From its magnificent mountains and gorgeous coastline along the Black Sea to its well-preserved culture and gregarious hospitality, Bulgaria appeals to a broad range of travelers. We suggest that you spend a few days in the capital, Sofia, exploring its numerous museums and churches. From Sofia, a visit to the famous Rila Monastery is an easy day trip. Located high in the Rila Mountains, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Christian monuments on the continent.
Plovdiv, the second-largest city in the country and one of the oldest in Europe, boasts a well-preserved Old Quarter and Roman theater from the 2nd century. From Plovdiv, one can see the monumental and mysterious Thracian tombs at Starosel or Kazanluk - some of the only architectural remains of these ancient tribes, who inhabited the territory of present-day Bulgaria as far back as the 3rd century BC.
In the north of the country, the former capital of the medieval Bulgarian Kingdom in the 13th century, Veliko Tarnovo, is worth a visit for its majestic Tsarevets Castle Hill. The Archeological Museum in Varna holds a unique collection of Stone Age, ancient and medieval artifacts, including the famous Black Sea gold - the world's oldest gold jewelry collection, created by people who inhabited this area in the 4th century BC.
In Depth
For the outdoor enthusiast, Bulgaria offers unlimited possibilities, including hikes along narrow mountain paths, scuba diving in the Black Sea or exploring some of the country's countless caves.
For those with an interest in traditional architecture, small museum towns like Arbanassi, Koprivshitsa and Panagyurishte offer exquisitely preserved buildings from the epoch of the Bulgarian Renaissance, featuring unique frescoes, icons, and woodcarvings.
All private travel is customized based on your specific interests, travel dates, included experiences, entrance fees and hotel choices. Sample pricing is listed in the back of our brochure, but exact prices vary according to travel dates.