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Grand Classical Bulgaria Tour – 12 Days

4.75

(13.420 Reviews)

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Highlights

Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress, Nessebar Old Town (UNESCO)

Destinations

Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Melnik, Nessebar, Ruse, Sofia, Vidin

Budget

From €1.560,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

From snow-capped mountains to the sunlit Black Sea, from medieval fortresses to ancient Thracian tombs — this 12-day private guided tour of Bulgaria unveils the country’s grand story in one sweeping, unforgettable route. Travel comfortably with your private English-speaking driver-guide through charming old towns, UNESCO-listed monasteries, and vibrant cultural centers. Discover the true Bulgaria  authentic,
soulful, and full of contrasts.

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Itinerary

Arrival in Sofia

Welcome to Bulgaria! Meet your private driver-guide at Sofia Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, take a short introductory tour: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia
Basilica, and the Roman Rotunda of St. George.
Evening free for rest or dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Overnight in Sofia.

Sofia – Rila Monastery – Rozhen Monastery – Melnik (approx. 220 km)

After breakfast, depart south through the Rila Mountains to visit the Rila Monastery (UNESCO) — the
most sacred site in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century. Explore its vivid frescoes and peaceful
mountain setting.
Continue through the Pirin foothills to the Rozhen Monastery, surrounded by vineyards and
sandstone formations. Arrive in Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, famous for its red wine and Revival
architecture.
Optional wine tasting in a local cellar.
Overnight in Melnik.

Melnik – Bansko – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv (approx. 280 km)

Morning drive through the scenic Pirin Mountain to Bansko, a beautiful town preserving its old stone
houses and 19th-century murals in Holy Trinity Church. Continue through the Rhodope Mountains to
visit Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second largest, rich in art and history.
Arrive in Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities (inhabited for over 8,000 years!).
Evening at leisure in the Old Town.
Overnight in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv – City Tour

Spend the day exploring Plovdiv’s Old Town — a mosaic of cultures and history. Visit the Ancient
Roman Theatre, Ethnographic Museum, and St. Konstantin and Elena Church.
Walk through the creative Kapana District, alive with cafés and galleries.
Afternoon free to relax or shop.
Overnight in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv – Kazanlak (Valley of the Roses) – Nessebar (approx. 320 km)

Travel through the Valley of the Roses and stop in Kazanlak to visit the Thracian Tomb (UNESCO), a
4th-century BC masterpiece of Hellenistic art.
Continue through the Shipka Pass, with a stop at the Freedom Monument, before heading east to the
Black Sea. Arrive in Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval churches, sea
views, and narrow cobbled streets.
Overnight in Nessebar.

Nessebar – Varna – Aladzha Monastery (approx. 120 km)

Morning walking tour of Old Nessebar, visiting the Church of Christ Pantocrator and St. John the
Baptist Church, and enjoy sea views from the peninsula.
Drive north along the coast to Varna, Bulgaria’s “Sea Capital.” Visit the Archaeological Museum, home
to the world’s oldest gold treasure (6,000 years old).
In the afternoon, visit Aladzha Rock Monastery, a 13th-century cave monastery set in forested cliffs.
Overnight in Varna.

Varna – Madara Rider – Ruse – Ivanovo Rock Churches (approx. 320 km)

Head west through the plains of northeastern Bulgaria to see the Madara Horseman (UNESCO), an
8th-century rock relief symbolizing early Bulgarian strength.
Continue to Ruse, known as the “Little Vienna” for its 19th-century architecture along the Danube
River. Visit the nearby Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches (UNESCO) with unique medieval frescoes carved
into cliffs.
Evening walk along Ruse’s elegant main square.
Overnight in Ruse.

Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo (approx. 120 km)

After breakfast, drive south to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of the Bulgarian Tsars. Explore
the Tsarevets Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, and the charming Samovodska Charshia artisans’
street.
Afternoon free or optional visit to the nearby Arbanassi Village, known for its richly painted churches.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo – Pleven Panorama – Vidin (approx. 320 km)

Head northwest through the fertile Danube plains toward Pleven, where you’ll visit the Pleven
Panorama — a stunning circular museum commemorating the decisive battle of the Russo-Turkish
War (1877–78).
Continue to Vidin, the far northwestern Danube city, once a major fortress of medieval Bulgaria.
Evening stroll along the riverfront.
Overnight in Vidin.

Vidin – Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress – Sofia (approx. 290 km)

After breakfast, visit one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders — the Belogradchik Rocks, a breathtaking
formation of red sandstone cliffs shaped by time and legend.
Explore the Belogradchik Fortress, built among the rocks with panoramic views over the Balkan
Mountains.
In the afternoon, drive back to Sofia, crossing through scenic mountain passes.
Overnight in Sofia.

Sofia – Full Day Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day to explore Sofia in depth: visit the National Museum of History, Boyana Church
(UNESCO), and the Central Market Hall.
Optional cultural evening with folklore dinner and music.
Overnight in Sofia.

Sofia – Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight.
End of services.

Services

Included

  • Private driver-guide throughout (English-speaking)
  • Rent-a-car for entire itinerary
  • Fuel, parking, tolls
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Guided city tours as per itinerary
  • VAT & local taxes

Excluded

  • Entrance fees & museums
  • Optional wine tastings
  • Lunches & dinners
  • Optional folklore evening
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (optional)
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