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15+ Day Bulgaria Itineraries
11 Tours
24 - 65 Max Group Size
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
15+ Days in Bulgaria: Roman Ruins, Rila & Rose Valleys
Settle into Bulgaria’s city life, heritage sites, and mountain backdrops on longer routes
15+ day Bulgaria itineraries suit travellers who want enough time for headline sights as well as the smaller daily moments, from grand city squares to quiet mountain panoramas. Many trips form part of wider Balkans routes that also visit Greece and Serbia, yet Bulgaria still feels distinctive through its churches, old towns and energetic street life. Expect a balance of guided touring and genuinely free days, with road travel linking key stops so you can cover distance without feeling constantly hurried. If you are weighing up guided tours versus longer holidays in Bulgaria, this trip length helps you go beyond the obvious highlights while keeping plans organised and easy to follow.
Best 15+ day itineraries
Balkan Odyssey Capitals, Castles, and Coastlines
Kick off in Sofia and wrap up in Venice on a 16–day sweep through the Balkans and Adriatic. You’ll explore Sofia’s grand avenues and Plovdiv’s Roman past, visit Bachkovo Monastery and the UNESCO treasures of Kazanlak and Plitvice. Cross into Romania for Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament, Transylvania’s Bran Castle and storybook Sighisoara, plus elegant Sibiu and Hunedoara Castle. Serbia brings Belgrade’s Kalemegdan and Tito heritage, then Bosnia and Herzegovina with Sarajevo’s bazaars and Mostar’s iconic bridge. On the coast, expect Dubrovnik’s walls and Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, before Slovenia’s Postojna Cave, Lake Bled and Ljubljana. Finish amid Venice’s canals – magical.
Balkan Odyssey Rich Heritage and Scenic Wonders
Embark on a 15-day adventure from Athens to Dubrovnik, exploring the heart of the Balkans and beyond. Start in Athens with its storied Acropolis and lively Plaka district, then journey to northern Greece's Meteora for stunning views and historic monasteries. In Bulgaria, marvel at Rila Monastery and enjoy Plovdiv's ancient charm. Discover Romania's Dracula-centric legends at Bran Fortress and admire Sibiu's cultural vibrancy. Journey through Serbia’s lively Belgrade, delve into Bosnia’s rich history in Sarajevo and Mostar, and conclude in the breathtaking beauty of Dubrovnik, with its cliffside views and medieval wonders. Expect a trip filled with cultural revelations, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Balkan Explorer
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Balkans, starting amid the historic splendour of Athens, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks and savour traditional Greek cuisine. Traverse the spiritual heights of Meteora, the mystical ruins of Delphi, and the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, interwoven with the cultural tapestries of Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia. Wander through the charming cobbled streets of Kotor and Dubrovnik, soak in the revitalising spirit of Budapest’s thermal baths, and trace the fall of Belgrade's evocative history. Conclude with the architectural majesty of Bulgaria’s Rila Monastery before returning to Athens, having savoured the region’s enchanting blend of nature, history, and vibrant local life.
Tour Highlights
Athens - The Acropolis anchors a rich introduction to Greece's capital, with an optional food tour through the city's markets and tavernas rounding out a first day that sets the tone for the journey ahead
Delphi - Once considered the centre of the ancient world, this hillside sanctuary delivers some of Greece's most evocative ruins, with the Sacred Way and Temple of Apollo still commanding the landscape above the Pleistos Valley
Meteora - Monasteries perched on sheer rock pillars hundreds of metres above the Thessalian plain, with St Stephen's — founded in 1400 — open to explore and an optional Greek evening in the foothills to follow
Ohrid - One of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities sits above its own lake in North Macedonia, its guided old town tour passing the clifftop Church of St John at Kaneo and layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history
Tirana - Albania's capital surprises with communist-era buildings painted in vivid colours and a walking tour that traces the city's overlapping Ottoman, Italian and Stalinist architectural legacy
Kotor - A UNESCO-listed medieval town enclosed by Venetian walls at the head of a Montenegrin bay, explored on a guided tour with the walled old town of Budva offering a scenic warm-up stop along the coast
Dubrovnik - Two days in Croatia's walled Adriatic city take in a locally-guided tour of the Franciscan Monastery and city walls, with a free afternoon and an optional boat excursion to the Blue Cave and surrounding islands
Mostar - The rebuilt Stari Most bridge arches over the Neretva River in a city where Ottoman minarets and Austro-Hungarian facades stand close enough to touch, with free time to explore before pressing on to Sarajevo
Sarajevo - A locally-guided tour of the Bosnian capital covers a city where the Ottoman bazaar district gives way to Austro-Hungarian boulevards within a few minutes' walk, reflecting centuries of layered empire
Split - Diocletian's Palace forms the living heart of this Croatian city, its Roman walls now enclosing cafés, apartments, and the Baroque facades of Fruit Square, all fronted by the Riva waterfront promenade
Plitvice Lakes - Croatia's most celebrated national park unfolds across a series of cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls, explored on foot along wooden boardwalks through ancient forest
Ljubljana - Slovenia's compact capital rewards a guided walking tour through its riverside café quarter and castle hill, with an optional evening dedicated to Slovenian wine and cuisine
Budapest - Two days in Hungary's capital span a driving tour past the Parliament buildings and Castle District, optional visits to St Stephen's Basilica and Fisherman's Bastion, and a Danube dinner cruise as the city lights up at dusk
Novi Sad - A brief stop in Serbia's second city before Belgrade, its pedestrianised centre and hilltop Petrovaradin Fortress offering a gentler introduction to Serbian culture
Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most revered monument sits deep in a forested mountain valley, its striped arches and vivid frescoed cloisters making it one of the most visually striking religious sites in the Balkans
Thessaloniki - Greece's second city opens up on an orientation tour of a historic centre that layers Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and Ottoman-era markets into one of the country's most rewarding urban walks
Grand Balkan Odyssey Greece to Zagreb Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 19-day journey starting in Athens and wrapping up in Zagreb. Experience the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes across Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia. Explore Athens' iconic Acropolis and the enchanting Meteora monasteries. Wander through Bulgaria's towns, including picturesque Melnik, and historical wonders like the Rila Monastery. In Romania, uncover the mystique of Transylvania at Dracula's Castle and the charming medieval city of Sighisoara. Drift through the scenic Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik's majestic walls and Split's Diocletian’s Palace. Conclude by savouring Slovenia's and Croatia's splendid cities, brimming with Viennese charm and captivating views.
Central Balkans Explorer
Take in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.
Tour Highlights
Belgrade - Tour the highlights of the Serbian capital, sip coffee at the famous ? Tavern and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Sava & Danube rivers
Kotor - Pop into Montenegro to explore this historic walled city and take a boat trip to the island of Our Lady on the Rocks
Transylvania - Discover the iconic Bran Castle, which inspired "Dracula" and visit Peles Castle in the Carpathians
Sinaia - Taste regional wine at an included tasting in the Dealu Mare wine region
Bucharest - Spend two nights in Romania's captivating capital and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour
Sofia - Tour the Bulgarian capital, home to onion-domed churches and important landmarks like the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Zlatibor - Ride the "Sargan Eight" heritage train, offering incredible mountain views and passing through tunnels
Sarajevo - See the sights of the Bosnian capital on a guided tour and taste mouthwatering baklava
Mostar - See the iconic UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and join a hands-on copper workshop
Dubrovnik - Uncover the historic City Walls, Stradun main street and other highlights of this iconic Croatian city
Odyssey From Athens to Venice
Embark on a captivating 20-day journey that begins in the ancient city of Athens and concludes in the enchanting canals of Venice. This adventure promises a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures. You�ll stroll through Athens' historic Plaka, explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, and bask in the charm of Bulgaria's Sofia and Plovdiv. Venture into Transylvania for a glimpse of Dracula�s Castle, then on to the cultural richness of Sarajevo, Mostar, and Dubrovnik. Marvel at Croatia's Plitvice Lakes, Slovenia's Lake Bled, and the grandeur of Venice. Each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
Balkans Encompassed
Join us for our longest tour of the Balkans, exploring six magical countries: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. Tour the historic European capitals of Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia, Sarajevo and Zagreb, see the historic bridges of Mostar and enjoy a 3-hour tour of Croatia's Plitvice Lakes. Take a catamaran trip to Hvar, see the sights in Dubrovnik and uncover Dracula's castle in Romania. Explore the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, ride the heritage railway in Zlatibor and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Danube, plus so much more!
Tour Highlights
Belgrade - Tour the highlights of the Serbian capital, sip coffee at the famous ? Tavern and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Sava & Danube rivers
Kotor - Pop into Montenegro to explore this historic walled city and take a boat trip to the island of Our Lady on the Rocks
Transylvania - Discover the iconic Bran Castle, which inspired "Dracula" and visit Peles Castle in the Carpathians
Sinaia - Taste regional wine at an included tasting in the Dealu Mare wine region
Bucharest - Spend two nights in Romania's captivating capital and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour
Sofia - Tour the Bulgarian capital, home to onion-domed churches and important landmarks like the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Zlatibor - Ride the "Sargan Eight" heritage train, offering incredible mountain views and passing through tunnels
Sarajevo - See the sights of the Bosnian capital on a guided tour and taste mouthwatering baklava
Mostar - See the iconic UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and join a hands-on copper workshop
Dubrovnik - Uncover the historic City Walls, Stradun main street and other highlights of this iconic Croatian city
Plitvice Lakes - Join a 3-hour guided tour of this picturesque region, home to 16 inter-connected lakes
Zagreb - End your journey in the Croatian capital, with a guided sightseeing tour
Balkans & Greek Islands Explorer
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day adventure through the Balkans and Greek Islands, beginning in the historic city of Athens, where you'll marvel at landmarks like the Acropolis, indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, and enjoy a warm welcome dinner. Journey across the captivating landscapes of Greece and beyond, visiting the mystical ruins of Delphi, the stunning monasteries of Meteora, and the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid. Delight in captivating city tours through vibrant capitals such as Tirana, Sarajevo, and Budapest, with opportunities for exploration and leisure at your own pace, from a thermal bath in Budapest to the Danube dinner cruise under starlit skies. Conclude your journey in the paradise of the Greek Isles, with sun-drenched days in Mykonos and Santorini, where you can relax on the beaches, enjoy scenic views at iconic spots like Oia, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of these idyllic islands.
Tour Highlights
Athens - An orientation tour of the Greek capital opens the tour, with optional guided visits to the Acropolis and a food tour through the city's markets and tavernas, before a second stay later in the tour covering Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathinaikos Stadium
Delphi - The ancient sanctuary where the Greeks believed the world's navel to be located rewards a guided visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the archaeological museum tucked into the slopes of Mount Parnassus
Meteora - An extraordinary series of rock pillars topped with Eastern Orthodox monasteries, best experienced at sunset with an optional Greek evening in the foothills to follow
Ohrid - One of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities sits above its own lake in North Macedonia, its guided old town tour passing the clifftop Church of St John at Kaneo and layers of Byzantine history
Tirana - Albania's capital surprises on a walking tour that traces Ottoman, Italian, and Communist architectural influences across a cityscape of colourful facades and reimagined socialist monuments, with a local lunch included
Kotor - A UNESCO-listed medieval town enclosed by Venetian walls at the head of a Montenegrin bay, explored on a guided tour with the walled coastal town of Budva offering a scenic warm-up stop along the way
Dubrovnik - Two days in Croatia's walled Adriatic city take in a locally-guided tour of the Old Town, City Walls, and Franciscan Monastery, with a free afternoon and an optional boat excursion to the Blue Cave and surrounding azure waters
Mostar - The rebuilt Stari Most bridge arches over the Neretva River in a city where Ottoman minarets and Austro-Hungarian facades stand within metres of each other, with free time to explore before pressing on to Sarajevo
Sarajevo - A locally-guided tour of the Bosnian capital covers a city where the Ottoman bazaar district gives way to Austro-Hungarian boulevards within a few minutes' walk, reflecting centuries of layered empire
Split - Diocletian's Palace forms the living heart of this Croatian city, its Roman walls now enclosing cafés, apartments, and the Baroque facades of Fruit Square, all fronted by the Riva waterfront promenade
Plitvice Lakes - Croatia's most celebrated national park unfolds across a series of cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls, explored on foot through ancient forest before the road turns north to Slovenia
Ljubljana - A locally-guided walking tour of Slovenia's fairytale capital threads through castle-topped hills and riverside café streets, with an optional evening of Slovenian wine and cuisine to follow
Budapest - Two days in Hungary's capital span a locally-guided driving tour past the Parliament buildings and Castle District, optional visits to St Stephen's Basilica and Fisherman's Bastion, and a Danube dinner cruise as the city lights up at dusk
Novi Sad - A brief stop in Serbia's second city before Belgrade, its pedestrianised centre and Petrovaradin Fortress offering a gentler introduction to Serbian culture
Belgrade - A locally-guided walking tour covers Republic Square, the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, and the vast Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube, a city that wears its complicated history with considerable energy
Niš - A lunch stop in one of the Balkans' oldest cities, where the cobbled lanes of Tinkers Alley and the remains of a Turkish fortress speak to centuries of Ottoman rule
Sofia - A walking tour of the Bulgarian capital centres on the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, set among Soviet-era boulevards and Roman ruins visible beneath the street
Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most revered monument sits deep in a forested mountain valley, its 10th-century origins visible beneath striped arches and vivid frescoed cloisters that make it one of the most visually striking religious sites in the Balkans
Thessaloniki - Greece's second city opens up on an orientation tour of a historic waterfront and city centre that layers Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and Ottoman-era markets
Mykonos - Two days on the Cyclades' most glamorous island span an orientation tour of Mykonos Chora's whitewashed lanes, free time on sandy beaches, and an optional sailing excursion to the ancient ruins of Delos
Santorini - Three nights on the caldera give full time to explore, with an optional highlights tour to a black sand beach, Oia at sunset, and a local winery, plus an optional boat trip to the active volcano and therapeutic hot springs of the caldera islands
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Central Balkans Explorer - 19 daysTake in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.Worldwide Touring19The best part of the tour was visiting places I had never heard of. Long distances on some days & lunch break until mid afternoon
Central Balkans Explorer - 19 daysTake in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.Worldwide Touring19Itinerary was comprehensive and very interesting. Guide/driver Nemanja had an outstanding knowledge of all sights and his willingness to do all the little extra things increased the enjoyment of the tour. We had a comfortable roomy van and a small group. A small number of the 11 hotels were disappointing.
Bulgaria 15+ day itineraries at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips in Bulgaria run as group tours, and the guiding style can be fully guided or partly guided depending on the route. Some itineraries include an escort for the full trip, while others use local guides in key places, giving you a practical structure alongside independent time between main stops.
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually in hotels, with options that can include 3 star, 4 star and 5 star stays, depending on the itinerary. Some trips mention an upgrade option, and alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used if specific rooms are not available.
Trip pacing
Pace depends on the itinerary, with choices that range from medium to fast. On 15+ day Bulgaria itineraries, expect regular road travel between cities and towns, plus the occasional early start to fit in major visits, guided touring and longer travel days.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Bulgaria on a tour of 15 days or more?
Trips of 15 days and up featuring Bulgaria are long Balkan grand tours. Routes can run from Belgrade through Romania and back through Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Croatia, with Bulgaria around Sofia and Plovdiv. Bulgaria is one country on a long journey.
Are 15 day plus Bulgaria tours multi country?
Yes, the longest trips cross much of the Balkans. They link Serbia, Romania, Bosnia, Montenegro and Croatia with Bulgaria. The route is built as a regional overland journey.
Are long Bulgaria tours guided?
They run as fully guided and partially guided trips, as group and larger coach tours. A guide manages the many border crossings. The format keeps a long route organised.
How active is a long Balkan tour through Bulgaria?
The activity level is easy, with town walking and a fairly brisk pace. Coach travel links the countries over the route. Larger coach groups run up to around 65.
How long are the longest tours featuring Bulgaria?
These extended itineraries run from around 15 days up to about three weeks. The length reflects the Balkan distances. Bulgaria features within the wider loop.
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