The Charm of Bulgaria
A journey from the Black Sea to the Rila Mountains, between Thracian villages and Orthodox monasteries.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,690/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This 10-day circuit invites you to discover the major regions of Bulgarie, from Sofia to the shores of the Black Sea. The itinerary crosses central Balkan, a mountain range steeped in history, then the Rhodopes, a massif with dense forests and traditional villages, before reaching the Rila mountains. The route punctuates this mountainous thread with stops in several of the country's most remarkable cities and villages.
You will visit notably Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian tsars, dominated by the Tsarevets fortress, as well as Nessebar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its medieval churches and typical Black Sea architecture. Plovdiv, renowned for its rich historical heritage and its old quarter with houses in Bulgarian Renaissance style, completes this urban discovery.
The journey continues towards Melnik, the smallest city in Bulgarie nestled between spectacular rock formations, then the Rila monastery, one of the country's main cultural and religious sites. A varied route that offers a complete overview of Bulgarian heritage, landscapes and traditions.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
SOFIA – Arrival in Bulgaria
Welcome upon your arrival at Sofia airport, transfer and check-in at your 3* hotel, located very close to the city center with excellent service.
The first day will allow you to discover the capital and its inhabitants. You will take a panoramic or walking tour of the cultural city center to discover the most beautiful historical buildings of the capital.
You will have the opportunity to discover among others the St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian St Nicolas Church, the St George Rotunda, the Basilica of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers, the Parliament, the Banya Bashi Mosque built in 1576.
Dinner at the hotel or in town depending on arrival time.
SOFIA > KOPRIVSHTITSA > VELIKO TARNOVO > ARBANASI – The City of Bulgarian Tsars
Sofia → Koprivshtitsa
You will set off early in the morning to follow the southern slope of the central Balkan range and will stop in the small colorful hilltop town of Koprivshtitsa, from which the Great April Revolution of 1876 for Liberation from Ottoman rule departed.
Koprivshtitsa → Veliko Tarnovo
You will travel along the northern slope of the Central Balkan to reach Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the 12th and 14th centuries. The city was considered the most beautiful city in the Balkans after Constantinople.
Veliko Tarnovo → Arbanasi
Visit of Tsarevets fortress and a short walk in the historic quarter.
Dinner & night at the hotel,
ARBANASSI > OSMAR > MADARA > VARNA – The Pearl of the Black Sea
Arbanasi → Varna
Departure towards the Bulgarian coast. Stop at the village of Osmar for a tasting of "pelin" - a local herbal and fruit-based wine.
Lunch with a folklore programme at the village of Kyulevcha.
Continuation of the programme with discovery of the Shumen region, the natural phenomena nicknamed Standing Stones and the Madara Horseman (UNESCO site).
Drive to Varna. Check-in at accommodation, dinner in the city centre. Return to the hotel.
VARNA > NESEBAR > ZHERAVNA – A Remarkable Village
Varna → Nessebar
A short guided tour of the city centre followed by free time.
You can enjoy many social activities offered by the city, go shopping or stroll through the maritime garden that runs along the coast.
Before lunch by the sea, a visit if possible to the Roman Baths of Odessos.
Subsequently, arrival in Nessebar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional Byzantine-style architectural ensemble.
Nessebar → Zheravna
Visit of the Old town and St. Stephan's church.
Continuation of the route towards Zheravna.
Arrival at Zheravna, one of the most beautiful Bulgarian villages, picturesque, typical and in the heart of nature.
ZHERAVNA > KAZANLAK > PLOVDIV – The Valley of the Thracian Kings
Zheravna → Plovdiv
Departure for the Valley of Roses and the three Thracian regions. Visit of the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO site).
Concert of Orthodox chants, presented by the Sevtopolis troupe.
Lunch nearby before departing to a rose distillery for tasting of rose-based products.
Departure for Plovdiv.
Check-in at accommodation and dinner in the city centre, accompanied by a demonstration of folk dances.
Return to the hotel, overnight.
PLOVDIV > SHIROKA LAKA – In the Heart of the Rhodopes
Plovdiv → Shiroka Laka
In the morning, visit of the European capital of culture 2019. Discover the city center and the unique cultural heritage of Old Plovdiv with the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen, the Ethnographic Museum and ancient ruins.
Lunch in the city center.
Then, departure for the architectural reserve of Shiroka Laka where you will spend the night. On the way, visit of the Bachkovo Monastery, nestled in the valley.
Arrival at the village.
Dinner, accompanied by a gaida performance (type of local bagpipe).
SHIROKA LAKA > KOVACHEVITSA > MELNIK – Nature and Tradition
Shiroka Laka → Melnik
Continuation of the route through the Rhodopes, heading towards Kovachevitsa.
Lunch on site.
Before heading to Melnik where you will spend the night, visit the Villa Melnik wine estate with wine tasting.
Check-in at the accommodation. Dinner, overnight stay.
MELNIK > RILSKI MANASTIR – Spiritual encounter at Rila
Melnik → Rilski manastir
In the morning, visit to the Rozhen Monastery. Then, visit to the Kordopulov House, the largest house from the period of the National Awakening.
Lunch in Melnik, accompanied by a folk program presented by the Leb i Vino ensemble.
Departure for the Rila Monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the quality of its iconostases, its architecture and its history.
The site is nestled within the fabulous Rila National Park and remains the emblematic symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy.
Dinner planned nearby. Overnight stay on site.
RILSKI MANASTIR > SOFIA – The Ancient Serdica
Rilski manastir → Sofia
Return to Sofia to discover the capital.
Visit of the National History Museum and the Boyana Church (UNESCO site).
Lunch, then free time in the city center. Hotel check-in and dinner nearby. Return, overnight stay.
SOFIA – The Return
Day organized according to your departure. Possible visit to the women's market.
Transfer to Sofia airport, departure.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The outbound and return flight and airport taxes
- Cancellation, repatriation and health costs insurance
- Single room supplement: +290 €
- Beverages and personal expenses
- The lunch of D-10
- Paid options not included in the program
- The carrying of luggage
- The guide's gratuity (at your discretion)
Included
- Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer
- Transport adapted to the size of the group
- Accommodation in 3*, 4* hotels, guesthouses, family hotels, monastery (double room basis)
- Full board with meals taken in restaurants and taverns, table service or buffet at the hotel
- One starter, one main course, one dessert + mineral water from dinner on Day -1 to breakfast on Day 10
- English-speaking Guide/Driver registered on the official list of Bulgarian Guides for 2 to 7 participants or a guide and a driver from 8 participants onwards
- Visits and entrance fees for sites and museums mentioned in the program
- Tasting of Pelin (local white and red wine) at Osmar, accompanied by charcuterie and cheese
- Folk show in Kyulevcha with presentation of Bulgarian traditions, songs, dances, participation in the preparation of traditional Bulgarian bread
- Orthodox chants concert in Kazanlak
- Visit to a Rose Distillery
- Traditional Dance Show in Plovdiv
- Musical show of gaïda in Shiroka Laka
- Tasting of 5 wines at the Villa Melnik Winery
- Authentic folkloric program presented by the couple Leb i Vino
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Bulgarie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport ou carte d'identité
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen peuvent entrer en Bulgarie avec un passeport ou une carte d'identité nationale en cours de validité. Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants canadiens doivent quant à eux se munir d'un passeport valide, dont la validité couvre l'intégralité du séjour prévu. Il est recommandé que le passeport soit valide au moins trois mois après la date de sortie prévue du territoire bulgare.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse bénéficient de la libre circulation au sein de l'Union européenne et peuvent séjourner en Bulgarie sans limitation de durée dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique, sous réserve de respecter les réglementations locales en vigueur.
Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Bulgarie. Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur toute période de 180 jours dans l'espace Schengen.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une assurance voyage couvrant la durée du séjour.
Espace Schengen
La Bulgarie a intégré l'espace Schengen en janvier 2024 pour les frontières aériennes et maritimes, et en janvier 2025 pour les frontières terrestres. Les contrôles aux frontières intérieures de l'espace Schengen ont ainsi été levés, facilitant les déplacements en provenance d'autres pays membres.
Pour les ressortissants canadiens, le séjour en Bulgarie est comptabilisé dans le quota global de 90 jours sur 180 jours applicable à l'ensemble de l'espace Schengen.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre document de voyage valide (passeport ou, pour les ressortissants EEE, carte d'identité nationale) couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Il est recommandé de se renseigner auprès des autorités compétentes avant le départ.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Bulgarie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Bulgaria, you must present a valid identity document (ID card or passport). As of 2025, Bulgaria is partially applying Schengen rules for air and maritime travel, which facilitates movement depending on your origin. No visa is required for a standard tourist stay. Before traveling, check with the Bulgarian consular authorities competent for your nationality for the precise entry and stay conditions applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (200-400 euros return) are additional. Bulgaria offers excellent value for money in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together every detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sofia Western Region
Dual French-Bulgarian duo in the land of roses and Thracians, based in Pazardzhik
We love sharing a Bulgaria that often goes unseen at first glance: family homes, traditions, hidden landscapes, and that genuine hospitality that gives travel its true meaning.
— Damien & Filip
