Bulgaria · Culture

8-Day Cultural Tour of Bulgaria with Thracian Tombs and Rose Valley

8 Days Round trip from Sofia Easy pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Sofia's iconic landmarks and ancient Roman heritage
  • 02 Discover Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe
  • 03 Visit UNESCO-listed sites, including Rila Monastery and Madara Rider
  • 04 Experience Thracian heritage at Kazanlak and the Tomb of Seuthes III
  • 05 Walk through medieval fortresses and historic towns like Veliko Tarnovo
  • 06 Witness the beauty of the Rose Valley and traditional rose oil production

Unlock Bulgaria's richest cultural treasures on an immersive 8-day journey through Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Kazanlak, and the Rose Valley. Explore ancient Thracian tombs, UNESCO-listed landmarks, medieval fortresses, and vibrant old towns while uncovering centuries of history, tasting authentic local cuisine, and experiencing breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes. With expertly guided visits to iconic sites such as Rila Monastery, Madara Rider, and Plovdiv's Roman heritage, this journey offers unforgettable cultural encounters throughout Bulgaria.

Unlock Bulgaria's richest cultural treasures on an immersive 8-day journey through Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Kazanlak, and the Rose Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Khaskovo, Plovdiv, Sofia, Kazanlyk, Shumen, Veliko Tarnovo, Rila Monastery, Madara
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sofia and City Heritage Tour

  • Arrive in Sofia and meet the team at the airport or designated meeting point.

  • Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in.

  • Enjoy free time to relax.

  • Visit St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and learn about its significance.

  • Explore Rotunda Saint George, dating back to the 4th century.

  • Discover the Ancient Serdica archaeological complex.

  • Enjoy lunch at a thematic restaurant.

  • Visit the National Institute of Archaeology and explore ancient artifacts.

  • Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.

2
Day 02

Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery

  • Depart from Sofia after breakfast and travel to Plovdiv.

  • Check in at the hotel and enjoy free time.

  • Explore Plovdiv on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Visit the Ancient Forum and Odeon.

  • Discover the Ancient Roman Stadium.

  • Explore the Old Town and the Ancient Theatre.

  • Visit the Regional Ethnographic Museum.

  • Walk through Nebet Tepe and Kapana District.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Visit Asen's Fortress in the Rhodope Mountains.

  • Explore Bachkovo Monastery and learn about Bulgarian heritage.

  • Return to Plovdiv for dinner and an overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Haskovo Heritage Sites and Transfer to Shumen

  • Depart after breakfast toward Haskovo.

  • Visit the Monument of the Holy Mother of God.

  • Explore the Alexandrovo Tomb and Thracian Art Museum.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Transfer to Shumen.

  • Check in at the hotel and relax.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

4
Day 04

Shumen Monuments and the Madara Rider

  • Continue the journey after breakfast.

  • Visit the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria in Shumen.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Discover the Madara Rider, a UNESCO-listed rock relief.

  • Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo.

  • Check in at the hotel and relax.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

5
Day 05

Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, and Onward to Kazanlak

  • Explore Veliko Tarnovo after breakfast.

  • Visit Tsarevets Fortress.

  • Discover the village of Arbanasi and its historic architecture.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Transfer to Kazanlak.

  • Check in at the hotel and relax.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

6
Day 06

Kazanlak, Seuthes III Tomb, and Rose Valley Traditions

  • Explore Kazanlak and the Rose Valley after breakfast.

  • Visit the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb.

  • Discover the Tomb of Seuthes III.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Visit the Damascena Complex and learn about rose oil production.

  • Transfer to Sofia.

  • Check in at the hotel and relax.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

7
Day 07

Rila Monastery and the Stob Pyramids Excursion

  • Depart after breakfast for Rila Monastery.

  • Visit Rila Monastery and explore its cultural significance.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Visit the Stob Pyramids.

  • Return to Sofia.

Enjoy dinner and relax at the hotel.

8
Day 08

Departure from Sofia

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

  • Check out of the hotel.

  • Transfer to the airport or arranged drop-off point.

Rila Monastery, Rose Valley, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Madara Rider

Where this trip takes you

Rila Monastery, Rose Valley, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Madara Rider

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sofia 8 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Return transportation by coach from selected pick-up and drop-off points

  • 7 nights' accommodation in specially selected hotels on a half-board basis

  • Daily breakfast

  • Daily dinner

  • 8 days of guided tours with a professional guide

  • Entrance fees to all facilities and sightseeing as mentioned in the tour highlights

  • Visits to the city of Sofia

  • Visits to the city of Plovdiv

  • A visit to Asen's Fortress

  • A visit to Bachkovo Monastery

  • A visit to Veliko Tarnovo

  • A visit to the city of Varna

  • A visit to the architectural and ethnographic town of Koprivshtitsa

  • A visit to the city of Kazanlak

  • A visit to the Damascena Complex

  • A visit to the city of Shumen

  • A visit to Rila Monastery

  • Travel insurance

  • Photos and a unique gift for every guest

  • Bulgarian rose oil as a premium local product

  • Bulgarian rose oil is considered the highest quality in the world

  • 30 roses are required to produce one drop of rose oil

  • 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of rose flowers produce 1 kilogram of rose oil

  • Rose oil production in Bulgaria dates back to the 17th century

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Flights

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour start
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Sofia.

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