This is the perfect trip for those that want to experience the magic of the Rhodope mountain range!
The Rhodopes are rich in memorials of the megalith culture and the Eastern Rhodopes are the richest in the Balkans. The first Thracians that inhabited this land, also known as the "rock people", have left incredible facilities cut into the rocks and scattered all over these magical mountains.
This region is full of myths, traditions and legends that have been passed down over generations; the food is even made the same way as it was hundreds of years ago. This region is rich with memories and culture and this trip will share it all with you!
This seven-day trip is the perfect introduction. Let us guide you around this special and uniquely Bulgarian region. This is the perfect trip for those that want to experience the magic of the Rhodope mountain range!
The Rhodopes are rich in memorials of the megalith culture and the Eastern Rhodopes are the richest in the Balkans. The first Thracians that inhabited this land, also known as the "rock people", have left incredible facilities cut into the rocks and scattered all over these magical mountains.
This region is full of myths, traditions and legends that have been passed down over generations; the food is even made the same way as it was hundreds of years ago. This region is rich with memories and culture and this trip will share it all with you!
This seven-day trip is the perfect introduction. Let us guide you around this special and uniquely Bulgarian region.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Sofia
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Upon arrival in Sofia, you will be transferred to your hotel in the centre of the city. In the evening, you'll meet your guide at around 5 pm; he will run you through how the tour will work and what you will be getting up to each day of this fabulous trip. Afterwards, your guide will be able to give you recommendations if you wish to go out and explore the city and find somewhere to have dinner or a drink.
Accommodation
Sofia 6ato Art Hostel
Transportations
Private Driver from Sofia Airport to Sofia
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Sofia
Day 2
Bee Farm & Haskovo
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After breakfast, you will depart from Sofia and head towards Haskovo. En-route, you will stop at an amazing bee farm. You will learn all about beekeeping, get to sample some delicious honey and a traditional lunch will be served. Upon your arrival in Haskovo, you will check into the hotel. In the early evening, there will be a very informal walking tour around the city which will introduce you to the main sights of Haskovo and help you to get your bearings.
Accommodation
Retro Hotel★3 star
Activities
Dimov Bio Beefarm
Haskovo
Transportations
Private Driver from Sofia to Haskovo
Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Destinations
Sofia
Spahievo
Haskovo
Day 3
Day Trip to Zlatograd Ethnographic Complex
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Today you will travel to Zlatograd, where you will visit the Ethnographic Area Complex in Zlatograd. This is an amazing place, often regarded as the spirit of ancient Bulgaria. You will see old houses, ancient shops and will visit some interesting museums. Upon your return to Haskovo, you have some free time, you can walk around the city, visit the places that you didn't get a chance to yesterday or just relax in the hotel spa. The choice is yours!
Accommodation
Retro Hotel★3 star
Activities
Zlatograd Ethnographic Area Complex
Transportations
Private Driver from Haskovo to Zlatograd
Private Driver from Zlatograd to Haskovo
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Haskovo
Zlatograd
Day 4
Explore Smolyan Town
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After breakfast, you will be on the road again. Today, you will travel to Smolyan which will be an amazing cultural experience. You will stay the night in a small guesthouse where you will learn about local Bulgarian food and traditions. You will have plenty of time to explore the town and the museum and in the evening, you will get to taste the famous Bulgarian “cheverme”, a delicious and authentic home-cooked meal.
Accommodation
Hotel Daffi
Activities
SmolyanOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Zlatograd to Smolyan
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Haskovo
Smoljan
Day 5
Marvellous Bridges, Rhodope Mountain & Narechenski Bani Village
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After your homemade breakfast, you will head out to see a truly breathtaking natural phenomenon; the Marvellous Bridges. These are natural arches in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria and are an incredible sight. After lunch, you will be taken to Narechenski Bani Village, a well-known spa resort and hotspot destination known for its famous mineral water which is said to have healing properties. This is where you will stay the night.
Accommodation
Balneo Comlex Medica Narechen
Activities
Marvellous Bridges
Narechenski BaniOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Smolyan to Narechen
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Smoljan
Narechen
Day 6
Holy Trinity Cross Forest & Back to Sofia
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After relaxing night in Narechesnki Bani, you will head to one of the holiest places in Bulgaria, the Holy Trinity Cross Forest. The Cross Forest is one of the biggest Bulgarian Orthodox sanctuaries and is the most well-known pilgrimage location in Bulgaria. After lunch, you will travel back to Sofia for your final night. Today, your guide will say goodbye but you will spend a final night in the city.
Accommodation
Sofia 6ato Art Hostel
Activities
Holy Trinity Cross Forest
Transportations
Private Driver from Narechenski Bani to Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Narechen
Plovdiv Province
Sofia
Day 7
Departure Day
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Today marks the end of your tour. Other than breakfast, there are no formal plans in place for today. If you require an airport transfer one can be arranged for you, or you can continue your journey on your own.
Transportations
Private Driver from Sofia to Sofia AirportOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Sofia
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What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
5 activities
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,294/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Bulgaria in 7 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer