Exclusive group (min 10 pax): Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Exclusive group (min 10 pax): Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Exclusive group (min 10 pax): Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
8 Days Starting and ending in Varna
Visiting: Varna, Plovdiv, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse
Tour operator:
Tour code:
664696
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
English , French , GermanInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore all 7 of the 7 cultural UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in 7 days! Land in the Sea Capital - Varna on the romantic Black Sea Coast and visit the old aged town of Nessebar. Spend several days traveling through the countryside, learning more about the culture and traditions of rural Bulgaria. Meet the hospitality of the locals in the Rila Mountain and visit the famous Rila Monastery. Then head to the capital of Bulgaria, a modern and buzzing city which keeps impressive history from Antiquity to nowadays. The travel will pass by the Rose Valley, where you can admire the paintings of the Kazanlak Tomb. Head to the North of Bulgaria to find the next three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the beauty and the history of this unknown country and have a lot to share with your friends!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Varna (10Km – 30Min)
Location: Varna
Upon arrival at Varna Airport transfer to your hotel. Check-in and meet your professional guide, who will escort you through the roundtrip. Have the rest of the day at your disposal. Enjoy a walk at your own pace in the pedestrian centre to find out more about the town and its most significant sites. Beautiful promenades crowded with enthusiastic tourists, romantic Sea garden with lots of idyllic places to hide from the crowd, interesting museums housing the history and traditions from the ancient times to nowadays. Or just take your swimsuit and relax at one of the numerous beaches of the town and its surroundings. This arrival day is at your disposal. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel.
Overnight in Varna
Day 2 : Varna – Nessebar – Plovdiv (400Km – 5 Hrs)
Location: Plovdiv
Depart early today, after your rich breakfast, as you have a very intriguing program ahead. Have a picturesque drive to the South to reach the “Pearl” of the Black Sea Coast and your first UNESCO site for today - the Old town of Nessebar. Follow your guide through the romantic cobbled streets, explore the numerous churches from the 13th century and feel the time turning back to the days of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. Visit the church St. Stephen, unique with its iconostasis and remarkable mural paintings. Absorb the local ambience during your free time and get lost in the labyrinth of tiny streets and wooden houses. Continue to Plovdiv, the European City of Culture for 2019 and part of the UNESCO tentative list. Heir of great civilizations Plovdiv has a lot to offer – from ancient sites to bohemian quarters with great artistic cafes and ateliers. Wander in the Old town and emerge in the unique atmosphere of this ancient town. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the ruling of Emperor Trayan. It is one of the best preserved antique theatres in the world. Afterwards, visit Hindlyan House – owned by a rich merchant and landowner, with incredible decorations for its time. We welcome you to celebrate this lovely day in a local restaurant with typical Bulgarian dishes.
Overnight in Plovdiv
Day 3 : Plovdiv – Panagyurishte – Sofia (160Km – 3 Hrs)
Location: Sofia
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before heading to the little renaissance town of Panagyurishte. This beautiful town is situated in a picturesque valley of the Sredna Gora. The town region has been populated since antiquity, which is evident by more than 300 monuments found here – necropolises, settlements, fortresses, military camps and road construction installations. The best evidence for this you will find in the History Museum in Panaguirishte. Although there are a lot of interesting findings exposed there, the most interesting hall is the one dedicated to the world-famous golden treasure of Panagyurishte, which was part of the temporary exhibition in the Louvre museum. You will see a replica of the treasure. In the afternoon dive into the buzzing heart of Sofia. The Bulgarian capital awaits you – enjoy a panoramic walking tour in the city center and discover the town’s landmarks – The Parliament, The Russian church, The Presidency, The Rotunda St. George and many more. Do not lose your guide from your sight when entering the biggest Cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula – Alexander Nevski and hear more about its architecture and interesting story. Have your dinner in the hotel or book our optional dinner in a folklore restaurant (not included).
Dinner with Folklore and Nestinari Dances: Book our optional dinner and be part of a typical Bulgarian night with a delicious welcome dinner and folklore program. Songs, dances… what a magical night full of unforgettable moments. The Nestinari dances, a barefoot dance on smouldering embers, part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage will leave you speechless. This ritual will lead you back to the mystery of the Eastern Orthodox beliefs together with the older pagan traditions from the Strandza Mountains. Included: Dinner in a typical restaurant (four course menu, including a glass of wine); folklore program and Nestinari* Dance (*performed only if the weather conditions allow). Dinner starts at 20:00h and ends at 23:00h.
Overnight in Sofia
Day 4 : Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia (250Km – 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Sofia
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel and prepare for a day full of emotions. Start with a visit to the National History Museum – housing one of the largest collections in the Balkans with more than 650 000 finings. The next impressive visit will be the Boyana church - one of the most remarkable medieval monuments in the world with especially fine wall paintings in the interior, going back to the 11th century - a deserved UNESCO designated monument. Continue with a picturesque drive to Rila Monastery, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Hidden deep in the mountain, the monastery and its premises keep stories and legends tightly connected with Bulgarian history and the Revival period. Imposing, the monastery creates a great impression on the visitors with its renaissance architecture and frescoes. Drive back to the Bulgarian capital for a delicious dinner in a typical Bulgarian restaurant, designed in a modern style. Finish this interesting day with an evening panoramic bus drive to gaze at the city’s lights.
Overnight in Sofia
Day 5 : Sofia – Kazanlak – Shipka – Veliko Tarnovo (350Km – 5 Hrs)
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
After your desired breakfast, enjoy a drive to the Rose Valey. While you are in this region, it is a must to witness the unique rose production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Bulgarian Rose in Rose Oil Distillery in a small village. Your trip continues with a drive to the town of Kazanlak where you will visit the UNESCO designated Thracian Tomb. Dating back to 310 – 290 BC, the monument will impress you with its most well preserved artworks from the Hellenistic world (you will visit a replica of the Tomb). Crossing the Balkan mountain via the scenic Shipka Pass, you will approach a magnificent and glittering church tucked into a tiny Bulgarian mountain town of Shipka, a memorial to those soldiers who lost their lives fighting to free Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War from 1877-78. Admire the bell tower, which rises 174 feet and has bells weighing up to 12 tons. The mountain, the spirit, the calmness and the history of this place are memorable. Continue your drive through the Balkan Mountain to reach the final destination for today - Veliko Tarnovo, the former Bulgarian Capital. We will welcome you to a dinner in a typical Bulgarian restaurant in the nearby village Arbanassi.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
Day 6 : Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi – Ivanovo – Rousse (120Km – 2 Hrs)
Location: Ruse
Start your day with a nice breakfast at the hotel and prepare for a walk through the town. The former Bulgarian capital will fascinate you with its magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill. Stroll down to the cobbled street of Samovodska charshia to find out the mastership of the local craftsmen. Spend your free time taking a rest at some of the numerous restaurants and cafes to enjoy the panoramic view over the river and the town. Then, continue to the small village of Arbanassi where you will find a modest from the outside, but with impressive murals and frescoes inside, “Nativity” church. Let your guide give you detailed information about the depicted scenes before you continue through the tiny streets of the village to the Konstansaliev’s house. Find out how wealthy merchants lived in the Bulgarian Medieval ages. A drive to the Ivanovo rock-hewn churches (UNESCO designated sight) will follow. The frescoes there reveal exceptional artistry which makes them an important achievement in the Christian art of South-Eastern Europe. Arrive in Rousse, also known as the “Little Vienna”. Take a short evening walking tour in the beautiful city centre and enjoy its Baroque architecture under the lights of the street lamps. Have your dinner in the hotel.
Overnight in Rousse
Day 7 : Rousse – Svestari – Madara – Varna (260Km – 4H)
Location: Varna
After your leisure breakfast, check out from your hotel and dedicate this day to a picturesque drive through the country to reach the sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast. Your first stop in the travel back in time will be your next UNESCO site – the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, a UNESCO heritage from 3rd century BC. This historical site is an extremely rare and very well preserved monument. It is unique in its architectural décor and polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. After exploring it, you deserve a short break in the small village of Kuilevcha. Here a Bulgarian Granny will welcome you according to the country’s tradition with bread and salt. Explore the house and the craft tools which have been used in the past by our predecessor. You will have a small treat to get acquainted with the home-cooked Bulgarian cuisine. Continue your trip to Madara Rider which is a unique relief with no parallel in Europe, UNESCO heritage. This exceptional work of art was created during the first years of the formation of the Bulgarian State, at the beginning of the 8th century. Your last stop in today’s busy schedule will be Varna. Celebrate the last day of this intriguing roundtrip with a tasty dinner in one of the fanciest restaurants in the town.
Overnight in Varna
Day 8 : Departure Varna (10Km – 30Min)
Location: Varna
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before you check out from the hotel and catch your return flight home.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English/ French/ German-speaking tour guide throughout the tour (Day 2-7),
(other languages at additional cost)
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno more or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Sofia
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
Day 6 Rousse
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Danube Plaza or similar 3*
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts
- 7 Dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle from Varna Airport (Day 1)
- Departure private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle to Varna Airport (Day 8)
- Private transportation in an air-conditioning vehicle throughout the tour
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:
- All activities and entrance fees mentioned as included: St. Stefan church in Nessebar, Amphitheatre and Hindliyan House in Plovdiv (Day 2), Museum in Panagyurishte (Day 3), National Historical Museum and Boyana church, Rila Monastery (Day 4), Rose Oil Complex, including Rose oil degustation (by smelling), Kazanlak tomb (replica) (Day 5), Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Nativity church and Konstantaliev’s House in Arbanassi, Ivanovo Rock Churches (Day 6), Svestari Thracian Tomb, Madara Rider and treat at a village house in Kjulevtcha (Day 7)
OTHER:
- Hotel city tax
- Meet & Greet at the hotel on arrival
What's Not Included
- Any entrance or tour fees, not included in the itinerary
- Domestic/International flights
- Meals other than the mentioned in the inclusions.
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- Optional tours
- Porterage and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes (including swim suite, hat) for the beach stay. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- This is an exclusive group tour with a minimum of 10 clients and the services are provided for the whole group.
- The optional supplement for Polish-, Dutch-, Spanish-speaking guide should be booked for the whole group (min.10 pax)
- Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time.
- All the transportation during the program will be in A/C van, minibus or bus according to the size of the group.
- Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route is taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
- Check in time for the hotels in general is after 2:00 pm, check out until 12:00 pm. Because of the new restrictions these requirements may differ.
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
3096
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno more or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Sofia
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
Day 6 Rousse
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Danube Plaza or similar 3*
3096
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno more or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Sofia
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
Day 6 Rousse
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Danube Plaza or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Bulgaria requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services bulgaria charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.