Tour Jewish heritage in Bulgaria

4.75

(13.420 Reviews)

Highlights

Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Sofia Synagogue (largest in Bulgaria), Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), Ivanovo Rock Monasteries (UNESCO)

Destinations

Plovdiv, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse

Budget

From €1.085,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

Journey Through Time: Discover the Jewish Heritage of Bulgaria
Step into a timeless journey where history, culture, and resilience come alive. Explore the rich tapestry of Jewish life in Bulgaria – a land where centuries of tradition, courage, and coexistence have left their mark.
From the echoes of ancient synagogues and peaceful Jewish quarters to the inspiring stories of survival and solidarity during the darkest times, this tour invites you to uncover the hidden gems of a vibrant heritage. Walk the cobblestone streets of Plovdiv and Sofia, where Sephardic culture once thrived. Visit the Rila Mountains and small towns where communities lived in harmony, and honor the heroes who protected their neighbors during World War II.
This is more than a tour – it’s a tribute to memory, identity, and hope. Whether you seek spiritual connection, historical insight, or cultural discovery, the Jewish heritage of Bulgaria opens a doorway to the heart of human dignity and perseverance.
Join us, and let the story of Bulgarian Jewry inspire your soul.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sofia

Arrival in Sofia and guided city tour including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman Serdica ruins, St. George Rotunda, St. Sofia Basilica, National Theatre, Parliament, Sofia University and the Sofia Synagogue with the Jewish Historical Museum. Traditional folklore dinner. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Plovdiv

Visit Rila Monastery (UNESCO), including the church, museum and monk’s cell. Lunch in the mountains. Continue to Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 3: Plovdiv – Bachkovo – Plovdiv

City tour of Plovdiv including the Old Town, Roman Theatre and Plovdiv Synagogue. Afternoon visit to Bachkovo Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4: Plovdiv – Kazanluk – Veliko Tarnovo

Travel to Kazanluk to visit the Rose Museum, Thracian Tomb (UNESCO) and Shipka Memorial Church. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Optional Tsarevets Light & Sound show. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi

Explore Tsarevets Fortress, medieval churches and Samovodska Charshia. Afternoon excursion to Arbanassi village. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 6: Veliko Tarnovo – Ruse – Ivanovo

Transfer to Ruse. Visit the Elias Canetti House and city center. Excursion to Ivanovo Rock Monasteries (UNESCO). Dinner and overnight in Ruse.

Day 7: Ruse – Pleven – Sofia

Visit Pleven Panorama memorial complex. Continue to Sofia. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 8: Departure

Free time in Sofia and transfer to the airport. End of services.

Services

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in 3★ or 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private English-speaking driver-guide
  • Rent-a-car for the entire tour
  • Airport arrival & departure transfers
  • Sightseeing tours as per itinerary (external visits)
  • Fuel, parking fees, road taxes
  • VAT & local taxes

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entrance fees to museums, monasteries & attractions (Rila Monastery museum, Thracian tomb, synagogues, fortresses, panoramas, Light & Sound show, etc.)
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide/driver
  • Travel insurance

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What our travellers are saying

TripAdvisor reviews

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Stone buildings lining a cobblestone square in an Eastern European town

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