7-Day Itinerary
Israel and Bulgaria: A Journey Through Heritage and Nature
Israel is home to one of the most diverse and remarkable Jewish communities, thanks to the noble spirit of the Bulgarian people. Sofia, the highest capital in Europe, offers a breathtaking view, with the lush Vitosha mountain range towering above it. This city looks toward the future while preserving a deep connection to its past, with historical landmarks at every turn.
Bulgaria offers wild, uncommercialized nature and is home to a rich variety of ethnic groups. A trip through Western Bulgaria will take travelers to snow-covered mountain ranges, crystal-clear streams, and green forests straight out of a fairy tale. Every step is accompanied by the special flavors of Bulgarian cuisine, enhancing the travel experience with incredible aromas and tastes.
Located in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria offers diverse landscapes filled with surprises—from picturesque villages and magnificent churches to ancient kingdoms and compelling stories of the Jewish community. The music and local flavors will accompany visitors, ensuring an unforgettable experience throughout their stay.
Organized Tours to Bulgaria: A Rich and Captivating Experience
An organized tour to Bulgaria is a dynamic and fascinating adventure, introducing travelers to a region often overlooked yet full of surprises and discoveries. This journey invites you to explore the true treasures of the Balkans, located right next door. Traveling to Bulgaria with us is a sensory voyage, filled with vibrant colors, aromas, rhythms, breathtaking landscapes, and stunning architecture, alongside a history rich with captivating tales that continue to unfold today.
Key Destinations and Sites on the Tour:
Veliko Tarnovo: City tour, Tsarevets Fortress
Pleven: Visit to the Pleven Panorama Museum (1877)
Gabrovo: Visit to the Etar Architectural and Ethnographic Museum
Shipka: Mountain pass, visit to the Russian Church
Plovdiv: Walking tour of the Old Town, visit to Zion Synagogue, Ethnographic Museum, wine tasting at a winery, Balkan-Bulgarian folklore show, visit to Bachkovo Monastery
Rhodope Mountains: Exploration of Shiroka Laka village
Devin: Visit to the Museum of Socialism
Pirin Mountains: Stop at Dospat Lake
Bansko: City tour, visit to Holy Trinity Church and Paisii Hilendarski Monument
Sofia: Tour of the city, including the synagogue (if open), Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tsar Liberator Monument, Saint George Rotunda, and Vitosha Mountain
It is recommended to carefully compare itineraries from competitive travel companies, as some may include free days or half-days, more free time, or fewer paid visits and entries. These differences can add up to significant costs, which some tour guides might charge additionally. Therefore, what may seem inexpensive at first could become very costly in the end—it’s important to keep this in mind!
All tours can be modified according to your requests.
Sofia – Vitosha – Sofia
After breakfast, we will set out on a walking tour in the heart of Sofia, visiting key landmarks: the Rotunda, Tsar Boris III’s Palace, the Russian Church, the Parliament, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral—the largest in the Balkans. We will also see 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
Prohodna – Pleven – Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast, we will depart from Sofia toward Veliko Tarnovo, stopping to visit the natural phenomenon of Prohodna Cave.
Following Prohodna, also known as “The Eyes of God,” we will continue north to Pleven, where we will visit the second-largest panorama in the world, commemorating the battle between the Ottomans and Russians during the Russo-Turkish War that led to Bulgaria’s liberation.
After our visit to Pleven, we will proceed to Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of Bulgaria
דווין וסביבותיה – טיול ברכבי שטח (ג'יפים) בהרים
On the third day, we will depart from Veliko Tarnovo after a city tour and head to the Etara Crafts Museum.
After visiting Etara, we will pass through Shipka Pass and arrive at the Rose Valley.
We will visit the Damascena Rose Oil Production Complex, learning about the process of extracting the famous Bulgarian rose oil.
At the end of the day, we will arrive in Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria
Plovdiv – Bachkovo – Plovdiv
Tour of Plovdiv, Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, Return to Plovdiv
On the fourth day, we will explore Plovdiv, visiting its Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and the city center.
After a short break in Plovdiv, we will visit Bachkovo Monastery, the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria.
We will pay tribute to the saviors of Plovdiv’s Jewish community and visit the open-air market of Bachkovo
בטק-פשטרה-בנסקו
Day 5: Batak, Visit to the Museum of Communism in Peshtera, Carpet Workshop on the Way to Bansko
On the fifth day, we will depart from Plovdiv and travel to the small town of Batak.
During the day, we will also visit the Museum of Communism in Peshtera, pass through a small village with the Yundola market, and arrive in Bansko
Bansko – Leshten – Bansko
Tour of Bansko, Visit to the Bulgarian Village of Leshten, and Meeting the Grandmothers of Deshka (Local Folklore). Arrival in Bansko.
On the sixth day of the trip, we will explore Bansko and visit the Leshten Village Museum.
We will end the day with a visit to the grandmothers of Deshka, where we will experience local folklore through songs, dances, and traditional Bansko cuisine
Rila – Sofia – Airport
On the seventh day of the trip, we will visit Rila Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world.
We will then head to Sofia and Sofia Airport.
If time allows, we will stop at one of Bulgaria’s largest shopping malls for some last-minute shopping before the flight