JEWELS OF BULGARIAA SLOW JOURNEY THROUGH THE MEMORY OF EUROPE
14 Nights / 15 Days
Our journey begins in Sofia, a capital that does not reveal itself at once, but unfolds slowly. At the foot of Mount Vitosha, this millennia-old city has been continuously inhabited for more than seven thousand years. Thracians, Romans, Byzantine emperors, Slavic peoples and Ottomans have all passed through here, leaving visible layers of history that coexist naturally.Upon arrival, transfer and accommodation.Time to rest or enjoy a first walk and feel the calm rhythm of the city.Overnight in Sofia.
After breakfast, we will begin the day with a panoramic tour of Sofia, ancient Roman Serdica, a city so highly regarded by Emperor Constantine the Great that he once said: “Serdica is my Rome.”Our walk will take us through some of the most important symbols of the capital: the Rotunda of St. George, witness to nearly two thousand years of history; the small Church of St. Petka Samardzhiiska, hidden below street level; the solemn Basilica of St. Sofia, which gave the city its name; and the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a national symbol.The tour continues past elegant landmarks such as the Parliament, the National Theatre and the Russian Church of St. Nicholas, reflecting the cultural crossroads that define Sofia.After lunch, the afternoon is devoted to the National Museum of History, where we will discover the famous Thracian treasures—exquisite gold and silver artefacts revealing kings, sacred rituals and a refined and powerful ancient civilisation.Overnight in Sofia.
Today we leave the capital and immerse ourselves in nature. The road leads us through valleys and forests to the heart of the Rila Mountains, where the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises majestically.Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila, this monastery was not only a spiritual refuge but also Bulgaria’s greatest cultural and religious stronghold for centuries, especially during Ottoman rule. Its walls enclose a world of silence, vivid frescoes, arcaded galleries and a deeply rooted spirituality.After the visit and lunch, we continue to Sandanski, a town known for its mild climate and thermal springs, traditionally considered the birthplace of the legendary Spartacus.Overnight in Sandanski.
Today takes us through southwestern Bulgaria, a region of almost unreal landscapes. We arrive in Melnik, the smallest town in the country, surrounded by spectacular sand pyramids shaped by wind and time.Thracians of the Medes tribe, Romans and Slavs once lived here. We will visit the Kordopulov House, the largest mansion of the Bulgarian National Revival, famous for its rock-carved wine cellars where wine matured under perfect conditions. The local wine, produced from the Shiroka Melnishka Loza grape variety, is a true oenological jewel.After lunch, the road leads us to the Rozhen Monastery, the most important monastery in the Pirin region, a place of contemplation surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.The day concludes with a visit to Rupite, a mystical place regarded as a natural sanctuary, where the land itself seems to radiate a special energy.Return to Sandanski.Overnight in Sandanski.
Today we travel through the Pirin and Rhodope Mountains to Bansko, a picturesque mountain town famous for its cobbled streets and traditional houses. We visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, including entrance, and enjoy the historic atmosphere of this charming place.After the visit, we continue to Velingrad, known as the SPA capital of the Balkans. Its mineral waters and the Kleptuza karst spring have made this town a natural wellness center since ancient times. Lunch included.Following lunch, we continue to Plovdiv (European Capital of Culture 2019), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, built on seven hills and a vibrant cultural center. Stop for a coffee break and to begin feeling the special atmosphere of the city.Overnight in Plovdiv.
We dedicate the day to Plovdiv, ancient Roman Philippopolis. Walking through its Old Town, we will discover the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre, elegant 17th–18th century Revival houses, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, the Ethnographic Museum, among other impressive monuments that turn the city into an open-air museum.After lunch, we head to the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria and an important spiritual and cultural centre since the 11th century.The journey continues to Krastova Gora, one of Bulgaria’s most revered Christian sanctuaries, set in a breathtaking natural environment.If conditions permit, we will visit the natural phenomenon Chudnite Mostove (The Wonderful Bridges).Return to Plovdiv.Overnight in Plovdiv.
Today we cross the legendary Valley of Roses, Bulgaria’s symbol to the world. We reach Kazanlak, at the heart of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, where we will visit the replica of the Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 4th-century BC frescoes.We continue to the Shipka Pass, crowned by the majestic Russian Church, a memorial to Bulgaria’s liberation.Lunch awaits us at the Etara Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, where time seems to have stopped among craft workshops and water-powered mills.In the afternoon we visit Tryavna, a town that has preserved intact the spirit of the Bulgarian National Revival, before continuing to Veliko Tarnovo.Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, Veliko Tarnovo rises dramatically above the Yantra River. During the panoramic tour we will admire the Tsarevets Fortress, symbol of medieval power.We will stroll along the romantic Samovodska Charshia street, lined with traditional workshops.We then visit Arbanasi, an authentic architectural jewel, entering the Church of the Nativity, entirely covered with frescoes and often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Balkans.After lunch, we visit the Transfiguration Monastery, renowned for the frescoes by Zahari Zograf, and continue to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Arrival in Ruse.Overnight in Ruse.
From Ruse we travel to Sveshtari, home to one of the most mysterious and beautiful Thracian tombs in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its caryatids and astronomical symbolism.We continue to Shumen, where we will enjoy lunch at a charming venue before visiting the monumental Tombul Mosque, declared an architectural monument. Together with the surrounding complex of buildings, this temple is the largest and most architecturally significant in the country, and the second in the Balkans after the Selimiye Mosque, located in the city of Edirne, Republic of Turkey.The day concludes with the Madara Rider, an 8th-century rock relief and a symbol of the First Bulgarian Empire.Arrival in Varna. Overnight in Varna.
Varna welcomes us as the pearl of the Black Sea. We visit the Archaeological Museum, home to the oldest worked gold in the world.We continue to Balchik, to discover the palace and botanical gardens of Queen Marie of Romania, a place of remarkable beauty and romance.After lunch, we head to Cape Kaliakra, a natural reserve with dramatic cliffs and remnants of ancient fortresses.Return to Varna.Overnight in Varna.
Today we travel to Nessebar, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stroll through its Old Town and visit the Archaeological Museum.The experience is enriched with a wine tasting, revealing the region’s long-standing winemaking traditions.After lunch, we continue to Pomorie, where we visit an ancient tumulus with a dome unique in the Balkans.Arrival in Burgas.Overnight in Burgas.
Excursion to Sozopol - Founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BC as Apollonia, we stroll through the charming old town and visit the Archaeological Museum.After lunch, we have the option to enjoy a boat ride along the coast of Sozopol.We return to Burgas.Overnight in Burgas.
Today we travel to Koprivshtitsa, a museum town declared a national architectural reserve, famous for its colorful houses, spacious courtyards, and richly decorated interiors, evoking the Bulgarian National Revival.Along the way, we make a stop for lunch by the picturesque Koprinka Reservoir, enjoying the peaceful scenery and views of the water surrounded by nature.After lunch, we continue to Koprivshtitsa, where we explore its cobbled streets, historic houses, and museums, immersing ourselves in the unique atmosphere of this town that preserves the spirit of the Bulgarian Renaissance.Finally, we head to Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria.Overnight in Sofia.
We visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its frescoes from 1259, considered precursors of the European Renaissance.We ascend Mount Vitosha, where we discover the natural phenomenon known as the Stone River and enjoy panoramic views over the capital. Lunch.Free afternoon.Overnight in Sofia.
Transfer to the airport.End of the journey.
