Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

80 Views
8 Days From

$779

$755

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia

Visiting: Sofia, Melnik, Rila Monastery, Trigrad, Plovdiv, Kazanluk, Veliko Tarnovo, Etarat, Arbanasi, Koprivshtitsa

Tour operator:

Penguin Travel

Tour code:

BGRUND

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium, Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $779 $755 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

NB: Prices correct on 11-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is still one of the least explored countries in Europe. With a rich history dating back to thousands of years ago, travelling through the country is like a tour back in time. During this tour we will learn more about the culture of the Thracians who lived here in ancient times. We will visit the tomb of one of their most prominent kings and explore the mountain, known to be the birthplace of the legendary Thracian singer Orpheus.

Highlights

  • Plovdiv

  • Kazanlak

Places You'll See

Melnik

Plovdiv

Shiroka Laka

Rila Monastery

Melnik

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia, Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Sofia

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the hotel, located in the city center. After a short break, we will start our sightseeing tour of Sofia. We will visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the Crypt, The National Theatre, St. Sofia Church and St. George Rotonda, dating back from the 4th century. Overnight in Sofia. -/-/-

Day 2 : Sofia - Rila Monastery - Melnik

Location: Melnik, Rila Monastery

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start our tour with a visit to the Rila Monastery - the biggest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila and was included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1983. The most characteristic feature of the monastery is its vibrant and detailed frescoes, created by one of the most prominent Bulgarian artists at the time. The monastery is also home to the Rafail's cross - a wooden crucifix showing 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures, carved out of a whole piece of wood (81 х 43 cm). The route continues to Melnik - Bulgaria's smallest town. Here we will try the town's famous red wine and explore the natural sandstone pyramids surrounding the town. Overnight stay in Melnik. B/-/-

Day 3 : Melnik - Trigrad

Location: Trigrad

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we drive through the picturesque Rhodopi Mountains, believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Thracian singer Orpheus. It is believed that it was here that the ancient Thracian tribes celebrated their religious cults. Today, there are many sanctuaries reminiscent of their mysterious culture throughout the mountain . The highlight of the day is our visit to Yagodina cave - one of the longest caves in Bulgaria (with more than 10 000 m mapped so far). It is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in Europe with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls in them. We will spend the night in the town of Trigrad in the heart of the Rodopi Mountains. B/-/-

Day 4 : Trigrad - Plovdiv

Location: Plovdiv

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we continue our picturesque drive through the Rhodopi Mountains to get to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. On the way we will stop to visit Chudnite mostove (The Wonderful Bridges) - a natural arch, formed by the forces of nature in the solid rocks of the mountain. Free time to explore the Plovdiv on your own. Overnight in a hotel in the city. B/-/-

Day 5 : Plovdiv

Location: Plovdiv

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start our day with a sightseeing tour of Plovdiv - one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. It has existed as a settlement for more than 8 000 years. It has been the capital of Ancient Thrace and a large trade center in the Middle Ages. In the historic quarter of the city we will explore the beautifully decorated houses in traditional Bulgarian style, ancient fortress walls, the ancient Roman theater and stadium and the numerous magnificent churches. In the recent years. Plovdiv is also becoming one the hippest towns in Europe with its trendy cafes and creative spirit. In 2019 it was even one of the European capitals of culture, along with Matera in Italy. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Plovdiv. B/-/-

Day 6 : Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Etara - Veliko Turnovo

Location: Kazanluk, Veliko Tarnovo, Etarat

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head out to our next stop - Veliko Turnovo. On the way there, we will stop for a visit to a few interesting places. The first one is the tomb of the Thracian king Seuthes III, located near the city of Kazanlak. Its astonishing interior, as well as the well-preserved artefacts found here, make the tomb one of most important historical sites of that period. Our next stop is the Museum of the Rose. Here we will learn more about the history of rose production in the country and how the process has changed over the years. We proceed to the architectural-ethnographic complex "Etura", where we will experience the way people lived 150 years ago. Skilled craftsmen will show us how people used to make woolen clothes, pottery, utensils and ornaments. Here you can try some of the most delicious traditional Bulgarian treats and get an authentic souvenir to bring back home. Our last stop for today is Veliko Turnovo. Overnight stay in Veliko Turnovo. B/-/-

Day 7 : Veliko Turnovo - Koprivshtitsa

Location: Arbanasi, Koprivshtitsa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day with a sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo – the Medieval Capital of Bulgaria, where the glorious past of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom can be felt. We will visit the Tsarevets Hill which is towered by the Patriarch church “Holy Ascending of God”. Our next stop is just a few kilometers away from Veliko Turnovo- the village of Arbanasi, famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture. In the afternoon we head to Koprivshtitsa - a small town situated in a picturesque valley among the mountains in the central part of Bulgaria. The town is now turned into a museum, where you can feel the atmosphere of the Revival Period (XVIII -XIX century) in Bulgaria. Overnight in Koprivshtitsa. B/-/-

Day 8 : Koprivshtitsa - Sofia. Departure

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we are heading back to Sofia (about 2 hours) for departure. Please, make sure to book your departure flight after 13:00h. You can also prolong your stay in Sofia.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 overnights in hotels and guesthouses - in a double room with private WC/shower

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

  • Transport

    all transport according to the itinerary

  • English speaking guide

  • Airport Transfers

    private transfer Sofia airport - hotel on day 1 and shared transfer to Sofia airport on day 8

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

    international flight tickets

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Airport transfers outside the tour itinerary

    airport transfers outside the tour itinerary

  • Drinks and Meals

    drinks and meals not mentioned

  • Wine tasting

  • Entrance fees

    allow ca.

    30 EUR - payment in Bulgarian levs on spot

Optional Extras

Mode of Transport

A/C
vehicle type varies according to the group size

Accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses - in a double/single room with private WC/shower

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, on request.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Nora  

Scenic beauty abounds

15-Sep-2023

Scenic beauty abounds. The hotels were centrally located and were generally favourable—the quality ranged from excellent to average. Overall, it was a good tour and nice fellow travellers.

Hannah   United Kingdom

Penguin are Fantastic

12-Mar-2023

Penguin are a fantastic tour company - I have travelled with them twice now and have thoroughly enjoyed both trips. They are well run, excellent value, and go above and beyond to try to meet customers' needs and requirements. Would definitely recommend travelling with Penguin :)

Anne M. L.   Denmark

Bulgaria I worth a trip!

05-Sep-2023

We had a lovely trip through the beautiful Bulgarian countryside with many beautiful and interesting highlights. Our guide and driver Biliana is a kind and caring person with lots of humor who told about the history and present of Bulgaria. Sofia is a lovely city.

Mattis  

Captivating destinations

17-Aug-2023

In general, the tour proved to be satisfying and met the expectations of travelers, offering a variety of captivating destinations. The local tour guides stood out for their helpfulness and knowledge. However, it's worth noting that the quality of hotels in Georgia and Azerbaijan left room for improvement. Had the accommodations in these locations been of a higher standard, I would readily give this tour a 5-star rating.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

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May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
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Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
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Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$25

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.

    Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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