Why I love Bulgaria

“Somewhere between panoramas of the Pirin Mountains and the cobbled nooks of old Plovdiv, Bulgaria grabbed my imagination – and it still hasn’t let go. Bulgaria is a mysterious, multilayered country, with ski fields as fantastic as its beaches. But what keeps me in thrall is Bulgaria’s mash-up of ancient and cutting-edge culture. What could be more alluring than heavy metal concerts in a Roman stadium, light shows...” Read More

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Anita Isalska
Writer

Top experiences in Bulgaria

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Exploring Bulgaria’s backcountry

For some travellers, Bulgaria brings to mind only the cheap-and-cheerful beach and ski resort boom of recent decades. They couldn’t be more wrong: the land of wine and roses unravels layers of history, epicurean tradition and unspoilt outdoors that make it a great all-round adventure travel destination. Here are our top suggestions for a vintage road trip in Bulgaria’s backcountry.

Traditional architecture of Melnik © Brana Vladisavljevic / Lonely Planet
Brana Vladisavljevic
Lonely Planet Writer

48 hours in Sofia

One of Europe’s youngest capitals, Sofia also happens to be among its oldest settlements, stretching back several millennia from ancient Thracian and Celtic tribes through the Romans, Slavs and Ottomans to the present day. This impressive heritage lends the city a highbrow historical element to accompany the great food, drink and party vibe Sofia has always been known for.

Part of the ruins of Ancient Serdica under a glass dome © Mark Baker / Lonely Planet
Mark Baker
Lonely Planet Writer

Bulgaria’s UFO: the spell of the abandoned Buzludzha monument

In Shipka Pass, it’s hard to shake the sensation that you’re being watched. Atop a 1441m peak in the raw, mountainous scenery of central Bulgaria, a saucer-shaped building stands like a watchtower. This concrete behemoth on Buzludzha mountain is a relic of the communist era, wryly called ‘Bulgaria’s UFO’, and it’s beaming up increasing numbers of curious visitors.

Perched on the northernmost edge of Stara Zagora province, right in the heart of Bulgaria, Buzludzha monument’s sci-fi architecture, history and setting cast a powerful spell.
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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Bulgaria adventures

$2199 History & culture

Budapest to Istanbul

From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the weathered architecture of Budapest, grand Ottoman palaces, “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania, and much more. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and exploration, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.
$998.61 Small group tours

Bulgaria 7-Night Multi-Day Trip from Sofia

Join this tour and discover Bulgaria, the pearl of the Balkans.
$257.71 Small group tours

5-Day Bulgarian Multi-Day Trip from Sofia

On this five day tour you will visit Bansko- one of the leading winter ski resorts in the country and the region, Plovdiv - considered to be one of the oldest settlements of Europe and European capital of culture 2019, and you will have the chance to enjoy a half day tour of Sofia- European capital of sport 2017. The tour includes accommodation in 3 star hotels as well as all transfers and the service of guide and driver.
$65.74 Small group tours

Weekend in Sofia Multi-Day Tour

Weekend in Sofia will give you the opportunity to explore the capital of Bulgaria, as well as to taste some traditional for the country dishes.
$348.72 Small group tours

Abandoned Rhodopes In Bulgaria 6 Day Tour from Sofia or Varna

During this 6-day journey we will visit some of the most picturesque, but almost abandoned villages and regions in the eastern, and to some extent, in the western part of the Rhodopes Mountain in Bulgaria. Departure from Sofia or from Varna.
$155.50 Small group tours

Two Days Shumen Plateau Walking Cultural Heritage Tour

The idea is to walk for two days around the most interesting places on the Shumen Plateau, an off-the beaten track area in Bulgaria. The region is more popular among the locals and fans of ancient rock monasteries, mystics and archaeology. The accent on this trip will be the ancient rock/cave monasteries and temples in the area. Some of the most important are: Han Krum Rock Monastery, Troishki Rock Monastery, Kostadinov Rock Monastery, rock monasteries in the foundations of the Shumen fortress and others. Additionally we will visit the Shumen fortress and the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument. On participant’s request, we can visit also Rusalka cave and Tombul mosque - the biggest mosque in Bulgaria. The trip will start from Varna and will finish back to your accommodation in Varna.
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