Bulgaria Tours & Trips
Imagine Bulgaria's Rila Monastery nestled in mountain forests - a truly breathtaking sight. Or wandering through Plovdiv's old Roman streets. Bulgaria charms with Sofia's golden domes, Veliko Tarnovo's medieval fortresses, Nessebar's cobbled lanes, and the Rodopi Mountains' caves. Taste local wines and watch the Nestinari fire dance. The Balkans' secret gem is ready and waiting.
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Lesley • traveled in August, 2025
Tour offered a wide range of experiences. Preliminary walking tour introduced major landmarks and buildings in Sofia and gave an outline of the nations history...from Roman times through mediaeval regime changes to modern political history. Tour visited the famous Rilla Monestery and a modern spiritual site then char Melnik village in the wine growing region. Next seen were the Pirin Mountain ranges of and the township of Bankso which was a base for hiking and skiing. A short ride on the narrow guage railway thrpugh the Rodope Mountain showed forest and river valleys. Nrxt conytast was the ancient city of Plovdiv which perservrs an old townming Mrlnick villthr eine growing region and travelled over mountsin passes eith brsutiful forrdt and included an ovetnoght stay in Bsnkso ehich is the site for srasonsl hiking and sking. A short journey of the narrow gauge railway through Rodope Mountsins showed mountsins and river ravines. Next thete wre opportunities to view archeytrcture and arts and crafts as wrll as
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip - K
Karen • traveled in October, 2025
What a wonderful tour through Bulgaria. Our guide Tsveto was knowledgeable, accommodating, and passionate about sharing his experience with us. He made our tour fun & interesting . All hotels were comfortable & centrally located to our needs. Thank you Across Europe for making Bulgaria a memorable journey.
Legends of Emperors and Crusaders , Wines, Traditional Cuisine. Museum Towns and Villages - B
Beryl • traveled in July, 2025
The printed guide and organisation of the final itinerary were excellent. We were glad we changed the itinerary to add a night in Kazanlak between Plovdiv and Nessebar as it was a long way to drive, and as there are many interesting sights around Kazanlak: we also visited Shipka Church and Pass which were well worth seeing as we had a bit of extra time there. Due to the long drive to get to coastal Bulgarian areas, we would have liked an extra night there, probably in Varna which suited our historical interests. Both guided tours in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo were excellent and very informative. We appreciated the extra time spent with Sofia in Veliko Tarnovo giving us a guided tour of the Tsarevets Fortress and also sights in the town. Overall the sights in Bulgaria including historic and natural were a pleasant surprise.
Discover Bulgaria: A Self-Drive Exploration of Its Best-Kept Secrets
Table of contents
- The best Bulgaria tour packages
- Most popular destinations in Bulgaria
- Travel Bulgaria your way
- Best tour companies for Bulgaria tours
- Best places to start your Bulgaria tour
- Discover Bulgaria tours for every budget
- Bulgaria tours for every type of group
- Top Bulgaria travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Bulgaria
- Contact our Bulgaria travel experts
- What our customers ask about Bulgaria Tours & Trips
The best Bulgaria tour packages
Compiled by
NinaBulgaria travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a wonderful time! Vera spoke excellent English, was very smart, drove very well and taught us a lot.”
Ann, traveled in May
Bulgarian cultural treasures unfold over eight days, from Sofia's 4th-century St. George Rotonda to Plovdiv's Roman theater. Local artisans welcome visitors at Etura craftsmen village, while Yagodina cave reveals stunning stalactites. The UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery rounds out the journey. Includes 7 breakfasts and expert English-speaking guide.
Duration 7 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Melnik, Ognyanovo, Bansko, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Penguin Travel From
- US$880+$117 local payments
Legends of Emperors and Crusaders , Wines, Traditional Cuisine. Museum Towns and Villages
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“What a wonderful tour through Bulgaria. All hotels were comfortable & centrally located to our needs.”
Karen, traveled in September
Bulgarian heritage comes alive from Sofia's ancient streets to Varna's Roman baths. The Valley of Roses in Kazanlak beckons, historic Melnik offers wine tasting, and UNESCO-listed Nessebar dazzles visitors. Total costs around $2,600 includes 3-4* hotels, expert guides, and authentic experiences including Nestinari fire dancing at farewell dinner.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Pomorie, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, Melnik Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
- US$2,693+$94 local payments
Discover Bulgaria: A Self-Drive Exploration of Its Best-Kept Secrets
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The sights in Bulgaria including historic and natural were a pleasant surprise.”
Beryl, traveled in July
Rila Monastery's frescoes and Plovdiv's Roman amphitheater showcase Bulgaria's rich heritage. Riverside family hotels welcome you while exploring Bansko's old town and Kazanluk's Rose Valley. The tour features Sofia's Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Varna's archaeological museum with world's oldest gold treasure.
Duration 11 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Nesebar, Varna, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
- US$1,103+$47 local payments
Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was perfectly organized, and the schedule allowed us to see and do so much without ever feeling rushed.”
Virgil, traveled in August
Bulgarian heritage comes alive from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo for approx. $710. Cyclists pass Teteven's historical museum, browse Etura's open-air ethnographic displays, and marvel at Bozhentsi's 100 Revival Period houses. Seven nights in family guesthouses and authentic meals provide local immersion.
Duration 7 days Destinations Sofia, Goliam Izvor, Ribaritsa, Troyan, Apriltsi, Gabrovo, Etara, Tryavna, Bojentsi, ElenaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Penguin Travel From
- US$728+$117 local payments
Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All vistas and experiences were definitely worth the sweat :)”
Kimberly, traveled in July
Bulgarian peaks await on this 8-day alpine adventure. The route leads through Pirin and Rila National Parks to scale Musala (2925m) and Vihren (2914m), passing 17 glacier lakes, with a visit to UNESCO Rila Monastery. Comfortable 3-star hotels in Bansko and Govedartsi serve as base camps, while expert guides lead daily hikes with daypacks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Bansko, Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren, Rila, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Malyovitsa, Govedartsi, Mount Musala Age Range Ages 13+ Operator Traventuria From
- US$1,338
Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A beautiful place & charming local people who made us very welcome. The walking is varied & for many, challenging but we were able to take the hard bits at our own pace.”
Carolyn, traveled in August
Bulgaria's wild Rodopi region opens up from Yagodina village. Rare butterflies flutter through Kastrakli Nature Reserve, while dramatic views await at Trigrad karst plateau and Mount Golyam Snezhnik (7,178ft). The family-run Yagodina Hotel provides home-produced meals before transfer to Sofia's Crystal Palace Hotel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Borino, Zmeitsa Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,398
20% Off- US$1,920You save $478
Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Bulgaria is a jewel of a country and it shouldn't be overlooked as a great destination to explore.”
Alexandra, traveled in May
Bulgarian heritage spans from Sofia's Alexander Nevski Cathedral to Plovdiv's Roman Amphitheatre. The Rose Valley leads to Kazanlak's Thracian Tomb, while Varna's Archaeological Museum houses the world's oldest gold treasure. UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery completes the journey. Includes 10 nights' accommodation and traditional village lunch in Dobarsko.
Duration 11 days Destinations Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Balchik, Nesebar, Burgas, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, Bansko, Rila Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French Operator Destination Services Bulgaria From $1,428
15% Off- US$1,214You save $214
Bulgaria at a glance: Sofia City Break
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great tour for a quick introduction to the country.”
Vincent, traveled in May
Sofia's St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the UNESCO-protected Boyana Church's Renaissance-precursor frescoes showcase Bulgaria's heritage. The spectacular Rila Monastery nestles in mountains, where traditional mekitsi with buffalo yogurt awaits, with optional tours to ancient Plovdiv and its Roman Theater.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sofia, Rila Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Bulgaria From $410
15% Off- US$348You save $61
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Bansko, Pirin, Kovachevitsa, Dospat, Devin Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Indie From
15% Off- US$1,461
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Borovets Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Oxygen Tours From
15% Off- US$816
Most popular destinations in Bulgaria
Travel Bulgaria your way
Best tour companies for Bulgaria tours
Looking at feedback from TourRadar travelers in Bulgaria, Traventuria stands out for their hiking and trekking tours. Their guides get high marks for knowing just when to change plans based on weather and how to adapt the pace for different hiking abilities. Emiliana impressed customers with quick responses and solid professional handling of self-drive tour details - exactly what you want when exploring unfamiliar roads in Bulgaria. Over in Varna, local tour operators put together well-thought-out itineraries, and their guides really engage with the groups, adding local knowledge that makes the difference. It's worth noting a couple of hiccups too. There was an issue with hotel staff at a Bansko ski resort that didn't meet expectations, and some cyclists mentioned problems with bike conditions and unclear information before their trip started. The pre-trip communication could have been clearer about what to expect and bring along. The good experiences seem to come down to guides who know their stuff and can think on their feet, especially when weather or group needs change. And while most accommodation and equipment worked out fine, those few issues show how important clear communication and quality gear are for active tours in Bulgaria.
Best places to start your Bulgaria tour
Most people start their Bulgarian journey in Sofia - 38 of our tours begin right there in the capital. If you're looking at other options, Varna on the Black Sea kicks off 5 tours, while Bansko and Athens each launch 2 routes. Our booking patterns show that 69 days before departure is the ideal time to lock in your trip; you'll get the dates you want and have plenty of time to get ready. The local guides consistently earn praise from our customers - they really know their stuff and love sharing stories about their homeland. May-June or September hit the sweet spot for visiting, with nice temperatures and fewer tourists around. Spring travelers often time their visits with the Rose Valley harvest, while autumn brings excellent hiking weather and mountain slopes painted in fall colors. The ski runs in Bansko draw winter sports fans too, which means Bulgaria works well no matter when you visit.
Discover Bulgaria tours for every budget
Bulgaria budget tours10 tours
Starting from
$86
per day
- Bulgaria luxury tours
6 tours
Starting from
$111
per day
Bulgaria tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Bulgaria travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
- Solo Travelers35 tours
- Couples48 tours
- Seniors (50+)15 tours
- Family33 tours
Best time to visit Bulgaria
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Bulgaria centers on Bansko's 75km of varied slopes, where our ski packages include smart touches like airport transfers and hotels with spa facilities. The setup works really well - active mornings on the slopes flow into cultural evenings exploring traditional mexanas (restaurants) along Pirin Street. Many of our guests love taking breaks at Banya's thermal springs, which locals have long used for their healing properties. The format gives you room to choose your pace - ski hard or take it easier with trips to mountain villages and cultural spots nearby.
- Spring 2026
Bulgaria really comes alive in spring, especially during May's rose harvest in the Rose Valley. Our Sofia-based cultural route gets you right into the action - you can pick flowers yourself and see how local distilleries create that precious rose oil. The Rhodope Mountains offer another great option as wildflowers spread across the hills. The spring monastery circuit connects UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery with gentle forest walks, while the weather stays just right for exploring Plovdiv's Roman sites and Sofia's historic center. Our TourRadar travelers often mention how they appreciate having major sites mostly to themselves during spring visits.
- 20 tours
- 24 tours
- popular 38 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer opens up serious mountain possibilities in the Rila and Pirin ranges. Our most complete route takes you up notable peaks like Polezhan, Vihren and also Musala, with clear views stretching over glacier-carved lakes below. The days mix proper hiking with cultural stops - you'll cross alpine meadows by day and settle into mountain villages for traditional Bulgarian dinners at night. Our guides know their stuff cold - from local plants and animals to mountain stories passed down through generations. Travelers particularly like how we've structured things around hotel stays rather than mountain huts, so you only need carry a daypack.
- 38 tours
- popular 39 tours
- 34 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn brings ideal conditions for mixing culture with walking tours. Our September and October routes catch the mountain color changes while temperatures stay comfortable enough for proper exploring. One route that gets consistently good feedback starts in Sofia and works through the Rhodope Mountains, where our customers tell us the autumn views are especially good. Wine fans tend to prefer our cultural circuits through Melnik, where you can sample local wines just as harvest wraps up. The guides know exactly where to catch the best seasonal colors, and travelers love how shorter walking days lead into cozy evenings at traditional restaurants.
- popular 36 tours
- 31 tours
Contact our Bulgaria travel experts
Melissa
Expert in Bulgaria at TourRadar
Melissa is one of our seasoned Bulgaria Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Bulgaria tours answered!
- Choose from 51+ Bulgaria tours
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Bulgaria Tours & Trips
What kind of local cultural experiences can you join in Bulgaria and where do you find them?
You can really get into Bulgaria's living traditions - there's these amazing fire-dancing rituals called nestinari that happen in villages near the Strandza Mountains usually between May and October during religious festivals they're actually UNESCO-recognized. If you're into food you can cook with Maria Jekova who won Masterchef she runs these great sessions in her mountain place in the Rhodopes where you'll go foraging and make traditional stuff like kapama and banitsa. Over in Veliko Tarnovo there's this historic street called Samovodska Charshia where you can try your hand at centuries-old crafts like wood-carving with rose wood patterns or making pottery using these really old Thracian clay techniques. And if you're around in August head to Gela village it's meant to be where Orpheus was born they have this huge National Bagpipe Festival with over 10000 musicians it's pretty incredible.
How can you access Bulgaria's natural areas outside the cities?
The protected areas in Bulgaria are really well connected you've got Pirin National Park which is UNESCO-protected you can take a cable car up from Bansko and explore 182 glacial lakes and peaks over 2900m. The Seven Rila Lakes are amazing you can get there by chairlift from Panichishte Resort and follow trails past these uniquely shaped lakes they've got names like The Kidney and The Eye. Then there's the Rhodope Mountains you access them through towns like Trigrad and Yagodina they've got Bulgaria's deepest caves and Europe's longest canyon system. Near the Black Sea there's Strandza Nature Park with trails through this massive Mediterranean forest it's actually Europe's largest preserved one. Most places have local guides who really know their stuff they can show you rare things like Edelweiss flowers and Balkan Chamois.
What are some less-touristy routes around Bulgaria and why do people love them?
There's these really cool alternative ways to explore Bulgaria like this narrow-gauge train they call the Alpine railway of the Balkans it goes from Bansko to Septemvri and climbs up to Bulgaria's highest station at Avramovo 1267m you go through 35 tunnels with these incredible mountain views. You can follow the old Via Diagonalis Roman road through the Rose Valley it connects amazing historical places like Plovdiv's Roman theater and these Thracian tombs in Kazanlak. There's also this Wine Route through the Melnik region where Churchill's favorite wine comes from you get to see these unique sandstone pyramids and traditional wine cellars. People really go for these routes because you get this perfect mix of history scenic beauty and real local experiences without all the crowds.
Which places in Bulgaria are still pretty quiet but really worth visiting?
There are some real hidden treasures in Bulgaria like Melnik it's actually Bulgaria's smallest town with just 385 people but it's got this amazing 18th-century wine cellar at Kordopulov House and these incredible sandstone formations. Shiroka Luka village is really special it's where traditional Rhodopean architecture meets the National School of Folk Arts they produce Bulgaria's best bagpipe players here. You should check out Dobarsko village too there's this 17th-century church with these fascinating "cosmic" frescoes that make Christ look like he's in a rocket ship. The Devil's Throat Cave in Trigrad Gorge has Europe's highest underground waterfall at 42m and the mountain villages nearby offer these great homestays where you can watch traditional weaving and go herb collecting.
What local foods should you try in Bulgaria and where's the best place to find them?
Bulgaria's got some amazing regional dishes you've got to try Bansko's kapama which is this slow-cooked layered meat dish and chomlek a clay-pot stew you'll find these in traditional mehanas with all these Revival Period decorations. Up in the Rhodope Mountains around Shiroka Luka try patatnik it's like a potato and herb pie and cheverme which is spit-roasted lamb local families often make these. In Kazanlak you can taste all these Bulgarian rose products they make rose jam liqueur and honey right there in the Valley of Roses. Plovdiv's got these restaurants built on actual Roman ruins where they serve Thracian-style clay pot dishes. And don't miss the Kurdish-influenced food in the Eastern Rhodopes especially the sarmi with Melnik's famous red wines served in these historic cellars.