8 days
with 2 travellers
Expect an immersive journey through Bulgaria, where history, nature, and local traditions blend beautifully. Start in Sofia, exploring landmark cathedrals, Roman ruins, and vibrant streets. Visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and walk to the sacred cave of St. John of Rila. Enjoy a scenic hike in Pirin National Park with stunning mountain views. Experience authentic folklore at Deshka’s house, meet locals in Ribnovo village, relax in tranquil Kovachevitsa, discover craftsmanship at Kostandovo, taste fine Bulgarian wines, and end in historic Plovdiv.
Arrival at Sofia Airport. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel located in the centre of Sofia on walking distance from the main highlights. The walking sightseeing tour usually starts in the centre of the city where you will see its yellow-cobbled streets, its antique’s market, its many churches and Roman ruins. Worth visiting are the St.Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Theater, St.George Rotunda, and the National Archaeological Museum, which guards one of the most famous Thracian Golden treasures, found in the lands of nowadays Bulgaria, dating back to the 4th century BC.
Overnight in Sofia city
After breakfast, we transfer to the biggest Orthodox sanctuary of Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery situated in Rila National Park. First, we will take a short walk to the cave, where the hermit St. John of Rila once lived, which is an important place for all pilgrims visiting the monastery. Then, we will visit the monastery itself, which is the biggest in the country and one with over 1000 years of history, also listed in the UNSECO heritage. Worth visiting is the main church with exceptional murals, the history museum, the medieval tower, etc. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch by the river – the specialty here is trout! Finally, we continue to the town of Bansko, a small mountain town and winter sports resort at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, where we will spend the next two nights.
Overnight in Bansko city
After breakfast, we transfer to the starting point for our hike today. Pirin is included in the UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” program because of the abundance and uniqueness of the flora and fauna. In July and August, you can even find Edelweiss in the higher parts of the mountain.
Today's hike will take place in the Bunderitsa area, located below Bulgaria's second highest peak, Vihren /2914 m/. We will start from the Vihren hut and continue to Lake Okoto at 2062 m. The lake is of glacial origin and is located on a granite base, on a rocky threshold above the Vihren hut. Its shape is almost circular hence its name. Depending on our walking abilities, we can go higher to Lake Muratovo /2230 m/. From there, we will return to the Vihren hut via a different route. On our way back, we will stop to visit the 1300 year-old Baikushev fir tree, making it the oldest coniferous tree in the country and one of the oldest trees in the world. In the afternoon, a short transfer takes us to the small Church “St. Teodor Tiron and St. Teodor Stratilat”, built in 1614. The church has exceptionally valuable wall paintings and icons, and in the churchyard there is a holy spring. Its water is curable according to the legends. For dinner, we head to the nearby village of Gorno Draglishte where we are welcomed by Deshka and the grannies. Here we will learn more about Bulgarian traditions and customs, dress up in traditional costumes and enjoy a folklore performance. Deshka is also a member of the Slow Food association, and for dinner we will try some of her delicious homemade dishes.
Overnight in Bansko city
Free time in the morning and then we leave Bansko behind. For lunch, we continue to the village of Ribnovo in the Rhodope mountains. It is a must visit place in the region. In Ribnovo people are Bulgarian Muslims, called Pomatsi, and there are two mosques. The village is very famous for its culture and weddings. They are preserved from old Bulgarian customs and are influenced by Islamic traditions. The wedding season is in autumn and winter. There you can meet the local people, enjoy homemade lunch and observe the ritual “gelina”, in which the faces of the brides are painted white with sequins before they get married. The ritual is deeply emotional once you hear the whole story.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in the village of Kovachevitsa. It has been chosen for the shooting of more than 20 historical films, a classy and well-preserved architectural ensemble. If you want to discover the genius of the self-taught architects of the Balkans, this is the right place to visit. We can spend all afternoon photographing while walking on the streets or hike above the village to watch the sunset.
Overnight in guesthouse
After breakfast, we continue to the rug factory in Kostandovo. This place will immerse us into the daily ground of local people, whose main activity is farming and crafts. Bulgarian hand-woven carpets are highly appreciated by the British royal family. In Kostandovo, were woven pieces for Prime Minister Tony Blair’s office and for palaces such as Osbourne house and the Versaille. Then, we head to a local classy winery - Zagreus winery. ZAGREUS (named after the Thracian god of wine) is a modern organic winery with a fully complete production cycle beginning from the grapes and ending with the bottle of wine. During the vinification they do not use any synthetic chemicals. Only additives with a natural origin are permissible, extracted from natural products – vegetable, mineral, microorganisms without GMOs. It is dedicated to the Mavrud variety – starting from Blanc de noir, over rose, red (including the legendary Vinica – made from dried grapes) and “finishing” with a late harvest dessert wine. You will taste 3 wines accompanied by local appetizers and enjoy a two-hour workshop on making your own wine. Under the guidance of an expert there, together we can blend a wine to our liking. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria.
Overnight in Plovdiv city
After breakfast, we continue with a full city tour. Plovdiv, Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019, is one of the oldest cities in Europe with rich heritage. We will visit the Ancient theatre (2nd century), the Mosque (14th century) and the Old Town (architectural ensemble from the Ottoman Baroque, with houses with painted facades dating from 18-19th century which back then belonged to rich merchants). We will also pay a special visit to the The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis, also known as the Great Basilica, which is a ruined church from the ancient city of Philippopolis in Plovdiv and was built in the middle of the 4th century AD. It is the largest late antique early Christian church discovered in Bulgaria and fascinates visitors with its 2000 square metres of well-preserved mosaics and birds, which are unique in their kind in Bulgaria and the Balkans. Plovdiv is also the most artistic Bulgarian city and the ideal place to buy souvenirs and works of art (classical or modern: painting, ceramics, wall art, etc.). Lunch in a restaurant. Free time to explore Plovdiv at your leisure.
Overnight in Plovdiv city
After breakfast, we continue on to Sofia. We can do more city touring and/or time at leisure/shopping. Farewell dinner in a restaurant.
Overnight in Sofia city
Breakfast and transfer to Sofia airport for your flight.
Sofia Old Town: Walk yellow cobblestones with a local guide, uncovering Roman ruins, hidden churches, and everyday city life.
Rila Monastery: Follow pilgrims to St. John’s cave before exploring UNESCO-listed frescoes and enjoying riverside trout lunch.
Pirin National Park: Hike glacial lakes beneath Mount Vihren, spotting rare edelweiss and visiting Bulgaria’s 1,300-year-old fir tree.
Ribnovo Village: Share a homemade meal with locals and witness the emotional “gelina” bridal ritual found nowhere else in Europe.
Zagreus Winery: Blend your own organic Mavrud wine guided by experts, tasting rare styles rooted in ancient Thracian traditions.
6 nights in 3-5 star hotels
1 night in guesthouse
Daily breakfast
3 local lunches
6 local dinners
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles
English speaking tour guide
Museums and sightseeing
24 hours emergency service in the destination country
This is a private journey and does not operate on fixed departures. You can travel on any dates that suit you – please contact us to confirm your preferred departure.
One of our Journey Designer will contact you shortly to confirm the details.
