10-Day Bulgarian Adventure: Cities, Culture & Countryside

Day 1: Explore Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rainbow Factory

Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast with fresh smoothies and Bulgarian pastry in a cozy atmosphere.
BGN15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Marvel at one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, with impressive golden domes and rich history.
Free, 1h

11:00am

National History Museum

Discover Bulgaria's rich past through exhibits of ancient artefacts and medieval treasures. Open 10:00-6:00pm.
BGN10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hadjidraganov's Houses

Dine in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant serving hearty meals in an authentic 19th-century house setting.
BGN25, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll Vitosha Boulevard

Explore Sofia’s main pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes, perfect for an afternoon coffee or ice cream.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit the Sofia Art Gallery

View Bulgarian contemporary art and historical works in this elegant gallery. Open until 7:00pm.
BGN5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine

Enjoy authentic Bulgarian cuisine with modern twists and a fine selection of local wines.
BGN40, 1.5h
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Day 2: More Sofia Culture

Sofia, Bulgaria on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at One More Bar & Diner

Start the day with freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast menu including local cheeses and breads.
BGN12, 1h

9:30am

Boyana Church

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 13th-century frescoes, depicting early European realistic art. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hadjidraganov's Cellars

Sample traditional Bulgarian dishes in an authentic wine cellar setting, renowned for its atmosphere and food.
BGN30, 1h

2:00pm

Serdica Archaeological Complex

Explore the ancient Roman ruins hidden beneath the city centre, melding the past and present Sofia. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
BGN8, 1.5h

4:00pm

National Palace of Culture (NDK) and Park

Enjoy the cultural heart of Sofia with exhibitions, a relaxing park walk, and the chance to catch a concert.
Free (entry to park), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cosmos

Experience modern Bulgarian dishes with a contemporary flair in a stylish setting in central Sofia.
BGN45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Plovdiv History & Arts

Plovdiv, Bulgaria on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Sofia

Early breakfast to prepare for the journey to Plovdiv.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel Sofia to Plovdiv

Drive or train journey of approximately 2 hours to Bulgaria’s second largest city, known for Roman ruins and vibrant arts.
BGN20, 2h

11:00am

Old Town Plovdiv Walking Tour

Explore cobbled streets lined with colourful Revival-era houses and Roman theatre ruins. Ideal for culture lovers.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pavaj Restaurant

Enjoy Bulgarian and Mediterranean inspired dishes with a view of the Old Town.
BGN25, 1h

2:30pm

Ethnographic Museum

Learn about Bulgarian culture and traditions in this beautiful 19th-century building. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN8, 1h

4:00pm

Kapana Creative District

Discover creative shops, art studios, and lively cafes in this trendy neighbourhood.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryahovetsa

Sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a relaxed historic setting.
BGN30, 1.5h
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Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo Heritage

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Check-out Plovdiv Hotel

Quick breakfast before departure for Veliko Tarnovo.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo

Drive approximately 3 hours to the medieval capital with breathtaking fortress views.
BGN25, 3h

11:30am

Explore Tsarevets Fortress

Visit the iconic hilltop fortress known for its medieval walls, towers, and panoramic views. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
BGN10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shtastlivetsa

Relax in this popular restaurant serving traditional dishes and local wines in the town centre.
BGN25, 1h

3:00pm

Samovodska Charshia Market Street

Browse artisan shops, souvenir stores, and crafts in this historic market street.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Learn more about the region’s extensive history and archaeological finds. Open until 6:00pm.
BGN8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gurko

Indulge in traditional Bulgarian fare with elegant presentation and a charming garden terrace.
BGN35, 1.5h
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Day 5: Rose Valley & Kazanlak

Kazanlak, Bulgaria on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel Veliko Tarnovo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Rose Valley region.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel Veliko Tarnovo to Kazanlak

Drive 1.5 hours to the heart of the Rose Valley, famous for its rose oils and festivals.
BGN15, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Rose Museum

Explore Kazanlak’s specialty in rose oil production and seasonal rose celebrations. Museum open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN7, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Arbanashki Han

Enjoy traditional Bulgarian dishes and local rose products in a welcoming tavern atmosphere.
BGN20, 1h

2:00pm

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

Visit this UNESCO-listed ancient Thracian tomb with well-preserved frescoes. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN10, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at a nearby Rose Valley vineyard

Experience a wine tasting and stroll the picturesque fields of roses during summer season.
BGN25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Try local dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and regional wines.
BGN30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Shipka & History

Shipka, Bulgaria on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast

Enjoy an early breakfast before a day of historical visits.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel Kazanlak to Shipka

Short 30-minute drive to Shipka, home to the famous Shipka Memorial Church and historic monastery.
BGN5, 0.5h

9:45am

Shipka Memorial Church

Marvel at this ornate Russian-style church commemorating the Russo-Turkish War, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shipka Monument

Climb to the top of the monument for stunning views of the Balkan Mountains and learn about Bulgaria’s fight for independence.
BGN5, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shipka local restaurant

Enjoy rustic Bulgarian food in a traditional mountain village setting.
BGN20, 1h

2:30pm

Travel Shipka to Rila Monastery

Drive about 3 hours heading south to the iconic Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest and most famous monastery.
BGN25, 3h

6:00pm

Visit Rila Monastery

Tour the monastery’s beautiful frescoes and architecture; open until 8:00pm.
BGN10, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rila Monastery Guesthouse

Enjoy simple and hearty traditional monastery-style cooking with fresh mountain ingredients.
BGN20, 1h
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Day 7: Rila to Black Sea

Varna, Bulgaria on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rila Monastery Guesthouse

Fuel up early for today's travel with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel Rila Monastery to Varna

Travel approximately 5.5 hours east to the Black Sea coastal city of Varna.
BGN40, 5.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Morski Dyadya

Enjoy fresh seafood and seaside views just minutes from the beach.
BGN35, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Varna Archaeological Museum

See one of Europe’s richest collections of ancient gold and artefacts from the Varna Necropolis. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN10, 1.5h

5:30pm

Walk along the Sea Garden (Morska Gradina)

Relax and take in the beautiful park, fountains and beach promenade.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Sea Terrace

Dine outdoors on fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes by the sea.
BGN40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Varna & Coastal Relaxation

Varna, Bulgaria on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Green Tomato Beach Bar

Enjoy breakfast by the sea with stunning views and fresh offerings.
BGN15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Aladzha Monastery

Explore this medieval cave monastery complex hidden in the forests near Varna. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
BGN6, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Happy Bar & Grill

Casual dining with a variety of Bulgarian and international dishes in central Varna.
BGN20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Varna Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon swimming or sunbathing on Varna's sandy beach.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Visit Roman Thermae

Walk through the remains of the largest Roman baths in the Balkans, located near the city centre.
BGN5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Di Wine

Elegant dining featuring Bulgarian wines and a modern take on traditional flavours.
BGN45, 1.5h
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Day 9: More Black Sea Beauty

Varna, Bulgaria on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring more of the coast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Excursion to Golden Sands Resort

Short 20-minute drive to this popular beach resort with sandy beaches and cafes.
BGN10, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Casa Beach Bar

Relax with tapas and cocktails on the beach at a lively hotspot.
BGN25, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Varna and Visit Naval Museum

Explore Bulgaria’s maritime history and view exhibits of ships and submarines. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
BGN7, 1h

5:00pm

Walk the Varna promenade

Enjoy the sunset views and vibrant atmosphere of this seaside city’s popular promenade.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Sea Terrace (revisit)

Conclude your Black Sea adventure with a memorable seafood dinner again by the coast.
BGN40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Return to Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out Varna Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for return to Sofia.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel Varna to Sofia

Long drive or train journey approximately 5.5 hours back to Bulgaria’s capital city.
BGN40, 5.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Made In Home, Sofia

Modern, cosy restaurant serving Bulgarian comfort food with a twist, ideal to relax after travel.
BGN25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Boyana Waterfall outside Sofia

Short excursion for nature lovers to see a lovely waterfall nearby, open access trail.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Borisova Gradina Park

Wind down at Sofia's largest and most beautiful park, great for an evening stroll.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Vodenitzata

Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a historic watermill restaurant, perfect for a last night celebration.
BGN40, 1.5h
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