Bulgaria Tours & Trip Packages

Bulgaria Tours & Trips

126 Bulgaria trips. Tours from 60 tour companies. 209 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

126 Trips match your criteria (101 - 120 shown)

From Romania to the North Sea
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Belgrade, Belogradchik, Brasov, Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Linz, Nuremberg, Passau, Romania, Rudesheim, Vienna

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
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Active & Discovery on The Lower Danube with 2 Nights in Transylvania
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Belgrade, Belogradchik, Brasov, Bucharest, Croatia, Romania, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Welcome to Bucharest
  • Visit Peles Castle
  • Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula’s Bran Castle
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Bucharest or walk the Urban Delta or food tour; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi or hike the Kroushuna Waterfalls
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
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Balkan Discovery
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Belogradchik, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of beer experience or guided tour in Vukovar; choice of guided tour with wine tasting or guided bike tour in Ilok
  • Choice of highlights of Novi Sad or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or honey and wine tasting; walk in Novi Sad with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; on board lecture
  • Choice of visit to Golubač fortress or visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
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12 Day Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Brasov, Bucharest, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Visit Sofia's National Museum of History with its exhibits dating back 8000 years Tour historic Nis, an important crossroad between Central Europe and the Middle East In Belgrade, spend an evening in the fun-filled Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija Tour of historic Belgrade includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and Saint Sava Temple Visit Novi Sad, an eclectic mix of Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture Travel to Timisoara, a vibrant city on the Bega River, built around lavish gardens Walking tour in Sibiu highlights the Old Town's charming 17th century buildings Tour Sighisoara, the best preserved medieval city in Southeastern Europe Travel to "Dracula's Castle" surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend Explore romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family Visit the gigantic Parliament Palace, second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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11 Day Eastern Danube River Cruise with Budapest
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belogradchik, Budapest

Highlights

  • During your Budapest City Tour, see the Parliament, Heroes Square, Royal Palace and Matthias Church Visit the charming village of Holloko View an exciting horse show in Puszta, Hungary Enjoy an authentic Serbian dinner and folklore dancing Explore the highlights of Belgrade, a city with turbulent history Sail through the famed Iron Gates, flanked by the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges Discover the history in Ruse, dating back to the Ottoman Empire

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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14 Day Majestic Balkans
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Romania, Skopje, Sofia, Tirana

Highlights

  • Enjoy your visit to romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family Visit the Patriarchal church of Bucharest, the center of Romanian Orthodox faith Special dinner with a guest lecturer who enlightens you on Romania's turbulent history At a beautiful 17th century Bulgarian church, attend a performance by an esteemed local choir Walk along the cobbled streets of Plovdiv, a millennial town with a tumultuous history Ascend to the 10th century Rila Monastery, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the historic streets of Skopje’s Old Town, stopping at the House of Mother Teresa Wine tasting and vineyard tour in Stobi, a city in the Republic of North Macedonia at the crossroads of civilization Discover lively Tirana, the beating heart of Albania, with its vibrant café culture and funky art Visit Kruje, where the hero Skanderbeg defended Albania from the Ottomans †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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12 Day Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Brasov, Bucharest, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Visit Sofia's National Museum of History with its exhibits dating back 8000 years Tour historic Nis, an important crossroad between Central Europe and the Middle East In Belgrade, spend an evening in the fun-filled Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija Tour of historic Belgrade includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and Saint Sava Temple Visit Novi Sad, an eclectic mix of Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture Travel to Timisoara, a vibrant city on the Bega River, built around lavish gardens Walking tour in Sibiu highlights the Old Town's charming 17th century buildings Tour Sighisoara, the best preserved medieval city in Southeastern Europe Travel to "Dracula's Castle" surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend Explore romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family Visit the gigantic Parliament Palace, second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon Visit the impressive open-air Village Museum revealing traditional Romanian village life †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
14 Day Majestic Balkans
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Romania, Skopje, Sofia, Tirana

Highlights

  • Enjoy an extended visit to romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family Visit the Patriarchal church of Bucharest, considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals of Romania Special dinner with a guest lecturer who enlightens you on Romania's turbulent history At a beautiful 17th century Bulgarian church, a magical performance by an esteemed local choir Walk along the cobbled streets of Plovdiv, Europe's oldest city Ascend to the 10th century Rila Monastery, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the historic streets of Skopje’s Old Town, stopping at the House of Mother Teresa Wine tasting and vineyard tour in Stobi, a city in the Republic of North Macedonia at the crossroads of civilization Discover lively Tirana, the beating heart of Albania, with its vibrant café culture and funky art Visit Kruje, where the hero Skanderbeg defended Albania from the Ottomans †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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Bulgaria Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
209  Reviews
See all Bulgaria tour reviews
Excellent
108
Great
28
Average
5
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Bulgaria Bears. Excellent walks at a steady with informative breaks

Inspiring views with Julian who was very well informed and put the information across in any easily understood and entertaining way. Only saw one other group in t...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A wonderful walking and wildlife experience!

This really is the best walking and wildlife combination I've ever been on. Loved that we did good mountain walks in the day time through varied and stunning scen...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful wildlife adventure

This was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, combining walking in the mountains with the opportunity to see and learn about bears in the company of a true expe...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Bulgaria Rodopi Mountains: beautiful and brimming with wildlife

I am so glad that a friend suggested this holiday to me, as it surpassed all of my expectations. The Hotel Yagodina is a splendid base: the staff are very friendly...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great introduction to the wildlife and way of life in the Rodopi mountains

A brilliant and unusual combination of great walking and wildlife interest. On holidays these are usually separated but this worked so well, as you really came to ...

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Bulgaria Tour Selection Trips

  • Bulgaria sees all four seasons, and can have harsh winters. When planning an active itinerary, make sure you select the right time of year, as some areas may be affected by the weather. 
  • The high season for the seaside cities of Bulgaria are the summer months. If you visit during the off-season, you may encounter closed stores and restaurants. 
  • The main way to see Bulgaria is by bus. If you struggle with sitting for long periods, make sure to book a tour itinerary that includes plenty of stops to break up the driving.

Additional details

Where is Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, more commonly called the Balkans. Neighboring countries are Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. Bulgaria’s eastern bordern is shared with the Black Sea. 

Weather in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s weather is what is called a “continental” climate. This means the winters are cold and the summers are warm. However, with Bulgaria’s eastern coastline dominated by the Black Sea, this part of the country can be slightly cooler than the rest of Bulgaria at certain times of the year. 

Winter in Bulgaria can be cold and windy. If you are skiing in the Balkan Mountains that run through Bulgaria during the winter be prepared for high amounts of snow. For those traveling in the lower lands of the country, there will be less snow and the temperatures will be slightly warmer. 

Spring and fall are both ideal times to visit Bulgaria. The temperatures are mild with very little rainfall. These times of the year do see some dramatic weather changes, especially in the spring. If you are traveling during the shoulder months, make sure to pack layers in case the weather suddenly takes a turn. 

The summer months in Bulgaria can be very warm and still. Temperatures can reach above 90 with some days even above 100 degrees. 

Is Bulgaria Safe?

Yes, it is! Bulgaria is a very safe country to visit. Solo travelers should feel comfortable walking around the major cities of Sofia and Plovdiv. However, it is always recommended to extend caution at night and in busy tourist areas as pickpocketing is known to occasionally occur. 

What is the Currency?

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev. Like many countries, Bulgaria uses a combination of coins and banknotes.

Their coins are called stotika, or stotinki, and are valued at 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50. If it helps when visiting, you can think of stotinki as cents when asking for prices. Something to pay attention to is the Bulgarian notes start out at 5. The 1 and 2 leva are in coin form. This may be slightly confusing for those who come from a country where the smaller whole amounts are in bills. 

Bulgarian Language

The Bulgarian language is distinct in Southeastern Europe and can seem confusing to visitors. Bulgarian is a Slavic language, but their alphabet uses Latin letters, along with Cyrillic letters. However, if you’ve taken Latin in school you may find you don’t understand Bulgarian as the Latin letters used in Bulgarian are are pronounced differently. 

As Bulgarian can be difficult for some to learn and read, there are a few key phrases to remember when visiting: 

  • Hello = Zdravei (zdra-vey); also common is Dobar den (Doh-bra denh)
  • Thank you = Blagodarya (Blah-goh-da-rya)
  • Yes = Da (Dah)
  • No = Ne (Neh)
  • How much is it? = Kolko struva? (Kol-koh stroo-vah)
  • Please = Molya (mol-yah)
  • How are you? = Kak si (kak see)

Essential Tips to Traveling in Bulgaria 

With Bulgaria’s vast countryside, long history, and amazing architecture, there will be no issue filling up your day. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your vacation in Bulgaria and make your time there even more enjoyable: 

  • Learn some of the language: Take some of the key phrases from above and use them! You will find many older Bulgarians do not speak English and knowing some important phrases will go a long way. 
  • Signals for Yes and No are different: In Bulgaria, like in Greece, nodding does not mean yes, but actually means no. 
  • Carry cash with you: Most international stores and some cafes in Bulgaria will take cards, but in the small shops and restaurants, cash is the most common form of payment. This is especially true if you visit any of the local markets. 
  • Bus travel it is!: Like the rest of the Balkans, bus travel is the main form of transportation. The buses run frequently between the larger cities in Bulgaria and to the surrounding countries. 
  • Water in Bulgaria: Water in Bulgaria is safe to drink. If you are concerned, you can buy bottled water or use water cleansing tablets. 
  • Tipping: Tipping is standard in Bulgaria for restaurants and hotel staff. 
  • Converters: If you are visiting from the United States or Canada, make sure to bring a converter for your electronics. Bulgarian sockets are a Type F as where the U.S. and Canada are Type A and B. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling in Bulgaria?

Firstly, travelers who are looking for an off-the-beaten path or a less visited destination. Bulgaria is growing in popularity amongst travelers as an affordable, but culturally rich destination with an interesting history, cuisine, and stunning landscapes. 

Bulgaria has a history that in some cities dates back to before Ancient Rome and Greece. History buffs will love the countless Greek, Roman, Thracian, Bulgarian, and Ottoman ruins that are scattered throughout the countryside. Along with the more modern churches and Cold War era buildings in Sofia and Plovdiv. 

Bulgaria is a nature lover’s dream, no matter if you are into winter or summer activities. With the Balkan Mountains running down the center of Bulgaria, you can hike the trails during the summer or go skiing down the slopes in the winter. You can also go paragliding outside of Sofia, kayak the Kamchia River, or laze around on the beaches in Varna.

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