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10-Day Bulgaria Tour Packages
10-Day Bulgaria Tour Packages

10-Day Bulgaria Tour Packages

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Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Bulgaria tour itineraries

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  • 10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv

    A fascinating 10-day circuit weaves through 7 Bulgarian cities, from Sofia's Roman ruins to Varna's ancient baths. Three UNESCO sites including Nessebar, Rila Monastery, and Plovdiv's Old Town showcase cultural richness. Local experiences include wine tastings at Villa Melnik, rose production at Damascena complex, and traditional Nestinari fire dancing.

    Map of Legends of Emperors and Crusaders , Wines, Traditional Cuisine. Museum Towns and Villages
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    • Day 1

      Sofia

      Start your Bulgarian adventure in Sofia, a city Constantine the Great called "My Rome." Get a private transfer from Sofia Airport to your hotel. Book an afternoon arrival if you can to avoid the morning traffic congestion.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 2

      Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo

      Explore 7,000-year-old Sofia in the morning before traveling to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's medieval capital. Visit Tsarevets Fortress, perched on four hills overlooking the Yantra River. The fortress walls and Baldwin's Tower showcase Bulgaria's historic victory over the 4th Crusade in 1205. A recent visitor noted: "Bulgaria has good roads and very attractive towns and villages. There is a lot to see."

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 3

      Veliko Tarnovo to Varna

      Take a morning walk through Veliko Tarnovo's cobblestone streets and visit Samovodska Charshia for wine tasting. Travel to Varna, a coastal gem that houses the world's oldest gold treasure from the 5th millennium BC. Explore the Roman baths and Sea Garden. Leave early to beat summer traffic on coastal routes.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 4

      Varna to Nessebar/Pomorie

      Visit Nessebar, a UNESCO site founded in 510 BC. This ancient town sits on a peninsula linked to the mainland by a narrow strip. Have lunch in Old Nessebar before going to Pomorie for wine tasting. Check wine tasting schedules between Varna and Pomorie as they vary by day and season.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 5

      Nessebar to Kazanlak

      See Europe's best-preserved Neolithic dwellings in Stara Zagora. Move on to Kazanlak in the Valley of Roses, once producing 75% of global rose oil. Visit the Thracian tomb, a UNESCO site. You'll see a replica since access to the original is restricted for preservation.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 6

      Kazanlak to Plovdiv

      Stop at Shipka Church and sample rose brandy at Damascena Ethnographic complex. Continue to Plovdiv, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city and 2022's Best Cultural Destination. A visitor shared: "I particularly enjoyed learning about the wine culture and the history of this proud nation." Take an evening walk through UNESCO-listed Old Plovdiv.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 7

      Plovdiv and Bachkovo

      Take a day trip to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria's second-largest monastery from the 11th century. Visit Assenova Fortress and stop for wine tasting in Brestovisa village. Return to Plovdiv for the night. Wear sturdy shoes for the old town's slippery cobblestones.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 8

      Plovdiv to Melnik

      Visit Bansko museum town near Pirin Mountain National Park. Head to Melnik, Bulgaria's tiniest town, known for sandstone pyramids and wine cellars. Try the Broad Leaf Melnik wine at Villa Melnik, reportedly Winston Churchill's favorite.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 9

      Melnik to Sofia via Rila Monastery

      See Kordopulov House, the Balkans' largest 19th-century home. Visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery at 1,100m elevation. Return to Sofia for a final dinner with folklore music and Nestinari fire dancing (seasonal, May-October).

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 10

      Sofia Departure

      Use your free morning to shop or explore. Late flights? Visit the National History Museum or take the cable car up Vitosha Mountain.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
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  • 10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv

    Bulgaria's finest attractions unfold over 10 days featuring Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Plovdiv's Roman ruins, and UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Five major cities plus traditional villages Kovachevitsa and Melnik offer diverse perspectives. Luxurious stays at Hotel Sense and Zornitza Estate include exclusive culinary and cultural experiences.

    Map of Essence of Bulgaria
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    • Days 1-2

      Sofia

      Begin in Bulgaria's capital city. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral before 9 AM to avoid crowds and see the golden domes in perfect morning light. Explore the Yellow Pavements area mid-morning when the cafes are lively. For lunch try a Soviet-themed restaurant but book ahead for 1 PM as they get busy.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Days 2-3

      Plovdiv

      It's a 2-hour drive from Sofia to Plovdiv, known as Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city. Walk carefully on the Old Town's cobblestone streets which can be slippery. The Roman Theater offers beautiful sunset views over the city but has steep steps. Book a hotel in the Kapana district where you can spend your evenings trying local wines at nearby bars.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 4

      Gela

      The mountain drive to Gela takes about 2.5 hours. Bring a physical map since GPS isn't reliable in this area. If you're visiting in July try to catch the National Bagpipe Festival. Book the foraging experience ahead and pack hiking shoes as trails often get muddy.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Day 5

      Kovachevitsa

      Getting to Kovachevitsa involves winding mountain roads. Book Maria Jekova's cooking class well in advance. Bring warm clothing as mountain temperatures can drop unexpectedly.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Days 6-8

      Zornitza Family Estate & Melnik

      Start early to photograph Melnik's sand pyramids in morning light. Visit Kordopulov House right when it opens at 9 AM before tour groups arrive. Book your spa treatments at Zornitza Estate a day ahead. Wear good shoes for the BBQ dinner location which involves walking on uneven ground.

      10 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Plovdiv
    • Days 9-10

      Rila Monastery & Sofia

      Get to Rila Monastery before 11 AM to beat the crowds. Plan extra time for the drive back to Sofia especially on weekends when traffic can extend the usual 2.5-hour journey. Book a later flight to avoid rushing.

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  • 9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains

    A challenging 9-day mountain expedition takes you through Bulgaria's highest peaks from Sofia through Apriltsi to Koprivshtitsa. Summit Botev Peak, trek through Central Balkan National Park, and tackle Mount Kupen's wire-roped sections while staying in authentic mountain huts.

    Map of Transbalkan Trek (Bulgaria)
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    • Day 1

      Sofia: Arrive before 2 PM to explore the capital.

      Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and enjoy dinner around Vitosha Boulevard. Pack carefully for your upcoming trek since mountain temperatures can change quickly, even in summer.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 2

      Sofia to Apriltsi: Take a 3-hour morning transfer to Apriltsi in the Vidima district.

      The 2-hour hike to Pleven Hut is steep. You'll want trekking poles for this climb. Start before noon to arrive while it's still light. The trail follows green blazes but watch your step after rain.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 3

      Botev Peak Summit: Set out for Bulgaria's highest Balkan peak (2,376m).

      Leave by 7 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The 6-hour round trip is straightforward but tough with 800m elevation gain. Bring layers and a windbreaker since the final stretch can get windy.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 4

      Trek to Ambaritsa: A demanding 7-hour trek across multiple peaks.

      You'll need good balance and solid hiking boots for the wire-rope sections near Kupen Peak. Pack at least 2 liters of water. The morning light on Botev's north face makes for great photos.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 5

      Dobrila Hut: A 4-hour ridge walk with no tree cover.

      Bring sun protection. Watch for trail markers carefully near Levski Peak if fog rolls in. Dobrila Hut is simple but offers hot meals. Remember to bring Bulgarian lev.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 6

      Beklemeto Pass: An easier day through forests and meadows.

      Stop at the Liberty Arch monument. The descent to Beklemeto is gentler on your knees than previous days.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 7

      Echo Hut Trek: A Central Balkan National Park highlight.

      Look for protected edelweiss flowers in rocky areas during July-August. Start early for this 5-hour uphill trek.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 8

      Koprivshtitsa: Walk down through forests to Rozino Village.

      Take the 2-hour train to Koprivshtitsa. Check train schedules ahead of time. Explore the town's cobblestone streets and Revival architecture. Visit the local history museum before it closes at 5 PM.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
    • Day 9

      Return to Sofia: Morning transfer to Sofia (2 hours).

      Book afternoon flights to account for mountain road delays.

      9 Days in Bulgaria, incl. Sofia and Stara Planina Mountains
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