Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Heritage
Secular monasteries, Thracian tombs and Byzantine cities reveal five thousand years of Bulgarian heritage
Duration
15 days
From
€1,090/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
From the perched monasteries of the Balkans to the ancient cities of the Black Sea, this great journey across Bulgarie unveils one of Europe's most overlooked heritage sites. Over 15 days, travel through a country where Thracian remains, Orthodox monasteries, museum-villages and UNESCO-listed cities meet.
From Sofia, the road takes you through the Balkan mountains, the colorful streets of Koprivshtitsa and the famous Valley of Roses. Discover the elegance of Veliko Tarnovo, former capital of Bulgarian tsars, the archaeological treasures of Sveshtari and Madara, as well as the jewels of the Black Sea coast, from Varna to Nessebar, the thousand-year-old city listed as a world heritage site.
At the heart of the country, Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, reveals its Roman theaters and historic districts. Further south, the Rhodopes shelter traditional villages, spectacular gorges and centuries-old monasteries. The journey ends at the majestic Rila monastery, spiritual symbol of Bulgarie.
A complete itinerary combining history, culture, traditions and landscapes, discovering the soul of Bulgarie.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
SOFIA – Arrival in Bulgaria
Welcome to Sofia airport, transfer and hotel check-in.
Day arrangement according to your arrival schedule.
SOFIA > SVOGE > GLOZHENSKI MANASTIR
Sofia → Glozhenski Manastir
Departure for the Glozhene Monastery where you will spend the night.
On your route, possible visit to the Tcherepich Monastery and the natural curiosity nicknamed Ritlite nearby.
Possible detour to Saeva Dupka cave - an exceptional site with rare forms of beauty. Arrival at the Monastery, overnight stay.
GLOZHENSKI MANASTIR > ORESHAK > KOPRIVSHTITSA
Glozhenski Manastir → Koprivshtitsa
Discovery of Central Balkans. Possible stop at Oreshak and visit of the Troyan Monastery, the third most important in the country.
Departure for the colorful town of Koprivshtitsa, panoramic tour. Possible visit of house-museums impressive for their wall frescoes.
Night in a guesthouse
KOPRIVSHTITSA > STAROSEL > KAZANLAK > TRYAVNA
Koprivshtitsa → Tryavna
Departure for Tryavna.
On your route, visit the Starossel Sanctuary – the largest known Thracian sanctuary today.
Possible stop in Hissarya, and discovery of its remnants from the past.
Arrival in Kazanlak and visit of the copy of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO site).
Route towards the central Balkans. Before heading into the Shipka pass, you have the opportunity to visit the open-air ethnographic museum - Etara.
Arrival in Tryavna, a small town recommended for its atmosphere and specialized in decorative arts, overnight stay there.
TRYAVNA > VELIKO TARNOVO > ARBANASI
Tryavna → Arbanasi
Morning visit of Tryavna with the St. Michael Archange church impressive with its paintings and wooden iconostasis, as well as the Daskalov houserenowned for its finely carved ceilings.
Arrival in 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.
Visit of the Tsarevets Citadel and a small walk in the historic district.
Night in Arbanasi.
ARBANASI > RUSE
Arbanasi → Ruse
In the morning, visit to the Church of the Nativity.
Departure for the city of Ruse. On the way, you can observe the Byala bridge.
Then, a detour to discover the rock churches of Ivanovo (UNESCO site).
Arrival in Ruse, walking tour of the city center.
Overnight stay.
RUSSIA > SVESHTARI > MADARA > VARNA
Ruse → Varna
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (UNESCO site) is one of the main visits of the day.
Continuation of the programme with discovery of the Shumen region, natural phenomena nicknamed Standing Stones and the Madara Horseman (UNESCO site).
You will then join the city of Varna, still known by the name "The Pearl of the Black Sea"
Possible visit of the Cathedral - the symbol of the city and the archaeological museum.
Overnight stay on site.
VARNA > KAMTCHIA > NESSEBAR
Varna → Nessebar
You can enjoy numerous social activities offered by the city, go shopping or take a stroll through the maritime garden that runs along the coastline.
Continuation heading South to the Kamtchia nature reserve. Possibility of a boat trip to discover the beauty of the reserve.
Subsequently, arrival at Nessebar, listed as a Unesco World Heritage site for its exceptional architectural ensemble of Byzantine style.
Visit of the Old Town and St. Stephan church.
NESSEBAR > BURGAS > SOZOPOL > ZHERAVNA
Nessebar → Zheravna
Departure towards the Bulgarian coast.
You will pass through the city of Burgas which is located in a large bay of the Black Sea. 2 large lakes surround this city founded over 2000 years ago, as a Roman city. A fishing town, completely burned down in the 19th century, it is today the most important industrial port in Bulgaria and the 4th city in the country.
Arrival in Sozopol, an ancient city, rich in cultural monuments.
Continuation of the route towards Zheravna.
Arrival in Zheravna, one of the most beautiful Bulgarian villages, picturesque, typical and in the heart of nature.
ZHERAVNA > SLIVEN > PLOVDIV
Zheravna → Plovdiv
Departure for Plovdiv - Europe's capital of culture in 2019.
Visit the city with the Forum, the Odeon and the ancient Stadium.
Discover the unique cultural heritage of Old Plovdiv with the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen and the ancient ruins.
PLOVDIV > BACHKOVO > SHIROKA LAKA
Plovdiv → Shiroka Laka
Free time in Plovdiv.
The city is known not only for the remains of its great past, but also for its sweetness of life. Many cafés and shops line the pedestrian center, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of them.
Subsequently, departure for the Shiroka Laka architectural reserve where you will spend the night. On the way, visit to the Bachkovo Monastery, nestled in the valley.
Arrival at the village, overnight stay.
SHIROKA LAKA > KOVACHEVICA > BANSKO
Shiroka Laka → Bansko
Direction of Bansko.
Continuing the itinerary, passage through the Boynovo Gorges and the famous carved cliffs of Trigrad Gorges.
Stop and hiking in the picturesque village of Kovachevitsa.
Night in Bansko.
BANSKO > MELNIK > RILSKI MANASTIR
Bansko → Rilski manastir
You can spend the morning discovering the historic center of Bansko. Be sure to visit the Holy Trinity Church, one of the main symbols of the city.
Departure towards Melnik. Visit the city with its natural pyramids as a backdrop - a natural phenomenon.
Possible detour via the Rozhen Monastery.
Arrival at the Rila Monastery (UNESCO site) and overnight stay on site.
RILSKI MANASTIR > SOFIA
Rilski manastir → Sofia
Return to Sofia to discover the capital.
Possible visit of the National History Museum and the Boyana Church (UNESCO site).
Subsequently, the St. Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Sofia, the Russian St. Nicolas Church, the St. Georges Rotunda, the St. Petka of the Saddle Makers Church.
SOFIA - End of Stay
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
- Round-trip flight and airport taxes
- Cancellation, repatriation and health insurance
- Fuel, parking fees and travel expenses
- Family rate (from 4 people)
- Local guides and visits
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The paid options not included in the program
- GPS
Included
- Airport > Hotel > Airport Transfer
- Vehicle delivery on Day 2 and return on Day 14
- Economy class vehicle (2 persons), intermediate (3 persons), superior (4 persons) with unlimited kilometers, insurance and road taxes for the country, second driver option included, 24/24 assistance
- Accommodation / double room basis
- Breakfast (except at Rila Monastery) and 3 dinners included (Glozhene Monastery, Zheravna and Shiroka Laka)
- Travel journal and electronic practical guide
- Balkania Tour Telephone Assistance 24/7
- Exclusive deals reserved for Balkania Tour clients
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.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Bulgaria for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport or ID card
Nationals of the European Economic Area may enter Bulgaria with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport, whose validity covers the entire planned stay. It is recommended that the passport be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from Bulgarian territory.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement within the European Union and may stay in Bulgaria without duration restrictions for a tourist stay, provided they comply with applicable local regulations.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Bulgaria. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
Authorities may request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
a travel insurance covering the duration of the stay.
Schengen Area
Bulgaria joined the Schengen area in January 2024 for air and maritime borders, and in January 2025 for land borders. Internal border controls within the Schengen area have been lifted, facilitating travel from other member countries.
For Canadian nationals, the stay in Bulgaria is counted within the global quota of 90 days within 180 days applicable to the entire Schengen area.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA nationals, national identity card) covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for departure from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities before departure.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Bulgaria in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
