Overnight Experiences Sofia

About
A sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast’s top attractions. We’ll visit Varna – the maritime capital of Bulgaria and a major sightseeing destination. We’ll go on a trip to the nearby Balchik, famous for its beautiful botanical garden. Within a short driving distance is Cape Kaliakra, a place known for its natural beauty and rich history. We’ll have a whole day to explore Nessebar’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip ends with a sightseeing tour of Sofia. Highlights
• Go sightseeing in Varna and see its major sights, including the Seaside Garden
• Explore Balchik’s Botanical Garden, home to rare and endangered plant species from every corner of the world
• Visit Cape Kaliakra and its ancient Thracian fortress
• Tour Nessebar’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• See Sofia’s top attractions
Description Day 1

As soon as you arrive in Sofia we’ll be taking an internal flight to Varna Airport. Overnight in Varna. Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll go on a sightseeing tour of Varna’s top attractions.
Its Seaside Garden is the largest in Varna and follows the Black Sea coastline. It is one of only 3 man-made natural reserves in Bulgaria, home to rare and endangered plant species. It is said that if one walks backwards over the bridge at the entrance of the main garden alley with their eyes closed and make a wish, that wish will come true. On its northern side is the Varna Dolphinarium, and on the southern side – the Varna Aquarium. The Varna Zoo and the Planetarium are also located within the garden’s bounds.
Located in the heart of Varna, the “Assumption of the Holy Mother of God” Cathedral is the largest Christian temple in Varna, and the second tallest in the country after Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevski. Its impressive size and external and internal architectural style make it one of Varna’s top attractions.
Among its many fascinating exhibits, the Varna Archeological Museum houses the oldest gold treasure in the world. Discovered in the Varna Necropolis, the jewelry dates back to 4600 BC.
Varna is home to the ruins of the largest Roman bath-house in the Balkans. The Roman Thermae date back to the 2nd century AD, and were once 20 meters tall, and the full structure used to cover an area of 7000 square meters.
Aladzha Monastery is a Medieval Orthodox Christian cave-monastery. It dates back to the 12th century, but was abandoned in the 16th century. The cambers, doorways and stairs are carved right into the rock. Day 3
We’ll be transported from Varna to Balchik. Queen Marie of Edinburgh famously fell in love with Balchik and built a summer residence – a picturesque castle with its own Botanical Garden, home to rare plant species.
We’ll go sightseeing in the Botanical Garden, specialized in growing tropical, subtropical and unique plant species. Particularly notable is its collection of large cacti and succulents, including winter-hardy cactuses. The garden’s collection includes tree species and lemon trees that bear fruit larger than coconuts, aquatic plants, vines, ferns and endangered plants, totaling 4600 species of plant. It is part of the Index Seminum Initiative, trading plant seeds with countries from all over the world.
We’ll next visit Cape Kaliakra – a nature and archeological reserve that stretches 2 km into the sea. It is as beautiful from afar as it is from up close – its reddish cliffs plunge almost vertically into the waves, and the sea itself is a stunning backdrop for an already picturesque landscape. Cape Kaliakra is reaches far enough into the sea that one can sometimes see dolphins from its cliffs. The first to settle on this cape were a tribe of Thracians in the 6th century BC. The fort wall they built around their settlement stands to this day, as do the remains of building foundations and an impressively intact tomb and a bathhouse dating back to the 4th century BC. We’ll walk to the farthest end of the cape and visit the chapel. After that we’ll sit down for lunch at the restaurant and head back to Varna. Day 4
This tour takes us to Nessebar’s Old Town, the entirety of which is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is on a small peninsula that was once the location of the ancient Thracian settlement Mesambria Pontica. On the bridge that leads from the New Nessebar to the Old Nessebar stands an authentic windmill that dates back to Ottoman times, and beyond it – the Old Town itself. Nessebar has a history of over 3200 years, making it one of the most ancient settlements in Europe.
The Old Nessebar is an architectural reserve made up of houses in the Bulgarian Revival Period style with a unique Nessebar regional twist to it. The ruins of an ancient Roman wall wind through parts of the Old Town. One of its main attractions are its churches, the oldest of which was built in the 4th century AD.
Built in the 13th century, the Church of Christ Pantocrator is most notable for its intricate architecture. With ornamented columns and arches, it belongs to the Byzantine architectural style. It is situated in a small park near one of the entrances to the Old Town and is usually the first sight one sees as they enter the Old Town proper.
St. Stefan Church was built in the 11th century out of stone and brick. It is known for its ornate exterior, a preserved 16th century iconostasis and fascinatingly detailed wall murals. The wall paintings depict over 1000 human figures in 258 compositions.
Even amongst the many stunning examples of church architecture in Nessebar, the Church of St. Sofia (also known as Hagia Sofia) is located in the very heart of the Old Town on the site of its former central square. Built in the 4th century AD, now collapsed, with only its exterior walls remaining, it is no less impressive – its imposing size and interesting shape speaks of its significance during its hayday, and it stands out against the Revival Period houses surrounding it in a way that never fails to draw one’s attention.
The Church of the Holy Saviour or Sveti Spas looks unremarkable from the outside, but inside the walls are covered from top to bottom with detailed and well-preserved and restored wall murals from the 17th century.
We’ll have time to browse the many market stalls that line the cobbled streets of nessebar’s Old Town and buy souvenirs.
After that, we’ll return to Varna. Day 5
Early in the morning, we leave for Sofia.
On this day, we’ll go on a sightseeing tour of Sofia’s top attractions. Its busy streets, the beautiful Baroque architecture in the Center and the park possess a lively charm that leaves you eager to explore, but the monuments and landmarks it is most famous for deserve our full attention.
The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox Christian cathedrals in the world and the second largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Its impressive size and intricate design mark it as one of the most stunning architectural marvels in Bulgaria and Sofia’s most recognizable landmark.
The Saint Sophia Basilica is a red-brick church is stands atop the foundations of a sacred temple built in Roman times. The huge burial site under its floor allows visitors of the church to explore its catacombs and get lost in a labyrinth of ancient tombs and corridors.
The Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker is a beautiful golden-domed church designed in the Russian Revival Style. Visually, it is unlike any other Orthodox church in Bulgaria. It is believed to be able to grant wishes.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an example of neoclassical architecture is so spectacular that you will want to carry the memory home with you.
The Church of St. George, built by the Romans is in the 4th century, is an early Christian red brick rotunda that is considered the oldest building in Sofia.
The bustling Vitosha Shopping Street perfectly embodies the dynamic atmosphere of the capital of Bulgaria. Overnight in Sofia. Day 6
Departure from Sofia Airport.

About
A week-long round-trip that takes you to some of Bulgaria’s most visited cities and 3 of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Kazanlak Tomb, Nesebar’s Old Town and Rila Monastery. From its capital, Sofia, to Plovdiv – 2019 European Capital of Culture and home to centuries-old landmarks, the oldest of which date back to Thracian times, and its nearby Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. We’ll go north from there to Kazanlak in Bulgaria’s Rose Valley. Eastward we’ll travel to Nesebar on the Black Sea coast, and from there – to the seaside capital of Bulgaria, Varna. We’ll travel back west to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, former capital of Bulgaria and a major cultural center, then back to Sofia. We’ll complete our round trip in Bulgaria with a visit to Rila Monastery. Highlights
• Go sightseeing in Plovdiv – 2019 European Capital of Culture and home to the Old Plovdiv, Ancient Theatre of Philippopol, the Kapana district and so much more
• Visit Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest monastery in Bulgaria
• See the Kazanlak Tomb in the Valley of the Roses – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Travel to Nessebar’s Old Town – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tour Varna and its sights – the Seaside Garden, “Assumption of the Holy Mother of God” Cathedral, Aladzha Monastery
• Explore the city of Veliko Tarnovo and visit sites such as the medieval stronghold of Tsarevets
• Visit Rila Monastery – another UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Go sightseeing in Sofia and stop by the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
• That’s three of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip! Description Day 1
We begin the round-trip with a transfer from Sofia Airport to Plovdiv – one of the oldest European cities and second biggest in the country. After getting settled into the hotel, you’ll get the afternoon to yourselves so you can relax after your flight. We’ll meet up for dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Plovdiv. Day 2
We’ll start the day with a trip to Bachkovo Monastery, only half an hour away from Plovdiv.
The “Assumption of Holy Virgin” Bachkovo monastery is the second largest in Bulgaria. The cobbled road leading up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling trinkets, folk craft, homemade jam, honey and spices. Bachkovo Monastery was founded all the way back in the 11th century. In the cathedral, there is an icon from 1311 known as the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin. It is believed that the icon has miraculous powers.
The area around the monastery has several traditional Bulgarian restaurants where we can sit down for lunch and get a taste of the local cuisine.
After we get back, we’ll go sightseeing in Plovdiv. We’ll start with a visit to the Old Town – a historical and architectural reserve known for its buildings in the style of the Bulgarian Revival Period, ancient Roman and Thracian ruins, various monuments and landmarks, all perfectly illustrating the complicated history that has shaped this city into the Plovdiv of today. We’ll visit its most famous and noteworthy landmarks, including the Balabanov and Hindliyan Houses, the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, and, of course, the crown jewel of this city – the Ancient Roman Theatre.
After the Old Town, we’ll go down to the Main Shopping Street to see the ancient Roman Stadium and its uncovered northern part, which is open to visitors.
Next is Kapana (i.e. “the Trap”) – Plovdiv’s famed art corner, made up of a labyrinth of intertwining streets lined with modern art stores, stylish little cafes, building walls colorfully painted by talented street artists and constantly changing pieces of modern art scattered around every corner. Day 3
In the morning, after breakfast we head for the town of Kazanlak – a place where the Valley of the Roses and the Valley of the Thracian Kings overlap.
What is known as the “Valley of the Thracian Kings” is where the rulers of the ancient Thracian tribes were buried with their horses, items and treasures. The Kazanlak Tomb (circa 4th-3rd century BC) is one of the most significant monuments of Thracian culture in the country, included in UNESCO’s list of global cultural inheritance. This tomb is known for the remarkable wall paintings covering the walls of the corridor and the dome ceiling.
The “Rose Museum” exposition introduces the rich history of Bulgaria’s rose oil production. It contains over 15,000 exhibits pertaining to rose oil.
From there, we’ll be transported to the Black Sea coast, specifically Nessebar (also spelled Nesebar). With a history of over 3200 years, it is one of the most ancient settlements in Europe.
The bulk of Nessebar’s attractions is in its Old Town, the entirety of which is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is on a small peninsula that was once the location of the ancient Thracian settlement Mesambria Pontica.
The Old Nessebar is an architectural reserve made up of houses in the Bulgarian Revival Period style with a unique Nessebar regional twist to it. It has 13 historical and active churches, the oldest of which – the Hagia Sophia Church dates back to the 4th century AD.
We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Sunny Beach. Day 4
First thing in the morning after breakfast, we head for Varna – the maritime capital of Bulgaria and third largest city in the country.
Its Seaside Garden is the largest in Varna and follows the Black Sea coastline. It is one of only 3 man-made natural reserves in Bulgaria, home to rare and endangered plant species. It is said that if one walks backwards over the bridge at the entrance of the main garden alley with their eyes closed and make a wish, that wish will come true. On its northern side is the Varna Dolphinarium, and on the southern side – the Varna Aquarium. The Varna Zoo and the Planetarium are also located within the garden’s bounds.
Located in the heart of Varna, the “Assumption of the Holy Mother of God” Cathedral is the largest Christian temple in Varna, and the second tallest in the country after Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevski. Its impressive size and external and internal architectural style make it one of Varna’s top attractions.
Among its many fascinating exhibits, the Varna Archeological Museum houses the oldest gold treasure in the world. Discovered in the Varna Necropolis, the jewelry dates back to 4600 BC.
Varna is home to the ruins of the largest Roman bath-house in the Balkans. The Roman Thermae date back to the 2nd century AD, and were once 20 meters tall, and the full structure used to cover an area of 7000 square meters.
Aladzha Monastery is a Medieval Orthodox Christian cave-monastery. It dates back to the 12th century, but was abandoned in the 16th century. The cambers, doorways and stairs are carved right into the rock.
We’ll next take you to Veliko Tarnovo, former capital of Bulgaria. We’ll be spending the night at a hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Day 5
Located in Stara Planina mountain, built upon its steep slopes, with a beautiful river winding through the heart of the city, Veliko Tarnovo is a picturesque settlement with a rich history commemorated in the many historical and cultural landmarks strewn across its territory.
Veliko Tarnovo’s most popular tourist attraction is the medieval stronghold of Tsarevets. Built high atop a hill, it towers over the city and offers a beautiful view of the area from up high. It served as the Second Bulgarian Empire’s primary fortress from 1185 to 1393, comprising the royal and patriarchal palaces.
The Holy Forty Martyrs Church is a medieval church built during the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II in the 1230’s. It has been restored, its collapsed parts rebuilt, and it is now open to the public.
In the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly visitors can trace the development of Christian art from the end of the 14th century to the end of the 19th century in a collection of works by master wood-carvers. The Revival Period exhibition is dedicated to Veliko Tarnovo in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing examples of the traditional crafts practiced in this city at the time.
The Samovodska Charshia is the old market in Veliko Tarnovo. In the early 19th century, when the town was rapidly developing emerged a market centre with numerous workshops, bakeries and cafes. Today, the workshops on this street preserve the spirit and the original atmosphere of the Revival Period.
We can have lunch at one of Veliko Tarnovo’s traditional Bulgarian restaurants, after which we’ll set off towards Sofia.
On the way to Sofia, we’ll make a small detour to Prohodna Cave, famous for the Eyes of God natural phenomenon – two large openings in the ceiling of the cave, of nearly the same size and almond-shaped and strongly resembling human eyes. During certain parts of the day, sunlight streams through the openings in two large rays, and at night, one can look through them towards the night sky.
From there, we’ll continue our trip to our hotel in Sofia. Day 6
We’ll start the day with a trip to Rila Monastery – the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the country’s most emblematic cultural landmarks. It is the most influential spiritual centre in the country and the second biggest monastery on the Balkan Peninsula. It was founded in the 10th century by the monk-hermit John of Rila, who was later named patron saint of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the afternoon, we’ll go on a sightseeing tour of Sofia’s top attractions. Its busy streets, the beautiful Baroque architecture in the Center and the park possess a lively charm that leaves you eager to explore, but the monuments and landmarks it is most famous for deserve our full attention.
The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox Christian cathedrals in the world and the second largest on the Balkan peninsula. Its impressive size and intricate design mark it as one of the most stunning architectural marvels in Bulgaria and Sofia’s most recognizable landmark.
The Saint Sophia Basilica is a red-brick church is stands atop the foundations of a sacred temple built in Roman times. The city of Sofia is named after this basilica.
The Church of St. George, built by the Romans is in the 4th century, is an early Christian red brick rotunda that is considered the oldest building in Sofia.
The Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker is a beautiful golden-domed church designed in the Russian Revival Style. Visually, it is unlike any other Orthodox church in Bulgaria. It is believed to be able to grant wishes.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an example of neoclassical architecture is so spectacular that you will want to carry the memory home with you.
Overnight in Sofia. Day 7
Departure from Sofia Airport. The price includes
• The services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
• Accommodation in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels in double rooms
• Half board treatment from the first day's dinner to the last breakfast
• Transfers during the tour The price does not include
• The trip to / from Bulgaria
• Alcoholic beverages
• Entrance fees
• Single room: +10 € Notes
This tour is for groups of at least 6.
Prices for smaller groups may vary – contact us for details.

About
This tour takes you to the northern side of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, where some of the oldest towns and cities in Bulgaria are located. It starts from Varna, often called the maritime capital of Bulgaria – a city known for its beautiful Seaside Garden and centuries’ worth of history preserved in its museums, archeological digging sites, old churches and buildings. We’ll visit the Botanical Garden of Balchik, Cape Kaliakra with its ancient Thracian fortress, the Madara Horseman rock-relief (which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List) and 2 of Bulgaria’s former capitals – Pliska and Preslav. We’ll finish our round trip with a sightseeing tour of Sofia and its top attractions. Highlights
• Go sightseeing in Bulgaria’s maritime capital – Varna
• Explore its gorgeous Seaside Garden
• Visit the Aladzha Rock-Monastery, built in the 12th century
• Travel to Balchik and tour its Botanical Garden
• See the Thracian fortress in Cape Kaliakra
• Visit Pliska, the first historical capital of Bulgaria, and tour its Old Town open-air museum
• See the Madara Horseman rock-relief – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tour the archeological reserve of Preslav and its Round Golden Church
• See Sofia’s top attractions Description Day 1
Arrival at Sofia Airport. Overnight in Sofia. Day 2
First thing in the morning after breakfast, we head for Varna – the maritime capital of Bulgaria and third largest city in the country. Those who wish may travel to Varna Airport by plane as an optional extra.
Its Seaside Garden is the largest in Varna and follows the Black Sea coastline. It is one of only 3 man-made natural reserves in Bulgaria, home to rare and endangered plant species. It is said that if one walks backwards over the bridge at the entrance of the main garden alley with their eyes closed and make a wish, that wish will come true. On its northern side is the Varna Dolphinarium, and on the southern side – the Varna Aquarium. The Varna Zoo and the Planetarium are also located within the garden’s bounds.
Located in the heart of Varna, the “Assumption of the Holy Mother of God” Cathedral is the largest Christian temple in Varna, and the second tallest in the country after Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevski. Its impressive size and external and internal architectural style make it one of Varna’s top attractions.
Among its many fascinating exhibits, the Varna Archeological Museum houses the oldest gold treasure in the world. Discovered in the Varna Necropolis, the jewelry dates back to 4600 BC.
Varna is home to the ruins of the largest Roman bath-house in the Balkans. The Roman Thermae date back to the 2nd century AD, and were once 20 meters tall, and the full structure used to cover an area of 7000 square meters.
Aladzha Monastery is an abandoned Medieval Orthodox Christian cave-monastery that dates back to the 12th century. The cambers, doorways and stairs are carved right into the rock.
Overnight in Varna. Day 3
We’ll be transported from Varna to the town of Balchik. Queen Marie of Edinburgh famously fell in love with Balchik and built a summer residence there – a picturesque castle with its own Botanical Garden, home to rare plant species. We’ll go sightseeing in the Botanical Garden, specialized in growing tropical, subtropical and unique plant species. Particularly notable is its collection of large cacti and succulents, including winter-hardy cactuses. The garden’s collection includes tree species and lemon trees that bear fruit larger than coconuts, aquatic plants, vines, ferns and endangered plants, totaling 4600 species of plant. It is part of the Index Seminum Initiative, trading plant seeds with countries from all over the world.
We’ll next visit Cape Kaliakra – a nature and archeological reserve that stretches 2 km into the sea. It is as beautiful from afar as it is from up close – its reddish cliffs plunge almost vertically into the waves, and the sea itself is a stunning backdrop for an already picturesque landscape. Cape Kaliakra is reaches far enough into the sea that one can sometimes see dolphins from its cliffs. The first to settle on this cape were a tribe of Thracians in the 6th century BC. The fort wall they built around their settlement stands to this day, as do the remains of building foundations and an impressively intact tomb and a bathhouse dating back to the 4th century BC. We’ll walk to the farthest end of the cape and visit the chapel. After that we’ll sit down for lunch at the restaurant and head back to Varna.
Overnight in Varna. Day 4
This day takes us to Pliska – the first ever Capital of Bulgaria. The remains of its Old Town are now an open-air museum and one of the best preserved archeological museums in Bulgaria.
Our next stop is Shumen. We’ll be visiting Tombul Mosque – the largest mosque in Bulgaria. Its support columns were once part of the castle of the first Bulgarian Khans. Shumen’s Founders of the Bulgarian State Architectural Complex is dedicated to the 1300th anniversary of the founding of Bulgaria in 681. This memorial complex depicts prominent Bulgarian monarchs and their contributions to the development of the country.
Our next stop is the Madara Horseman – an early medieval rock relief and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was carved into the side of the cliff in the 7th century and depicts a horseman thrusting a spear at a lion before him, a dog running in his wake. The relief is 23 m above ground and the figures are almost full-sized. Its origin and meaning are unknown, some claiming that it represents a Bulgar deity, some relate it to the Thracian Horseman motif, while others say that it depicts the Bulgarian Khan Tervel.
We’ll then go to the Kabiyuk horse-ranch – the largest horse ranch on the Balkans. You’ll see the different horse breeds in the ranch, with optional horse-riding available on request.
Our tour also takes us to the second historical capital of Bulgaria – Preslav. Its architectural reserve features restored and reconstructed structural elements from the former city. A major attraction is the Round Golden Church – an early medieval architectural masterpiece, once richly decorated in carved marble, painted ceramics and glass mosaics. It owes its name to the gold coating that once adorned its dome. These ornaments have been lost to the ages, and the remains of the church now lie bare, but one can still enjoy the beautiful architecture and gain a sense of its former size and layout – some of its walls, columns, arches and other features remain to this day.
Adjacent to it is a museum showcasing 1500 artifacts, among which are the Preslav gold treasure, a ceramic iconostasis from the historical Dvortsov Monastery and other examples of the white ceramics typical of the Preslav area.
Overnight at a hotel near Pliska. Day 5
We head for Sofia first thing in the morning after breakfast.
On this day, we’ll go on a sightseeing tour of Sofia’s top attractions. Its busy streets, the beautiful Baroque architecture in the Center and the park possess a lively charm that leaves you eager to explore, but the monuments and landmarks it is most famous for deserve our full attention.
The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox Christian cathedrals in the world and the second largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Its impressive size and intricate design mark it as one of the most stunning architectural marvels in Bulgaria and Sofia’s most recognizable landmark.
The Saint Sophia Basilica is a red-brick church is stands atop the foundations of a sacred temple built in Roman times. The huge burial site under its floor allows visitors of the church to explore its catacombs and get lost in a labyrinth of ancient tombs and corridors.
The Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker is a beautiful golden-domed church designed in the Russian Revival Style. Visually, it is unlike any other Orthodox church in Bulgaria. It is believed to be able to grant wishes.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an example of neoclassical architecture is so spectacular that you will want to carry the memory home with you.
The Church of St. George, built by the Romans is in the 4th century, is an early Christian red brick rotunda that is considered the oldest building in Sofia.
The bustling Vitosha Shopping Street perfectly embodies the dynamic atmosphere of the capital of Bulgaria.
Overnight in Sofia. Day 6
Departure from Sofia Airport. The price includes
• 5 overnights in stylish hotels on half board
• Professional tour guide
• Minibus transfers
The price does not include
• Flight to/from Bulgaria
• Flight from Sofia Airport to Varna Airport: 100 € per person (optional)
• Flight from Varna Airport to Sofia Airport: 100 € per person (optional)
• Entry fees Notes
This tour requires a minimum of 6 people.