Family Escape to Bulgaria

Visit the magnificent Pirin and Rhodope mountains, enjoy authentic villages frozen in time, fantastic thermal springs, exquisite wine varieties and local cuisine. A true All-Senses Experience for the whole family!

Price includes:
> Rental car (Renault Clio V + NAVI or similar)
Higher class vehicles available with supplement
> 2 nights in Sofia, hotel Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center 4* or similar, breakfast included
> 2 nights in Bansko, hotel Bansko Spa 4* or similar, breakfast included
> 1 night in Devin, Spa Hotel Devin 4* or similar, breakfast included
> 2 nights in Plovdiv, hotel Ramada by Wyndham Plovdiv Trimontium 4* or similar, breakfast included
> Guided half-day sightseeing tour of Sofia (English speaking guide)
Other languages are available upon request and with supplement
> Guided half-day sightseeing tour of Plovdiv (English speaking guide)
Other languages are available upon request and with supplement
> Entrance fees to Kordopulova House in Melnik and Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
> Local taxes

Price does not include:
> Meals, drinks, and any personal charge
> Services, not mentioned in the offer
> Travel Insurance
> Optional visits and tours

Day 1: Sofia
Arrival to Sofia International Airport and pick up the rental car you've booked. Drive to your hotel in Sofia.
Night in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko (220 km)
Guided sightseeing tour of Sofia – University of St Kliment Ohridski, Cathedral of St Alexander Nevski, Parliament, Church of St Sophia, Russian Church of St Nicolas the Miracle-Maker, National Theatre, National Bank, Presidency, Rotunda of St George, Banya Bashi Mosque, Catholic Church of St Joseph, Central Market Hall.
In the afternoon, drive to the Rila mountains and the magnificent Rila Monastery (UNESCO), one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila, this is a true example of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Drive to Bansko, a famous town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains.
Night in Bansko.

Day 3: Bansko – Melnik – Rozhen – Bansko (220 km)
Drive to Melnik, the smallest city in Bulgaria and unique architectural reserve. The local Broad Leaved Melnik Vine, reportedly a favourite of Winston Churchill’s, is traditional for the region and part of its history from the most ancient times. Visit the Kordopulova house (18th century), which as owned by a famous Melnik family who traded wine throughout Europe, mostly to Venice and Paris.
Continue to visit to Rozhen monastery, one of the well preserved Bulgarian medieval monasteries, nestled in the Melnik Earth Pyramids. Drive back to Bansko. Night in Bansko.

Day 4: Bansko – Devin (140 km)
Drive to the spa town of Devin in the heart of the Central Rhodopa Mountains, renown since ancient times for its abundance of hot mineral springs. Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing afternoon in the mineral swimming pool in your hotel. Night in Devin.

Day 5: Devin – Plovdiv   (90 km)
Continue your trip to Plovdiv, among the oldest cities in Europe, and a former European Capital of Culture (2019). On the road, you may visit the Bachkovo monastery, the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. In Plovdiv, walk along the city center where you could witness historical and archaeological remains from different ages. Today, this vibrant and colorful city is center of many cultural events, festivals, and concerts. Night in Plovdiv.

Day 6: Plovdiv
Guided sightseeing tour of Plovdiv. Visit the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, a rich and magnificent Roman mosaic masterpiece of late Antiquity.  Visit the Old Plovdiv, with its cobbled streets, authentic houses from the Revival period, Roman Theatre, Roman Stadium. In the afternoon, spend a fantastic day on your own in the lively Kapana quarter. Night in Plovdiv.

Day 7: Plovdiv – Sofia (140 km)
Drive back to Sofia. Free time in the Bulgarian capital. Night in Sofia.

Day 8: Sofia
Drive to Sofia International Airport, and flight back to your destination, depending on your flight schedule.