Wonders of Bulgaria

Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Important:

Check-in: Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.

Additional Nights: 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.

Optional Activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.

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

In the morning, we’ll tour the capital of Bulgaria and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (admission included), the Russian Church, the mosque, as well as the city’s squares and avenues with Stalinist architecture. We’ll also visit the National Museum of History (admission and guided tour included), which offers a fascinating overview of Bulgaria, showcasing Thracian gold treasures, Orthodox icons, and medieval artifacts. It is one of the largest and most prestigious history museums in the Balkans. Afternoon at leisure.

Total distance covered: 204 km
Scenery: The route will take us through the valleys and mountains of the Balkans, with lush forests and traditional villages that evoke the most authentic side of Bulgaria.

08:15 a.m. Sofia – Departure. We leave the capital and head south, following historic routes that lead us into the heart of the Thrace region.

11:00 a.m. Bachkovo – Arrival. We will visit the Bachkovo Monastery (admission included), founded in the 11th century. It is the second largest in the country and a symbol of Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity. Its unique Byzantine frescoes and mountain setting create an atmosphere of reflection and spiritual beauty. We’ll stroll through its courtyards and galleries, admiring its medieval architecture and the traditions that still endure.

12:00 p.m. Bachkovo – Departure. The journey continues along scenic roads through rolling hills and vineyards, bringing us closer to one of Bulgaria’s cultural gems.

12:45 p.m. Plovdiv – Arrival. Lunch is included before enjoying a comprehensive panoramic tour of the city. Plovdiv, considered one of the oldest cities in Europe, blends past and present in its historic center. We will visit the Roman Amphitheater, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House (admissions included), all testimony to its cultural wealth. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander its cobbled streets, discover art galleries, cafés, and charming shops.

Total distance covered: 319 km
Scenery: The route will take us from inland Bulgaria to the Black Sea coast, passing green hills, fertile plains, and views of the Bulgarian shoreline.

Note: In Sozopol, if weather permits, you may swim in the Black Sea; we recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel.

09:00 a.m. Plovdiv – Departure. We leave the heart of Thrace and head east, crossing farmland and picturesque villages on our way to the coast.

01:00 p.m. Sozopol – Arrival. One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria, Sozopol has preserved its historic charm with cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and a bohemian seaside atmosphere. You’ll have time for lunch, a walk through the Old Town, or to relax at the beach. The historic center invites you to explore small taverns and hidden corners full of charm.

04:30 p.m. Sozopol – Departure. We continue north along the Black Sea coast, enjoying maritime views and the lively atmosphere of this coastal region.

05:15 p.m. Burgas – Arrival. The fourth largest city in the country and Bulgaria’s main Black Sea port, Burgas combines modern boulevards with the charm of its extensive seaside park. Free time to stroll, relax by the sea, or explore its lively downtown.

Total distance covered: 221 km
Scenery: The journey follows the Black Sea coast, with views of beaches, cliffs, and forests alternating with charming historic towns and maritime landscapes.

09:00 a.m. Burgas – Departure. We set off north along the coastline, heading toward one of the country’s cultural gems.

09:45 a.m. Nesebar – Arrival. A thousand-year-old city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on a peninsula linked to the mainland by an isthmus. We’ll stroll among its 40 churches built between the 5th and 18th centuries, cobblestone streets, and traditional wooden houses that reflect its glorious Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine past. Free time to explore the city and have lunch.

12:30 p.m. Nesebar – Departure. The route continues along the coast, with sea views and forest landscapes as we approach our next destination.

02:45 p.m. Aladzha Monastery – Arrival. Visit of this unique site (admission included). It is a rock-hewn monastery, surrounded by nature, preserving chapels, monks’ cells, and legends that convey an aura of spirituality and mystery.

03:30 p.m. Aladzha – Departure. We continue toward one of the most evocative residences on the Black Sea.

04:15 p.m. Balchik – Arrival. Visit to the Balchik Palace and Gardens (admission included), the former summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania. Its terraces, pavilions, and seaside gardens create a uniquely romantic atmosphere.

05:30 p.m. Balchik – Departure.
06:15 p.m. Varna – Arrival. Bulgaria’s third largest city, Varna delights visitors with its lively downtown and extensive seaside park along the coast. Free time.

Total distance covered: 260 km
Scenery: The route takes us from the Black Sea coast into the interior of Bulgaria, crossing fertile plains and forested hills that frame ancient fortresses and traditional villages.

Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for the visit to Madara, and appropriate clothing for the visit to the mosque.

08:30 a.m. Varna – Departure. We leave the coast and immerse ourselves in Bulgaria’s medieval and spiritual history.

09:45 a.m. Madara – Arrival. Visit to the famous Madara Rider (admission included), an exceptional rock relief carved in the 8th century. Unique in Eastern Europe, it is considered a symbol of Bulgarian identity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

11:00 a.m. Madara – Departure.

11:45 a.m. Shumen – Arrival. This city, significant during the Ottoman era and in Bulgaria’s national history, is home to its 18th-century mosque—the largest in the Balkans outside Turkey. Lunch included before continuing our journey.

01:45 p.m. Shumen – Departure.

04:00 p.m. Arbanassi – Arrival. This former merchant town is renowned for its fortress-like houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. We will visit the Church of the Nativity (admission included), famous for its interior frescoes, considered treasures of Bulgarian religious art.

05:15 p.m. Arbanassi – Departure.

05:30 p.m. Veliko Tarnovo – Arrival. The former capital of Bulgaria, it preserves a picturesque medieval quarter along the Yantra River gorge. Free time to stroll through its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and historic corners.

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.