8 days/7 nights
Specific Tour
1 person
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
This 8-day cultural itinerary invites travelers into the soul of Bulgaria’s artistic and architectural heritage — a journey shaped by monasteries and mosaics, cobbled towns and craft villages, sacred symbols and painted walls. Designed for explorers who value authenticity and depth, the route connects spiritual centers, artisan communities, and UNESCO-listed legacies, revealing the enduring imprint of Bulgaria’s creative spirit.
Beginning in Sofia, the tour follows a cultural arc across central and northern Bulgaria — from the ornate iconography of Troyan Monastery and the fortress walls of Tsarevets, to the intimate craft studios of Oreshak and the reconstructed water-powered workshops of Etar. You’ll walk through some of the country’s most charming historical towns, including Bozhentsi and Plovdiv, where Revival-era houses meet Roman ruins and contemporary art thrives.
Along the way, hands-on experiences provide personal encounters with Bulgaria’s living traditions — from pottery and weaving to rose oil distillation during the harvest season. This is more than a sightseeing tour; it is an invitation to see how art, ritual, and craft continue to shape identity and daily life in a land where every object, building, and gesture carries the imprint of centuries.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria, known for its millennia-old history and rich cultural heritage. The tour includes Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Roman complex of Serdica, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Presidency, and the Rotunda of St. George – the oldest preserved building in the city. Free time for dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Sofia.
Departure for Troyan, passing through Pravets lake and its tranquil surroundings. Short stop for rest and photos by the lake. Continue to the Troyan Monastery – the third largest monastery in Bulgaria, famous for its iconographic tradition and frescoes. City tour of Troyan. Overnight in Oreshak – a small village with well-established craft traditions.
Visit to local craft exhibitions in Oreshak, including traditional Bulgarian crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Free afternoon for relaxation or a walk in nature. Overnight in Oreshak.
Departure for Veliko Tarnovo – the historical capital of Bulgaria, set on hills around the Yantra River. Walking tour of the Old Town and visit to the medieval fortress of Tsarevets. Visit to Samovodska Charshiya – a traditional street with artisan workshops, souvenir shops, and cafés. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Visit to the Preobrazhenski Monastery, known for its frescoes and scenic views of the Yantra River valley. Walk in Arbanasi village– an architectural reserve with traditional houses and medieval churches. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Departure for Bozhentsi – a well-preserved Revival-period village and architectural-historical reserve. Visit to the Etar open-air ethnographic museum, showcasing traditional lifestyles and crafts. In the afternoon, visit Kazanlak – the heart of the Valley of Roses, with a stop at a rose oil distillery (May–June) or the Rose Museum and a UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb. Evening arrival in Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Walking tour of Plovdiv's Old Town, known for its Revival-era houses, Ancient Theatre, Roman Stadium, and the creative district of Kapana – a hub for artistic activity and local cafés and restaurants. Free time. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.
Member Since 2024
