaria’s early medieval history.Later, we travel onwards to the coast, arriving in Varna or Bourgas. Upon arrival, we take a guided walk through the pedestrian centre to discover the town’s key landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants or at the hotel, marking the end of our journey together. Overnight in Varna or Bourgas.

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out from the hotel. You will then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.