Bulgaria by train: a colourful kaleidoscope of nature and traditions

Welcome to Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, check into your centrally located hotel. If time allows, embark on a private walking tour of the city with a local guide.

Spend the day exploring Sofia at your own pace. If you didn't have the chance to take a walking tour on the first day, meet your private guide for a comprehensive tour covering all major sites in the city center. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant within walking distance from your hotel.

Today, you'll be transferred from Sofia to Bansko. En route, stop for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria, nestled in the picturesque Rila Mountain National Park. Upon arrival in Bansko, a charming museum town, check into your hotel.

Dedicate your day to exploring Bansko and the stunning Pirin Mountain, a UNESCO site. From Bansko, you can walk, hike, or trek in Pirin, rent a bike, join rafting, canyoning, or horse riding. The old town of Bansko also offers several small museums and churches to visit, as well as traditional restaurants serving tasty local cuisine.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Bansko. You can choose to continue exploring the town, relax, or indulge in nature activities in the surrounding areas.

Experience a full day train ride from Bansko to Plovdiv, passing through valleys and gorges, linking the western part of the Upper Thracian Plain with the Western Rhodopes, Rila, and Pirin mountains. Upon arrival in Plovdiv, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

Spend the day in Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Meet your private guide for a walking tour of the central part of Plovdiv, visit the Old Plovdiv architecture reserve, and explore Kapana, the artistic neighborhood of Plovdiv.

Depart by train to Koprivshtitsa, a small national-revival town. Upon arrival, take a private transfer from the train station to the town. Koprivshtitsa is one of the most famous museum-towns in Bulgaria, declared a national historical and architectural reserve. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets, stone fountains, and high-stone walls leading to picturesque colorful houses.

Enjoy a day in Koprivshtitsa for independent discoveries and visits. Explore the town's rich history and architecture at your own pace.

Depart by train to Burgas, the second-largest seaside city in Bulgaria. Upon arrival, explore the city's lively center, long uncrowded beach, beautiful seafront park, and interesting museums. Don't miss the Archaeological museum and the Maritime garden, the pride of Burgas.

Spend the day enjoying the southern part of the Black Sea coast. Consider taking independent daily trips to the nearby towns of Pomorie, Nessebur, a UNESCO town, and Sozopol.

Enjoy another day at the southern part of the Black Sea coast. Continue exploring the nearby towns of Pomorie, Nessebur, and Sozopol, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.

Take the passenger train to Varna, passing through beautiful natural sites like the Chudnite skali rock formations, Kamchiya river valley, Tsonevo water reserve, and the eastern slopes of Stara Planina mountain. Upon arrival in Varna, check into your hotel.

Spend the day in Varna, the gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Visit the Sea Gardens, the largest in the Balkans, explore the Euxinograd park, the former Royal Palace, and the Regional museum. Don't miss The Thermae, the largest ancient public building discovered in Bulgaria.

Take the train from Varna to Veliko Turnovo, the medieval capital city of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon tour of Veliko Turnovo with a local guide. Enjoy a wine tasting of some regional wines before settling in for the night.

Enjoy a free day in Veliko Turnovo for your own discoveries. If interested, you can take a taxi to the nearby Arbanassi museum village or Transfiguration Monastery.

Take a picturesque train ride to Tryavna, the main center of icon painting and woodcarving in Bulgaria. Spend the day exploring the Old Tryavna architectural complex and the many small galleries and workshops. In the afternoon, return to Veliko Turnovo.

Take the regular coach line to Sofia, crossing the Balkan mountains and joining Hemus highway. Upon arrival in Sofia, check into your hotel.

Enjoy some free time in Sofia before your departure. Take this opportunity to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.