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Best price guarantee Learn More
- Gold Operator
- Penguin Travel
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 4 - 10
- Ages 6+
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Explore Sofia's ancient sites and cathedrals
- Visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover the Yagodina Cave's stunning formations
- Tour Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities
- Experience traditional crafts in Etura village
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Sofia
- Day 2 Sofia - Rila Monastery - Rupite - Melnik
- Day 3 Melnik - Ribnovo - Bansko
- Day 4 Bansko - The Rhodope narrow gauge railway to Velingrad - Plovdiv
- Day 5 Plovdiv
- Day 6 Plovdiv - Kazanluk - Buzludzha - Etura - V. Tarnovo
- Day 7 Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets - Free time in Veliko Tarnovo
- Day 8 Transfer Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
Customer Photos
Operated by
Penguin Travel
Number of tours
42
Age Range
18 to 80 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
96%
Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationGood
- FoodGood
LESLEY· August 17th, 2025Tour offered a wide range of experiences. Preliminary walking tour introduced major landmarks and buildings in Sofia and gave an outline of the nations history...from Roman times through mediaeval regime changes to modern political history. Tour visited the famous Rilla Monestery and a modern spiritual site then char Melnik village in the wine growing region. Next seen were the Pirin Mountain ranges of and the township of Bankso which was a base for hiking and skiing. A short ride on the narrow guage railway thrpugh the Rodope Mountain showed forest and river valleys. Nrxt conytast was the ancient city of Plovdiv which perservrs an old townming Mrlnick villthr eine growing region and travelled over mountsin passes eith brsutiful forrdt and included an ovetnoght stay in Bsnkso ehich is the site for srasonsl hiking and sking. A short journey of the narrow gauge railway through Rodope Mountsins showed mountsins and river ravines. Next thete wre opportunities to view archeytrcture and arts and crafts as wrll asShow moreTrip date: August 2025- EZElena· July 12th, 2025The tour was mostly good, although not everything was to my liking. 1. At least one hotel was so sub-standard (Alexandra in Dobrinishte) that I have to move out an pay out of pocket for a different hotel. My assigned room at Alexandra had an awful quality bed mattress, but more to the point, NO AIR CONDITIONER. It was intolerable in the heat of over 93 degrees F. 2. I wish the itinerary was slightly different. a) The specific Thracian tomb we visited was not very interesting, while 20 miles away in Kazanlak was one with frescoes (or at least there was a fresco in the museum). If Kazanlak were on our itinerary, we could have also seen the roses. b) For some mysterious reason Arbanasi was missing from our guide's itinerary even though it was mentioned in the original brochure synopsis we received from Tourradar. c) It's not clear to me what the purpose was to include the Buzludzha Monument in the tour, or Vanga's placeShow moreTrip date: June 2025
- Errol· May 4th, 2025Did not go as on hospitalShow moreTrip date: May 2025
- NFNorbert· August 19th, 2024Great, varied tBulgaria our with an excellent, knowledgeable tour guide Lubo. Good accommodation and good tour van. Despite intensive tours, plenty of free timeShow moreTrip date: August 2024
- MZMauro· September 7th, 2023Good trip, tour guide very knowledgeable on history, art and culture of Bulgaria and all other balkan states.Show more
Penguin Travel commented on this reviewThank you for your feedback, Mauro. We are looking forward to having you on another trip with Penguin Travel in the future.Trip date: August 2023 - David· May 14th, 2023Was a really good trip The guide Nadya was brilliant , great driver , learnt so much about BulgariaShow morePenguin Travel commented on this reviewHello, David. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your trip and appreciate your feedback. We are looking forward to having you on another trip with Penguin Travel in the future.Trip date: May 2023
- Norhayati· October 9th, 2022It was really a good road trip atound Bulgaria. Our guide Lubo is excellent. A real gem. Very knowledgeable, always does his best when answrring out questions and he goes above and beyond, bringing us to interesting historical sites and monuments that are not mentioned in the itinerary to make the experience wholesome. The 4 of us in the group enjoyed ourselves. Will highly recommend this tour.Show moreTrip date: October 2022
- MPMario Rodolfo· July 7th, 2022Overall, it was a good , memorable experience. Something new I experienced and to remember for the rest of my life. Every thing went well. No mechanical breakdowns of the tour van; not getting lost during the tour despite mountainous road trips; no accidents or getting sick and the tour guide and driver, Rado did his best to give us important historical and background information of the tour sites and places even though he is soft spoken. Aside from this, he was a patient guy, never got angry when we were late or behind during walking tours due to photo taking. He was helpful with the luggage in putting and arranging them in the van. And he is an excellent driver. He knows the directions well. The time given to us every morning to start the trip is adequate and acceptable. Except for a few occasions, we had to leave around 9 every morning giving us enough rest and sleep from the previous day. The downsides of the tour are : Most hotels have no lifts / elevators. So be prepared to carry your own luggage upstairs. Some hotels don't offer much amenities like hair dryers, refrigerators. But most are located in areas where you can access the village towns and cities easily especially the restaurants, groceries and souvenir shops. My most memorable experience of this trip is climbing the wet steep long stairs of a huge, partly lighted cave to exit to the other end. It was a thrill! This trip is really adventure, history and culture. An eye opening! You will learn a lot about Bulgaria. You will not regret it.Show moreTrip date: June 2022
- JMJudith Theresa· September 17th, 2019Lots of steps and hotels without elevators making it difficult for the older travelers. ]Also hotels were not central. Little to no free time. Sites were good but again difficult to reach because of the terrain.Show moreTrip date: September 2019
- Alan· September 16th, 2019The best thing about our tour was our guide, Emil - helpful, knowledgeable and a very good sense of humour. The itinerary is good and quite varied. Emil also took us to the Tombs of the Thracian Kings which are not on the official tour, presumably because they have been opened to the public fairly recently, and were a highlight of the tour for us. On the not quite so good side, you do spend quite a lot of time travelling from one attraction to another and, apart from the occasional gorge or panorama, the scenery is not riveting. Also, the tour is rated as being suitable for people of up to 85 years - most of the accommodation did not have a lift and two or three of the attractions involve a steeper climb or stairs, which were a problem for one older woman in our group.Overall, if you would like to visit Bulgaria, we think this tour is a good option.Show moreTrip date: September 2019
Dates & Availability
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- From Saturday20 Sep, 2025To Saturday27 Sep, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold out
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Saturday18 Oct, 2025To Saturday25 Oct, 2025EnglishFrom:NZ $1,360 per personMultiple Room TypesLocal Payment$197
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- J
Jeffrey
Asked on August 9th, 2025We are 4 persons interested for a week in middle September around Bulgaria. Is there something available?
Penguin TravelOperator•Written August 2025We can organise the Best of Bulgaria roundtrip with a starting date 20th of September. The cost is 790 EUR per person.
- A
Ali
Asked on August 7th, 2025I am trying to confirm other tour bookings to the Balkans. I am coming from Romania by plane, hopefully on 19 Sept, but may be 20 Sept. I am definitely coming to Bulgaria.
- A
Ali
Traveler•Written August 2025I am still interested in this tour. You did not indicate that tour would be cancelled if I did not pay immediately. This is unprofessional. You did not indicate the urgency, considering it is 6 weeks away. I am confused. I need to sort out Romania leg which is what tourradar are doing.
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written August 2025
We had two other participants booked on this day, but they cancelled the trip. Based on our experience, it's not very likely that we reach the required minimum until the 20th of September, which is why we decided to close this departure date. We can suggest you joining our group on the 18th of October or look for alternative tours/operators that might have a group then if your dates are fixed.
1 more answer - C
Colin
Asked on July 9th, 2025Can you arrange accommodation in the same hotel if I reach Sofia on 19th Sep and leave on 28th Sep. How much will it cost?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
Yes, we can arrange an extra night before and after the dates of the roundtrip. It cost 100 euro for a single room per night if you want transfer from us and 80 euro if you do not want transfer from/to the airport.
- C
Colin
Traveler•Written July 2025Please let me know the final price for the tour if I want to take the tour from 20-Sep to 27-Sep with 2 additional days (19-Sep - checkin and 28-Sep - checkout)
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
The price would be 790 EUR basic price + 180 EUR single supplement + 160 EUR 2 additional nights in Sofia = 1130 Euro. The situation with this date (20/09) is that it is not a Guaranteed departure. Would you like to make the same roundtrip but from 9th of August? For 20th of September we can book the roundtrip for you if you are a group of at least 3 people. We will keep you informed if more people request the 20th of September.
- C
Colin
Traveler•Written July 20259th August is too early for me to apply and get a Schengen visa in time for the tour. I was really looking forward to the 20th September tour. Let me know if the 20th Sep tour gets confirmed.
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
The date is still not guaranteed. The date 18 OCT is available if you are interested?
C4 more answers - A
Adrian
Asked on June 4th, 2025can you provide me with supporting documents after payment?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
Yes, we can help with travel vouchers and invitation if needed for visa
- A
Alexander
Asked on June 2nd, 2025What is the policy if you have inadequate reservations and the tour does not proceed?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
If you cancel your booking. Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written is received by the Company as a percentage of the total tour price per person canceling, excluding any amendment charges and insurance premium) a) 60 and more days before tour start date – retention of deposit b) 59-45 days before tour start date – 50% or retention of deposit if higher c) Less than 44 days before tour start date – 100%
- A
Alexander
Traveler•Written June 2025What is the policy if Penguin Tours cancels the tour?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
If we are the ones to cancel the tour. we will refund everything you've paid to us. We do not refund flight tickets ot other additional expenses. This is why we recommend to wait for a final confirmation from us before buing your flight tickets (no later than 40 days before the trip.)
- A
Alexander
Traveler•Written June 2025Is the tour a GUARENTEED DEPARTURE? What is the policy if Penguin Tours cancels the trip?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written June 2025
This tour is not guaranteed departure yet. If Penguin Travel cancel the tour. we will refund everything you've paid to us. We do not refund flight tickets ot other additional expenses. This is why we recommend to wait for a final confirmation from us before buing your flight tickets (no later than 40 days before the trip.)
A4 more answers - A
Amber
Asked on May 28th, 2025Can I add two additional nights in the same hotel? I would like to visit Skopje by my own. Do you transfer to the airport at the end of the two additional nights?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
Yes we can add additional nights in the same hotel (before or after the tour). If you decide to book the additional nights through us the transfer will be included in the price, and will be from/to the airport and from/to the hotel. You might mean Sofia the capital of Bulgaria, not Skopje.
- A
Amber
Traveler•Written May 2025Do you offer 3 or 4 star hotels? Do you offer single rooms for solo travellers? And if so, is there a cost involved?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
In our standard trip, we use standard 3* hotels. Single room can be arranged, the additional cost for it is 180 EUR.
A2 more answers - K
Kate
Asked on May 19th, 2025Is this tour guaranteed? Does this tour go to the Koprivshitsa Folkloric Festival on 9 or 10 August....a special event held once in 5 years ? If this tour does not operate, could I transfer to "Enchanting Balkan Charm" Touradar Code #261801 ?. Can same gender travellers be placed in same room to avoid single supplement ?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
Based on the dates of he tour the visit of Koprivshitsa will not be during the festival. At the moment the tour is not guaranteed. Regarding the single room supplement, if there is someone else also willing to share a room we remove the additional fee. If there is no one then the supplement is mandatory.
- R
Robert
Asked on May 5th, 2025Interested to add tour for Romania Moldova in Oct
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written May 2025
East European Discovery – Romania and Moldova's Transnistria and Gagauzia tour has a departure date 4 October 2025. Also optional tour date 20 September 2025 for Best of Bulgaria for 8 days.
- R
Robert
Traveler•Written May 2025Waiting for 2026 dates
R1 more answer - R
Rachel
Asked on April 15th, 2025I would like to spend 8 days in Greece. What are the conditions and prices, bearing in mind that I need to apply for a visa from Algeria for Greece in July?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
We do not offfer 8-day cultural trip in Greece. If you are interested in combining these two countries, we can organise your trip in Bulgaria only.
- S
Stephanie
Asked on March 31st, 2025What is your cancelation policy?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written March 2025
Regarding cancellation policy: If you cancel your booking, charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written is received by the Company as a percentage of the total tour price per person canceling. a) 60 and more days before tour start date - retention of deposit b) 59-45 days before tour start date - 50% or retention of deposit if higher c) Less than 44 days before tour start date - 100%
- S
Stephanie
Traveler•Written March 2025When you say the date is not guaranteed, this means I cannot buy plane tickets for the trip, right? When will you know if this tour is happening?
- S
Stephanie
Traveler•Written April 2025How many people do you need to sign up for the tour to happen?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written April 2025
The minimum number of participants is 3.
SS3 more answers
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Tour ID: 85182
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