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Classical Bulgaria Tour – 10 Days

4.75

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Highlights

Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), Nessebar Old Town (UNESCO), Madara Horseman (UNESCO)

Destinations

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

Budget

From €1.395,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

Experience the essence of Bulgaria – a land of mountains, monasteries, ancient cities, and golden domes. On this 10-day private tour, you’ll explore the full soul of the country – from the majestic Rila Monastery and the wine valleys of Melnik, to the cobbled charm of Plovdiv, the Thracian treasures of Kazanlak, the Black Sea coastline, and the mighty Danube at Ruse. Accompanied by your private English-speaking driver-guide, this journey offers a perfect balance between history, nature, and authentic encounters with local culture.

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Itinerary

Arrival in Sofia

Welcome to Bulgaria! Your private driver-guide meets you at Sofia Airport and transfers you to your
hotel in the city center.
If time allows, take a relaxed introductory walk to explore Sofia’s highlights: the Alexander Nevsky
Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, and the Roman Rotunda of St. George, one of the oldest Christian
churches in Europe.
Evening free to enjoy local cuisine at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.
Overnight in Sofia.

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

After breakfast, depart south through scenic mountain roads to visit the crown jewel of Bulgarian
spirituality — the Rila Monastery (UNESCO). Founded in the 10th century, it’s a masterpiece of
Orthodox art and devotion, surrounded by forested peaks.
Continue toward the Rozhen Monastery, a peaceful 13th-century complex famous for its stunning
frescoes and views over the Melnik Pyramids — unique sandstone formations.
Arrive in Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest and most charming town, known for its stone houses and fine
red wine. Visit the Kordopulova House, a Renaissance mansion with an underground wine cellar.
Overnight in Melnik.

Melnik – Bansko – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv (approx. 290 km)

This morning, drive north through the Pirin Mountains to Bansko, a picturesque town preserving
traditional architecture and the famous Holy Trinity Church. Stroll the cobbled streets and enjoy lunch
in a local mehana (tavern).
Continue east to the Bachkovo Monastery, nestled in the Rhodope Mountains. Founded in the 11th
century, it’s the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria and a masterpiece of fresco painting and
spirituality.
By late afternoon, arrive in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural capital — one of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in Europe (over 8,000 years of history!).
Overnight in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv – City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a full guided tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town. Walk among beautifully preserved
19th-century Revival-style houses, visit the Roman Theatre, the Ethnographic Museum, and the
Ancient Stadium.
Then explore the creative Kapana District — filled with cozy cafés, art galleries, and crafts. Plovdiv is
European culture in its purest form: ancient, artistic, and alive.
Evening at leisure to experience the city’s nightlife or enjoy dinner overlooking the hills.
Overnight in Plovdiv.

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

Cross the Balkan Range via the Shipka Pass, where a monumental freedom memorial stands above
the valley. Visit Kazanlak, heart of the Valley of the Roses — the world’s prime producer of rose oil.
Here you’ll see the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), famous for its beautifully preserved
frescoes from the 4th century BC. Continue east across the fertile Thracian Plain to the Black Sea
coast and the ancient town of Nessebar, perched on a rocky peninsula.
Overnight in Nessebar.

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

Morning walking tour of Nessebar’s Old Town, a UNESCO site and one of the oldest settlements in
Europe. Admire its medieval churches, wooden houses, and sea views.
Drive north along the coast to Varna, the “Sea Capital” of Bulgaria. Visit the Archaeological Museum,
which holds the world’s oldest processed gold treasure (over 6,000 years old).
Later, explore the Aladzha Rock Monastery, a 13th-century monastic complex carved into limestone
cliffs.
Evening free to enjoy Varna’s coastal promenade.
Overnight in Varna.

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

Depart west across the plains of northeastern Bulgaria to the Madara Horseman (UNESCO) — a
stunning rock relief from the early 8th century depicting a triumphant horseman carved 23 meters
high into a cliff face.
Continue to Ruse, the “Little Vienna” of Bulgaria, with its grand 19th-century architecture and Danube
River views. Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (UNESCO), a series of medieval cave churches
adorned with 14th-century frescoes.
Overnight in Ruse.

Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo (approx. 120 km)

After breakfast, travel to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of the Bulgarian Kingdom. Explore the
Tsarevets Fortress, once home to Bulgarian kings, and enjoy panoramic views of the Yantra River
meanders.
Stroll through the Samovodska Charshia, an old street where craftsmen still work in traditional
workshops.
Evening at leisure to enjoy dinner with a view over the fortress.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo – Pleven Panorama – Sofia (approx. 260 km)

Depart west toward Pleven, where you’ll visit the Pleven Panorama — a huge circular monument
commemorating the 1877–78 battle that brought Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule.
Continue to Sofia, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time or a farewell dinner at a local
restaurant.
Overnight in Sofia.

Sofia – Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight home.

Services

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation in 3★ or 4★ hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • Private English-speaking driver-guide
  • Rent-a-car for the entire tour
  • Airport arrival & departure transfers
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary (external visits)
  • All road taxes, parking, fuel
  • VAT & local taxes

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entrance fees to museums, monuments & UNESCO sites
  • Wine tastings & optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide/driver
  • Travel insurance
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