Itinerary

1. Early morning flight to Sofia

   After breakfast, we embark on a walking tour of Sofia, exploring the city’s charming yellow-cobbled streets, antique markets, historic churches and Roman ruins. During our walk, we’ll break for an included lunch. We visit some of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks: the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic St. Sophia Church, the grand National Theatre, the ancient St. George Rotunda and the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of Bulgaria’s most famous treasures - the Thracian Golden collection dating back to the 4th century BC.

2. Depart for the UK

   On arrival in Sofia, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel. Relax and settle in or explore the nearby streets at your leisure - Sofia is home to charming bookshops, cafés and boutiques. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant complete with a welcome drink, to toast the start of our Bulgarian adventure.

3. After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Boyana Church, located on the outskirts of Sofia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its exceptional
   frescoes dating back to the 10th century, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich medieval artistry. In the afternoon, journey into the Rila Mountains,
   continuing to Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is considered the spiritual heart of the country. Nearby, you can reflect on the life of its founder, St. Ivan Rilski, who once lived in a cave close to the modern monastery complex. This evening, arrive in the picturesque town of Bansko, nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Check in for a two night stay, followed by dinner at a traditional local restaurant, enjoying authentic Bulgarian cuisine.

4. After breakfast, transfer to Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town with fewer than 200 residents. Explore Kordopulova House, built in 1754 by the wealthy wine merchant Kordopoulos. This architectural gem of the National Revival period is the largest house of its kind in Bulgaria and once served as the centre of a thriving wine business, with barrels exported across Western Europe via Thessaloniki. Enjoy a wine tasting in the historic cellars, sampling the local flavours that have made Melnik wine famous. In the afternoon, continue to the Rozhen Monastery - Nativity of the Virgin, one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries that has been well preserved to the present day. Afterwards, return to Bansko for the evening.

5. Start the morning with a stroll through the old town of Bansko and attend the morning service at the Church of the Virgin Mary, the largest church in the area. Continue to the charming village of Dobarsko, home to a small yet extraordinary church. Every inch of its walls is adorned with exquisite frescoes, making it one of the finest examples of religious art in Bulgaria. Next, head to Gorno Draglishte for a culinary experience at the “House of Granny Deshka”, where you’ll enjoy traditional local dishes paired with homemade rakia. In the afternoon, transfer to Konstandovo to visit the Rug Factory, famed for producing handwoven carpets for prestigious clients, including the British Royal Family. Continue along a scenic route through the mountains to Plovdiv, where we’ll spend the evening.

6. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s most historic and artistic cities. Explore the Ancient Theatre (2nd century), the Mosque, and the Old Town, an architectural treasure of Ottoman-Baroque houses with painted facades from the 18th-19th centuries. History enthusiasts may wish to visit the Archaeological Museum, showcasing over 6,000 years of continuity and the Etnographic Museum, a symbol of the city both for its façade and its collections. We will also visit the Bishop’s Basilica, dating from the mid 4th century AD, with its multicolored mosaics depicting geometric patterns, flowers, plants and birds. Along the way, stop at the Church of St. Constantine and Helena, and explore Plovdiv’s vibrant artistic scene. In the afternoon, transfer to the Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second largest monastery. Admire its unique blend of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united through centuries of shared faith. Return to Plovdiv for the evening.

7. This morning, leave Plovdiv and journey to the village of Starosel, part of Hissarya municipality and famed for its wealth of Neolithic and Thracian sites. Explore the largest underground temple in the Balkans, located beneath the Chetinyova Mogila tumulus, along with an ancient mausoleum. Enjoy lunch with a local family in Panagyurishte. In the afternoon, we visit the History Museum in Panagyurishte, before continuing our journey back to Sofia. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel for dinner.

8. After breakfast, transfer to the Kremikovtsi Monastery, perched on a rocky terrace with stunning views over the Sofia Plain. Founded in the 14th century, it was part of a group of 14 monasteries known as the “Sofia Mount Athos.” Today, the monastery remains active and includes two residential buildings and two churches. Take time to enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings before transferring to the airport for a late afternoon flight home, marking the end of your Bulgarian journey.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates