12 days Bulgaria
Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - Varna - Burgas - Plovdiv - Sofia
Your journey at a glance
- Sofia (2 nights)
- Veliko Tarnovo (2 nights)
- Varna (2 nights)
- Burgas (2 nights)
- Plovdiv (2 nights)
- Sofia (1 night)
- Further highlights:
- Rila Monastry
- City of Pleven
- Stara Zagora, one of the oldest towns in Europe
Geotoura – Hotel concept
When we include a hotel in our programme, it is not only a high standard of quality that is important to us. We prefer typical local accommodation, often boutique hotels with a special ambience. They emphasise the character of an individual trip: Panoramic views, particularly lovely furnishings, a location in historic centres, no mass tourism and, of course, exceptionally friendly hosts – these are important criteria for us.
We divide our hotels into four separate Geotoura categories. Of course, you have the choice and can also combine the categories on one trip.
Boutique Hotels – Four categories
Encantador (“Charming”): Our most affordable option. Lovingly furnished rooms that offer everything the discerning traveller expects.
Especial (“Special”): Hotels with a special ambience – historic palaces, monasteries, haciendas or beach hotels with exceptional charm. Perfect for the classic cultural tour.
Extraordinario (“Extraordinary”): Luxurious hotels in excellent locations and with the highest level of comfort, often in centuries-old aristocratic palaces, old oil mills or haciendas.
Luna de Miel (“honeymoon”): For the honeymoon – span. Luna de miel – or if you want to treat yourself to something out of the ordinary …
Character of this travel idea
Experience culture
Bulgaria is a country with a deep-rooted history – and this tour brings its culture to life. In Sofia, among Orthodox churches and the remains of Roman architecture, you can feel the heartbeat of a capital city in transition. A visit to the Rila Monastery, nestled in the forests of the national park of the same name, reveals the spiritual side of the country: artistically painted arcades, centuries-old frescoes and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo, welcomes you with its narrow streets in the old town, while high above, the Tsarevets Fortress tells the story of medieval rulers. The village of Arbanassi is no less impressive, with its richly decorated houses and churches that once belonged to merchants and nobles. Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, combines antiquity, Ottoman heritage and a modern art scene in a small space. This cultural diversity makes Bulgaria an exciting mosaic of eras and influences.
Experience nature
This 12-day tour of Bulgaria offers a succession of impressive natural landscapes. The Rila National Park is particularly memorable: alpine landscapes, tranquil forests and crystal-clear mountain lakes – a retreat for rare animal species and hiking enthusiasts. This contrasts with the mild Black Sea climate around Varna and Burgas, where wide beaches and rocky bays characterise the coastline.
The drive through the Rose Valley near Kazanlak leaves a lasting impression, especially in early summer: blooming fields, enchanting scents and traditional rose oil production characterise this region. Around Pleven, you will discover green hills and small wineries nestled in a peaceful, almost untouched environment. Even the cities feel close to nature in many places – for example, Plovdiv with its green hills or Sofia with the nearby Vitosha Mountains. Bulgaria surprises with its scenic diversity and always offers moments of tranquillity – between mountains, coasts and wide plains.
Bulgarias authentic cuisine
Anyone who wants to get to know Bulgaria’s cuisine will quickly notice on this tour that the flavours are as diverse as the landscapes. In Sofia, small family restaurants serve traditional dishes such as ‘kawarma’ – a spicy meat stew – or ‘banitsa’, a hearty puff pastry cake that is often served for breakfast. On the Black Sea coast in Varna and Burgas, freshly caught fish dishes dominate the menus. Accompanied by a glass of local white wine, they unfold their full flavour.
In Plovdiv, on the other hand, the cuisine reflects the city’s long history: Ottoman influences, modern interpretations and a strong awareness of regional ingredients characterise the scene. Meals in rural regions – such as the village of Arbanassi – are particularly atmospheric. Here, the air is filled with the aroma of grilled food, fresh vegetables from the market and herbs from the garden. Bulgarian cuisine tells stories – of hospitality, traditions and simple pleasures.
The authentic Bulgaria
In Plovdiv, it is worth taking a detour to the creative Kapana Zone, where small studios, cosy cafés and a lively street art scene characterise the neighbourhood. Those interested in history will find a surprisingly modern presentation of Bulgarian history at the Panorama Museum in Pleven. An evening on the Black Sea is also memorable: the light dancing on the water, the sound of the waves and perhaps a stroll through the old town of Nessebar. It is moments like these that make your tour of Bulgaria so special.
Why can't I find any prices on geotoura.com?
We do not offer standardised packages. Your Geotoura trip is customised according to your wishes.
We make this possible thanks to our high level of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the country as well as our excellent network of partners. You can look forward to extraordinary experiences, charming boutique hotels and very special insider tips on site.
Geotoura stands for the perfect planning of your personalised dream trip. Your individual price will therefore only include what really enriches your holiday.
Compared to standard holidays, this price is competitive. You will usually receive the comprehensive holiday design within 24 hours on working days.
Highly personalised trips are our speciality and the pleasure you deserve.