Bulgaria & Serbia: two Balkan gems
This eight-day guided tour of Serbia and Bulgaria takes you on a fascinating journey into history. Start your trip in the Serbian capital of Belgrade and from there journey on through its charismatic towns and villages before crossing the border into Bulgaria.
Along the way, you’ll see beautiful medieval architecture as well as ancient roman ruins and the treasures of the Thracian Royal Family. You will also spend time in nature, visiting the natural wonder of Belogradchik Rocks and the Valley of Roses as well as touring a famous winery.
Exploring these two Balkan gems will give you a unique insight into life in this region, both past and present.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in 4-star & boutique hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Land transfers as per the itinerary
- Parking fees, road & border taxes
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
Excluded:
- Entrance fees for sites not included in the itinerary
Optional:
- Standard 3-course lunch
- Wine tasting in Oplenac with bread and cheese included)
Itinerary at a Glance
Belgrade
Arrival in Serbia
Belgrade - Topola - Nis
History & Wine
Nis - Sofia
Crossing into Bulgaria
Sofia - Plovdiv
Medieval & Roman Architecture
Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Veliko Tarnovo
The Valley of Roses
Veliko Tarnovo - Pleven - Belogradchik
Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress
Belogradchik - Vratsa - Sofia
The Rogozen Treasure
Sofia
Airport Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Belgrade
Day 1: Arrival in Serbia
Upon arrival at Belgrade airport, you’ll be met for transfer to your hotel and check-in. After settling in take a sightseeing tour of Belgrade taking in Saint Sava Temple, the Parliament buildings, Saint Marks Church and Terazije Square. Afterwards, walk through the city centre along the pedestrian street of Prince Mihailoand and see the mix of architectural styles. Visit the famous Kalemegdan Fortress and the main city park with many sculptures and monuments of eminent Serbs. Dinner and overnight in Belgrade.
Belgrade - Topola - Nis
Day 2: History & Wine
After breakfast, depart Belgrade and drive through the beautiful landscapes of central Serbia to Šumadijato Topola. This small town is rich in history with strong connections to the Karadjordjevic Royal dynasty. You’ll take a tour of the royal complex comprising the Saint George Church, the Mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic Dynasty and the royal family's house. These buildings are famous for their gorgeous mosaics and fresco paintings. This region is well-known for its wine production, so we will also visit a famous winery this afternoon.
Nis - Sofia
Day 3: Crossing into Bulgaria
Today we'll take a tour of Nis, beginning with a visit to the Niš Fortress perched on the bank of the Nišava River. The nearby Mediana Archeological Site dates back to the early 4th century AD, during the time of Constantine the Great, and was used as a residence by Roman emperors when visiting Naissus (Niš). In the early afternoon, you will cross the border and meet your Bulgarian guide. From there continue on to Sofia – the Bulgarian capital city. With a history dating back some 8500 years Constantine the Great called Sofia ‘My Rome’. On your tour of the city, you’ll visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral as well as many more important buildings and sites of interest. Dinner and overnight in Sofia
Sofia - Plovdiv
Day 4: Medieval & Roman Architecture
In the morning, visit the medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Boyana Church. This is one of the most perfectly preserved churches from that period and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Continue towards Plovdiv – one of the oldest cities in the world still inhabited today. Enjoy a walking tour around old Plovdiv, roaming its cobbled streets and seeing many sites of Roman ruins including the grand Roman Stadium.
Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Veliko Tarnovo
Day 5: The Valley of Roses
After breakfast set off to Kazanlak, known as the capital of the Valley of Roses and of the Thracian kings. Visit the Rose Museum where you can see how the famous Bulgarian rose oil is produced. Then head to the UNESCO-protected Thracian Kazanlak Tomb. In the afternoon depart for Etara - a unique open-air museum re-creating the way of life of the Bulgarian people during the 19th Century. Finally, we arrive at the old capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll take a city tour. Dinner and overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Veliko Tarnovo - Pleven - Belogradchik
Day 6: Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress
This morning, depart for Pleven, a city with a rich and diverse history. This was the scene of the biggest battle in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878. Back then it was a booming industrial centre but nowadays it is more of a museum. You will also have an afternoon walk in Kaylaka - a large park and protected area. In the afternoon, depart for Belogradchik Rocks, a natural phenomenon of unique rock formations. You’ll also visit the Belogradchik Fortress which has played an important role throughout the centuries. Dinner and overnight in Belogradchik.
Belogradchik - Vratsa - Sofia
Day 7: The Rogozen Treasure
Today we continue towards Vratza and visit the History Museum where you will see some of the greatest Thracian treasures. The Rogozen Treasure consists of 165 silver and gold vessels. Take a walking tour around the town combining natural and cultural treasures in one. Continue on to Sofia arriving in the afternoon.
Sofia
Day 8: Airport Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
