Venture into the heart of this ancient land and discover a rewarding array of monuments, monasteries and museums nestled in historic villages and towns
Sofia - 1 night
Bansko - 1 night
Plovdiv - 2 nights
Burgas - 2 nights
Veliko Tarnovo - 1 night
Sofia - 1 night
A world away from the busy Black Sea leisure area we have been pleasantly surprised by a rewarding array of monuments, monasteries, museums and landscapes offering good value outside the ‘Euro zone’. Bordering five countries, Bulgaria has a diverse landscape ranging from the snow-covered Rila Mountains in the southwest to the river valleys and hills of the Danubian plain in the north. Many ancient civilisations have left their mark in history, most notably the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs and Bulgars.
The town of Plovdiv, European Capital of Culture in 2019, has remained preserved from antiquity, a fine example being Bulgaria’s largest surviving Roman construction, the Roman theatre in the old town, built in the 2nd century AD but only discovered 40 years ago due to a landslide. Bachkovo Monastery was founded in 1083 by a Georgian Byzantine military commander, and until the 14th century, Georgian traditions were preserved. To the northwest of the Rila Mountains, lies Rila Monastery with a remarkable interior displaying painted murals and woodcarvings.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
5 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guide
Enjoy a short private performance at the Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Arbanassi. Singers in cassocks perform church psalms in old Slavonic language.
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Sofia. Transfer to 4-star Crystal Palace Hotel for overnight.
Day 2 Morning tour of Sofia including St. George’s Rotunda, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sophia, one of the oldest churches in Europe still in use, the covered market and the mosque. Travel south to visit Rila Monastery, a symbol of the 19th-century Bulgarian Renaissance and spiritual centre of the country. Continue to Bansko at the foot of the Pirin Mountain for overnight at the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena (Hotel Bulgaria for Oct 2022). (B)
Day 3 Visit the church in the ancient village of Dobarsko, continue to the neighbouring village Gorno Draglishte for lunch at a local family home. Travel on the narrow gauge ‘Rhodope Railway’, known as the Alpine railway in the Balkans. Continue to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, for two nights at the 4-star Landmark Hotel. (B, L)
Day 4 Walking tour of the old town including a visit to the Roman theatre and Ethnographic Museum. Afternoon visit to Bachkovo Monastery, known for the beauty of its construction and wall paintings. (B, D)
Day 5 Depart for Stara Zagora, for a visit to the Roman Villa mosaics, Neolithic dwellings and the local museum. Continue to Burgas for two nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Primoretz. (B)
Day 6 Travel to Nessebar for a walking tour of its old town on a peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit to the archaeological museum. (B)
Day 7 Drive through the Rose Valley for a visit to a rose oil distillery followed by Kazanlak and a visit to the UNESCO listed Thracian Tomb, proceed over the Shipka mountain pass. Visit to the open-air museum at Etara before driving to the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo for overnight at the Gurko Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Walk the Tsarevets Hill for a breathtaking view and visit to the fortress. At Arbanassi village, visit the Nativity Church. Church psalms. Proceed to Sofia for one night at the 4-star Crystal Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Visit to National History Museum and Boyana Church. Return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a busy itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
A contemporary and stylish 4-star boutique hotel offering fine views to Mount Vitosha, ten minutes' walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 63 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Luxurious 5-star hotel situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, close to the gondola station. Restaurants, bar, gym, pools, sauna, spa and WiFi (free). 157 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A traditional 4-star hotel in the centre of Bansko. Restaurant, bar, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 28 rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A stylish 4-star hotel in the park of the Rowing Channel in Plovdiv. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 52 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A contemporary, charming 5-star hotel, two minutes' walk from the beach. Restaurants, bar, gym, pools, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 109 air-conditoned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A small traditional 3-star hotel in the old town. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 21 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Saturday
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways to Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways to Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £295 (2023 £325)
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe - On request
Extension Options
Extra nights – Sofia
Crystal Palace Hotel
(per night) £85
Single supplement £60
Tour Only
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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