Landscapes & Traditions of Bulgaria Group Tour

Fly to Sofia and on arrival, meet your driver and guide for the transfer to the Hotel Anel or similar. Check in for an overnight stay. Set out on a walking tour of the historic centre of Bulgaria’s capital city. Some of the highlights include Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Parliament, Banya Bashi Mosque and the National Theatre. Settle in for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Enjoy a free morning in Sofia. After lunch in a traditional tavern, leave Sofia and head to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. On the way, stop at Troyan Monastery, Bulgaria’s third largest monastery built in 1600 by some hermit monks. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo and visit to the nearby district of Arbanasi – an open-air reserve of the National Revival architecture. Enjoy a traditional dinner and stay for two nights in a charming, rustic Yantra Grand Hotel (B,L,D)

Today head out for a busy day of sightseeing - enjoy a tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets. This reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and is the former seat of Bulgaria’s medieval kings. Inside you can find the remains of more than 400 houses, 18 churches and the royal palace. Enjoy lunch in the city of Ruse overlooking the Danube. In the afternoon visit the famous rock-carved monasteries at Ivanovo and then move on to Rusenski Lom National Park, with its stunning landscapes, curving river and the UNESCO-listed frescoes painted onto sheer rocks. It is also a good spot for avid twitchers with 174 species recorded here including lesser kestrels, Egyptian eagles and eagle owls. Enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight back in Veliko Tarnovo. (B,L,D)

This morning stop at the exquisite Russian-style Shipka Memorial Church before continuing to Kazanlak. Here, visit the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “Jewel of the Valley of the Kings”. Tour the Rose Museum to learn about its 300 year old rose oil production and enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern. Move on to the nearby town of Kalofer where you will meet a local family and learn about their life. Later, head to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city that was European Capital of Culture in 2019. Check in to the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel 4* for three nights. (B,L,D)

Spend the day exploring Plovdiv, starting with a guided tour of the ancient parts of the city including the 5th-century BC Thracian fortress remains and many Roman ruins including the forum and amphitheatre. Wander the picturesque streets of the Old Town and gaze at its beautiful buildings. Lunch in one of the best local restaurants. In the afternoon visit a local winery and try the world famous Mavrud wine. Dinner in a local traditional tavern. (B,L,D)

Today is left free for you to explore the treasures of ancient Philippopolis and enjoy its lively food and drink scene. (B)

This morning drive to Trigrad in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. En route, stop off at stunning Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery, where you’ll find some of the finest frescoes in Orthodox Christianity. Drive through modern, sprawling ski resort of Pamporovo to the famous open-air museum village of Shiroka Laka. Here, sample traditional Rhodope cuisine during lunch and see its famous Devil’s Bridge. Continue through the mountains to the picturesque village of Devin. Accommodation in Persenk SPA Hotel 5* in Devin. Spend some time enjoying the mineral pools. After dinner, enjoy a special presentation of the Rhodopes’ legendary folklore. (B,L,D)

Wonder at Trigrad Gorge with its 250m overhanging cliffs and see the “Devil’s Throat”, a deep cave containing the largest underground waterfall in the Balkans. Emerge back above ground and begin the journey through the south west Rhodopes to the charming, ancient town of Melnik, the wine capital of Bulgaria. Take a short walk through the fantastical Melnik pyramids - these sand towers stand an incredible 150m tall. Enjoy a tasting of some well-known local red wines and a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight at Medite Hotel 4* near Melnik. (B,L,D)

Journey to UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and take a tour, hidden deep in the heart of the mountain. Transfer to Sofia and onwards to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)