Beautiful Bulgaria (2023)

Take a late afternoon/early evening flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. This will be an overnight flight with a stop in one of Europe’s large cities.

In the early afternoon arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria. Spend the night in the capital city and adjust to your new surroundings. This evening we will gather for our Welcome Dinner.

Today we step back in time…we will all take a historic walking tour of Sofia! The Founder of Balkan Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization working in the field of cultural preservation will lead the walk. Traverse the Roman roads, head into the catacombs, and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

After lunch in Sofia and time to walk on the famous Vitosha Boulevard, we will depart for Stolat and the Stone & Compass Center.

Take a day trip to the 2nd Bulgarian empire’s capital city of Veliko Tarnovo. Here you will have the opportunity to climb Tsaravets Fortress which was the hub of this medieval city. Shopping, gelato, and traditional crafts make Veliko a favorite of all who visit. We will visit with local crafters and meet the director of archaeological excavations for the region.

Tonight, we will have a special treat at the center – Bulgarian Dancers and a pizza party!

Today you will visit an ethnographic open air living museum “Etara” where you will get to see craftsmen working on traditional water powered machinery. A great place to sample traditional sweets and baked goods and buy handcrafts to bring home to your family and friends.

We will travel north to the border city of Ruse, also known as Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna”. Ruse is also the largest Bulgarian port on the Danube River Here will take a boat cruise on the Danube, the “friendly border” separating Bulgaria and Romania.

Afterward, you will have time to explore the city of Ruse and admire the city’s unique architecture.

Today you get a chance to visit two of Bulgaria’s beautiful ecological gems.

First, we will visit Devetashka Cave – home to more than 30,000 bats. The site has been continuously occupied by Paleo humans for tens of thousands of years.

Next, we will visit Krushuna Waterfalls. The main waterfall extends to around 65 feet and splits into multiple, smaller waterfalls as it cascades downhill. It is a beautiful and relaxing spot for a picnic lunch!

This afternoon, we will have a Bulgarian cooking class at the center. You will have a chance to learn Bulgarian cooking secrets.

This morning we will head out on our Black Sea adventure, first visiting the town of Sozopol. Here you will have a chance to enjoy the beach as well as experience the old town.

We will also visit Saint Ivan Island. Saint Ivan Island, along with the Old Town of Sozopol was voted the most important of “Bulgaria’s Wonders” in 2011 as in 2010, archaeological excavations unearthed holy relics of Saint John the Baptist.

Later this afternoon we will travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nessebar, where we will check into our hotel and have dinner. Here you will have an opportunity to learn about its important Greek, Roman, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Turkish past.

This morning you will have an opportunity to explore the historic streets of Nessebar and the many shops located in the old town.

This afternoon we will take a boat trip. Get panoramic views of the coastlines and stop for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. You will also hear about the flora, fauna, and ecosystem of the area as we travel. We will have lunch and drinks on our excursion as well.

This morning we will wake in Nessebar and travel to the ancient city of Plovdiv.

Enjoy an incredible tour of this city including the old town and ancient Roman amphitheater. (Night in Plovdiv – possible concert at amphitheater)

After enjoying a bit more of Plovdiv, we will return to Sofia, were you will have the chance to explore the city one last time before we will gather this evening for a final, Farewell Dinner.

Wake today and cherish the memories you have made as we head back to the US.