Spread your wings and discover one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets — Bulgaria!
As the oldest country in Europe, Bulgaria offers an irresistible mix of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From the dramatic peaks of the Rila Mountains to the sun-kissed beaches of the Black Sea, this land is brimming with natural beauty and warm, welcoming people. Explore remarkable ancient sites, immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage, and savour a cuisine that is as sweet and soulful as the country itself.
Bulgaria is a cultural crossroads where Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences come together in captivating music, vibrant dance, intricate crafts, and some of the world’s most extraordinary artifacts. Still relatively undiscovered, it remains a hidden gem that won’t stay secret for long.
Join Broad Escapes and travel with a small group of like-minded women as we uncover Bulgaria’s treasures before the rest of the world catches on. This journey is more than a trip — it’s a chance to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and experience a destination that will surprise and inspire you at every turn.
Space is limited — reserve your spot today!
Here’s what some of our previous clients have to say about Bulgaria
“I booked the Bulgaria tour having barely read the itinerary as I trust Broad Escapes to choose great places to visit with unique experiences. However, this tour exceeded my expectations. The country was beautiful, cultured, friendly and full of amazing history that I wasn’t aware of.” – Deborah
“Bulgaria is a country not to be missed. It is rich in culture, has beautiful scenery, warm people & amazing food. I highly recommend travelling with Broad Escapes, you are well looked after and see and experience so many amazing places.” – Karen
Day 1 | Wednesday, September 9 (D)
ARRIVE SOFIA
Welcome to Bulgaria! Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport, meet our professional English-speaking guide and driver for a private transfer to our centrally located hotel. Later, join our BE Tour Host for a leisurely orientation walk, followed by a welcome dinner where this Bulgarian adventure begins to unfold.
Overnight Central Park Hotel (or similar) – 1 night
Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.
Day 2 | Thursday, September 10 (B/L/D)
SOFIA – RILA MONASTERY – DOBARSKO – BANSKO
Today we journey south into the Rila Mountains to visit Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Bulgaria’s most important spiritual site. Inside the monastery museum, admire the exquisite Cross of Rafael — a wood carved masterpiece of staggering detail. After lunch, continue to the small village of Dobarsko, where we’ll be welcomed by local women who share their traditions through song, food, and heartfelt hospitality.
Overnight Kempinski Grand Arena Bansko (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 3 | Friday, September 11 (B/L)
BANSKO – LESHTEN – KOVACHEVITSA – BANSKO
Discover the timeless charm of the Rhodope Mountains. Stroll through Leshten, where cobbled lanes and wooden houses feel untouched by time, then continue to Kovachevitsa, renowned for its traditional stone architecture. Over a rustic picnic lunch, enjoy warm conversations with locals before returning to Bansko for leisure time to relax or unwind at the hotel’s spa.
Day 4 | Saturday, September 12 (B/L/D)
BANSKO – KOSTANDOVO – PLOVDIV
All aboard! Ride Bulgaria’s only narrow-gauge railway, winding through mountains and small villages with sweeping views. Enjoy a picnic at the highest train station in the Balkans before visiting a family-run rug factory in Kostandovo, whose handwoven carpets have graced royal palaces around the world. Continue to Plovdiv, a vibrant city of art, history, and charm.
Overnight Residence City Garden (or similar) – 3 nights
Day 5 | Sunday, September 13 (B/D)
PLOVDIV
A guided tour introduces us to Plovdiv’s treasures: the Roman Theatre, remarkably preserved, and the Roman Stadium. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, set in a lavish 19th-century merchant’s home, then indulge your sweet side with a chocolate factory tour and tasting. The afternoon is yours to explore Plovdiv’s cobblestone lanes, boutique shops, and Old Town charm at your own pace.
Day 6 | Monday, September 14 (B/L)
PLOVDIV – USTINA – PLOVDIV
This morning, travel to the Bachkovo Monastery (UNESCO), one of the oldest in the Balkans. Continue to a boutique winery for a guided tour, tasting, and a leisurely lunch featuring regional specialties. Return to Plovdiv for free time — perhaps linger at a café, shop for crafts, or simply soak in the city’s lively atmosphere.
Day 7 | Tuesday, September 15 (B/L/D)
PLOVDIV – NESSEBAR – BURGAS
Travel across scenic countryside, passing sunflower fields and vineyards, en route to the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Nessebar. With over 3,000 years of history, this peninsula settlement reveals layers of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman heritage. Later, continue to Burgas, a lively Black Sea port city, where seaside charm meets cultural flair.
Overnight Boutique Hotel Promenade (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 8 | Wednesday, September 16 (B/L)
BURGAS – SOZOPOL – BURGAS
Board a ferry for a scenic crossing to Sozopol, admiring the views of the Black Sea—sparkling waters, rugged coastline, and playful dolphins. Arriving at this picture-perfect town, with its red-tiled roofs and artistic soul, enjoy a fresh seaside lunch and time to wander its historic lanes. Sail back across the bay and return to Burgas for an evening at leisure.
Day 9 | Thursday, September 17 (B/D)
BURGAS – VARNA
This morning, journey to Varna, Bulgaria’s lively “sea capital.” Visit the Varna Necropolis, a prehistoric burial site revealing the world’s oldest known gold treasure, then continue to the Archaeological Museum. A guided walk introduces Varna’s pedestrian boulevards, seafront promenade, and lush Sea Garden.
Overnight Rosslyn Dimyat (or similar) – 1 night
Day 10 | Friday, September 18 (B/D)
VARNA – VELIKO TARNOVO
Travel inland to fairy-tale like Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque cities and medieval capital. On a guided tour explore the dramatic Tsarevets Fortress, perched high above the Yantra River, and stroll the artisan street of Samovodska Tscharschia, where craftspeople keep centuries-old traditions alive.
Overnight Grand Hotel Yantra (or similar) – 1 night
Day 11 | Saturday, September 19 (B/L)
VELIKO TARNOVO – LYUTIBROD – SOFIA
Step into the awe-inspiring Devetashka Cave, where cathedral-like chambers glow with natural skylights known as “the eyes of the cave.” Continue to Lyutibrod, nestled in the Iskar Gorge, for a rustic picnic of fresh local ingredients. As we share food and stories with villagers, experience Bulgaria’s countryside lifestyle and genuine hospitality firsthand. Later, continue to Sofia for an evening at leisure.
Overnight Sofia Balkan Palace (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 12 | Sunday, September 20 (B/D)
SOFIA
Discover Sofia on a guided tour including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George’s Rotunda, and the changing of the guard at the Presidency. Browse vibrant local markets before enjoying an afternoon at leisure to explore, shop, or relax at a café. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner — a memorable celebration of friendship and the unforgettable journey we’ve shared.
Day 13 | Monday, September 21 (B)
DEPARTURE
Bid farewell to Bulgaria and your Broad Escapes travelling companions with a private transfer to Sofia International Airport. Depart with treasured memories, lasting friendships, and perhaps a few extra souvenirs in your suitcase.
Thank you for choosing Broad Escapes!
B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner
**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**
Level 2 – Moderate
This trip is appropriate for travellers who are in good health and are comfortable with full-day excursions. Participants with basic good balance, mobility, and moderate fitness level should not require physical preparation to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Walking on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, walking and standing for long periods of time during guided tours, easy physical activities, stairways sometimes without handles, absence of elevators, and getting on and off various modes of transportation unassisted can be expected.
BROAD ESCAPES TOURS FOR WOMEN
What’s Included
INCLUDED:
- Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
- Private transportation on air-conditioned bus as per itinerary
- 12 nights superior accommodation – 1 night Sofia, 2 nights Bansko, 3 nights Plovdiv, 2 nights Burgas, 1 night Varna, 1 night Veliko Tarnovo, 2 nights Sofia
- Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
- Wine with dinners
- Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary
- Highlights include Rila Monastery, Rhodope Mountain Railway, Black Sea, beautiful & charming ancient villages, interaction with locals, Bulgarian gastronomy, wine tasting and so much more!
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Services of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager
- Includes all applicable taxes and service charges as of this contract date
- 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour
NOT INCLUDED:
- Insurance
- International airfare
- Passport, visas, government processing fees, vaccinations
- Luggage handling
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers
OPTIONS (additional charges):
- International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
- Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights
Canadian Citizens require a valid passport. Authorities at your destination require that Canadian passports are valid for 3 months beyond your return date. Broad Escapes recommends passports are valid for a minimum 6 months beyond your return date.
European Union – As of mid-to-late 2026 (exact date still to be announced), the European Union will require an ETIAS Travel Authorization for all travellers who do not require a Schengen visa (including Canadian citizens). Without this ETIAS, entry to the European Union will not be permitted. Travellers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETIAS individually (cost: €20 Euro). Further information about the application process will be provided by your booking agent at the appropriate time.
Tour Cost
$6540 CAD Twin
Upgrade to your own room for $1290 CAD
Deposit $700 per person
Balance due: June 10, 2026
Maximum 16 passengers
Your Tour Host
CLAUDIA VIANI
A travel industry veteran for the past 40+ years, my passion for travel was ignited early and is imbedded in my DNA!
Born under the Tuscan Sun in the beautiful township of Lucca, we immigrated to Canada in my early teens. Not long after I returned to Italy several times, and thus began my love for travel and exploration.
It was only natural that I would join the Travel Industry, embarking on two amazing careers in the Airline and Travel Agency sector, weaving a tapestry of experiences and expertise.
Over the years I have hosted group tours to Quebec; Italy (including Sicily); Portugal; France; Switzerland; Amsterdam and Rhine River; UK; Ireland; Greek Islands; Morocco and several major US cities. I have also travelled extensively across Canada and to several other countries such as Croatia, Brazil, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Australia!
Today I am thrilled to join Broad Escapes as a Tour Manager, using my own adventures and expertise to inspire and to go beyond the ordinary, creating experiences that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked.
I look forward to travelling with you!
