Discover The Treasures of Bulgaria in a 8 Days Self Drive

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
sofia
1 stop
1
Sofia
Arrival at Sofia International Airport. Depending on the arrival time: City tour of central area or free time. The city tour usually starts from Alexander Nevski Cathedral, then continue to St. Sophia church,  along the Yellow square and with a view to all emblematic buildings around it, to the Presidency, St. George Rotunda and end with a nice walk along Vitoshka Pedestrian street to the National Palace of Culture. After this don't forget to visit on the outskirts of Sofia, to visit the Boyana Church; an UNESCO Heritage
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Melnik
3 stops
2
Stob's Pyramids
Exit the highway in the direction of Stob and soon you will see the orange-pink mountains on your left in the distance. Even now the Pyramids are a tiny spot but don’t worry,  that is just an illusion. Navigate through the somewhat deserted village of Stob and arrive at the bottom of the foothills of the Rila Mountains. Walk for 35 minutes on the winding path, which will lead you, the higher you get, to a breathtaking panoramic view.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
3
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery Hidden in the deep valley of the river Rilska and between the forests of the surrounding National Park, the Rila Monastery rises majestically in front of you!Founded in the 10th century by the holy hermit Saint Ivan Rilski, it has become the most famous monastery in Bulgaria and as such is considered the Treasure of Bulgaria. It is considered not only the most famous but also one of the oldest, the largest and still functioning monasteries, in short, the National Bulgarian pride, which according to its inhabitants represents the strength of a nation. With the preservation of its faith, traditions and Cyrillic writing, it is no wonder that it was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Melnik
Melnik is in many ways a unique place in Bulgaria. Surrounded by the already described Melnik Sand Pyramids, it is officially the smallest city in Bulgaria, with, according to the last count, only 325 inhabitants; where more than 10 000 inhabitants used to live here in history. In the middle of a famous wine region, Melnik is now a popular tourist destination. It used to be a famous trading centre with wealthy merchants who owned hundreds of camels (yes, there used to be camels here!) to cross the nearby and faraway lands. Traditionally located in the middle of a wine region, it is no wonder that Melnik has developed a robust and celebrated winemaking tradition, Sir Winston Churchill reportedly ordered 500 litres of Bulgarian Melnik wine each year in the run-up to and during World War II. Walk to the St. Nicholas Plateau is , from here the view of the magical Melnik Sand Earth pyramids is also breathtaking. We finish the day with wine tasting in Mitko's Shestaka's Wine Cellar.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Bansko
3 stops
5
Rozhen Monastery
Be amazed by the so-called Melnik Earth Pyramids on either side of your route. The sand Pyramids are a unique natural phenomenon and have been formed by centuries of erosion from wind and rain. If you have already visited the Rila Monastery or are still planning to, you will see the enormous contrast with Rozhen Monastery. The overwhelming magic and the impressive architecture have been exchanged here for tranquillity and simplicity.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
6
You will drive via the Magical Pirin Mountains! Also an old and historic place with well-preserved old-style houses, the gems of architecture in southwestern Bulgaria. Many of these restored houses have become accommodations for tourists
4 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Bansko
Bansko is a town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, which are part of Pirin National Park, in southwest Bulgaria. It’s a gateway to numerous ski and snowboard slopes on Todorka Peak, including the challenging Tomba run. Footpaths cross the park’s craggy alpine landscape, home to bears and wolves. The park is also known for the high-altitude Vihren Peak, with forested ridges and striking glacial lakes.
Admission ticket free
Day 4
Bansko Adventures
3 stops
8
Nothing compares to the pleasure of horseriding in the mountains - mountain slopes, fresh air, beautiful scenery, easy movements of the horses or fast galloping through green meadows, clear streams... and the singing of birds. So don't miss out on experiencing another emotion, with one of our most faithful companions since time immemorial - the horse.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
For lunch, we offer you another unique experience in the middle of the Rila Mountains. You will go via Belitsa, a town in southwestern Bulgaria, in Blagoevgrad Province, to Ribarnik ‘Rila’ Fish Restaurant. Belitsa is picturesquely located in the northeastern part of the Razlog Valley, in the valley of the Mesta River, between the southern slopes of Eastern Rila and the northern slopes of Western Rhodopi. Past Belitsa, 600m up the main road to the resort of Semkovo you will arrive at a great place where you can fish your own lunch and then have the catch prepared by the local chef of your choice for lunch in a unique entourage.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
In the past, bears were used as small-scale circus attractions. A musician would play music and the bear would 'dance'. The ugly truth behind this performance was nothing short of cruel torture. Fortunately, this way of treating bears was declared 'illegal' in 1998. Since the year 2000, an organization called 'Four Paws', in collaboration with the French Brigitte Bardot Foundation, is tackling the problem. It was decided that rescued bears would be housed in a forest near Belitsa, a small town in southwestern Bulgaria, 170 km south of the capital Sofia and about 35 km from the ski resort of Bansko.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Pamporovo
3 stops
11
Today we travel through the very southern part of the central Rhodopes to discovers the phenomenas of the Trigrad Gorge. It is the pearl of Bulgaria's cave world. The cave is named after the nearby village of Yagodina in the Rhodopi Mountains. The Yagodina Cave is a labyrinthine cave with several floors and offers a spectacle of incredibly beautiful caves. With 10.5 km it is the longest in the mountain range and there is a specially lit path for tourists, of which 360 m has been made suitable for the disabled.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
After the magical Yagodinska Caves, we have an appointment for Eagles' Eye. You will drive through the so-called Buynovo Gorge, the longest gorge in Bulgaria. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge rise up to hundreds of meters. The narrowest gorge between the cliffs is called "The Wolfs' Leap"; locals say the wolves would jump into the gorge during the winter to attack the sheep cages.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
13
Shiroka Laka is located on your route in the Rhodopi, Mountains, 16 km from Pamporovo. Laka is old Bulgarian for curve, or meander. Founded in the 17th century, it is now one of the many popular tourist destinations. The village has fortunately preserved its architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period, as well as its musical culture; the beautiful landscape and rich history, guarantee a lasting memory.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Plovdiv
3 stops
14
The Wonderful Bridges
Through the magic Rhodopi mountains to Plovdiv, a hidden gem. Deep and high in the majestic Rodhopi Mountains, there is a beautiful destination called The Wonderful Bridges (Chudnite Mostove). This is one of the most attractive and impressive natural phenomena in Europe. The bridges were formed by the erosive force of the once flooded river in the past, which eroded the marble slab into a deep water cave. The ceiling collapsed, creating majestic marble bridges. Actually, the Wonderful Bridges marble arches connect the banks of the Dalbok Dol (Deep Gorge) river. A thousand years ago there was a cave in the riverbed that collapsed after an earthquake. Over the centuries the river washed away the rubble and the beautiful bridges emerged.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Bachkovo Monastery
The Bachkovo Monastery is located in the north of the Rhodopi Mountains, not far from the town of Assenovgrad. Founded in the 11th century by two Georgian brothers, aristocrats in Byzantine military service, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the entire Balkans and one of the other ten Unesco World Heritage sites in Bulgaria. It is linked to three cultures: the Byzantine, the ancient Georgian and the Bulgarian. The Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and is beautifully situated on a ledge to the right of the valley of the Chepelarska River. The monastery complex is almost 8000 m² and is located about 440 meters above sea level. It includes two large courtyards and four churches.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
Asen's Fort is an important stop on the most popular religious and cultural routes through the Rhodopi Mountains. Asen's Fortress is a medieval fortress and a strong reminder of Bulgaria's glorious past. The fortress has existed since the time of the Thracians 3000 B.C. and was extended, fortified and named after Tsar Ivan Asenin 1231 during his reign. The panoramic views from the fortress of Asen are astonishing. It was for this reason that the fortress of Asen is located on this steep rocky hill and has been rebuilt over the centuries.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 7
sofia
1 stop
17
Before we head back to Sofia where it all begun we explore Plovdiv It is said to be one of the oldest living cities in Europe. It was originally built on seven hills, now there are only six: one was mined centuries ago for the construction of the city. With its long history and architectural heritage, Plovdiv's old town has acquired UNESCO protected heritage status, and has been given the official designation of "Architecture and Historical Reserve". As such, it was not surprisingly chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Because of its charm, Plovdiv is compared to other beautiful and historic cities and is called the Bulgarian Florence or Paris of the Balkans. After enjoying a traditionasl lunch time to go back to Sofia
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Sofia
1 stop
18
Sofia
Depending on your departure time , and in case you didnt have time enough on the arrival day: City tour of central area or free time. The city tour usually starts from Alexander Nevski Cathedral, then continue to St. Sophia church,  along the Yellow square and with a view to all emblematic buildings around it, to the Presidency, St. George Rotunda and end with a nice walk along Vitoshka Pedestrian street to the National Palace of Culture. After this don't forget to visit on the outskirts of Sofia, to visit the Boyana Church; an UNESCO Heritage
6 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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