Step back in time and immerse yourself in Bulgaria’s extraordinary history, from ancient Thracian tombs and sanctuaries to medieval monasteries, picturesque towns, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This 13-day cultural exploration combines archaeology, history, nature, and authentic traditions, offering a deep insight into one of Europe’s most ancient civilizations.
Arrival in Sofia. Visit Boyana Church, one of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian medieval art with precious 13th-century frescoes, and continue to the National Museum of History, home to over 650,000 items spanning from prehistory to modern Bulgaria. Overnight in Sofia.
Morning drive to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, nestled in the mountains. Founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria, with breathtaking frescoes by masters of the Samokov and Bansko art schools. Continue to Zemen Monastery, dating back to the First Bulgarian Empire. Its cruciform church preserves unique medieval frescoes. Return to Sofia for overnight.
Sightseeing in Sofia, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the crypt of the cathedral with its impressive icon collection. After lunch, drive to Plovdiv. Explore the Old Town, with its Roman theatre, forum, and beautifully preserved Revival-period houses. Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman legacies intertwine. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Visit Bachkovo Monastery, renowned for its Byzantine frescoes and spiritual atmosphere. After lunch, travel to Perperikon, one of the most significant Thracian sites. This rock sanctuary, possibly dedicated to Dionysus, dates back to the 7th–10th centuries BC. Return to Plovdiv for overnight.
Travel to the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Visit the impressive Starosel Thracian tomb, believed to have housed a Thracian ruler in the 4th–5th centuries BC. Continue to a local winery in Starosel for wine tasting, experiencing the Thracian tradition of wine as a sacred gift. In the village of Skobelevo, visit a rose-distillery, where you will learn about rose oil production and enjoy a tasting of rose honey. Overnight in Kazanlak.
Visit the replica of the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, with frescoes depicting noble life from the 4th century BC, followed by the Ostrusha Tomb and the tomb of Thracian ruler Seuthes III in Golyama Kosmatka. Continue to Stara Zagora to explore the ancient Roman forum Augusta Trayana and, if interested, the Neolithic Dwellings Museum. Drive to Nessebar for overnight.
Visit the Thracian Beehive Tomb in Pomorie, a remarkable 3rd-century BC monument. Return to Nessebar for sightseeing. This charming UNESCO World Heritage town sits on a small peninsula, once home to more than 40 churches. Its narrow streets and wooden houses preserve the spirit of centuries past. Overnight in Nessebar.
Enjoy a boat trip along the Kamchia River, surrounded by lush vegetation, water lilies, and sand dunes. Continue to Varna for visits to the cathedral, the beautiful Sea Garden, and the Archaeological Museum, famous for the world’s oldest worked gold. Overnight in Varna.
Visit the Museum of Mosaics in Devnya, housed in a Roman villa with stunning 4th-century mosaics. Continue to Pliska, the first capital of Bulgaria, and then to the UNESCO-listed Madara Rider, a unique rock relief from the early Bulgarian state. End the day with a visit to the 18th-century Tombul Mosque in Shumen, one of the largest in the Balkans. Overnight in Shumen.
Excursion to the Sboryanovo archaeological reserve to see the UNESCO-listed Thracian tomb of Sveshtari, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Its limestone construction, unique caryatid figures, and untouched authenticity make it one of Bulgaria’s most important ancient sites. Overnight in Shumen.
Drive to the village-museum of Arbanassi. Visit the Nativity Church and enjoy hospitality in a traditional house, where you will learn how to prepare banitsa and taste homemade yoghurt. In the afternoon, explore Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, with its picturesque setting on the Yantra River. Walk along the “Street of Crafts” and visit Tsarevets Hill, the former royal citadel. Overnight in Arbanassi or Veliko Tarnovo.
Travel to Troyan Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful monasteries, with frescoes by the famous Revival painter Zahari Zograf. On the way to Sofia, stop at Saeva Dupka Cave, with its remarkable halls and natural acoustics. Overnight in Sofia.
Transfer to the airport for departure.
