Bulgaria at its best: between the Black Sea and sacred mountains

After breakfast, you have the option of driving to the Boyana Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Hidden within a small stone chapel are some of the most moving medieval frescoes in Europe: expressive faces, preserved colors, and religious scenes depicted with rare humanity. A true encounter with history.

Head towards the mountains and, on the way, stop at the UNESCO Rila Monastery, the spiritual heart of the country. A monastic fortress in an alpine setting, brightly colored frescoes, a powerful silence between the arches. The view of the peaks is breathtaking.

You continue on to Rila where your hotel is surrounded by pine trees and fresh air. A soothing atmosphere, ideal for recharging before the big hike the next day.

Overnight stay in Rila.

After breakfast, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Balkans awaits you: the Seven Rila Lakes, perched between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Each lake bears a symbolic name: the Ear, the Tear, the Twin…

The ascent offers increasingly panoramic views, culminating in a vista suspended above the crystal-clear waters. Nature lovers and those who appreciate contemplation will experience a truly memorable moment of their trip here.

At the end of the day, return to the valley to enjoy the calm of the mountains.

Overnight stay in Rila.

After breakfast, the road leads south, where the landscape changes: the vegetation becomes Mediterranean, the soil drier and ochre-colored. Upon arrival, Melnik astonishes with its scenery of natural sand pyramids, sculpted by erosion. You can also discover the Pyramids of Melnik, spectacular rock formations classified as a natural phenomenon, whose steep ridges offer magnificent panoramic views of the valley and the village of Karlanovo.

The Ottoman houses made of wood and stone are a reminder of an ancient trading history.

Overnight stay in Melnik

After breakfast, discover the Kordopoulov house: built in 1754 by a family of wealthy wine producers, it is the largest residence from the Revival period, offering a superb view of the city.

Head to the Rozhen Monastery, perched above the hills with a sublime view of the pyramids and, on a clear day, as far as the Greek mountains.

Optional: You will visit a renowned local estate where you will learn about the history of indigenous grape varieties and taste several wines. It's an encounter with a generous culture and a vibrant passion.

In the evening, gentle walks in the village and exploration of local taverns.

Overnight stay in Melnik.

Arrival in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, inhabited for over 8,000 years. Check-in to your hotel in the heart of the historic center, then your first exploration on foot in the cobbled streets of the old town.

A highlight: discovering the Roman theatre, one of the best preserved in the world, still used for open-air performances. Continuing your walk, you'll come across Bulgarian Renaissance houses with colourful facades, testaments to the great trading era of the 19th century.

In the evening, head to Kapana, the bohemian district where designer cafes, art galleries and street art create a festive and creative atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Plovdiv

A day to discover Plovdiv at your own pace.

You can climb Nebet Tepe, one of the city's hills where the remains of the Thracian fortification are located, and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over the rooftops of Plovdiv and the Maritsa Valley.

The old town is full of galleries, museums and artisans, perfect for immersing yourself in Bulgarian culture.

Overnight stay in Plovdiv.

After breakfast, you leave the culture behind for the sea: a smooth drive to Sozopol, one of the most charming ports on the Black Sea.

Settled into your hotel with a sea view, you set off to explore the old town, a labyrinth of wooden houses perched on the rocks with the sound of the waves as a backdrop.

Swimming is possible at the end of the day on one of the golden beaches that the bay offers, or simply relaxing in front of the sunset.

Overnight stay in Sozopol

After breakfast, a relaxing day in one of the most beautiful towns on the Bulgarian coast. The old town of Sozopol, perched on a rocky spur, reveals its cobbled streets lined with typical wooden houses.

It's a pleasure to get lost there: every turn opens onto the sea, an art gallery or a small tavern facing the seagulls.

Overnight stay in Sozopol

After breakfast, take the scenic coastal road to Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will discover an exceptional site: a historic peninsula, surrounded by ramparts, housing a unique concentration of Byzantine churches, romantic alleyways and traditional houses suspended above the sea.

Check into your boutique hotel in the old town, then free time to walk, taste, photograph: here every door tells a story.

Overnight stay in Nessebar

A full day in Nessebar to enjoy its half-medieval, half-seaside atmosphere.

You explore churches with ancient frescoes, discover small artisan shops, stop for a coffee on a balcony overlooking the sea… it’s an immersive journey between culture and Bulgarian dolce vita.

Swimming is possible in the small coves accessible within a few minutes' walk.

Overnight stay in Nessebar

After breakfast, you leave the coast to reach Veliko Tarnovo, nicknamed "the City of the Tsars".

This former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire stretches out like an amphitheater along the Yantra River. From your hotel, admire the houses perched one above the other, like a natural theatre set.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Tsarevets Fortress, a symbol of Bulgarian medieval power. The panoramic views of the hills and valley are spectacular, especially at the end of the day.

Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo

A day to further explore this incredible city.

Take a stroll through Samovodska Charshia, the artisans' quarter: weavers, potters, jewelers, copper masters... each one proudly opens their door.

It is also possible to visit the Boris Denev art gallery or admire the view from Trapezitsa hill.

In the evening, the old town lights up and the citadel takes on a magical air.

Night in Veliko Tarnovo

After breakfast, take a panoramic tour of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, which blends over 2,000 years of history: Roman ruins of Serdica, Ottoman heritage, Soviet architecture, and vibrant modern districts.

Discover the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, admire the ancient remains of the city center and stroll along the vibrant Vitosha Boulevard.

Stroll through the central covered market, then continue on to the Banya Bashi Mosque and the Great Synagogue of Sofia, testaments to the city's cultural diversity. Dominated by Mount Vitosha, Sofia offers easy access to nature and charms visitors with its authenticity, far removed from mass tourism.

Optional: Guided tour of Sofia - €120

Overnight stay in Sofia.

Breakfast at the hotel then transfer to Sofia airport for the return flight.