Top Bulgaria Budget Culture Tours & Packages 2025/2026

Our 29 most popular Bulgaria Budget Culture Tours & Packages trips. Compare tour itineraries from 10 tour companies. 37 reviews.

29 Trips match your criteria (1 - 22 shown)

Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Sofia

Highlights

  • Hike the Rodopi Mountains, a walker’s paradise of deep gorges, ancient forests and flowering meadows
  • Embark on day walks from our comfortable base in a traditional Bulgarian village
  • Look out for native flora and fauna, including brown bears, orchids and wildflowers
  • Trace the myth of Orpheus, the Ancient Greek bard, who is said to have lived here
  • Enjoy a warm welcome and delicious home-produced local cuisine at Yagodina Family Hotel

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Eastern Europe Express
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Learn about the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest – the capital of Romania that’s often underrated by travellers!
  • Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery.
  • Indulge in local Bulgarian cheese and wines with a local chef in Veliko Tarnovo, at their family-owned spot in the Old Town.
  • Take a trip on the last operational narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria, from Bansko to Plovdiv. Grab a window seat if you can, the scenery is worth it!
  • Breathe the crisp mountain air on a short hike in the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, stopping at a small blue lake surrounded by towering peaks.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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Balkan Explorer
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Skopje, Sofia

Highlights

  • Discover Skopje and Sofia, two of the most vibrant capitals in the Balkans
  • Visit the Unesco-listed Rila Monastery in Bulgaria
  • Discover the Tikvesh wine region and alluring Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia
  • Explore Prizren, the culture capital of Kosovo
  • Enjoy natural beauty, ancient sites and traditional Balkan cuisine

Themes

Cultural, Culinary & Wine

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Eastern Europe Explorer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Brasov, Bucharest, Budapest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia, Transylvania

Highlights

  • Rich in history, art, architecture, cuisine and nightlife, Budapest is a hot European destination. The Museum of Fine Arts offers free English tours that reveal the famous artwork of Monet, Manet and Goya, just to name a few
  • A homestay with a family in the Saxon village of Viscri in Romania offers insight into local life and the chance to sample some delicious home-cooked food
  • This trip takes you to a mix of exciting capital cities and quaint mountain villages through Eastern Europe all the way to the transcontinental Istanbul.
  • Transylvania is drenched in history and myth. Discover the medieval city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Romania's most infamous figures, Vlad the Impaler - better known as the inspiration for Count Dracula
  • Journey deep into the forested valley of Rila to find the Monastery of Saint Ivan. Over 1,000 years old, this spectacular building is one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 1 Night in Budapest
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Belogradchik, Brasov, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania, Transylvania

Highlights

  • Welcome to Bucharest
  • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
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Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Belgrade, Belogradchik, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania

Highlights

  • Welcome to Bucharest
  • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Belgrade, Belogradchik, Brasov, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania, Transylvania

Highlights

  • Welcome to Bucharest
  • Visit Peles Castle
  • Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula's Bran Castle
  • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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Wonders of Balkans & Central Europe (4 Star Hotels)
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By Travel Talk
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Budapest, Sofia

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"During my trip to Turkey, I had an incredible experience with Mustafa. All my expectations for the trip were exceeded. The breathtakingly beautiful Turkish landscape and the incredibly welcoming and kind people made my trip truly unforgettable. Mustafa provided the perfect balance of guidance and free time to explore, making the tour fantastic. The air balloon ride was an unforgettable experience, and the Turkish bath was a perfect way to relax during the tour. The thermal bath was equally relaxing. The impressive ruins at Ephesus offered a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The experience in Istanbul was amazing, with its extensive history and precious sites. Overall, I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has Turkey on their bucket list."

Trip dates & details
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Bulgaria Budget Culture Tours & Packages Reviews

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

A wonderfully authentic Bulgarian experience; interesting walks, comfortable accommodation and a lovely group

This trip provides a great introduction to a very special, unspoilt part of Europe which maintains traditional practices in agriculture and food production. Yagod...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

If you go down in the woods today....

A superb holiday in beautiful countryside, staying in an excellent local hotel with walks that make the most of what the region has to offer. Realising that bears w...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Walking in wonderful Rodopi mountains

A memorable walking holiday. The walks were through forests, gorges and beautiful wildflower meadows. Lovely views! A very pastoral feel to the whole holiday - and...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

A fantastic walking holiday in remote and beautiful mountains

We had five strenuous but not exhausting days walking through really beautiful gorges, meadows and mountains and came back to a welcoming and comfortable simple ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

A great walking holiday in unspoilt Bulgaria

This was an excellent trip in a relatively unspoilt and bucolic part of the world. The Rodopi mountains in southern Bulgaria, near the Greek border, make for relat...

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