Secrets of Bulgaria, Private Tour
Secrets of Bulgaria, Private Tour
$3658
Tour Overview
Discover the secrets of Bulgaria during this eight days private tour. Admire the romantic Black sea coast, the Sea Capital Varna, and the old-aged towns of Nessebar and Sosopol. Spend several days traveling through the countryside, learning about the culture and traditions of rural Bulgaria. Stop in the European city of Culture, Plovdiv, and have enough time to feel the special atmosphere of this colourful town. Meet the hospitality of the locals in Rila Mountain and visit the famous ski resort Bansko. Then head to the capital of Bulgaria, modern and buzzling city which keeps impressive history from Antiquity to nowadays. In Veliko Tarnovo you will be fascinated by the magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill and will discover how wealthy merchants have lived in the Bulgarian Medieval ages. Lots of history, scenic nature, and rustic traditions – what memories to share. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL VARNA/ BOURGAS (10km – 30min)
Location: Varna
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Bulgaria! Arrive at your chosen Airport – Varna or Bourgas and have a transfer to your hotel. Check-in and meet your professional guide, who will escort you through the roundtrip. Enjoy a walk at your own pace in the pedestrian center to find out more about the town and its most significant sites. Beautiful promenades crowded with enthusiastic tourists, romantic Sea gardens 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 swim suite and relax at one of the numerous beaches of the town and its surroundings. This arrival day is at your disposal.
Overnight in Varna or Bourgas.
Day 2 : VARNA/BOURGAS – NESSEBAR – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV (440km – 6.5hrs)
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart early today, after your rich breakfast, as you have a very intriguing program ahead including two UNESCO sites. Start with the “Pearl” of the Black Sea Coast - the Old Town of Nessebar. Follow your guide through the cobbled streets and explore the numerous churches from 13th c. The narrow streets, the historical monuments, and the old ruins will turn time back to the days of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Visit the church St. Stephen which is one of the most important monuments of the Bulgarian cultural heritage. The church is unique not only because of its architectural style but mostly because of its iconostasis and remarkable mural paintings. Then, head off to the countryside. After a picturesque drive, you will reach the town of Kazanlak where you will visit the UNESCO-designated Thracian Tomb – dating back to 310 – 290 BC, impressing with its most well-preserved artworks from the Hellenistic world. You will visit a replica of the Tomb. As you are in the Rose Valley, it is a must to learn more about the unique rose production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Rose Valley in the Rose Museum of the town. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Day 3 : PLOVDIV – BANSKO (160km – 3hrs)
Location: Bansko
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy your nice breakfast at the hotel before exploring the city. Heir of great civilizations, Plovdiv has a lot to offer – from ancient sites, to bohemian quarters with great artistic cafes and ateliers. Start your day with a morning stroll in the maze alleys of the Old town of Plovdiv to reach the first site for today – the Ethnographic museum (or Hindliyan House). Find out more about the life of the rich merchants in the Medieval times before following your guide to the Roman Amphitheater. Built in the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the ruling of Emperor Trayan, it is one of the best preserved antique theaters in the world. Explore this ancient site and embrace the chance to immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the cobbled streets before enjoying a delicious lunch in a typical restaurant in the Old town. In the afternoon, depart to the famous mountain resort Bansko. Admire the natural beauty while you drive through the Youndola pass and breath-in the fresh air near Avramovo – the highest train station on the Balkan Peninsula. Upon arrival in Bansko, enjoy a walk around the old town and learn more about the typical architecture of the fortified houses, built in the Revival period. You will have your evening at your own, to explore the town and find a typical tavern to celebrate the dinner as a local.
Overnight in Bansko.
Day 4 : BANSKO – RILA MONASTERY – SOFIA (260km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your delightful breakfast and breathe the fresh mountain air on the terrace of your hotel. Your day will be dedicated to the Bulgarian Orthodox churches and most significant monuments. Start with a short drive to the nearby village of Dobarsko to explore the church St. Theodor Tiron and St. Theodor Stratilat – a historical monument and functioning church, dating from 1614. The exceptional frescoes make it one of the most valuable examples of the Bulgarian pictorial art. Continue your trip and reach the UNESCO designated Rila monastery in the afternoon. Hidden deep in the mountain, the monastery and its premises keep stories and legends tightly connected with the Bulgarian history and the Revival period. Imposing, the monastery creates a great impression on the visitors with its renaissance architecture and frescoes. In the evening, arrive in the Bulgarian capital – Sofia.
Overnight in Sofia.
Day 5 : SOFIA
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After your delightful breakfast, start exploring the capital of Bulgaria. Start with a morning walking tour in the city centre and visit the biggest Orthodox Cathedral in Bulgaria - St.Alexander Nevski. Be impressed by its gold-plated cupola and the rich interior. Continue with a stroll around the most significant sights in the centre – St. George Rotonda, the Russian church St. Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. Stop for a well-deserved break and lunch in a modern restaurant preserving the folklore traditions. In the afternoon visit the UNESCO-designated site – Boyana church, which frescoes are considered to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art in Europe. Afterwards, you can enjoy your free time, or visit the National History Museum (optional, upon extra charge).Visit of the National History Museum in Sofia:Notes: Duration 1.5 hours. Included: tour guide, entrance fee, transport. Not included: all other personal expenses and fees.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 Eastern Orthodox beliefs together with the older pagan traditions from the Strandza Mountains.Notes: 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. Not included: guide, transfersOvernight in Sofia.
Day 6 : SOFIA – ETARA – VELIKO TARNOVO (290km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a nice breakfast at the hotel and prepare to drive deep in the Balkan Mountains. After a couple of hours admiring the natural landscapes of the countryside you will reach Etara – an open-air museum representing a crafts village with workshops, using water as their main movement power. Explore the typical crafts of the region before heading to the medieval capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Upon arrival, you will have a stroll along the old part of the town to reach the square in front of the magnificent fortress Tzarevetz. Admire the great landscapes and take memorable pictures before you explore the hidden gems on the crafts’ street Samovodska Charshia. Additionally, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included). In the evening, a short transfer to the nearby village Arbanassi for dinner in a typical restaurant “mehana”.Old Crafts Demonstration:Old crafts demonstration at the Samovodska Charshia Street, choice of one of the following: pottery workshop or wood-carving presentation. Guide and entrance included. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 7 : VELIKO TARNOVO – VARNA/BOURGAS (310km – 4.5h)
Location: Varna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Stop in Arbanassi village to visit the famous for its murals Nativity church. Dating back to the 17th century, the murals are a true example of the masterpiece. Continue your trip to the UNESCO-designated site Madara Rider. The only relief of this kind is carved high in the rocks on the plateau of Shumen. Find out more about the legends and mysteries of this place before you head off to the seaside and reach Varna/Burgas. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour in the pedestrian centre, to find out more about the town and its most significant sites. Have a farewell dinner in one of the fanciest restaurants in the town (or in the hotel) and celebrate the great trip you’ve enjoyed.Overnight in Varna or Bourgas.
Day 8 : DEPARTURE VARNA/ BURGAS (10km – 30min)
Location: Varna
Meals Included: Breakfast
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- or German-speaking local guide throughout the itinerary (Day 2-7) (other languages at additional cost)
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno More or similar 4*
Day 1, 7 Bourgas:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bulgaria or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3 Bansko:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Evelina Palace or similar 4*
Day 4, 5 Sofia:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 6 Veliko Tarnovo:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival private transfer from Varna or Bourgas International Airport (Day 1)
- Private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7)
- Departure private transfer to Varna or Bourgas International Airport (Day 8)
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:
- All activities and entrance fees mentioned as included: St. Stefan church in Nessebar, Rose Museum, Kazanlak tomb (copy), Amphitheatre and Ethnographical Museum (or Hindliyan House) in Plovdiv, church St. Theodor Tiron and St. Theodor Stratilat in Dobarsko, Rila monastery, Boyana church, open-air museum ETAR, Nativity Church in Arbanassi, Madara Rider
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet
- Hotel city tax
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
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes (including also swimsuit, 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.
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Please Note
- Please note that the start and end point of the tour should be the same airport
- Check-in time for the hotels, in general, is after 2:00 pm, check out until 12:00 pm. These requirements may differ depending on the hotel.
- 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
- 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.
3096
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno More or similar 4*
Day 1, 7 Bourgas:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bulgaria or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3 Bansko:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Evelina Palace or similar 4*
Day 4, 5 Sofia:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 6 Veliko Tarnovo:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
3096
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Varna:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Cherno More or similar 4*
Day 1, 7 Bourgas:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bulgaria or similar 4*
Day 2 Plovdiv:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar 4*
Day 3 Bansko:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Evelina Palace or similar 4*
Day 4, 5 Sofia:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Budapest or similar 3*
Day 6 Veliko Tarnovo:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Panorama or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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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
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Thursday
May 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025Friday - Friday
May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025Monday - Monday
May 05, 2025 - May 12, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
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May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Friday - Friday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
Secrets of Bulgaria, Private Tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Varna
Visiting: Varna, Plovdiv, Bansko, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
633996
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Age range:
2-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request