Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Welcome to Bulgaria
Upon your arrival at Sofia Airport, your designated guide will be present to warmly welcome you and arrange seamless transportation to the heart of the city, specifically to the Boutique Hotel Oborishte, where you'll be accommodated. You will have the day to explore if you'd like or rest and relax before the exciting days ahead of you.
Highlights and Markets of Sofia
In the morning, explore Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, and its main attractions: Roman ruins, central thermal springs, landmarks like the National Theatre Ivan Vazov, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia University, the Mosque, the Synagogue, and the 4th-century Round church St. George. As well as The National Archaeological Museum which houses the famed Thracian Golden treasures from Bulgaria dating back to the 4th century BC. Additionally, visit two emblematic markets: the Antiques market near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, offering diverse antiques like old cameras, coins, hand-knitted socks, Russian matryoshka dolls, jewelry boxes, allowing for bargaining on prices. The Women's Market, Sofia's oldest, emerged after the Ottomans departed Bulgaria in the late 19th century. Despite a challenging start, it evolved into one of the largest trading hubs of the 20th century. The market offers stalls teeming with fresh produce, spices, and an array of shops and eateries along a bustling pedestrian street. Lunch will be prepared with ingredients purchased locally at Farmhopping Kitchen, featuring farm-fresh ingredients, and lunch will later be followed by leisure time in the afternoon. The day concludes with a dinner experience at a refined restaurant like Shtastlivetsa or a similar establishment.
Cook With the Locals
On day 3 we will head to the less known but beautiful region of South Sakar mountain. On our way we will stop in the town of Panagyurishte where we will have a cooking class and a lunch with our hosts from Djudjeva House. You'll learn to make Panagyurski Tutmanik, a traditional banitsa with white cheese. Join your hosts to knead dough, hand-roll crusts, add cheese, and bake it. Afterward, enjoy tasting it along with other dishes like beans made in a clay pot, Panagyurshte’s eggs (seared eggs with white cheese and Bulgarian yogurt), Panagyurishka lukanka (homemade sausage with special herbs), and more. After lunch you will have the opportunity to change into a traditional and authentic costume and take pictures in the beautiful yard of Djudjeva House. Later you will continue to the village of Glavan where you will spend the next 2 days. Dinner accompanied by local wines.
Traditional Crafts, Songs and Lunch Among Vineyards
On day 4 we'll explore Dositeevo village, discovering local crafts, sesame-based dishes, and experiencing traditional singing by the village grandmothers. Later, we will enjoy a homemade casserole for lunch with a beautiful view of the Kolarovo vineyards. In the afternoon we will see one of the best preserved dolmens, along with the Alexander Tomb - a monumental Thracian monument (optional). We will return to our hotel for a second overnight.
The Valley of Roses
In the morning of day 5 we will head to the “Mekka” of the roses - Kazanlak (the cultural center of the Rose Valley, where the world-wide famous Rose Festival takes place. Visit the Rose Museum in Kazanlak, renowned for rose production and the trade of rose oil, a key aspect of the region's identity and Bulgaria's economy. Join in May/June to partake in rose picking and create rose-based desserts like jam, guided by a professional pastry chef. Worth visiting is also the copy of the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb which is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. It is dated to the end of the IV century BC. and the beginning of then 3rd-century BC. Later you will continue to the second largest city in Bulgaria which was European Capital of Culture in 2019 – Plovdiv.
Wine Tasting Near Plovdiv
After breakfast, on day 6, you will be transferred south towards Rhodope mountains for a visit to the Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest in Bulgaria (optional walk in the forests surrounding the monastery). Later you will continue to the small Dragomir Winery Estate where you will have the chance to taste local wines, accompanied by a light lunch. In the afternoon you will return to Plovdiv for a walking tour (1.5 - 3 hours) of its historic center, designated as an open-air museum. Explore cultural landmarks spanning various eras: the Roman amphitheater and stadium, the 4th-century Eastern Gate, the Ethnographical museum, the 14th-century Djumaya Mosque (Bulgaria's oldest), and 18th-19th century mansions. Plovdiv, acclaimed as Bulgaria's most visited and stunning city, was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
Bulgarian Craft Beer and Folklore Dances
On day 7 you'll travel to Perushtitsa and visit the Hills Brewery Park, savoring local craft beer and exploring park attractions like the mini zoo, lake, and mountain views. Afterward, head to Gorno Draglishte for a traditional lunch hosted by Deshka, a member of Slow Food Movement. Indulge in regional dishes and relish a folklore performance by village grandmothers. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the village of Kovachevitsa. It was chosen for the shooting of more than 20 historical films, a classy and well-preserved architectural ensemble.
Muslim Minority in Bulgarian Villages
On day 8 you will be transferred to the village of Ribnovo. In Ribnovo people are Muslim of Pomak origin and there are two mosques. The village is famous for its culture and weddings. The wedding customs are unique to the village. They have been preserved from the old Bulgarian customs and have been influenced by the Islamic traditions. The wedding season is during autumn and winter. The festivities last for 5 days which includes a lot of singing and dancing in the center of the village. On the second day the bride's face is painted white with sequins.
Struma River Valley and the Sand Pyramids
After breakfast on day 9 you will be transferred to the town of Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria. It lies between sand pyramids and the southern one Pirin Mountains and is known as one of the greatest wine regions in Bulgaria. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the village of Zornitsa. Accommodation at Zornitsa Family Estate Relais & Chateaux – an exquisite chateau for true wine and luxury lovers.
Relaxation and Wine Tasting
On this day you will have time for relaxation. Around noon we can visit the organic winery Orbelus surrounded by seven mountains in the Melnik region. Not only is the wine-making process organic but also the architecture of the winery reduces the input of resources such as lighting, heating and cooling. This provides for a wine experience in full unison with nature. Wine tasting and lunch. Before returning to our chateaux we may visit the Rozhen monastery nestled in the Melnik Earth Pyramids. It is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries well preserved until today. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. You can enjoy therapies and massages at your hotel.
Rila Monastery and Back to Sofia
After checking out, you'll be taken to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century and known as Bulgaria's spiritual center. Explore the cave where its founder, St. Ivan Rilski, once resided. Follow a forest trail through ancient beech forests to reach the Monastery. Enjoy sightseeing within the complex. For lunch, visit Medi Valley winery for a final meal and wine tasting. Later, transfer to Sofia for the last overnight stay and dinner. En route, a possible stop at Boyana Church, another UNESCO Site, a medieval Orthodox Bulgarian church renowned for its well-preserved frescoes.
Last day- Goodbye!
Following a delightful breakfast, you'll be chauffeured to the bustling Sofia Airport, where your journey concludes as you board your flight. Enjoy the final moments of your stay as you head homeward or venture on to your next adventure.