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Introducing Bulgaria

Make the most of your time in Bulgaria.
Situated at a major cultural intersection between Turkey and Southeast Europe, Bulgaria has managed to keep its singular folklore and tradition alive. This is a country all its own, and its spectacular forested landscape and interesting local cuisine—including wine and yogurt found nowhere else in the world—continues to draw visitors.

When is the best time to visit?
Bulgaria enjoys four defined Northern Hemisphere seasons. Many tourists head to Bulgaria in the summer when the weather is dependably hot and dry, but the other seasons can be excellent times to visit depending on your interests. In the spring, nature awakens—quite a sight, given that 30% of the country is covered in forest. Autumn is typically still pleasant with brilliant fall foliage, and winter brings a snowy landscape, lower prices, and a peaceful quiet away from the crowds.

Where should you go?
Traces of the oldest human presence in Europe have been discovered here—the Thracians, ancient Greeks and Romans, Celtics, Byzantines, and Ottoman Turks all left a footprint. You can retrace history at sites in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria; Plovdiv, voted the 2019 European Capital of Culture; and Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital.

Bulgaria's many national parks and protected areas are worth a visit of their own. South of Sofia, the Rila Mountains are home to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes and the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula—Musala, from the Turkish name ‘Near the Prophet.' Pirin Mountains National Park is all lakes and granite, while the southeastern Rhodope Range boasts beautiful sub-alpine scenery. You should also stop in the Central Balkans, an extension of the Julian Alps that runs for 400 miles through the middle of the country, ending at the Black Sea

How many days do you need?
A weeklong trip will cover the highlights. Spend at least two if you want a deep dive into Bulgarian culture or take your time exploring the national parks—your specialist can recommend the perfect itinerary for your travel goals.

Bulgaria Travel Insights

The center of Plovdiv - the city of the 7 hills
Highlights of Bulgaria - 9 Days

This trip introduces visitors to Bulgaria's many beautiful faces: traditional villages, pristine nature, and lively cities. Drive and hike through three of Bulgaria's mountain ranges, and visit the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient monasteries and beautiful architecture. In nine days you'll discover Bulgaria as a welcoming and memorable destination.

View of the Seven Rila Lakes
Map of Hiking Bulgaria's Peaks - 8 Days
Hiking Bulgaria's Peaks - 8 Days

Challenge yourself to a week of trekking in the mountains of Bulgaria. This small Balkan country's stark beauty makes a perfect getaway for the climbers and would-be mountaineers among you. You'll hike to mountain peaks, take in the beauty of glacial lakes, and delve into Bulgarian culture with trips to the Rila Monastery and a tour of Sofia.

Contemplating at the white magic in southern parts of Rila Mountains.
Map of Snowshoeing in the National Parks of Bulgaria: 8 Days
Snowshoeing in the National Parks of Bulgaria: 8 Days

Strap on your snowshoes and make your way through two Bulgarian national parks full of independent massifs separated by deep gorges and mountain passes. This tour winds through southwestern Bulgaria for a truly authentic experience of snowy wilderness, traditional cuisine, and local hospitality.

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Bulgaria

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Ani returns to her birthplace
Bulgaria | May 17 - Jun 1, 2019

Alison
Alison C.
Clifton Park, NY | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2019
Our family wanted to tour Bulgaria to visit our adopted daughter's birth place, We worked with Simeon Dimitrov to set up a two-week tour that included a visit to the Rila Monastery, hiking in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, and kayaking in the Rhodopes. We visited Plovdiv, the Valley of Roses and the Black Sea. One of our final stops was at the Orphanage in Targovishte that our daughter lived in until we brought her home. Simeon arranged for our daughter to meet staff in the Orphanage.... Read more

Our family wanted to tour Bulgaria to visit our adopted daughter's birth place, We worked with Simeon Dimitrov to set up a two-week tour that included a visit to the Rila Monastery, hiking in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, and kayaking in the Rhodopes. We visited Plovdiv, the Valley of Roses and the Black Sea. One of our final stops was at the Orphanage in Targovishte that our daughter lived in until we brought her home. Simeon arranged for our daughter to meet staff in the Orphanage. Simeon put together a wonderful, balanced, well-paced itinerary for us. He patiently answered our questions and made sure we saw the best of each place we visited. We enjoyed dining on Bulgaria's wonderful Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurants he chose for us. A highlight of our trip was our stay at a Bulgarian Guest House, where we ate traditional dishes and drank rakkia. By the end of our two week tour, we had fallen in love with Bulgaria! We can highly recommend Kimkim for your tour of Bulgaria- the Crocker Family

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov
Simeon
Simeon Dimitrov
Local specialist in Sofia, Bulgaria | Replied on Jul 16, 2019

Hi Alison, Ani and Chris,

thank you for the nice words, it means a lot to me. For me it was also a great trip and definitely one of the most meaningful once. The experience in the orphanage was special for me as well and I'm really, really happy that I was part of this.

All the best from me and I hope to see you again some day.

AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria | Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018

N
Nadeem N.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2018

Very interesting trip, the guide Yuhan was knowledgable , friendly and extremely good

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria | Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018

M
Mohi N.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2018

Everyone in the group had a great time and appreciated the efforts made by Simeon, Ivan, Branch and the other driver.
We enjoyed the hotels which were all very reasonable.
The hikes to the mountains were memorable a d Ivan had a lot of knowledge and was very helpful to anyone who was struggling.

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov