Bulgaria Cultural Tour: History, Traditions and Artisan Villages

A cultural journey through Bulgaria, connecting Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, the Valley of Roses, and Plovdiv, to discover ancient traditions, Thracian heritage, authentic crafts, and one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Day 1: Sofia

Arrival in Sofia, welcome, and transfer to the hotel.

Free time to explore the Bulgarian capital at your own pace.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 2: Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo

Guided tour of Sofia, showcasing ancient, religious, and contemporary heritage: Sofia University, the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Assembly, Hagia Sophia, the Russian Church of St Nicholas, the National Bank, the Rotunda of St George, the Church of St Nedelya, and the Banya Bashi Mosque, a symbol of cultural coexistence.

Free time for lunch. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Panoramic tour of the city and visit to the medieval Tsarevets Fortress, an emblem of Bulgarian royal power.

Dinner and overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo.

 

Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi – Gabrovo – Etara – Tryavna

In the morning, visit the village of Arbanassi, a former residence of the Bulgarian aristocracy, offering superb views of Veliko Tarnovo and remarkable architectural heritage.

Travel to Gabrovo and visit the Etara Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, an immersive experience in the traditional crafts and trades of the Bulgarian National Revival.

Lunch en route.

Continue to Tryavna, a charming town of artisans and iconographers. Visit the Icon Museum and stroll through the historic centre.

Dinner and overnight stay in Tryavna.

 

Day 4: Tryavna – Kazanlak – Karlovo – Plovdiv

Depart for the famous Valley of Roses and the Valley of the Thracian Kings, in the heart of Bulgaria.

In Kazanlak, visit the Thracian Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the House of the Rose, dedicated to the centuries-old tradition of rose cultivation and essential oil production.

Lunch.

Continue to Karlovo, with a visit to traditional houses, a tasting of local products, and a demonstration of the rose oil extraction process.

Drive to Plovdiv.

Dinner and overnight stay in Plovdiv.

 

Day 5: Plovdiv – Sofia

Explore Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Stroll through the Old Town: the Roman Stadium, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, the Ancient Theatre, and visit the Ethnographic Museum, a remarkable example of 18th-century Bulgarian Renaissance architecture.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, return to Sofia. Free time.

Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

 

Day 6: Sofia

Transfer to the airport according to flight schedules and departure assistance.