Sofia

Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv

Total distance covered: 205 km.

Scenery: Expansive agricultural plains.

Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sofia.
11:00 a.m. - Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks´ way of life.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
12:45 p.m. - Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.

Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo

Total distance covered: 230 km.

Scenery: Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.

Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Plovdiv. We’ll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
10:00 a.m. – Kazanlak. Admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products.

11:30 a.m. – Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we’ll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
01:15 p.m. - Etar - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We’ll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Etar.
04:45 p.m. - Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included).

05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
06:00 p.m. - Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You’ll have time to explore.

Veliko Tarnovo – Tryavna – Troyan Monastery – Sofia

Total distance covered: 288 km
Scenery: The route runs through the mountains and valleys of the Balkan heartland, with lush forests and picturesque villages that reflect the most traditional side of Bulgaria.

08:00 a.m. Veliko Tarnovo – Departure. We leave the former medieval capital and head into the mountain region toward Tryavna.

09:00 a.m. Tryavna – Arrival. This small town has preserved its center with great authenticity. We will visit the Museum of the Old School (admission included), where we’ll discover how classes were conducted in the 19th century, and the Daskalov House (admission included), famous for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and intricately carved wooden ceilings. We’ll also stroll through the Clock Tower Square and across the Stone Bridge, landmarks of the town.

11:00 a.m. Tryavna – Departure.
01:00 p.m. Troyan Monastery – Arrival. In a beautiful natural setting, we will visit this 16th-century monastery, the third largest in Bulgaria, renowned for its frescoes, carved iconostasis, and spiritual atmosphere. After the visit, we’ll enjoy an included lunch.

03:00 p.m. Troyan Monastery – Departure. We cross mountains and valleys on our way to the Bulgarian capital.

05:30 p.m. Sofia – Arrival. Accommodation and free time to explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.