Itinerary

Bulgaria is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of adventures to be had. Here's an ideal itinerary for 21 days in Bulgaria that will satisfy your thirst for adventure:

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Upon arrival in Sofia, you can spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the Vitosha Boulevard. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Hiking in Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain is just a short drive from Sofia and offers some of the best hiking trails in Bulgaria. Spend the day hiking to the summit of Cherni Vrah, the highest peak in the mountain. Enjoy the stunning views of Sofia and the surrounding area.

Day 3: Rila Monastery

Take a day trip to Rila Monastery, one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Bulgaria. Explore the monastery and its beautiful frescoes, and then hike to the nearby Stob Pyramids, a unique natural phenomenon.

Day 4: Plovdiv

Travel to Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria. Spend the day exploring the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ancient Stadium, and the Ethnographic Museum.

Day 5: Bachkovo Monastery

Take a day trip to Bachkovo Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Bulgaria. Explore the monastery and its beautiful frescoes, and then hike to the nearby Waterfall Canyon.

Day 6: Kazanlak

Travel to Kazanlak, the center of the Rose Valley. Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then take a tour of a rose oil distillery.

Day 7: Shipka Pass

Take a day trip to Shipka Pass, a historic mountain pass that played a key role in the Russo-Turkish War. Visit the Shipka Memorial Church and the Shipka Monument, and then hike to the nearby Buzludzha Monument.

Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo

Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Spend the day exploring the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Tsarevets Fortress, the Samovodska Charshia, and the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly.

Day 9: Arbanasi

Take a day trip to Arbanasi, a picturesque village near Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Nativity Church, the Church of St. Demetrius, and the Konstantsalieva House.

Day 10: Belogradchik Rocks

Travel to the Belogradchik Rocks, a unique natural phenomenon in northwestern Bulgaria. Spend the day hiking and exploring the rock formations, and then visit the Belogradchik Fortress.

Day 11: Vidin

Travel to Vidin, a city on the Danube River. Visit the Baba Vida Fortress, the Vidin Synagogue, and the St. Pantaleimon Church.

Day 12: Danube River Cruise

Take a Danube River cruise from Vidin to Ruse. Enjoy the stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Day 13: Ruse

Explore Ruse, the fifth-largest city in Bulgaria. Visit the Regional Historical Museum, the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes, and the Freedom Monument.

Day 14: Madara Rider

Take a day trip to the Madara Rider, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the rock relief and the nearby Madara Horseman Museum.

Day 15: Shumen

Travel to Shumen, a city in northeastern Bulgaria. Visit the Shumen Fortress, the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, and the Tombul Mosque.

Day 16: Balchik

Travel to Balchik, a seaside town on the Black Sea coast. Visit the Balchik Palace and the Botanical Garden.

Day 17: Kaliakra Cape

Take a day trip to Kaliakra Cape, a scenic cape on the Black Sea coast. Visit the Kaliakra Fortress and the Kaliakra Nature Reserve.

Day 18: Nessebar

Travel to Nessebar, a historic town on the Black Sea coast. Explore the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Church of St. Stephen, the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 19: Sozopol

Travel to Sozopol, a seaside town on the Black Sea coast. Visit the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Church of St. Zosima, the Church of the Holy Mother of God, and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 20: Burgas

Explore Burgas, the fourth-largest city in Bulgaria. Visit the Sea Garden, the Burgas Museum of Ethnography, and the St. Cyril and St. Methodius Cathedral.

Day 21: Departure

Depart from Bulgaria with unforgettable memories of your adventure-filled trip.