Tours to Bulgaria

The Essence of Bulgaria

From the wild forest lairs of wolves and bears to the golden domes of ornate churches; from Black Sea shores and ski resorts to rural simplicity in riverside villages; and from medieval lanes to Roman remains, Bulgaria intrigues and entertains. 

Why choose a tour in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, its haunting landscapes wrapped around historic landmarks from mountain monasteries to time-warp hamlets, ancient ruins, and frescoed churches; its culture on show in stylish cities mixing medieval with modernity.

In Sofia, parks, avenues, and romantic river bridges complement the multi-domed confection of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the capital’s oldest monument, St. George’s Rotunda, was built as Roman baths before becoming a Byzantine church.

One of the oldest cities on earth, Plovdiv dips its toes in the Maritsa River, and leans back against the Sredna Gora slopes. Neolithic relics, a Roman theatre, and the centuries-old Bachkovo Monastery are testament to its past, while its spirit is firmly in the present.

The country’s 13^thcentury capital, Veliko Tarnovo is crowned by a medieval citadel, sprinkled with orthodox churches, and brimming with character in its Old Town, dubbed ‘Bulgaria’s Most Beautiful’.

Basking amid the lakes and pine woods of Pirin National Park, Bansko presents a dual personality as a characterful Byzantine town and a vibrant hub of outdoor activities.                                                            

In ancient Thrace, Stara Zagora exhibits 9,000 years of history, from a two-storey Neolithic house to the fine mosaics of the Roman Villa.                                                                                                               

And the Black Sea shore hems the smart city of Burgas, with its pier, promenades, and fountain square; and laps against the scenic peninsula of UNESCO listed Nessebar, where cobbled streets lead to colourful murals in the 11^th-century St. Stephen’s church.  

On a tour of the Balkans, Jules Verne teams Bulgaria with Serbia to visit Belgrade, the Baroque town on Sremski Karlovci, and the Roman ruins of Viminacium; and with Romania’s highlights from Bucharest to Baile Herculane, the riverside carving of Decebal’s Face, and the sculptures of Târgu Jiu. Bulgaria also features on our fabulous Danube cruise from Bucharest to Budapest.

When to go on Bulgaria holidays

With variations between the regions and altitudes, in general Bulgaria has a continental climate of cold, snowy winters, and hot summers hovering between 30 and 40°, with milder, more temperate weather along the Black Sea coast. The spring and autumn shoulder months are perhaps the most comfortable for touring, averaging 26°.

Jules Verne journeys are timed for the seasons best suited to the destinations of each tour.

Who are Bulgaria tours suited to?

There are medieval monuments and archaeological sites to keep historians keen, frescoes, mosaics and murals to enthral art-lovers, traditions and culture on show in ‘living-museums’, and stunning scenery lining the route from one to another, so a tour in Bulgaria will meet the varied interests of travellers on our small-group tours.

Why book Bulgaria tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Special experiences on our journeys in Bulgaria include lunch with a local family in Gorno Draglishte, a scenic trip via tunnels and viaducts on the narrow-gauge Rhodope Railway, and a visit to Arbanassi village, now an open-air ‘museum reserve’. 

Our guided tours to Bulgaria are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.