Culture and Beach in Bulgaria

Discovery of the Bulgarian capital and its rich cultural heritage. The numerous monuments that populate the streets of beautiful Sofia are so many testimonies to the glorious and turbulent past that Bulgaria has known. A stroll through the city center will be a unique opportunity to admire these many historical and architectural treasures.

Thus you will be able to discover at your leisure: the St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Church of St Nicholas, the Rotunda of St George, the Archaeological Museum, the National Palace of Culture (NDK), the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Sofia Market Halls, the Sveta Nedelia Church, Mount Vitocha, the Dragalevtsi Monastery, the Sofia Art Gallery, the Church of Holy Wisdom, the University of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the Ethnographic Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum…

Car rental delivery.

After this morning discovery of Sofia's city center, you can leave with your rental vehicle heading south of the country to visit the colorful 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.

You can then continue your journey to the small town of Bansko, founded in the 15th century, where you will spend the night

You can spend the morning discovering the historic center of Bansko. Don't miss visiting the Holy Trinity Church, one of the main symbols of the city.

You then continue on the road towards the city of Plovdiv.

Along the way, we recommend making a detour to the dancing bears park, a nature reserve located 12km from the city of Belitsa.

Your route will also take you, at 800 meters altitude, through the city of Velingrad, the thermal spa most renowned in the country, even in the Balkans. A stop there is pleasant and you will enjoy walking along the shaded streets of this peaceful city, dotted with fountains and small restaurants.

You finally arrive in Plovdiv, the first Bulgarian city to receive the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019.

You can visit the old town with numerous ancient sites: the Forum, the Odeon and the Stadium. Discovery of the unique cultural heritage of Old Plovdiv with the Roman Theatre, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen and ancient ruins.

Overnight stay on site, in the heart of Old Plovdiv.

Free time in Plovdiv.

The city is known not only for the remains of its great past, but also for its pleasant way of life. Many cafés and shops line the pedestrian center, you will have the opportunity to enjoy them in the morning.

Continuing the tour towards Zheravna.

Passing through the historic city of Sliven, that of the 100 voïvoda (rebel leaders) with its glorious past and situated at the foot of the Balkan. Its wide pedestrian city center, its massive buildings testify to what this city was, the richest and most prestigious in the country at its time.

Today, the tranquility of its large park, the kindness of its population, the proximity of unspoiled nature make this medium-sized city an interesting starting point for exploring other regions, in particular the national park of the Blue Rocks above the city which, depending on the time of day, immerses you in a magical atmosphere.

Arrival in Zheravna, one of the most beautiful villages in Bulgarie, picturesque, typical and in the heart of nature.

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 destroyed by fire in the 19th century, it is today the most important industrial port in Bulgarie and the 4th city in the country.

Arrival in Sozopol, an ancient city, rich in cultural monuments.

Discovery of the city – the old churches, wooden houses, the archaeological museum.

Overnight stay near Sozopol.

Relaxation facing the sea while enjoying the calm. Possibility of a boat trip to the Ropotamo natural reserve and that of Strandzha.

Recommended passage through Primorsko – a town with some of the most beautiful and longest beaches in Bulgarie. Relaxation at one of the last seaside resorts on the south coast – the small village of Sinemorets or at Silistar beach, little known to tourists.

Return to Sozopol, overnight at the same accommodation.

Departure for 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.

Before heading to the seaside resort Sts. Konstantin i Elena, a detour to discover the Kamtchia nature reserve. Possibility of a boat trip to discover the beauty of the reserve.

Passing through Varna, the pearl of the Black Sea. Arrival at Sts. Konstantin i Elena, the oldest of the Bulgarian seaside resorts.

Night on site.

You will depart this morning towards the city of Balchik. On the way, a possible stop at the Aladja Monastery, located 16 km from Varna.

It is one of the rare Bulgarian rock monasteries (4 in total) and has been inactive for a very long time. Practically nothing remains of monastic life except a few frescoes on the ceilings.

Arrival in Baltchik, possible visit of the fabulous castle of Marie of Romania and the botanical garden.

Return to Sts. Sts. Konstantin i Elena, overnight.

In the morning, visit Varna. Discovery of its maritime garden, possible visit to the cathedral – the symbol of the city and the impressive Archaeological Museum.

Continuation of the program with discovery of the Shumen region, the natural phenomena nicknamed Planted Stones and the Madara Horseman (UNESCO site).

Arrival at Osmar, a small village of about 300 inhabitants, nestled in the South-West part of the Shumen plateau. Tasting of pélin (local white and red wine).

Overnight stay on site.

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.

Visit of the Tsarevets citadel and a short walk in the historic district.

You will then head to the Arbanassi village-museum, located on the heights of Veliko Tarnovo, where you will spend the night.

Visit of the Church of the Nativity.

Route towards central Balkan. Before heading into the Shipka pass, you have the opportunity to visit the open-air ethnographic museum - Etara.

At the exit of the Shipka pass, you have the opportunity to stop at the village bearing the same name to visit the Russian church of Shipka.

Arrival at Kazanlak and visit of the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO site).

Departure for the colorful town of Koprivshtitsa, panoramic tour.

Night in a guesthouse.

Panoramic tour of Koprivshtitsa and possible visit to several house-museums such as the Oslekova house and the Lyutov house.

Return to Sofia to finalize visits.

Possible visit to the National History Museum and the Boyana church (UNESCO site).

Return of the rental vehicle. Overnight.