Your journey begins in Sofia, a city where ancient, medieval, and modern worlds blend seamlessly. After a smooth transfer and check-in at your hotel, embark on a guided walking tour that brings the city’s past to life. Strolling through St. Nedelya Square, the city’s contrasts unfold—Ottoman mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and Soviet-era monuments stand side by side, telling a story of a city shaped by many civilizations. Beneath the modern streets, the remnants of ancient Serdica, a Roman city, whisper tales of emperors and lost legacies. Inside the Rotunda of Saint George, one of the oldest preserved Christian churches in Europe, time seems to stand still within its centuries-old brick walls. The golden domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral glisten under the afternoon sun. Inside, the air is filled with the scent of candle wax and the resonant echoes of choral hymns, serving as a reminder of Bulgaria’s deep Orthodox traditions. Nearby, the elegant National Theater Ivan Vazov, with its grand neoclassical façade, stands as a cultural landmark, surrounded by the lush City Garden, where locals gather to chat, play chess, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Sofia’s heart. The evening is yours to experience Sofia’s charm. Take a leisurely stroll down Vitosha Boulevard or the lively Graf Ignatiev Street, where the city’s heartbeat comes alive. For dinner, indulge in authentic Bulgarian flavors and enjoy exquisite local wines at a welcoming restaurant that beautifully blends tradition with modern culinary artistry.

Highlights of the day: 

• Sofia City Tour: Discover Sofia’s historic heart on a guided walking tour, step back in time at the ancient ruins of Serdica and the Rotunda of Saint George, and admire the grandeur of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the charm of City Garden. 

Travel Details: Transfer from Sofia International Airport; Overnight in Sofia (-/-/-)

In the morning, we leave Sofia behind as the road winds into the Rila Mountains, where forests stretch endlessly and the air is filled with the crisp scent of pine. Nestled deep within this wilderness is Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most sacred site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Arriving at the monastery feels like stepping into a painting—its vivid frescoes, created by some of Bulgaria’s most talented artists, depict celestial scenes in breathtaking detail. The monastery has stood for over 1,000 years, surviving fires and invasions while preserving centuries of faith and wisdom. A short walk through the forest leads to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski, the secluded retreat of Bulgaria’s patron saint. Legend says that those who can pass through its narrow rock passage will be spiritually cleansed.

Lunch is at leisure, with the choice to dine at a traditional mountain restaurant where you can savor local specialties such as grilled river trout, homemade bread, and yogurt with honey. Alternatively, you may opt for a quick bite at one of the small eateries near the monastery.

The peaceful return to Sofia in the late afternoon allows for a relaxed evening in the capital. 

Highlights of the day: 

• Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s most sacred site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Founded in the 10th century, it captivates visitors with its breathtaking frescoes and rich history of faith and resilience. Nearby, the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski offers a mystical pilgrimage experience.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~ 250km round trip Overnight in Sofia (B/-/-)

Today, the journey unfolds in Plovdiv, a city where history whispers through every cobblestone and artistry breathes life into the streets. Leaving Sofia behind, the landscape shifts—rolling hills and vast plains lead to one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. A walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town feels like stepping into a living museum. Winding alleys lead past vivid Revival-era mansions, their wooden shutters and ornate facades whispering stories of a time when merchants and craftsmen filled these streets. The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, a magnificent amphitheater carved into the hillside, still resonates with echoes of performances from centuries past. Beneath the city’s bustling avenues, the buried remnants of the Roman Stadium evoke images of chariot races and the roaring crowds that once gathered here millennia ago. 

After some free time for a leisurely lunch, the afternoon is spent in Kapana, the city’s vibrant creative district. Once home to artisans of the past, it now pulses with energy—boutiques filled with handmade treasures, walls adorned with bold street art, and cafés where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with laughter and conversation. As the sun begins to set, we ascend Nebet Tepe, the ancient Thracian hilltop fortress. From this vantage point, Plovdiv unfolds beneath us in a breathtaking panorama, its rooftops bathed in golden light, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine in an unforgettable moment.

Highlights of the Day: 

• City of Plovdiv: Walking through Plovdiv's Old Town, where centuries of history unfold in every cobblestone. Experience the magnificence of the Ancient Theatre and the vibrant artistic spirit of Kapana, culminating in a breathtaking sunset over the city from Nebet Tepe.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~150 km; Overnight in Plovdiv (B/-/-)

Today, we head to the heart of Thracian heritage, journeying through the Rose Valley, where endless fields of fragrant blooms paint the landscape. Our route takes us to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO), a mystical burial site where ancient frescoes, preserved for over two millennia, reveal the rituals and beliefs of a long-lost warrior civilization. Ascending the Shipka Pass, the road winds through breathtaking mountain scenery, passing monuments that stand as silent witnesses to Bulgaria’s struggle for independence. At its summit, the Shipka Monument, perched high above the valley, honors the heroic battles that shaped the nation. 

By midday, we arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, where we will have the chance to visit Tsarevets Fortress, a site steeped in history—the seat of kings, the location of coronations, and the backdrop for fierce battles. As we walk along its ancient stone paths, we come upon the infamous Execution Rock, where traitors once plummeted into the swirling Yantra River, serving as a chilling reminder of the city’s turbulent past. As the day draws to a close, a stroll through Samovodska Charshia reveals the city’s artistic soul. Cobblestone streets are lined with artisans' workshops, where woodcarvers, silversmiths, and icon painters continue their time-honored crafts. The inviting scent of freshly baked local delicacies drifts through the air, providing a perfect treat to conclude the day.

Highlights of the day: 

• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO) – Step into the ancient world of the Thracians, where vibrant frescoes, preserved for over two millennia, reveal the rituals and beliefs of a forgotten warrior civilization.
• Shipka Pass & Shipka Monument – Journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes and visit the iconic monument that honors Bulgaria’s heroic struggle for independence, standing as a symbol of national pride.
• Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo – Discover the medieval stronghold of Bulgarian kings, where the echoes of battles, coronations, and betrayals still resonate within its mighty stone walls. From Execution Rock, gaze down upon the winding Yantra River, a site where history was etched in blood and defiance.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~200 km; Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo (B/-/-)

The final day of your journey takes you from Veliko Tarnovo to Koprivshtitsa, following the footsteps of Bulgaria’s revolutionary past. Nestled in the Sredna Gora Mountains, Koprivshtitsa is steeped in history and tradition, with its cobbled streets lined with vibrant Revival-era houses. The intricate wood carvings and colorful facades of these homes whisper stories of Bulgaria’s struggle for freedom. Here, you walk in the footsteps of Bulgarian revolutionaries, exploring the very places where the April Uprising of 1876 took place. Historic homes once sheltered brave insurgents, and secret meetings shaped the course of history, allowing the dream of an independent Bulgaria to take root. The town’s museums and memorials vividly illustrate the sacrifices and resilience of those who dared to fight for freedom. After lunch at leisure, soak in the tranquil charm of this historic town before departing for Sofia. As you travel through Bulgaria’s picturesque landscapes, the stories, traditions, and unforgettable moments of this land will remain with you.

Upon arriving in Sofia, you will transfer to Sofia Airport for your departure, bringing your adventure to a close. As the journey comes to an end, the spirit of Bulgaria—its rich history, vibrant culture, and warmth—remains, a lasting memory of this hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans.

For those wishing to extend their stay or awaiting a more convenient flight, an extra night in Sofia can be arranged upon request.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~270 km; Transfer to airport for departure; (B/-/-)