The best of Bulgaria in 12 days
When someone asks me ‘’what would you recommend to do, see and experience in Bulgaria?’’ I reply ‘’Depends on what you like’’. Bulgaria has it all – mountains, sunny beaches, history, culture, festivals, extreme activities and all this is affordable and easily reachable.
However, the most difficult part of visiting Bulgaria remains getting around as everything is written in Cyrillic (although translated into Latin alphabet) and local people in remote areas don’t speak English. That why, if you are a first-time explorer of Bulgaria and you really want to make the best of it, I would recommend you to go on an organized 12-days tour offered by Bulgarian Private Tours & Transfers: https://bgprivatetour.com/?lang=en.
That way you’ll get it all – breathtaking mountains, sunny beaches, a taste of Bulgarian culture and history, extreme activities and more.
Day 1: The capital of Bulgaria – Sofia
Sofia is a wonderful place and if you are up for, an organized tour can be booked for you. Many of the attractions are concentrated in the city centre, so you can visit them all-in-once.
Day 2: The symbol of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria. It’s located in the Rila Mountain. This is one of the most beautiful houses of worship I’ve ever seen, so don’t be surprised not to be alone there!
From the Rila, it’s time to hit to the south and arrive in Sandanski – well-known as a sunny city – 2700 annual sunshine hours!!! Chances are high that the wheatear is great when you end up there, no matter the season.
Day 3: Mystic places – Rupite and Melnik
The third day is dedicated to a very special and mystical place in Bulgaria – Rupite. It’s the region where the famous Bulgarian clairvoyant Baba Vanga spent her life. Legends tell that this place has healing powers and many people undertake a pilgrimage to Rupite.
After Rupite, it’s time for Bulgarian wine – tasting in Melnik. It’s the perfect place for a hike because the town is surrounded by sand rocks where you can wander and disconnect from the world. Wine and food are supremely delicious in the region, you won’t be disappointed.
Day 4
Mountains and SPA, what else? On day 4 you’ll head to the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria – Bansko. It’s located in the PirinMountains and depending on the free time you’ll have, I would recommend you to visit the town itself as the houses reveal the typical Bulgarian architecture of 18th century and many museum-houses of famous Bulgarian public figures are open to visitors.
After a day of travelling and sightseeing, the time has come to soak in a SPA in Devin, a town not far away from Bansko.
Day 5
On day 5, you’ll be booked some extreme experiences and visit Yagodinska cave, the Devil throat cave and get an off-road drive to Eagle’s eye. All these natural wonders are located in the magnificent Rhodopes Mountains. Breathe deeply and enjoy the scenery. You will skip neither Buinovsko Gorge nor The Trigrad Gorge. After a day in the wild, you’ll get a Bulgarian barbecue for dinner – called ‘’Cheverme’’ and enjoy a Bag Pipe performance – the real sound of the Rhodopes Mountains.
Day 6 and 7: Immerse yourself in Bulgarian history, architecture, culture and music. On day 6 and 7 you’ll embark on a great tour and visit ShirokaLaka village – a place where you can see authentic Bulgarian houses and hear authentic Bulgarian music. Afterwards, you’ll step in the 2nd biggest monastery in Bulgaria – Bachkovski monastery and all this will culminate in Plovdiv – the oldest city in Europe.
Day 8, 9 and 10 Sunny beaches. The best of the Black Sea Coast is on the list – starting with Sozopol– the get-together of the annual art festival ‘’Apollonia’’.Nessebar comes next – beaches, cosy little streets, wine and summer breeze. Next stop – Varna – the Sea Capital of Bulgaria and the best of the region – the Medieval Orthodox cave monastery ‘’Aladzha’’ and the Royal Balchik and its gorgeous botanical garden.
On day 10 you’ll fall in love with Bulgaria in VelikoTarnovo – the former capital of Bulgaria and that’s how and where your adventure will end!!!
See you soon in the Land of Roses!
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