Tastes & Treasures of Bulgaria
$2685.00
Discovery
7 nights in Bulgaria
What to expect
Guided City Tours
Explore Sofia & Plovdiv's ancient sites
UNESCO-listed Wonders
Admire Rila Monastery's epic frescoes
Culinary Experiences
Sample Bulgaria's best local delicacies
Vineyard Visits
Tastings in Melnik, Ustina & Starosel
About this trip...
Join Solos on a journey through Bulgaria’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant streets of Sofia to the serene heights of Rila Monastery, you'll explore ancient Thracian tombs, medieval fortresses, and charming old towns frozen in time. Along the way, experience the warm hospitality of mountain villages, soak in mineral-rich spa towns, and sample world-class wines in the heart of the Thracian Valley. Discover the artistic flair of Plovdiv, the mystery of the Rhodope Mountains, and the royal legacy of Veliko Tarnovo. With every stop, you'll uncover a different layer of Bulgaria’s diverse heritage—all while enjoying authentic cuisine, local traditions, and unforgettable landscapes.
What's included?
Return transfers
Private room
Breakfast daily, five lunches & four dinners
Guided tours of Sofia & Plovdiv-
Entrance to Rila Monastery, Kovachevitsa Village, Starosel Thracian Temple, Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, Rose Museum and Shipka Temple
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Guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets including visit to Arbanasi Village
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Wine tastings & tours in Melnik, Ustina & Starosel
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Traditional delicacy tastings at Rila Monastery, Melnik, Dospat, Plovdiv & Kazanlak
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrival day
- Rila Monastery & Melnik
- Rhodope Mountains & Devin
- Ustina & Plovdiv
- Free time in Plovdiv
- Wine tasting & relaxation in Starosel
- Kazanlak & Veliko Tarnovo
- Free time in Veliko Tarnovo & flight home
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive into Bulgaria
- Dinner included
Day Two: Rila Monastery & Melnik
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Three: Rhodope Mountains & Devin
Today we head into the Rhodope Mountains, a region rich in folklore, unique traditions and distinctive cuisine. Our first stop is the village of Kovachevitsa, a beautifully preserved open-air architectural museum and filiming location for numerous Bulgarian movies. We continue to the town of Dospat, where we'll enjoy a scenic lunch overlooking the mountains and lakes. Our hosts will treat us to a sampling of their authentic, time honoured recipes. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to Devin, one of Bulgaria's most famous spa towns. We'll check in to our hotel, with time to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities before dinner.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Four: Ustina & Plovdiv
After breakfast, we leave the mountains behind and journey into the fertile Thracian plains—an area renowned for producing some of Europe’s oldest and finest wines. Our first stop is the Villa Ustina winery, where we’ll enjoy a tasting that includes the legendary Mavrud, a bold, dry red wine cultivated in this region since as early as 1000 BC. We then continue to Plovdiv, the cultural heart of the Thracian Valley and the 2019 European Capital of Culture. A guided tour of this ancient city will take us through layers of history, from the remains of a 5th-century BC Thracian fortress to remarkably preserved Roman sites including the Roman Stadium, Forum, and the stunning Ancient Theatre.
We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at one of Plovdiv’s top local taverns, with the opportunity to try Stanimashki surmichki (stuffed vine leaves) a regional specialty. After lunch, we explore more of the Old Town—an enchanting area filled with beautifully painted Revival-period houses, historic churches, a mosque, and cobbled streets that reflect Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage. There will be free time to explore at your own pace. Tonight, we stay in a charming family-run hotel set in a beautifully restored 18th century bulding, showcasing traditional Bulgarian architecture.
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Five: Free time in Plovdiv
After breakfast, we enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Plovdiv at our own pace. Stroll Europe's longest pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, cafes and the striking Dzhumaya Mosque. Alternatively, visit the Kapana District's vibrant maze of art galleries, street art and craft shops - a real hub of contemporary Bulgarian creativity.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: Wine tasting & relaxation in Starosel
We enjoy a final morning in Plovdiv, with an opportunity to soak in the city's atmosphere as we take a final stroll through its charming streets. We'll gather for lunch at a traditional restaurant downtown before departing for the region of Hisarya. Our destination is the village of Starosel, know for its nearby ancient Thacian temple. Nestled on the southern slopes of the Sredna Gora mountains, our hotel offers panoramic mountain and vineyard views. Relax in the abudance of spa facilies on offer including mineral water pools, jacuzzis, saunas and steam baths. This evening we'll enjoy a wine tasting in their barrel-vaulted cellar, home to a selection of award‑winning wines and savour some of the finest Bulgarian cuisine.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Seven: Kazanlak & Veliko Tarnovo
Today, we set off for the city of Kazanlak, located in the heart of the Rose Valley. Our first stop is the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb, the crown jewel of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, famous for its golden treasures and beautifully preserved frescoes. We’ll also visit the Rose Museum, where we’ll learn about Bulgaria’s centuries-old tradition of rose oil production and the cultural significance of the Valley of the Roses. Lunch will be served at a traditional tavern in Kazanlak, where we’ll sample local delicacies including rose wine, rose brandy, and rose-infused desserts.
In the afternoon, we travel to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. En route, we stop at the magnificent Shipka Memorial Church—an architectural masterpiece in Russian Orthodox style and one of the most beautiful churches of its kind in the world. Upon arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, we explore the historic Tsarevets Fortress, once the stronghold of Bulgarian kings. We’ll visit the royal palace, the Patriarchate, Baldwin’s Tower, and take in the breathtaking views of this ancient capital. Before settling in for the evening, we visit the nearby village of Arbanasi—an open-air museum showcasing 18th-century Bulgarian National Revival architecture.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Eight: Free time in Veliko Tarnovo & flight home
We enjoy a leisurely morning in the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo. We can take time to explore local artisan workshops and discover the rich heritage of Bulgarian crafts. We'll then gather for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight home.
- Breakfast & lunch included
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
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We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
