Black Sea Capital and Old City Ruins
Varna: Bulgaria's Black Sea capital, and explore the many 13th-century churches in Nessebar's old town.
Bulgaria Highlights Private Small Group Tour - 8 Days & 7 Nights
8D7N Bulgaria Private Tour
Varna / Burgas Nesseber Plovdiv Bansco Sofia Veliko Tarnovo
8 days and 7 nightsVarna/Burgas round trip
Starting from $20 per person, 580Price based on a group of 2 people
Exclusive professional tour guideGuided tours are available in English, French, and German.
Pack a generous meal7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners
Private small group tour price reference
Know your budget, then customize according to your needs.
Each by HK$20,580 from
- Minimum number of participants required to form a group
- 2 people
- Price terms
- Price based on a group of 2 people
Prices for private tours are subject to change based on departure date, number of travelers, room type, and availability. The final price will be confirmed by Travel Mama.
BULGARIA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Explore the Rose Valley and historic cities in depth, and immerse yourself in the classic charm of Bulgaria.
This is an 8-day, 7-night in-depth small group tour of Bulgaria, taking you on a journey through time to explore this jewel of the Balkans, brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty! The tour departs from Varna or Burgas, the Black Sea capital, passing through the 13th-century churches of Nessebar, the famous Rose Valley, and then heading to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities. We will take you deep into the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the unique charm of the capital, Sofia. Comfortable star-rated hotels and private transportation are provided throughout the trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classical romance and rich history of Eastern Europe without worry.
Varna/Burgas Plovdiv Bansco Sofia Veliko Tarnovo
Rose Valley and Bohemian Style
Breathe in the famous scent of Bulgarian roses, known as "liquid gold," and experience the artistic charm of Plovdiv.
Monasteries and Local Culture
Visit the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience a special dinner featuring folk customs and Nestinari traditional dances.
Included
- Minimum group size is 2 people
- Airport to hotel round-trip transfers, and all transfer services during the trip.
- 7 nights' accommodation in a carefully selected 3-4 star hotel
- Package includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners.
- Professional guided tour service for days 2–7 (English/French/German available)
- Tickets and activities listed in the itinerary (such as the Rose Oil Museum, Rila Monastery, and the Madara Knight Statue, etc.)
Exclusions
- International flight tickets
- Beverages served with meals (unless otherwise specified)
- Tips for local guides and drivers
- Travel and health insurance
- Any other expenses not mentioned.
8-DAY ITINERARY
8-day, 7-night suggested itinerary
Actual transportation arrangements and tour times may be adjusted according to the departure date, local operating conditions, and traffic conditions.
Day 1
Arrival in Varna/Bourgas
Welcome to Bulgaria! Upon arrival at your chosen airport, transfer to your hotel. Check in and meet your professional guide. Take a stroll through the pedestrian center to learn about the city's history and traditions, or enjoy a romantic time at the seaside promenade and marine gardens.
Day 2
Varna/Burgas → Nessebor → Kazanlak → Plovdiv
First, travel to the ancient city of Nasserbar, the "Pearl" of the Black Sea coast, and explore its 13th-century churches. Then proceed to Kazanlak to visit the UNESCO-designated Thracian cultural tombs. You will also witness rose oil production at a distillery in the Valley of Roses, experiencing the fragrance of "liquid gold." Overnight in Plovdiv.
Day 3
Plovdiv → Bansko
Explore Plovdiv's Old Town, visit the Folklore Museum, and discover the Roman Colosseum built in the 2nd century AD. In the afternoon, travel to the renowned mountain resort of Bansco, breathe in the fresh air, stroll through the Old Town, and admire the Revival architecture. Overnight in Bansco.
Day 4
Bansco → Rila Monastery → Sofia
In the morning, travel to the village of Dobarsco to explore its historic church built in 1614 and its unique frescoes. In the afternoon, arrive at the UNESCO-designated Rila Monastery to admire its Renaissance architecture and frescoes. In the evening, arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and check into your hotel.
Day 5
Sofia
Explore Bulgaria's capital, visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotonda, and the National Theatre. In the afternoon, visit Boyana Church and the National History Museum. In the evening, participate in a typical Bulgarian night, enjoying a welcome dinner and watching the Nestinari barefoot hot coal dance (weather permitting), experiencing an ancient tradition.
Day 6
Sofia → Etara → Veliko Tarnovo
Venture deep into the Balkan Mountains, arriving at the open-air museum of Etara and exploring traditional craft villages. Afterwards, travel to the medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo, strolling through the old town and Tzarevetz Fortress Square. Attend pottery or wood carving demonstrations in the craft street. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in the village of Abanasi.
Day 7
Veliko Tarnovo → Varna/Bulgás
Visit the Church of the Nativity in Abanasi, famous for its murals. Afterwards, proceed to the UNESCO-designated Maharani Knights statue to admire the rock carvings. Upon arrival at the seaside, stroll through the walking center and enjoy a farewell dinner at a luxurious restaurant to celebrate this wonderful journey.
Day 8
Departure
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, check out and be transferred to the airport by private car, concluding your exploration of Bulgaria.
STAY IN BULGARIA
Hotel Options
We will select comfortable and high-quality 3- to 4-star accommodations for you throughout the trip. Actual occupancy is subject to availability.
VARNA / BOURGAS
Varna or Burgas (2 nights total)
- Varna: Hotel Cherno More (4 stars) or similar
- Bourgas: Hotel Bulgaria (4 stars) or similar
PLOVDIV / BANSKO / VELIKO TARNOVO
Plovdiv, Banský, Veliko Tarnovo
- Plovdiv (1 night): Grand Hotel Plovdiv (4 stars) or similar
- Bansko (1 night): Hotel Evelina Palace (4 stars) or similar
- Veliko Tarnovo (1 night): Hotel Panorama (4 stars) or similar
SOFIA
Sofia (2 nights)
- Sofia: Hotel Budapest (3★) or similar
Important Notes
- Once confirmed, bookings are strictly non-refundable and unchangeable. Confirmation will be sent within 3 working days.
- Due to traffic and weather conditions, visit times at attractions may be subject to change, but all attractions must be visited unless the guest modifies or cancels the visit (cancellations by the guest are non-refundable).
- Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, flight schedules, and room availability, minor adjustments may sometimes be necessary during the trip.
- During peak season, hotel room rates may incur additional charges, the exact amount of which depends on the hotel category. Mandatory dinners on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Lunar New Year's Eve are subject to extra charges.
- All tickets and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included: St. Stephen's Cathedral in Nice, Rose Oil Museum, Kazanlak Tomb (replica), Plovdiv Amphitheatre and Folk Museum, Churches in Dobarsco, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, ETAR Open Museum, and the Church of the Nativity in Albanasi., Madara Rider。
- Please note that the origin and destination of the tour should be at the same airport.
- Package code: M0-633996
TRAVEL MAMA Itinerary Inquiry
Check departure dates and details for small group tours to Bulgaria
Please fill in your expected departure date and the number of people traveling with you. The Travel Mama team will confirm your itinerary and provide you with a personalized quote as soon as possible.
1
Day 1
ARRIVAL VARNA/ BOURGAS (10km – 30min)
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.
2
Day 2
VARNA/BOURGAS – NESSEBAR – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV (440km – 6.5hrs)
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 witness the unique rose production and experience the spirit and fragrance of the Rose Valley in a Rose-oil distillery in a village nearby.
Overnight in Plovdiv.
3
Day 3
PLOVDIV – BANSKO (160km – 3hrs)
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.
4
Day 4
BANSKO – RILA MONASTERY – SOFIA (260km – 4.5hrs)
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.
5
Day 5
SOFIA
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).
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.
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, transfers
Overnight in Sofia.
6
Day 6
SOFIA – ETARA – VELIKO TARNOVO (290km – 4.5hrs)
Start your day with a nice breakfast at the hotel and prepare to drive deep in the Balkan Mountain. 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 for 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 make 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, short transfer to the nearby village Arbanassi for dinner in a typical restaurant “mehana”
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
7
Day 7
VELIKO TARNOVO – VARNA/BOURGAS (310km – 4.5h)
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 masterpiece. Continue your trip to the UNESCO designated site Madara rider. The only relief of this kind is carved high in the rocks in the plateau of Shumen. Find out more about the legends and mysteries about 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 restaurant of the town and celebrate the great trip you’ve enjoyed.
Overnight in Varna or Bourgas.
8
Day 8
DEPARTURE VARNA/ BURGAS (10km – 30min)
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before you check out from the hotel and catch your return flight home.
