Bulgaria Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,961 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Bulgaria tours
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Table of contents
- The best Bulgaria tour packages
- What people love about Bulgaria Tours
- 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
Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The walks were varied and leisurely and were easily altered to accommodate weather conditions.”
Janina, traveled in October
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 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,143
6% Off- US$2,025You save $118
Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was stunning, the route - well thought, allowing for Plan B in case of bad weather conditions.”
Jennifer, 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 13 to 70 year olds Operator Traventuria From
6% Off- US$1,075
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was really a good road trip atound Bulgaria. Will highly recommend this tour.”
Norhayati, traveled in October
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 8 days Destinations Sofia, Rila, Melnik, Ognyanovo, Dobrinishte, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo Age Range 6 to 85 year olds Operator Penguin Travel From
6% Off- US$745+$108 local payments
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to experience such incredible scenery. I would suggest having more easier days.”
Muhammad, traveled in June
Bulgaria's highest peaks stand ready on this 8-day trek from Sofia. Mount Musala (2925m) challenges hikers, while UNESCO Rila Monastery offers cultural respite. The Seven Rila Lakes circuit leads to Mount Vihren (2914m), with stays in traditional mountain towns like Bansko and Govedartsi.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Mount Musala, Govedartsi, Malyovitsa, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Rila, Bansko, Mount Vihren Age Range 10 to 79 year olds Operator Penguin Travel From
6% Off- US$691+$108 local payments
Legends of Emperors and Crusaders , Wines, Traditional Cuisine. Museum Towns and Villages
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were good to very good and the itinerary was very good to excellent. Food and beverages were very good.”
Raymond, traveled in May
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 up to 80 year olds Operator Across Europe Ltd. From
6% Off- US$2,458+$75 local payments
What people love about Bulgaria Tours
- Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
To Whom It May Concern, I just completed your Pirin to Rila trip today and I couldn’t even wait until I arrived home to tell you how impressed I was with your company. I have visited many countries with various companies but never experienced anything as incredible as what i did with your company. The itinerary was perfectly thought out and each day surpassed the one before. I loved the fact that the group was small. It added a real personal touch and made me feel like I was trekking with family. As for our guide, I cannot say enough great things about Alex. He is an amazing ambassador for your country. He was incredibly knowledgeable, charismatic, thoughtful, helpful and always went above and beyond the calls of duty to make sure everyone was happy. Nothing was ever a problem for him to do and he always did everything with a smile. He is obviously passionate about his work. I really cannot thank you enough for giving me the most incredible memories of your beautiful country. I am leaving Bulgaria with a heavy heart but I am sure that I will return in the future. From the bottom of my heart thank you for this inspiring experience. I wish you every success for the future. Go raibh mile maith agat.
- Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
An enjoyable trip round the sites of Bulgaria. Plenty of monasteries, lovely scenery and a good introduction to a country I have never visited before. There were only 4 of us in a van which could take 8. Which meant plenty of room for us, but it would have been very cramped with more in. The guide (Kostos) was extremely pleasant and eager to please. No problems with either the pick-up or drop-off transfers. The hotels were sometimes a bit out of town for my liking, but we managed. You have to pay entry fees yourselves but they all seem very cheap so not an issue (average of about £3 or so to enter most places).
- Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
Fantastic week of peaks with knowledgeable guides. The scenery is immaculate. And best of all - it’s not crowded.
Most popular destinations in Bulgaria
Discover the ideal tour package for you through Rhodope Mountains. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 12 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.
See all Rhodope Mountains tours
Travel Bulgaria your way
Our self-drive tours let you discover Bulgaria exactly how you want, with expert backup whenever you need it. A popular route takes you from Sofia's old town to the UNESCO gems of Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Travelers love winding through mountain passes to reach medieval Veliko Tarnovo, where local artisans still practice traditional crafts along Samovodska Street. If you prefer coastal views, try the Black Sea route through ancient Nessebar's narrow streets and onto Burgas with its buzzing beaches. For a deeper dive into Bulgarian culture, go for the complete explorer package - you'll cook with village families and visit the Rose Valley when the fields are in full bloom. Our customers tell us they really value having detailed directions and local contacts while keeping the freedom to change plans as they go.
Cultural tours in Bulgaria deliver remarkable experiences, with our itineraries weaving together UNESCO heritage and authentic village life. On roundtrip routes from Sofia, you'll discover gems like Rila Monastery alongside immersive visits to traditional communities. Time in Etura puts you next to local artisans who craft wool, pottery and traditional ornaments using techniques passed down through generations. Wine lovers appreciate Melnik's unique cellars carved into sandstone, where you can sample local vintages including the broad-leaved Melnik variety that Churchill himself favored. The Rose Valley presents opportunities to visit family distilleries, where Bulgaria's famous rose oil production continues as it has for centuries. Our travelers particularly value how Plovdiv balances organized tours with independent exploration, as Roman amphitheaters blend seamlessly with revival-period architecture. These journeys stand out for their mix of grand monuments and intimate experiences - from the magnificent Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia to cooking lessons in village homes and authentic folk performances. Tour leaders Anna Maria, Vera and Emil consistently earn praise for their knowledge, flexibility and deep cultural insights that bring Bulgarian heritage to life.
Select from our extensive range of 40 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Bulgaria with our expert guides leading the 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 really delivers on budget tours that give you a lot for your money. There's an 8-day roundtrip from Sofia that covers all the must-sees without overspending. Our customers keep telling us how much they enjoy exploring the ancient monasteries, discovering mountain caves and wandering through old villages. The guides make a big difference - like Anna Maria who one traveler said "became our friend" while sharing Bulgarian cultural insights. Down in the Rodopi Mountains, we've got another great option where you stay in family guesthouses in Yagodina village. The local food gets high marks from our travelers, and they love watching the village come alive when the cows return home through the streets each evening. If you're short on time, our 3-day Sofia city breaks pack in guided walks through Roman ruins and medieval churches, plus you can add trips to UNESCO sites like Rila Monastery.
Bulgaria's luxury tour offerings blend exclusive cultural access with refined comforts. Our private wine and history circuits let you taste vintages in Melnik's ancient sandstone cellars, while dining at select traditional restaurants across the country. Hotels have been chosen with care - you'll find spa facilities in Bansko and charming boutique properties tucked into Sofia's old quarter. TourRadar customers often mention the personal touches, like private workshops with Plovdiv's iconographers, and interactive visits to Rose Valley distilleries. The mountain tours cater to those seeking comfort without compromising adventure - tackle peaks like Vihren and Musala during the day, then return to proper beds and excellent Bulgarian cuisine each night. Our guides on premium routes consistently earn high marks for their cultural expertise, photography tips, wildlife knowledge and also local insights. What makes these tours special is how they weave authentic Bulgarian experiences with upscale comfort - from private transfers to expert local guides and cultural encounters that take you beyond the typical tourist paths.
Bulgaria budget tours9 tours
Starting from
$70
per day
- Bulgaria luxury tours
Bulgaria tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
26 tours in BulgariaBulgaria's group tours blend rich culture with mountain exploration, taking travelers through Sofia's key sites and the remarkable UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, before winding through historic trading towns. TourRadar customers often mention how these tours strike the right balance, letting you dive into local life while having expert guidance - from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Plovdiv's ancient Roman ruins, to authentic villages like Arbanasi. For those seeking more dynamic experiences, tours head into the Balkan Mountains, where guides lead walks through the Rose Valley, past the Shipka Memorial Church and along scenic mountain paths. Local guides earn high marks from past travelers, as they share detailed historical knowledge while adjusting the pace for different group abilities. The cultural elements feel genuine, with visits to active monasteries, wine tastings in the town of Melnik and also traditional Bulgarian meals. Those looking to explore beyond Bulgaria can join tours crossing into Romania, where groups visit Bucharest's old quarter and the Palace of Parliament across the Danube, with travelers noting how smoothly the border crossings go thanks to experienced local guides.
Small Group
36 tours in BulgariaOur Bulgarian mountain experiences focus on keeping the groups small and personal. The Pirin and Rila peaks tour, with just 4-6 travelers, lets guides like Alex and Mitko fine-tune each day's pace. Travelers frequently tell us it feels more like hiking with good friends than a formal excursion - you'll climb Mount Vihren, explore the Banderishki Lakes Cirque, and wander past the Seven Rila Lakes before heading back to comfortable hotels. Another excellent option blends culture with easy walks through the Rhodope Mountains, where groups of 6-8 guests settle into family guesthouses in Yagodina village. Local guides Neli and Svetla share their deep connection to the region's plants and customs, guiding you through secluded valleys dotted with orchids and butterflies. The intimate group size means you can fully participate in village life, from potato harvesting to traditional dance lessons and cooking alongside local families. For those wanting to see it all, our Best of Bulgaria circuit caps groups at 7 people, which gives guides like Anna Maria and Emil the freedom to adjust the rhythm while exploring monasteries, historic towns and mountain paths.
Private / Personalized
20 tours in BulgariaPrivate tours give you that perfect mix of expert guidance and doing things your way. Our 10-day wine and history route is particularly special - travelers love the intimate wine tastings in Melnik's sandstone cellars and having dinner in carefully chosen traditional restaurants. Along the Black Sea, we run a fantastic route from Varna where you'll get time to properly explore Cape Kaliakra's cliffs and also Queen Maria's botanical gardens in Balchik. Food enthusiasts go for our Rose Valley tours with hands-on cooking classes and visits to family-run distilleries making Bulgaria's famous rose oil. In Plovdiv, art lovers can spend time with local iconographers and traditional jewelers, learning directly from the craftspeople. What makes these tours work so well is how our guides adjust everything - pace, stops and focus - to match what interests you most.
Top Bulgaria travel itineraries to fit your plans
Seven-day Bulgarian tours really shine when it comes to mountains and village life. The Zagoria Valley route lets you stay in small villages like Peshtan, where locals welcome you into their daily routines. Popular week-long trips mix hiking in the Rodopi Mountains with stops at Ottoman buildings in Gjirokaster. Our guests tell us they love how these tours balance active days outdoors with real cultural experiences - one day you're helping villagers with potato harvesting, the next you're walking through UNESCO monastery grounds.
Ten days in Bulgaria gives you proper time to explore the country's wine culture and traditions. These tours typically start from Sofia then head to the Valley of Roses, where you'll learn about centuries-old rose oil making at local distilleries. Wine lovers get excited about Melnik, where vintners age their wines in sandstone caves - including Churchill's preferred broad-leaved Melnik variety. Our TourRadar guests particularly enjoy the variety: they'll visit Rila Monastery's UNESCO site, walk through Plovdiv's Roman ruins and end their evenings with local dishes and folk performances.
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Two-week journeys use Bulgaria's trains to link its most interesting places, perfect for really getting to know the country. You'll ride the narrow-gauge railway through the Rhodopes, stopping in historic Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna and other lovely towns. There's enough time to watch local artisans at work - from woodcarvers to icon painters in their workshops. Our travelers especially value having multiple days in places like Bansko, combining Pirin National Park hikes with visits to traditional houses and also local museums.
Demographics
The Peaks & Lakes tour through Bulgaria's Pirin and Rila Mountains works brilliantly if you're traveling solo. Our customers tell us the small group dynamics make it feel more like hiking with friends than a formal tour. You'll get to climb Mount Polezhan past 17 glacier lakes, explore the Banderishki Lakes Cirque and take on Mount Vihren - Bulgaria's second highest peak. What makes it especially good for solo travelers is how flexible everything is; you can skip a day if you need to rest and you'll only carry a daypack since you return to proper hotels each night. The guides Alex, Mitko and Maya are particularly good at matching the pace to everyone's abilities while sharing fascinating details about local wildlife, plants and traditions.
Bulgaria's intimate self-drive and private tours give couples the perfect mix of independence and guided experiences. The flexible self-drive routes connect Sofia to the Black Sea, with stops at medieval towns and UNESCO sites, while having local contacts available whenever needed. Wine enthusiasts gravitate toward our 10-day cultural tours, where couples taste wines in Melnik's ancient sandstone cellars, learn traditional recipes in Bulgarian homes, and spend their evenings at authentic local restaurants. Our TourRadar travelers often mention how their private guides adapt the schedule on the fly, whether it's lingering at rose oil distilleries, or discovering additional cultural sites along the way. The mountain itineraries strike an excellent balance, combining active days hiking past glacier lakes with peaceful evenings in village guesthouses, where local hosts welcome you as part of their family. Couples particularly value the freedom to spend extra time in romantic settings, from wandering Veliko Tarnovo's winding medieval streets to watching the sunset at Cape Kaliakra's dramatic cliffs.
Young travelers flock to Bulgaria's mix of cultural immersion and active adventures, with several tours standing out for this age group. Our most popular option combines hands-on cooking classes in traditional villages with energetic hikes through the Rhodope Mountains, where nights unfold in lively mexanas tasting local wines. Another favorite follows the rose harvest in May, letting you join the picking, visit distilleries, explore production methods and also learn about rose oil making before diving into Sofia's vibrant food scene. Active types gravitate toward mountain circuits that blend serious hiking - like summiting Mount Polezhan past 17 glacier lakes - with cultural stops in places like Plovdiv where Roman ruins fill your days while the creative Kapana district's bars and cafes light up your evenings. TourRadar customers in their 20s and 30s often mention how much they appreciate the flexibility to skip a challenging hike when needed, along with the social connections that develop in small groups, especially during village cooking sessions and folk music nights. The guides consistently earn praise for adjusting the pace, while sharing fascinating details about local wildlife, plants and also cultural traditions that give context to the physical challenges.
The Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip really suits senior travelers, mixing cultural visits with gentle walks at a comfortable pace. You'll see the Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, explore the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and take in Plovdiv's Roman amphitheater. Two of our regular guests Bibi and Göran, who are 72 and 76, told us they loved how the trip combined monastery visits, cave explorations and museum tours without feeling rushed. The Legends of Emperors tour is another solid choice, letting you discover ancient towns and local wineries at an easy tempo. Just keep in mind that many heritage hotels don't have elevators - worth discussing any mobility needs when you book. Our guides Vera, Emil and also Anna Maria get lots of praise for adapting the pace and making sure everyone's comfortable while sharing Bulgaria's fascinating history.
- Solo Travelers52 tours
- Couples12 tours
- Seniors (50+)19 tours
- Family31 tours
Best time to visit Bulgaria
- Spring 2025
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.
- 23 tours
- popular 40 tours
- Summer 2025
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.
- popular 43 tours
- 41 tours
- 42 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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 45 tours
- 32 tours
- 17 tours
- 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.
Contact our Bulgaria travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in Bulgaria at TourRadar
Rebecca is one of our seasoned Bulgaria Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Bulgaria tours answered!
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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.