Tour Overview
Embark on a 9-day journey through Bulgaria's cultural wonders. Starting and ending in Sofia, this tour will take you to the most visited destinations in Bulgaria, including churches, towns and villages. Immerse yourself in the local culture with experiences like wine tasting and sampling traditional cuisine.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be greeted by a TSG tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to settle into your room and freshen up before meeting up with the group for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Sofia.
After breakfast, you will embark on a 2-hour guided tour of Sofia's historic center. Your guide will take you to some of the city's most notable landmarks and provide insight into its rich history. You will visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest in Bulgaria, the Saint Sofia Basilica, a symbol of the city, the old Parliament Building, the Presidency, the Saint George Rotunda, one of the oldest churches in Europe, and more. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore on your own. You will spend the night in Sofia.
Start your day with breakfast, then embark on a day trip to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your first stop will be the Boyana Church, where you'll marvel at the incredibly well-preserved and unique frescoes from the 13th century. Afterward, you'll head to the Rila Monastery. It is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and will leave you enchanted with its beauty. Your guide will share the history of the monastery's emergence and the story of Saint John of Rila, the most important Bulgarian saint. You will also have the opportunity to visit the monastery museum and an authentic monk's room. Enjoy some free time for lunch before transferring back to Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.
Begin your day with breakfast, then head out on a day trip to Plovdiv, considered to be the oldest existing town in Europe, Plovdiv was the European Capital of Culture in 2019. During a 2-hour guided tour, you will discover the city's well-preserved and restored heritage, including the Roman Forum, the Stadium, the Theater, the main pedestrian street—the longest in Europe—the revival old town with its lovely homes and cobblestone streets, the ruins of the old fortress, and the breathtaking panoramic views from there. You will also learn about the ancient history of the city. Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping. You will return to Sofia at 6 p.m. Overnight in Sofia.
Koprivshtitsa is our destination today. A small, vibrant village nestled in the "Sredna Gora" mountain, it was the site of the 19th-century "April Uprising," which, though ultimately unsuccessful, was an important step toward liberation. It also played a significant role in the period of the Bulgarian National Revival. Here, you'll find traditional houses belonging to wealthy local merchants that have been converted into museums, showcasing authentic furniture and decor, and providing insight into the lives of merchants during that time. You'll visit a few house museums and learn about the important events that took place there with a guide. Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.
Begin the day with breakfast before heading on a day trip to Veliko Tarnovo, a 3.5-hour drive away. Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom from the 12th to the 14th centuries and was a formidable fortress built on three hills. The visit will start at Tsarevets Hill, where you'll see the ancient fortress and several medieval churches. Subsequently, take a stroll through the old merchant street, where you can see traditional crafts being made. Enjoy your free time for lunch and shopping. The expected return in Sofia is at 7 p.m. The night will be spent in Sofia.
One of TSG's adventures comes to an end after breakfast. However, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.
Trip includes
Included
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
6 breakfasts
Arrival transfer from Sofia International Airport Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking car or minivan Return transfer to Sofia International Airport
Guided Sofia City Tour Guided day trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Guided day trip to Plovdiv Guided day trip to Koprivshtitsa Guided day trip to Veliko Tarnovo
Entrance fees to: Boyana Church, Rila Monastery museum, Plovdiv ancient theater, Koprivshtitsa house- museums, Tsarevets fortress
Tours & Transfer Taxes
Excluded
International and Domestic Flights
Insurance: All types
City Tax (currently 0,50-euro cents per night)
Insurance: All types Bulgaria entry visa (if needed)
Food (besides the breakfast) & personal expenses
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
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