Discovery in the Heart of the Balkans
From Rila Monastery to Thracian Tombs, a Complete Journey Through Authentic Bulgaria
Duration
12 days
From
€960/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Over the centuries, Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians have left their mark on this land situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Orient. This itinerary invites you to retrace the thread of this fascinating history through the most beautiful regions of Bulgarie.
From Orthodox monasteries nestled in the mountains to ancient cities on the Black Sea, each stage reveals a new chapter of the past. Explore the streets of Melnik, the preserved villages of the Rhodopes, the Roman remains of Plovdiv and the medieval treasures of Veliko Tarnovo. Along the coast, Nessebar and Varna testify to the historical importance of the Black Sea as a route of exchange between peoples.
Between Thracian tombs, fortresses, monasteries and traditional houses, this journey reveals an authentic Bulgarie, where cultural heritages still blend into daily life. A fascinating immersion in the living history of the Balkans, meeting a country as discreet as it is captivating.
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 hotel
Day arrangement according to your arrival schedule.
SOFIA > RILSKI MANASTIR > MELNIK – Spiritual Encounter
Sofia → Melnik
In the morning, possible visit to the National Museum of History and the Boyana Church (UNESCO site).
You will leave the capital heading South where an exceptional discovery awaits you.
The Rila Monastery, protected by UNESCO for the quality of its iconostases, its architecture and its history, is located in the sumptuous Rila National Park. It is the emblematic symbol of Bulgarian orthodoxy.
Drive towards the small wine town of Melnik.
Overnight stay on site.
MELNIK > KOVACHEVICA > TRIGRAD > SHIROKA LAKA – Dans les Rhodopes
Melnik → Shiroka Laka
You will venture into the Rhodopes to reach the small typical village of Kovatchevitsa, still preserved from tourism. The village will allow you to discover life in the 19th century, as you will have the feeling that time has stopped there.
Subsequently, passage through the famous cliffs carved out of Trigrad Gorges and the small village of Trigrad. Arrival at the typical village of Shiroka Laka.
Night in a guesthouse.
SHIROKA LAKA > BACHKOVO > PLOVDIV – The Glorious Past
Shiroka Laka → Plovdiv
Continuation towards Plovdiv, on your route, possible passage through the Pamporovo winter resort and its symbol - the Snezhanka television tower.
Subsequently, visit of the Bachkovo Monastery, nestled in the valley.
Arrival in Plovdiv and overnight stay.
PLOVDIV > SLIVEN > ZHERAVNA – In the Balkans
Plovdiv → Zheravna
Morning visit of Plovdiv with the Forum, the Odeon and the ancient Stadium.
Discovery of the unique cultural heritage of Old Plovdiv with the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen and ancient ruins.
Continuation of the tour towards Zheravna.
Passage through the historic city of Sliven, that of the 100 voivodes (rebel leaders) with its glorious past and located at the foot of the Balkan. Its wide pedestrian city center and massive buildings attest to what this city once was, the richest and most prestigious in the country at its time.
Arrival in Zheravna, one of Bulgaria's most beautiful villages, picturesque, typical and surrounded by nature.
ZHERAVNA > BURGAS > NESSEBAR – History and Culture
Zheravna → Nessebar
Short walk in Zheravna to appreciate its architecture.
You leave the Balkan towards the Black Sea. Possible passage through the country's fourth city – Burgas.
Continue towards the city of Nessebar, visit the Old Town (UNESCO listed) and St. Stephan's Church.
Overnight stay.
NESSEBAR > VARNA – The Pearl of the Black Sea
Nessebar → Varna
You will head up the coast northwards towards the city of Varna, still known by the name "The Pearl of the Black Sea"
Free time, possible visit to Varna Cathedral – the symbol of the city and the impressive Archaeological Museum.
Night in the heart of Varna.
VARNA > MADARA > SVESHTARI > RUSE – The Origins of the Bulgarian State
Varna → Ruse
Continuation of the program with discovery of the Shumen region, the natural phenomena nicknamed Standing Stones and the Madara Rider (UNESCO site).
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (UNESCO site) is one of the main visits of the day.
You will then head to the city of Ruse which will surprise you with its multiethnic character, it is the skillful blend of ancestral traditions and modern European spirit, of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures.
RUSSIA > VELIKO TARNOVO > ARBANASSI – The Bulgarian Tsars
Ruse → Arbanasi
Continuation towards the city of Veliko Tarnovo. On your route, possible stops at the rock churches of Ivanovo and the Byala bridge. Arrival at the former capital.
Visit of the Tsarevets citadel, then a stroll through the historic district
You will then join the Arbanassi village-museum, located on the heights of Veliko Tarnovo, where you will spend the night.
ARBANASSI > ETARA > KAZANLAK > KOPRIVSHTITSA – The Valley of the Thracian Kings
Arbanasi → Koprivshtitsa
Route towards central Balkan. Before heading into the Shipka Pass, you have the option to visit the open-air ethnographic museum - Etara.
At the exit of the Shipka Pass, you have the option to stop at the village bearing the same name to visit the Russian church of Shipka.
Arrival in Kazanlak and visit of the copy of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO site).
Departure for the colorful town of Koprivshtitsa, panoramic tour.
Night in a guest house.
KOPRIVSHTITSA > SOFIA – Return to the capital
Koprivshtitsa → Sofia
Panoramic tour of Koprivshtitsa and possible visit to several house-museums such as the Oslekova house and the Lyutov house.
Return to Sofia to complete the visits.
Possible visit to the National History Museum and the Boyana Church (UNESCO site).
Return of the rental vehicle. Night.
SOFIA – Departure
Day organized according to your departure time. 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 round-trip flight and airport taxes
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation and health expenses insurance
- Fuel, parking fees and travel expenses
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Paid options not included in the program
- Local guides and visits
Included
- Airport > Hotel > Airport Transfers
- Vehicle delivery on Day 2 and return on Day 11
- Economy car (2 persons), intermediate (3 persons), superior (4 persons) with unlimited kilometers, insurance and road taxes for the country, second driver option included, 24/7 assistance
- Accommodation / double room basis
- Breakfast and 4 dinners in Melnik, Shiroka Laka, Zheravna and Koprivshtitsa
- Travel journal and practical electronic guide
- Balkania Tour 24/7 Phone Support
- 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
