• Explore the sacred and rustic hills around the peaceful Rila Monastery. 
• Relax sunbathing or strolling down the seaside promenade in the ancient town of Varna
• The wonder of watching the Sound and Light Show over the medieval Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
• Spend the day tasting wines that the Trojans tried in one of the oldest wine regions in the world in Bessa Valley.
• Take in the ancient wonders while walking down the old town of Plovdiv that is older than Greece and Rome.

Best of Bulgaria

Explore all that Bulgaria has to offer on this adventurous and all-encompassing trip through this ancient country. 

Day 1, Sofia: Arrive in Bulgaria and enjoy a meet-and-greet with your fellow travelers before a short walking tour and local dinner. 

Day 2, Sofia: Set out on a longer walking tour of this capital city and visit the President’s Building for the Changing of the Guard, tour the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and walk around the central market. 

Day 3, Rila Monastery: Take a short drive to a local Roma village before touring the holy Rila Monastery where you will stay for the night in this very rustic setting .

Day 4, Bessa Valley Wines: Stop at one of Europe’s oldest vineyards on your way to Plovdiv to learn about Bulgaria’s rich wine history that was once experienced by traders from the ancient city of Troy. 

Day 5, Plovdiv: Explore a city older than Athens and Rome. Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city of Thrace with its Roman theatre, Renaissance homes, and charming cafes. 

Day 6, Kasanlak: On your way to the Black Sea, stop off in Kasanlak where you can see ancient Hellenistic ruins and Byzantine churches all in one place. 

Day 7, Nesebar: Tour around this small, seaside village that saw influences from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantium, Turks, and Bulgarians. 

Day 8, Varna: Arrive in the center of Bulgaria’s Black Sea towns where you can see the famous gold of Varna and stroll along the seaside promenade. 

Day 9, Balkan Range: Drive over and along the Balkan Range where you will stop to see carved wonders in the cliff sides and historic villages. 

Day 10, Veliko Tarnovo: Set out on a walking tour of this medieval city that was the heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire before enjoying a traditional folk performance in the evening. 

Day 11, Villages and Cities: Arrive in a small village for lunch that has retained many traditions from the Ottoman Turks before arriving back in Sofia for the night. 

Day 12, Departure: Either continue your journey of Eastern Europe after the tour is over or depart for home. 

See all Bulgaria tours between 10-12 days »

Bulgaria Active Itinerary 

Bulgaria is known for being one of the best outdoor adventures in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. With this itinerary, you’ll hike and explore all of this country’s natural wonders. 

Day 1, Sofia: Arrive in Sofia and transfer to the mountain town of Bankso where you’ll begin your journey. 

Day 2, Todrina Porta Pass: Begin your hiking adventure through the Todrina Porta Pass where you’ll see stunning lakes and viewpoints. 

Day 3, Mt. Vihren: You’ll attempt to climb the second largest peak in Bulgaria for amazing views and walk through the traditional yellow Piring Poppies that dot the mountain.

Day 4, Rila Monastery: This is a lighter day of exploring the historic Rila Monastery and hiking around the natural preserve of the Rila Mountains. 

Day 5, Rila Mountains: Set out on a full day of hiking through the switchbacks of the Rila Mountains. 

Day 6, Mt. Malyovitsa: Get ready for a long day of ascending one of the largest peaks in the Rila Mountains that offers amazing 360 degree views and encounters with local alpine birds. 

Day 7, Mt. Musala: Your biggest hike is the tallest peak in the Balkan Peninsula where you’ll take a lift part of the way and hike the rest before transferring back to Sofia. 

Day 8, Return: Return home. 

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Eastern Europe Itinerary with Bulgaria

Bulgaria is often included in tours of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Turkey and Romania as it shares many cultural influences with these countries. The itinerary below takes you through some of the highlights of the vast Eastern European countries, along with stops in Bulgaria.

Day 1, Budapest: Begin your journey in Budapest where you can explore the city before your welcome dinner. 

Day 2, Budapest: Explore this two-sided city on a morning walking tour and learn about Budapest’s storied history and importance even till today. 

Day 3, Sighisoara: Set out and walk around this medieval city that was once the home of Vlad, the inspiration behind Count Dracula. 

Day 4, Sighisoara and Brasov: Further explore Sighisoara and the surrounding countryside before arriving in the beautifully preserved medieval city of Brasov. 

Day 5, Brasov: Explore Romania’s legendary past through the Bran Castle that inspired the Count Dracula stories. 

Day 6, Bucharest: A walking tour is one of the best ways to see the diverse culture of Bucharest with its Soviet buildings, cathedrals, and multinational cuisine. 

Day 7, Veliko Tarnovo: Head into Bulgaria and arrive in the medieval village of Veliko Tarnovo that was once the seat of the royal empire. 

Day 8, Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi: Further explore Veliko Tarnovo and the smaller, historic hilltop village of Arbanasi. 

Day 9, Sofia: Arrive in Bulgaria’s capital city that is a combination of Soviet influence and modern nuances. 

Day 10, Depart: Depart from Sofia.

See all Eastern Europe tours with Bulgaria »