5 Day itinerary in Bulgaria, Europe
Short tour of Bulgaria: Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv & ...
See the highlights of Bulgaria in 5 days. During the trip, you will be able to see Sofia - the capital city of Bulgaria, which Constantine the Great once called "My Rome". Explore Plovdiv - with its old town, awarded golden medal for architecture by UNESCO, its artistic neighbourhood, the ruins from... Read More
By Maya
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Easy
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English, Spanish, Portuguese
GUIDANCE
Driver as a Guide
starting point
Sofia
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Indigenous culture
Visit markets
Meet local people
Nature & Wildlife
Start/End
Night
Highlights
Visit the largest single monastery on the Balkans - Rila monastery (UNESCO )
Tour Plovdiv - the oldest continuously inhibited town in Europe
Visit the Valley of Roses and Kazanlak Thracian tomb (UNESCO)
Visit Koprivshtitsa - one of the most famous museum-towns in Bulgaria
Visit the largest single monastery on the Balkans - Rila monastery (UNESCO )
Tour Plovdiv - the oldest continuously inhibited town in Europe
Visit the Valley of Roses and Kazanlak Thracian tomb (UNESCO)
Visit Koprivshtitsa - one of the most famous museum-towns in Bulgaria
Itinerary
Mid-Range Accommodation
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
Sofia
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Check in. Overnight.
Accommodation:
- Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
- 4* hotels: 4* Hotel
Day 2
Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia
Panoramic city tour of Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria, which Constantine the Great one called “My Rome”. Being in the centre of the Balkan peninsula, it is midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and closest to the Aegean Sea. The city is surrounded by mountains in all sides and has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC most probably because of the abundance of mineral and thermal springs. We will see Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, St. Sofia 6th c basilica, the Parliament Square, the National Theatre and the Old city Garden, The Presidency, St. George Rotunda ( 4th c, the oldest building preserved in Sofia ) and the former Royal Palace ( outside ). Departure to Rila Monastery UNESCO site. Rising at 1147 m above sea level, it lies amidst some of the most scenic recesses of the Rila Mountains National Park, to which the monastery owes its name. It is the largest single monastery on the Balkans, with a total built-up area of 32 000 square meters, and is the most imposing architectural monument of the Bulgarian Revival. Return to Sofia. Second night at your hotel.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:
- Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
- 4* hotels: 4* Hotel
Day 3
Sofia – Plovdiv
Departure to Plovdiv and visit the Old Plovdiv town – an architecture reserve, awarded golden medal by UNESCO. We will see the Ancient Theatre, the complex of National Revival houses and the Ethnographic museum ( the so-called Royal House ), St. st. Constantine and Helena Church. Along the longest pedestrian street of the world, see remains of the Roman forum and Stadium, Djumaya Mosque Square. Visit Kapana – the artistic neighbourhood of Plovdiv. Free time. Overnight at your hotel.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
- Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
- 4* hotels: 4* Hotel
Day 4
Plovdiv – Kazanluk – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
Departure south towards Central Bulgaria and Kazanluk – the centre of the Valley of Roses, known as well as the Valley of the Thracian kings. If you are travelling in the period mid May – mid June, you will be able to see the rose fields. In the past, some 75% of the world rose attar were produced in this valley. Today a kilo of rose oil costs almost two kilos of gold on the world markets. Visit Kazanluk Thracian tomb. Not far from Kazanluk, we will visit a family-run rose distillery and taste rose products – rose jam and rose liquor/ or rose honey. Lunch included during the visit. Early afternoon departure to Koprivshtitsa - one of the most famous museum-towns in Bulgaria, declared national historical and architectural reserve, where one can still feel the spirit of the Bulgarian National revival. Narrow cobbled streets, arch-like bridges, stone fountains, high-stone walls with big gates, leading to picturesque houses create an inimitable romantic atmosphere. Evening return to Sofia.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:
- Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
- 4* hotels: 4* Hotel
Day 5
Sofia - departure
Free time and departure transfer to Sofia Airport
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Accommodation
- 3* Hotel
- 4* Hotel
Meals
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (2)
Transport
- Airport pick up Sofia
- Sofia to Rila monastery and back in Private car/ minibus
- Sofia to Plovdiv in Private car/ minibus
- Plovdiv to Kazanlak to Koprivshtitsa to Sofia in Private car/ minibus
- Sofia airport drop off
Activities
- 3 days of guided tours
- entrances: Rila Monastery museum, Kazanluk Thracian tomb ( UNESCO site, copy )
- entrances: Damascena complex and Ethnographic museum in Plovdiv
- visit a family-run rose distillery and taste rose products – rose jam and rose liquor/ or rose honey
Extras
- parkings
Not Included
- Meals not specified as included
- International Flights
- Tips for Guides and Drivers
About Maya
TEAM LEAD
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Hiking
Visit markets
Meet local people
Rural home stays
Indigenous culture
Yoga
Meditation
Wellness retreat
Detox
Nature & Wildlife
Food & Culinary
Water & Coastline
Born and raised in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, I’ve always had a passion for travel and adventure. Ever since I graduated with a Master’s degree in Cultural Tourism, I’ve been planning tours in Bulgaria and the Balkan region.
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