Contact provider for price	9 Days	Year-round
Comfort accommodations		Exertion level: 3
Operator: Exeter International		12 people max

From its magnificent mountains and gorgeous coastline along the Black Sea to its well-preserved culture and gregarious hospitality, Bulgaria appeals to a broad range of travelers. We suggest that you spend a few days in the capital, Sofia, exploring its numerous museums and churches. From Sofia, a visit to the famous Rila Monastery is an easy day trip. Located high in the Rila Mountains, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Christian monuments on the continent.

Plovdiv, the second-largest city in the country and one of the oldest in Europe, boasts a well-preserved Old Quarter and Roman theater from the 2nd century. From Plovdiv, one can see the monumental and mysterious Thracian tombs at Starosel or Kazanluk - some of the only architectural remains of these ancient tribes, who inhabited the territory of present-day Bulgaria as far back as the 3rd century BC.

In the north of the country, the former capital of the medieval Bulgarian Kingdom in the 13th century, Veliko Tarnovo, is worth a visit for its majestic Tsarevets Castle Hill. The Archeological Museum in Varna holds a unique collection of Stone Age, ancient and medieval artifacts, including the famous Black Sea gold - the world's oldest gold jewelry collection, created by people who inhabited this area in the 4th century BC.

Highlights

    Private visit to the 10th century Boyana church in Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Take private lessons in traditional handicrafts, including pottery and woodcarving with a master craftsman
    Tour the Troyan Monastery with a monk as your guide
    Visit small villages in the Bulgarian countryside and be a guest for dinner in the home of a typical Bulgarian family, experiencing first-hand traditional Bulgarian life