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Discover Bulgaria on a self-drive tour: enjoy mountains, seaside and culture, learn more about the local landmarks and sites from our expert guides, taste traditional meals and stay at specially selected cosy hotels.
Highlights
- Sofia - the capital city of Bulgaria
- The Medieval Fortress of Tsarevets
- The Valley of Roses
- Nessebur UNESCO town and the Black Sea coast
- Plovdiv - the oldest continuously inhibited town in Europe
- Trigrad and Buinovo Gorges, Yagodina cave
- Bansko museum town and Pirin National Park, UNESCO site
- Rila Monastery UNESCO site
- Bulgarian traditions and local cuisine
Itinerary
Arrival at Sofia Airport. Private transfer to your hotel. If time permits - city tour of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, which Constantine the Great one called "My Rome". Overnight.
Rent-a-car delivery to your hotel and departure to Central Bulgaria. Arrival in Veliko Turnovo - the medieval capital city of Bulgaria, picturesquely located on 4 hills above Yantra river. Meet your local guide for a 3-h walking tour of Veliko Turnovo, including wine tasting at a local winery. Overnight.
( Approximate mileage: 250 km )
Proceed with the car to the south of Veliko Turnovo. En route possible stops to Dryanovo, Gabrovo, Etura, Shipka mountain pass, the town of Shipka. Arrival in Kazanlak - the centre of the Valley of Roses, known as well as the Valley of the Thracian kings. Check in at your hotel. Independent discovery of the town.
( Approximate mileage 100 km )
Departure to the Black Sea coast with stop to Nessebur UNESCO town. Enjoy a walking tour with local guide.
Check in at your hotel .
( Approximate mileage 250 km )
Free time for own discoveries and rest, possible visits with the car to to Sunny Beach, Pomorie, Sozopol, or further down to the south of Burgas.
Free time for own discoveries and rest.
Continue with your exploration of Bulgaria - en route to Plovdiv, stop to Stara Zagora. Possible visit of the Neolitic dwellings museum ( one of the best preserved in Europe ) as well as the small Museum of Religions.
Proceed to Plovdiv - the 2nd largest Bulgarian city, European capital of culture in 2019, as well as the oldest continuously inhibited city in Europe.
( Approximate mileage 280 km )
Meet your private tour guide for a walking tour of the Old Plovdiv Architecture reserve - see the Ancient Theatre, St. St. Constantine and Helena Church, the Ethnographic museum, Djumaya Mosque Square, the remains of the Roman stadium and Forum, along the longest pedestrian street in the world.
Independent discovery of Kapana - the artistic neighbourhood of Plovdiv, or visit the nearby Bachkovo monastery ( 11th c, connected with the history of the 3rd Crusade ) - just 30 min. drive from Plovdiv.
Head to the south of Plovdiv, entering the beautiful Rhodope mountains. En route you will have the opportunity to stop at many scenic locations, take pictures of panoramas of mountain peaks, river valleys and water reserves. Possible walk for a couple of ours around one of the eco-trains in the region of Devin. Arrival at your hotel in Trigrad, check in and rest.
( Approximate mileage 180 km )
Day in the region of Trigrad and Buinovo gorges. You will have a private jeep tour and free time to visit some of the caves in this part of the Rhodope mountains - Yagodina and / or Devil`s Throat. Free afternoon for a walk, possibility for horse riding.
( Approximate mileage 50 km )
Depart towards Bansko museum town, crossing the western part of the Rhodopes, as well as the Mesta River Valley, reaching the foothills of Pirin mountain ( National Park, UNESCO site ).
With a small detour of some 25 km, you can visit on the way the museum villages of Kovachevitsa and Leshten.
You have a dinner at a traditional restaurant ( mehana ) in order to taste the local cuisine.
( Approximate mileage 140 km )
Free time in Bansko for own discoveries and relax.
Departure from Bansko towards Rila Monastery UNESCO site - the largest monastery in Bulgaria, picturesquely located 1100 m above sea level in Rila Mountain ( National Park ). Stop for independent visit and lunch before proceeding to Sofia.
( Approximate mileage 190 km )
Rent-a-car drop off at the airport and departure.
Trip includes
Included
A selection of cosy 3 - 4 * hotels
Local guides in English: Sofia ( 3 h ) , Veliko Turnovo ( 3 h ), Burgas ( 3 h ), Plovdiv ( 2 h )
Guiding Method
Self drive
All breakfasts at the hotels
2 dinners in Sofia and in Bansko ( special )
14 days rent-a-car type Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, VW Golf, etc.
Insurance: CDW + zero liability for damages or events occurred not by your fault or foreign fault. Combined with insurance for: Theft; Fire; Windows and roof.
14 days rent-a-car, delivery and drop off charges
Private jeep tour Trigrad and Buinovo Gorges
Excluded
Extra insurance for the rent-a-car: from 4 EUR/ day
Deposit for the rent-a-car: 250 EUR
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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