Morning: Depart from London Heathrow on a direct flight to Shumen Airport, enjoying a comfortable 3‑hour journey. After landing, take a taxi to your hotel in the city centre.
Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation and stroll through the Old Town, admiring the historic houses and sampling a quick coffee at a local café.
Evening: Dine at the traditional restaurant Staria, where you can try Bulgarian specialties such as banitsa and kavarma.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the imposing Shumen Fortress, exploring its restored walls and panoramic views over the city.
Afternoon: Head to the Shumen Historical Museum to discover artifacts that trace the region’s Thracian and medieval past.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed walk along the City Park and grab a light dinner at the nearby Park Café.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a guided bus to the UNESCO‑listed Madara Rider, a magnificent rock relief carved in the 8th century.
Afternoon: Explore the surrounding archaeological site and the nearby Madara Monastery, then enjoy a traditional lunch at a village tavern.
Evening: Return to Shumen and unwind with a casual dinner at Kapitan, known for its live folk music.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the towering Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, climbing the observation platform for sweeping city views.
Afternoon: Wander around Culture Square, stopping at the Regional Art Gallery to admire contemporary Bulgarian works.
Evening: Sample street food at the bustling Shumen Night Market and enjoy a glass of local wine.
Find HotelsMorning: Delve deeper into local history at the Archaeological Museum, featuring exhibits on the ancient Getae.
Afternoon: Participate in a cooking workshop at the Bulgarian Culinary School, learning to prepare dishes like shopska salad and kavarma.
Evening: Savor the fruits of your labor with a communal dinner, followed by a leisurely stroll along the illuminated Riverbank promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a comfortable coach to the Black Sea city of Varna, arriving in time to explore the historic Varna Archaeological Museum.
Afternoon: Walk the famous Sea Garden, relax on the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor-side restaurant Sea Breeze.
Evening: Return to Shumen, where you can relax with a nightcap at the hotel bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the scenic trails of the nearby Kazanlak Nature Reserve, spotting local flora and birdlife.
Afternoon: Picnic near the crystal‑clear Kotel River, then visit the charming village of Kostinbrod for traditional crafts.
Evening: Return to Shumen for a cozy dinner at Villa Diana, offering a garden setting and live acoustic music.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the bustling Shumen Central Market**, where you’ll find fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, and local cheeses.
Afternoon: Shop for Bulgarian woolen goods and ceramics at the boutique Handcrafts Gallery, and enjoy a coffee break at Bean & Leaf.
Evening: Attend a cultural performance at the Shumen Drama Theatre**, showcasing traditional dance and music.
Find HotelsMorning: Unwind with a spa session at the hotel’s wellness center, featuring a sauna and aromatherapy massage.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely bike ride around the Lake Shumen, stopping for a light lunch at the lakeside café Blue Wave.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the upscale restaurant Vitosha, celebrating the trip with a toast of Bulgarian rakia.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and check out of the hotel, storing luggage at the concierge if needed.
Afternoon: Transfer to Shumen Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow, reflecting on a memorable Bulgarian adventure.
Evening: Arrive back in London, concluding the trip.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a full day in Varna to explore its Roman baths and the Sea Garden in depth, or a night in the nearby historic town of Pleven. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by visiting the Monument, Cultural Square, and museums in a single day, and replace the Day 7 nature excursion with a shorter walk in the city park.