North Black Sea coast- history, flavors and wild beauty

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Duration

8 days/7 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

About this tour

This cultural and culinary tour invites travelers to explore the Northern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria — a land where royal heritage, ancient history, and wild coastal beauty meet sustainable gastronomy. Based in a peaceful beach residence near Varna, the itinerary combines relaxed seaside comfort with immersive day trips to discover some of the region’s most remarkable landmarks and flavors. Wander through the elegant halls and gardens of Euxinograd Palace, once a royal summer retreat. In Varna, uncover treasures of deep antiquity — including the world’s oldest processed gold at the city’s archaeological museum. Follow the scent of truffles into the forest on a guided foraging adventure, then savor a meal crafted from your findings. Enjoy a sea-to-table experience at a local mussel farm perched above the waters, and stroll through the serene gardens of Balchik Palace, shaped by Queen Marie of Romania’s eclectic aesthetic. Journey north along the cliffs to Bolata Bay and Cape Kaliakra, where dramatic vistas and ancient legends meet. In Balgarevo, meet the pioneers of snail farming and sample dishes that blend tradition with ecological innovation. Continue to the surreal sea-sculpted coastlines of Tyulenovo — a place of winds, waves, and wonder. On the final days, head inland to explore the Madara Rider rock relief — Bulgaria’s earliest historical emblem — and enjoy a wine tasting in the sun-drenched plains nearby. Finish with a visit to Pliska, Bulgaria’s first capital, where the echoes of medieval power still resonate. Balanced between culture, cuisine, and coastline, this itinerary is a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery — offering travelers a rare chance to experience the North Black Sea coast through stories, flavors, and landscapes.

Highlights

Coastal heritage and royal retreats: Euxinograd Palace, Balchik Palace, Varna Archaeological Museum
Culinary & wine experiences: Truffle hunting, mussel and snail farms, wine tasting
Dramatic landscapes and ancient monuments: Bolata Bay, Cape Kaliakra, Madara Rider rock relief

Included/Excluded

transfer from/to Varna Airport
7 nights accommodation in a double room in a 4-star hotel, breakfast included
entrance fees in accordance to the program
tastings
truffle hunt
English-speaking guide
private transport during the whole tour

flight tickets
insurance
meals and beverages
single room supplement
porterage handling charges
extras
tips
personal expenses

Itinerary

Arrival in Varna and transfer to your beach accommodation. Overnight

Day 2: Royal landscapes and the Gold of Varna

Visit Euxinograd Palace – a 19th-century royal summer residence built for the Bulgarian monarchs, surrounded by terraced gardens and coastal vineyards. Continue with a guided city tour of Varna, including the Archaeological Museum where the Varna Gold — the oldest worked gold in the world (dated to 4600–4200 BCE) — is displayed. Explore the Sea Garden and the Roman Baths. Overnight in beach accommodation.

Day 3: Forest foraging – the truffle hunt

Head into the oak and hornbeam forests north of Varna for a guided truffle hunt with a trained dog and local forager. Learn about the region’s wild edible traditions and truffle varieties. After the walk, enjoy time at leisure along the coast. Overnight in beach accommodation.

Day 4: Mussels and monarchs – Balchik and the sea

Drive north along panoramic roads to a working mussel farm on a sheltered bay. Observe mussel cultivation techniques and learn about the sustainable use of marine resources in the region. Then, visit the Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden – once the summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania, set amidst terraced gardens, sea cliffs, and exotic flora. Overnight in beach accommodation.

Day 5: Cliffs, slow foods & seaside legends

Discover the wild beauty of the northern Black Sea coast. Start in the village of Balgarevo with a visit to a local snail farm — an eco-friendly agri-business blending sustainable farming with regional cuisine. Continue to Cape Kaliakra, a dramatic headland steeped in legends, offering panoramic sea views and ancient fortress ruins. Stop at the hidden Bolata Bay, a small beach cove surrounded by red cliffs — ideal for a swim or a quiet stroll. In the afternoon, explore the towering limestone cliffs and sea caves near Tyulenovo, famous for their raw beauty and natural rock formations. Overnight in beachside accommodation.

Day 6: Madara and Pliska – history and wine

Travel inland to visit the Madara Rider — an 8th-century rock relief carved into a vertical cliff, depicting a horseman in triumph. This UNESCO-listed monument is one of the most important symbols of early medieval Bulgaria. Continue to a nearby winery, where you will enjoy a guided tasting of regional wines. In the afternoon, explore the Pliska Historical and Cultural Complex — site of Bulgaria’s first medieval capital. Discover the ruins of the Great Basilica, royal palace, and ancient fortifications. Overnight in beach accommodation.