Bulgaria: a journey into history
This history-led tour of Bulgaria will take you on a journey into Europe’s distant past. You’ll explore Roman ruins as well as many incredible sites that give a treasured glimpse into the lives of the Thracian civilization that lived in the Balkans as far back as 1300 BC.
Through expert guides, fascinating archaeological sites and superb museums, you’ll gain a unique insight into the amazing cultural heritage of the area. Along the way, you’ll stay in excellent hotels, savor traditional cuisine and taste the best local wines.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Land transfers as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Parking fees & road taxes
Excluded:
- Any activity not mentioned in services
Optional:
- Dinner with folklore show in Sofia
Itinerary at a Glance
Sofia
Arrival in Bulgaria
Sofia - Boyana Church
Sofia City Tour
Sofia - Starosel - Hissar
The Thracian Royal Complex
Hissar - Kazanlak - Stara Zagora
The Valley of Kings & Roses
Stara Zagora - Haskovo - Kardjali
The Mountain of Orpheus
Kardzhali - Perperikon - Plovdiv
Journey to Plovdiv
Plovdiv - Rila Monastery - Sofia
Rila Monastery
Sofia
Airport Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Sofia
Day 1: Arrival in Bulgaria
Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria. Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel in the capital. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay.
Sofia - Boyana Church
Day 2: Sofia City Tour
After breakfast set out on a guided tour of Sofia’s old town, once referred to as ‘My Rome’ by Emperor Constantine the Great. We’ll visit some fascinating places, including the Archeological Museum with its exhibition of the golden mask of the Thracian King Teres and the bronze head of the Thracian King Sitalces. The tour continues to Alexander 1st square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are found. We then head to the outskirts of Sofia, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain to visit the famous medieval Boyana Church. The church is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most well-preserved monuments of eastern European medieval art. The frescoes in the church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings and mark the beginnings of the European Renaissance.
Sofia - Starosel - Hissar
Day 3: The Thracian Royal Complex
Today we visit the Thracian temple complex in Starossel Village, the largest Thracian royal site discovered so far. We then set off for Panagurishte, an old Renaissance town where we visit a wonderful museum filled with the treasures of the Thracian cultural heritage. From there we continue to Hissar, a town founded by the Romans and built around its curative mineral springs. Back then the town was named after the Roman Emperor Diocletian and was one of the five biggest cities in the Roman province of Thrace. You’ll check into your hotel in the town and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Hissar - Kazanlak - Stara Zagora
Day 4: The Valley of Kings & Roses
After breakfast, we set off to the Valley of the Thracian Kings. We start with a visit to a family-run rose oil distillery. Our hosts will show us how the famous Bulgarian rose oil is produced. This high-quality oil is used as a base for many world-famous perfumes by brands such as Kenzo and Chanel. Next, we visit the replica of the Kazanlak Tomb included in the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its Early Hellenistic frescoes, showing the lifestyle and traditions of the ancient Thracians. In the afternoon we visit Stara Zagora ‘town of the lime trees’ built on the site of an ancient Roman town Augusta Trayana. An authentic Roman street from the time of Emperor Marcus Ulpius Traianusare has been preserved and can be admired today. Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.
Stara Zagora - Haskovo - Kardjali
Day 5: The Mountain of Orpheus
After breakfast, we depart for the Mountain of Orpheus which separates Bulgaria from its southern neighbours – Greece and Turkey. It is here that the famous Thracian musician Orpheus was born. We’ll visit the Thracian tomb at Alexandrovo village with its magnificent frescos depicting hunting scenes. We’ll also enjoy some sightseeing at the museum complex of Thracian art in the East Rhodopes. We’ll take a short stop in the town of Haskovo before continuing on to Perperikon and the Orpheus sanctuary, the oldest Thracian sanctuary of a deified ruler. Your hotel for tonight is in the town of Kardzhali where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
Kardzhali - Perperikon - Plovdiv
Day 6: Journey to Plovdiv
After breakfast, we set off to the town of Perperikon - an impressive Thracian centre. According to Herodotus, this was the location of the famous sanctuary Zagrey of the Thracian god Dionysus. His priestess was as famous as Pythia in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. From here we continue to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, with an ancient history associated with Alexander the Great's father King Philip II. Plovdiv was also the 2019 European Capital of Culture. We’ll tour the main places of interest in the Old Town, including the Ethnographical Museum, St. Constantine and Elena Church and the Roman Stadium, At dinner tonight you'll enjoy a tasting of some of the best Bulgarian wines.
Plovdiv - Rila Monastery - Sofia
Day 7: Rila Monastery
Today we leave the city and visit Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th Century it is the biggest Bulgarian medieval spiritual centre and a UNESCO-protected site. We visit the monastery and museum with its rich collection of icons, wall paintings and ancient books. We’ll stop for lunch and then continue our journey back to Sofia.
Sofia
Day 8: Airport Transfer
You'll be met at your hotel in good time for your airport transfer and homeward flight.
