Family Escape to Bulgaria

Visit the magnificent Pirin and Rhodope Mountains, enjoy authentic villages frozen in time, fantastic thermal springs, fine wines and local cuisine. A true all-senses experience for the whole family!

 

Day 1: Sofia
Arrival at Sofia International Airport and pick up your booked rental car. Drive to your hotel in Sofia.
Overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko (220 km)
Guided city tour in Sofia – St. Kliment Ohridski University, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Parliament, St. Sophia Church, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Russian Church, National Theatre, National Bank, Presidential Office, St. George Rotunda, Banya Bashi Mosque, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Central Market Hall.
In the afternoon, drive to the Rila Mountains and the magnificent Rila Monastery (UNESCO), one of Bulgaria's landmarks. It was founded in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila and is a true example of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Drive to Bansko, a famous town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains.
Overnight stay in Bansko.

Day 3: Bansko – Melnik – Rozhen – Bansko (220 km)
Drive to Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria and a unique architectural reserve. The broad-leaved Melnik vine, which Winston Churchill is said to have loved, is traditional to the region and has been part of its history since the earliest times. Visit the Kordopulova House (18th century), which belonged to a famous Melnik family who traded in wine throughout Europe, especially in Venice and Paris.
Continue to Rozhen Monastery, one of the best-preserved mediaeval monasteries in Bulgaria, nestled in the Melnik earth pyramids. Drive back to Bansko. Overnight stay in Bansko.

Day 4: Bansko – Devin (140 km)
Drive to the spa town of Devin in the heart of the Central Rhodope Mountains, known since ancient times for its abundance of hot mineral springs. Enjoy a quiet and relaxing afternoon in the mineral swimming pool of your hotel. Overnight stay in Devin.

Day 5: Devin – Plovdiv (90 km)
Continue your journey to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe and former European Capital of Culture (2019). On the way, you can visit the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. In Plovdiv, you'll walk through the city centre, where you can see historical and archaeological remains from different eras. Today, this lively and colourful city is the centre of many cultural events, festivals and concerts. Night in Plovdiv.

Day 6: Plovdiv
Guided city tour of Plovdiv. Visit the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, a rich and magnificent Roman mosaic masterpiece from late antiquity. Visit old Plovdiv with its cobbled streets, authentic houses from the Revival period, the Roman Theatre and the Roman stadium. In the afternoon you can spend a fantastic day on your own in the lively Kapana district. Overnight stay in Plovdiv.

Day 7: Plovdiv – Sofia (140 km)
Drive back to Sofia. Free time in the Bulgarian capital. Overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 8: Sofia
Drive to Sofia International Airport and return flight to your destination, depending on the flight schedule.

Included in the price:
> Rental car (Renault Clio V + NAVI or similar)
Higher class vehicles available at extra cost
> 2 nights in Sofia, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 2 nights in Bansko, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 1 night in Devin, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> 2 nights in Plovdiv, hotel 4*, incl. breakfast
> Local taxes

Not included in the price:
> Meals, drinks and all personal expenses
> Guided half-day city tour in Sofia (English-speaking tour guide)
Other languages are available on request and at an extra charge
> Guided half-day city tour of Plovdiv (English-speaking tour guide)
Other languages are available on request and at an extra charge
> Entrance fees for the Kordopulova House in Melnik and the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
> Services not mentioned in the offer
> Travel insurance
> Optional sightseeing and tours