Example of an Eight-Day Itinerary
Bulgaria – The Hidden Gem of the Balkans
Bulgaria, a magical country that sometimes seems hidden in the shadow of the tourism giants of the Balkans—Greece, Turkey, and Romania—, is actually the undisputed queen of the region. It is the only European country that was never fully conquered during World War II, and from it emerged one of the most diverse and prestigious Jewish communities, thanks to the noble spirit of the Bulgarian people.
Sofia, the highest capital city in Europe, offers a breathtaking view, with the green Vitosha Mountain rising above it. It is a city that looks forward while maintaining a deep connection to its past, with historical landmarks at every corner.
Bulgaria offers wild, uncommercialized nature and is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups. A journey through Western Bulgaria will take you to snow-covered mountain ranges, crystal-clear streams, and lush green forests that seem straight out of a fairy tale. The delightful flavors of Bulgarian cuisine will accompany you at every step, enriching your trip with wonderful aromas and tastes.
Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria boasts diverse landscapes full of surprises—from picturesque villages and magnificent churches to the ruins of ancient kingdoms and moving stories about the Jewish community. The local music and flavors will provide travelers with an unforgettable experience at every moment of their stay.
Organized Trip to Bulgaria – An Immersive Experience
An organized trip to Bulgaria offers a multifaceted and captivating journey, introducing a lesser-known region full of discoveries.
We invite you to explore the true gems of the Balkans, waiting to be uncovered. A guided tour with us is a sensory adventure, filled with colors, aromas, rhythms, breathtaking landscapes, and stunning architecture, alongside a rich and ever-evolving history.
Key Locations & Sites on the Tour
Veliko Tarnovo – City tour, Tsarevets Fortress
Pleven – Visit to the Pleven Panorama Museum (1877)
Gabrovo – Visit to the Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Etar"
Shipka – Mountain pass & Russian Church visit
Plovdiv – Tour of the Old Town, Zion Synagogue, Ethnographic Museum, wine tasting at a vineyard, and a Balkan-Bulgarian folklore show
Bachkovo Monastery – Visit to a historic monastery
Rhodope Mountains – Tour including Shiroka Laka village
Devin – Visit to the Museum of Socialism
Pirin Mountains – Dospat Lake
Bansko – City tour, visit to Holy Trinity Church & Paisii Hilendarski Monument
Sofia – Tour of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tsar Liberator Monument, St. George Rotunda, and the Synagogue (if open)
Important Travel Tip
It is highly recommended to carefully compare travel plans from competing companies, as some may include more free time, fewer visits, or additional entry fees. These differences can add up to significant costs, which some tour guides may charge extra for. What seems cheap at first could end up being quite expensive in the end—it's important to keep that in mind!
All tours can be modified according to your requests.
Tel Aviv – Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko
We will meet at Ben Gurion Airport and depart on a direct flight to Sofia. Upon arrival, we will begin our journey and travel through forested landscapes to visit Rila Monastery, a spiritual and cultural center for the Bulgarian people for over a thousand years.
After visiting the monastery, we will continue to Bansko, a town famous for its modern ski facilities and vibrant winter atmosphere. In summer, Bansko serves as a starting point for hiking trails in the enchanting Pirin Mountains.
If time permits, we will take a brief introductory tour of the town before arriving at our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 2: Bansko – Dospat – Shiroka Laka – Devin
After breakfast, we will set out on a walking tour of Bansko, visiting Holy Trinity Church, the monument of Monk Paisii Hilendarski, and the Old Town district.
From there, we will head southeast to explore the authentic regions of Bulgaria, including visits to the villages of Gotse Delchev and Dolen. We will then admire the breathtaking scenery of Dospat Lake, the largest lake in Southern Bulgaria.
Next, we will take a walking tour of the picturesque village of Shiroka Laka, followed by a short trek leading to a stunning viewpoint over the Smolyan Valley, where, on a clear day, we might even see the mountain ranges of Greece.
In the evening, we will arrive at a spa hotel in Devin, where we will enjoy dinner and stay overnight.
Devin and its surroundings – Off-Road Jeep Tour in the Mountains
After breakfast, we will board the bus that will take us to the meeting point with the jeep drivers, who will guide us on a two-hour off-road tour through the Rhodope Mountains.
During the tour, we will observe remnants of an ancient Roman road and ascend to Orlovo Oko Peak, where we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view.
Afterward, using the jeeps, we will continue our journey to Yagodina Cave, a stunning stalactite cave known for its unique rock formations.
Finally, we will return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Devin – Vacha Reservoir – Ustina – Peshtera – Plovdiv
After breakfast, we will leave Devin and head north through the mountains to beautiful Plovdiv.
Along the way, we will stop at Vacha Reservoir, the highest dam in Bulgaria, which has created a scenic lake surrounded by forested mountains, offering a perfect natural backdrop. We will also observe the unique phenomenon of floating houses built by the residents of Chilingira.
Next, we will continue to the Bulgarian village of Ustina, nestled at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. There, we will visit Ustina Winery, where we will learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting session.
From there, we will travel to Peshtera, a mountain town, where we will visit the Museum of Socialism, displaying cars, household items, old televisions, telephones, toys, and other relics from the Soviet era in Bulgaria—a nostalgic experience for those who lived in that period.
Finally, we will arrive in Plovdiv for dinner and an overnight stay.
Plovdiv and its surroundings
After breakfast, we will set out on a walking tour of Plovdiv’s charming Old Town, the city of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. We will admire its unique architecture and visit the Ethnographic Museum, featuring a rich exhibition illustrating the traditional culture of Thrace, the Rhodope Mountains, and Srednogorie during the Renaissance.
Continuing our exploration, we will admire archaeological sites and historical remnants from different eras, gaining insight into why many historians believe Plovdiv is the oldest city in Europe.
We will then visit Plovdiv’s Jewish Quarter, including Zion Synagogue, the market, and the Maccabi school, where we will learn about the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jewish community during the Holocaust.
Next, we will embark on a refreshing mountain excursion, visiting Bachkovo Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most significant monastic sites, where high-ranking Christian clergy who helped save Bulgarian Jews during World War II are buried.
After returning to Plovdiv and refreshing at our hotel, we will head to dinner and a Balkan-Bulgarian folklore show at “MEGDANA” restaurant, before returning to the hotel for the night.
Plovdiv – Shipka – Gabrovo – Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast, we will head toward Veliko Tarnovo, passing through the magnificent Rose Valley. Along the way, we will stop at an ancient rose distillery, where roses have been distilled for over 340 years.
We will then cross the Balkan Mountains via Shipka Pass, a historical landmark in Bulgaria, and visit the impressive Russian Church in Shipka.
Continuing our journey, we will explore the Ethnographic Museum “Etar” in Gabrovo, the largest museum in Southeastern Europe, showcasing life and architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Finally, we will arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital, where we will visit Tsarevets Fortress, the royal medieval stronghold.
To conclude the day, we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the area
Veliko Tarnovo – Pleven – Sofia
After breakfast, we will head to the city of Pleven to visit the Pleven Panorama (1877), a unique monument built in 1977 to commemorate 100 years since the liberation of the city from Ottoman rule. The monument is located on the actual battlefield and features a magnificent panoramic painting measuring 115 by 15 meters, depicting the significant battle for the Bulgarian people.
During our journey to Sofia, we will stop at Prohodna Cave, one of Bulgaria’s most famous and remarkable caves. This natural landmark has been a filming location for many Bulgarian, French, and American movies.
We will end the day in Sofia with a pleasant dinner and a relaxing overnight stay
Sofia – Tel Aviv
Translation to English:
After breakfast, we will set out on a walking tour in the heart of Sofia, visiting the key landmarks: the Rotunda, Tsar Boris III’s Palace, the Russian Church, the Parliament, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral—the largest in the Balkans—as well as memorial plaques honoring the Bulgarian Jews saved during World War II.
In the afternoon, we will continue to Vitosha Mountain, and if time allows, we will enjoy some shopping time.
Finally, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.
Important Notes:
Changes to the itinerary may occur due to flight schedules and opening hours of sites. In some cases, we might adjust visits or offer alternative experiences, even after departure from the country.
Important to know: Any change or mishap related to the airline does not grant the right to claim compensation against Pegasus. In such cases, Pegasus will be exempt from compensating for changes or disruptions.