The Best of Bulgaria: From Sofia to the Coast and Back

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Day Stop in Sofia / Arrival in Plovdiv

   A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.

   

   A driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you southwest to the country’s second largest city, Plovdiv. Plovdiv has a very rich history; it is one of the oldest European towns, contemporary to Troy and Mycenae. In the historic quarter of the city you will see beautifully decorated period houses, the ancient fortress wall, the Roman theater, the forum, the stadium and magnificent churches. Plovdiv's Old Town, with its museums, historical sites, and famous houses, is perfect for sightseeing and helped the city earn the title of European Capital of Culture for 2019.This is a non-guided transfer and the drive should take about 2 hours.

   Plovdiv is a city that will charm you right away. The atmosphere here is laidback and the locals are welcoming. From the incredible architecture of the Old Town to the upbeat modern promenade with its hip cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s a mix of old and new here that will appeal to travellers of all ages and interests. Be sure to check out the local cultural calendar, as there is a rich cultural calendar including delightful concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. If you have an interests in the arts you won’t be disappointed, as Plovdiv also has numerous museums and art galleries that are always offering interesting exhibitions. To really soak up the city’s charm, you’ll want to take a walking tour with a local guide who can show you all of Plovdiv’s secrets. Besides the urban architecture, you’ll want to hike up one of the numerous paths that lead out of the city to impressive vantage points. There are also several day trips within a short drive of the city which will give you the chance to explore the countryside and some of the historical sites that are slightly farther afield. You’ll really enjoy exploring this unique destination, with its impressively eclectic local culture.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodations in the center of Plovdiv.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Plovdiv

   

   Dive into Plovdiv

   Plovdiv has a very rich history, and the best way to see it is on a private walking tour. Let a guide take you through the Kapana historic quarter, where you'll see beautifully decorated 19th century Bulgarian Revival houses, an ancient fortress wall, Roman Amphitheater, forum, stadium, and magnificent churches and mosques. Your guide will regale you with stories from the past, and this vibrant city will come alive for you in a whole new way.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Go Beyond

   Plovdiv is a wonderful town to explore, but if you have an extra day, we invite you to explore the amazing countryside surrounding it. Embark on a tour beyond the city to see ancient architecture, 13th century monasteries, and impressive natural rock formations.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Traveling to Sozopol / Arrival in Sozopol

   Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Plovdiv and drive you to Sozopol on the Bulgarian coast. The transfer takes about three hours.

   Older than its traditional rival Nessebar, Sozopol is more off-the-beaten-path and authentic, with a quiet, memorable Old Town. Although Sozopol's land has been a port since at least Bronze Age times, the present town was founded by Greek settlers as Antheia, 2800 years ago. Later renamed Apollonia, the town became a wealthy regional power, and while it slowly fell into obscurity, was almost entirely home to Greeks until the 20th century. Sozopol's deep history remains clear, from the local cuisine, which combines Mediterranean and Balkan traditions, to the town's diverse mix of ancient stone ruins and wooden Bulgarian Revival architecture, some lining the lovely coast.

   Our driver will take you to your accommodations in Sozopol.

   

   Let Sozopol Soak In

   Let Sozopol soak in by exploring its charming beauty on your own, from the curved streets to the seaside cliffs and beaches to the fortifications and traditional vernacular architecture. Once it gets dark, indulge in the city's blend of Balkan and Mediterranean fare, from fresh fish and fried zucchini, to Shopska Salad, stuffed peppers, and the local take on moussaka. One of the best places to dine out is at the Windmill Restaurant, a place with great traditional dishes and the best sea-views in Sozopol. If you're only looking for a drink or two, then Yacht Club Marina is the perfect place: good coffee in the morning, refreshing drinks late afternoon and great cocktails & live shows in the evening.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Sozopol

   

   Embark on a Private Walking Tour

   Sozopol is one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, and one of the country’s most popular seaside resorts. Discover its beautiful wooden houses, churches and ruins from the Roman era on this walking tour, which is ideal for photographers, in part because of the views you'll find of neighboring islands, the city walls, traditional wooden houses, and fig trees. You'll pass by the Southern Fortress wall, Ethnographic Museum, Old School, Roman Amphitheater, and even visit the place where the remains of a medieval vampire were found!
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Discover a Secret Seaside Village

   If Sozopol drew you for your love of quiet, naturally preserved seaside villages and hidden gems, head south, close to the Turkish border, and discover Sinemorets. With its serene, quiet beach running between the sea and an estuary, there's natural beauty there aplenty. This formerly Greek village's name translates to "Place on the Blue Sea," and certainly delivers.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Traveling to Varna by Private Transfer / Arrival in Varna

   

   A private driver will pick you up from your accommodation to drive you to Varna. On your way to Varna you will stop in Nessebar, where you'll have two hours to explore the UNESCO-listed medieval town with a local guide. The whole journey takes around five hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Known by its ancient Greek settlers as Odessos, Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city, and certainly its main settlement along the coast. The city's deep history is testified to by the discovery of the world's oldest gold treasure, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. One of the most important prehistoric finds in the world (one grave along had more gold than has been found anywhere else in that epoch), you can visit the treasure for yourself in the city' archaeological museum. Varna is a great spot for those who want to combine beachside relaxation with day trips and perhaps the occasional visit to one of the many thermal baths in the area. Popular among tourists for decades, Varna has plenty of good beach bars and restaurants, and the kinds of beaches that bring families back year after year.

   Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Varna.

   

   Stroll and Dine in the Sea Garden

   Built and decorated by French architects for an esteemed statesman, Villa Burov offers great views from its terraces, and makes a great place for a memorable meal after a stroll through the surrounding Sea Garden, the largest landscaped park in the Balkans and a carefully designed spectacle. Villa Burov is slightly out of the way (30 min walk from Sea Garden entrance) so if you don't have time for a walk you can try instead The Sea Terrace restaurant, with great sea views and excellent food.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Varna

   

   Discover Varna on a Private Walking Tour

   The third largest city in Bulgaria, and the country's official "sea capital," Varna has plenty to offer. We recommend familiarizing yourself with a walking tour that covers the city's highlights. A fun and educational introduction to the city, you'll visit the Cathedral of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin, the theater, the opera, the central boulevard, and the Sea Garden, the largest landscaped park on the Balkan Peninsula.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   See the Balchik Palace

   The Balchik Palace, officially the Quiet Nest Palace, was the summer residence of Queen Marie, Romania's last queen, when the surrounding part of Bulgaria was part of Romania. Born Princess Marie of Edinburgh, this granddaughter of Queen Victoria had high standards, which were more than satisfied by the surrounding landscape. The palace's designers followed her orders to leave the natural environment intact, building a place in harmony with surrounding beauty. The botanical gardens are sizable, and provide scenic views of the sea, along with an impressive variety of plants, and the palace complex itself is charming, with restaurants, a monastery, holy spring, water mills, and more, some built in a style akin to Bulgarian National Revival architecture.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Veliko Tarnovo by Private Transfer / Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo

   

   Today our driver will meet you at your accommodation in Varna and drive you to Veliko Tarnovo. The drive takes 3 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Capital of the medieval Second Bulgarian Empire, which controlled most of the Balkan Peninsula at its height, Veliko Tarnovo is still dominated by Tsarevets. This massive fortress housed the royal and religious palaces, and still covers one of the Old Town's three hills, fully encompassing it with 12-foot walls. Be sure to visit its main tower for striking views of the city. Veliko Tarnovo's cultural and historical riches stretch out beyond the fortress. This city is rich in beautiful Bulgarian National Revival architecture, mostly in the form of whitewashed homes with red rooftops, wooden trim, and ample balconies. This city naturally has showy medieval and Bulgarian Renaissance churches, especially its cathedral, and plenty of museums. Even if you'd rather stay outside and enjoy the weather, Veliko Tarnovo's hilly, rugged landscape, with its steep valleys, makes for plenty of great views, which can be enjoyed from its many affordable cafes.

   Welcome to Veliko Tarnovo! Your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Wander and Eat

   Veliko Tarnovo is one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque cities and it’s definitely well worth getting a bit lost on the side streets that intersect with the main boulevard. With the town centre being quite small you won’t wander far. After a short walk, we recommend having dinner with a view over the Yantra River. Our favourite restaurant is Shtastliveca, which offers great views from its terrace. They serve delicious Bulgarian staples, like shopska salad, stuffed eggplant, and mixed grilled meats.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Traveling to Sofia by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sofia

   

   The grand capital of Bulgaria awaits you today! Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Veliko Tarnovo at your chosen departure time and take you to Sofia. En route, you will stop in Arbanasi, a charming village near Veliko Tarnovo, well known for its rich cultural and historical heritage and beautiful Bulgarian National Revival architecture. You can take the opportunity to explore this picturesque village at your own pace. The journey takes about 5 hours, including a 2-hour stop in Arbanasi.

   A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation in the center of Sofia.

   

   Stroll the Streets

   Get a feel for Sofia's spirit and vibes by walking from the NDK subway station down Vitosha Boulevard towards the Palace of Justice and Saint Kyriaki Cathedral. On your way, have a quick stop on this pedestrian boulevard to enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of its numerous bars and outdoor terraces. From St. Kyriaki, head down Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard towards Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the world's largest and most impressive orthodox cathedrals in the world. On your way, you'll pass several landmarks, including the National Art Gallery, Sofia Synagogue, and Opera House. After taking some nice photos of the cathedral, you can head to the nearby Sense Hotel Rooftop Restaurant for dinner and a panoramic view over Sofia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Sofia

   

   See Sofia on a Private Walking Tour

   Admire the National Library, Sofia University, Parliament, the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theater, St. Sofia Church, and Sofia's oldest building, the St. George Rotunda and other architectural gems. You will learn the history behind the sites but also some overall insights about Sofia’s rich culture. 

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Traditional Bulgarian Dinner and Wine Tasting Private Tour

   Take this private tour and discover the traditional Bulgarian cuisine and their amazing wines. Did you know that Bulgaria was the world's biggest exporter of wine per capita during the 1980s? Your first stop is at a family owned wine bar where you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting coupled with interesting stories on Bulgarian wines, dishes and dances. The next stop is at a famous top-rated folklore restaurant, where you will serve a three course dinner and, if a bit lucky, even catch one of the live folkloric dances, which usually take place each evening. 

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours and 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Your Second Full Day in Sofia

    

    Rila and Boyana Private Day Tour (UNESCO Heritage)

    In this private tour you will discover two of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries and understand their importance for local and world culture. Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is the most-visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria and an absolute must see. The arched balconies, unique frescoes, and the fabulous mountain views make this place truly special. Next stop is Boyana Church, which frescoes brought epochal changes to the mural painting style and are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. 

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 6-7 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Sofia airport for your departing flight. The transfer takes about 45 minutes.