8 days/7 nights
Specific Tour
Unlimited
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
This 8-day cultural journey weaves through the mountains, towns, and villages of southwestern and central Bulgaria, offering travelers a close encounter with the country’s enduring traditions, historic layers, and artisanal soul. From sacred monasteries to Revival-era architecture, from handwoven carpets to rose oil distillation, every stop tells a story crafted by time, skill, and community.
Anchored in cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo and framed by the Rila, Rhodope, and Sredna Gora mountains, the itinerary blends architectural landmarks with the rhythms of rural life. You’ll taste bread baked in wood-fired ovens, sit for tripe soup or bean stew in mountain villages, and learn the steps of age-old recipes passed down through generations. In Gorno Draglishte, you’ll cook with a local grandmother; in Kostandovo, you’ll walk among looms producing royal-size carpets; and in Etar, you’ll step into the past in water-powered workshops still in use today.
This route also explores the myth and legacy of Bulgaria’s Thracian past — visiting the UNESCO-listed tombs of ancient kings, the Rose Valley’s fragrant fields, and modern vineyards that echo rituals dating back millennia. Along the way, you’ll cross cobbled alleys, mountain passes, fortress walls, and city boulevards—encountering Bulgaria not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing tradition shaped by hand, heart, and land.
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.
Morning departure to Rila Monastery – a masterpiece of Bulgarian religious art, founded in the 10th century and famous for its frescoes, wood-carved iconostasis, and mountain location. Arrival in Bansko in the afternoon. Overnight in Bansko.
Excursion to Leshten and Kovachevitsa – two villages in the Western Rhodopes with preserved 18th–19th century stone houses and cobbled streets. Enjoy a walk through the village squares, admire local architecture, and observe everyday life in these remote settlements. Return to Bansko and free time in the evening. Overnight in Bansko.
Morning visit to Gorno Draglishte for a cooking workshop with local grannies who preserve and share traditional mountain recipes and customs. In the afternoon, visit the carpet workshop in Kostandovo – one of the last places in Europe where giant hand-woven wool carpets are made, including commissions for royal palaces. Arrival and overnight in Plovdiv.
Guided walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town: visit the Ancient Roman Theatre, explore Revival-period merchant houses with colorful facades and ornate interiors, and walk along the Roman Stadium beneath the main pedestrian street. Discover Kapana – the creative district filled with art galleries and cafés. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Travel to Kazanlak in the heart of the Valley of Roses. Visit the Rose Museum or a working distillery (seasonal), and the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkable wall paintings from the 4th century BCE. Continue to Etar – an open-air museum where authentic water-powered workshops and traditional buildings recreate 19th-century rural life. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Veliko Tarnovo – the historical capital of Bulgaria, set on hills around the Yantra River. Walking tour of the Old Town and visit to Tsarevets Fortress – the medieval seat of the Bulgarian kings, with preserved stone walls, towers, and dramatic hilltop views. Explore Gurko Street and visit Samovodska Charshiya – a traditional street with artisan workshops, souvenir shops, and cafés. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Transfer from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia Airport for departure.
Member Since 2024
