Slovenia4Seasons

Sofia airport – Sofia

Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to Juno Hotel Sofia 5* or similar. In the late afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk, followed by aperitifs and a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Sofia

Join the local guide for a tour covering Sofia’s key landmarks, then stroll along Vitosha Boulevard for Bulgarian street food and souvenirs. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. (B)

Sofia – Etar – Veliko Tarnovo

Depart your hotel in the morning and head to Etar.

Etar is a full open air museum that represents the Bulgarian craftsmanship, lifestyle and village community in the last centuries. It resembles a 18th-19th century traditional Bulgarian village with typical houses. You can try freshly baked traditional Bulgarian bagels and drinks from the traditional bakery and sweets from the confectionery shop. Free time for lunch.

Late afternoon arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital of Bulgaria. Two nights Yantra Grand Hotel 4* or similar. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Bulgarian cuisine. (B, D)

Veliko Tarnovo

After breakfast, join your local guide to explore Veliko Tarnovo’s Old Town and the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, which overlooks the city. Known as the “City of the Tsars,” Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages and is filled with historic monuments and attractions.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Wander through the Old Quarter with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops, then relax at a café or “vinarnà” (wine bar). Free evening. (B)

Veliko Tarnovo – Shumen – Madara – Varna

Depart from your hotel in the morning.

The first stop is the Shumen Monument, a large structure built on a plateau above Shumen, Bulgaria, to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the First Bulgarian Empire. Enjoy free time for lunch.

Afterwards, continue to the Madara Horseman, an early medieval rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau, dating back to the late 7th or early 8th century and protected by UNESCO. Then visit the natural wonder “The Stone Forest,” a fascinating site with ancient stone formations dating back tens of thousands of years.

Varna

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of Varna, Bulgaria’s sea capital, including a visit to the Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s oldest processed gold artifacts in a company of experienced local guide. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Varna on your own. (B)

Varna – Balchik - Kaliakra - Nessebar

Depart from Varna in the morning for Balchik, known as “The White Town.” Visit the seaside summer residence of Romanian Queen Maria, a charming palace along the coast. Continue to Cape Kaliakra, an architectural reserve on a rocky peninsula that extends about 2 km into the sea. With its rich history, unspoiled landscape, and stunning panoramic views, Cape Kaliakra is one of the most captivating spots on the Black Sea Coast. Afterward, head to Nessebar, a picturesque coastal town and one of the oldest settlements in Europe, where you’ll stay for two nights. Your Hotel Castro Mesembria Boutique 4* or similar, is situated in the historic old town on a rocky peninsula. Free evening. (B)

Nessebar

After breakfast join an experienced local guide for a walking tour of Nessebar which history is long, since the sixth century BC.

The rest of the day is free to explore Nessebar on your own.(B)

Nessebar – Kazanlak – Plovdiv

Depart Nessebar in the morning and drive to Kazanlak in Rose Valley.

The Rosa Damascena has been cultivated here for centuries and become one of the Bulgarias symbols. The famous rose oil of which Bulgaria is the worlds largest producer, is extracted industrially by distillation and widely used in the pharmaceutical and perfume industry.

In Kazanlak, visit the Russian Memorial Church, the ancient Thracian tomb “Golyama Kosmatka,” and a local rose oil distillery in the renowned Valley of Roses. Later, continue to Plovdiv for an overnight stay at the centrally located Hotel Residence City Garden 5* or similar. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.(B,D)

Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Plovdiv

Plovdiv, known as the “City of the Seven Hills,” is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Once called Philippopolis in honor of King Philip II of Macedonia, it is now a vibrant cultural center and was named European Capital of Culture in 2019.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town, showcasing Revival-period museum houses, the Ethnographic Museum, the Ancient Theater, the city’s oldest church “St. St. Constantine and Helena,” and historic landmarks such as the Dzhumaya Mosque and the Roman Stadium. Later, visit Bachkovo Monastery, founded in the 11th century and renowned for its 16th-century frescoes and the revered icon of the Virgin Mary. Return to Plovdiv in the afternoon for free leisure time. (B)

Plovdiv – Bansko – Melnik

Depart Plovdiv in the morning for the mountain town of Bansko, renowned for its ski slopes and year-round activities. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bansko’s Old Town and enjoy views of the stunning Pirin Mountains. Free time for lunch at a traditional local tavern, known as a mehana.

After some leisure time, continue the journey to Melnik, arriving in the afternoon. Your hotel for the next two nights is the Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Chateaux, or similar. Dinner will be at the hotel. (B, D)

Melnik

Melnik, known as Bulgaria’s Wine Capital, is a hidden gem nestled in the southwest folds of the Pirin Mountains, framed by stunning sand pyramids and charming, historic houses. Beyond its beautiful scenery, you’ll enjoy wine tastings at two premium cellars, showcasing varieties that rival even those of France. Return to the hotel afterward. Free evening. (B, L)

Melnik – Rila – Sofia

Depart Melnik in the morning and head toward Sofia, stopping en route at Rila Monastery—the largest and most significant Bulgarian spiritual center since the Middle Ages, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in a scenic mountain setting, the monastery houses a remarkable collection of icons and frescoes. Its museum holds a unique treasure: an 81 cm wooden cross intricately carved with 104 religious scenes and 650 figures. After touring the monastery, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant renowned for mountain trout dishes.

Arrive in Sofia in the afternoon and check in at Juno Hotel Sofia 5* or similar. Farewell dinner in the evening. (B,D)

Sofia – Sofia Airport

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport according the flight details. (B)