Bulgaria Tours and Holidays

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Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and diverse landscapes, with each destination revealing a unique character. Sofia, the capital, showcases layers of history through landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins, and vibrant modern districts. Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, charms visitors with its beautifully preserved Old Town, ancient Roman theatre, and colorful Revival-era houses, reflecting Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.

Nature lovers will find stunning scenery in the Rila Mountains, home to the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amid forested peaks. The Black Sea coast, including Varna and Burgas, offers sandy beaches, seaside promenades, and a relaxed atmosphere, while Veliko Tarnovo impresses with its dramatic hillside setting and medieval Tsarevets Fortress, completing a journey that highlights Bulgaria’s historical depth and natural beauty.

 

Our Bulgaria Trips

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Bulgaria Accommodation

Please find below the 4 Star hotels used on our Balkans trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.

Bulgaria Tours Guidebook

Best Time to Visit Bulgaria

The best time to visit Bulgaria is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild, landscapes are vibrant, and crowds are smaller. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, ideal for hiking and exploring historical sites. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures, colorful foliage, and harvest festivals, making it perfect for cultural experiences and wine tours.

Summer (July to August) is popular for beach destinations along the Black Sea, with warm sunny days perfect for swimming and seaside activities, while winter (December to February) attracts visitors to Bulgaria’s ski resorts in the Rila and Pirin Mountains for snow sports and alpine adventures.

Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a rich blend of history, culture, and diverse landscapes, with each destination carrying its own distinct charm. Sofia, the capital, combines ancient heritage with modern life, featuring landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins, and lively cultural districts. Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, impresses with its well-preserved Old Town, colorful Revival-era houses, and ancient Roman Theatre, reflecting Bulgaria’s deep historical roots.

For nature lovers, the Rila Mountains provide breathtaking scenery, home to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery set amid forested peaks. The Black Sea coast, including Varna and Burgas, offers sandy beaches, seaside promenades, and a relaxed atmosphere, while Veliko Tarnovo, with its dramatic hills and medieval Tsarevets Fortress, completes a journey that highlights Bulgaria’s cultural depth and natural beauty.

Bulgaria Travel Advice

Bulgaria allows visa-free travel for short stays for citizens of many countries, but it’s always important to verify the latest visa requirements before your trip. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Bulgaria. It is also highly recommended to have valid and adequate travel insurance before your tour with HappyDays Tour begins, to ensure a safe and worry-free journey.

Bulgarian Culture

Bulgaria is a country with a rich cultural heritage shaped by Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, which are evident in its architecture, art, and traditions.

Religion plays an important role in Bulgarian life, with Eastern Orthodox Christianity being predominant. Religious festivals and customs, such as Easter and Kukeri (traditional masquerade rituals), are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Bulgaria is also known for its vibrant folk music and dance, with distinctive rhythms, colorful costumes, and instruments like the gaida (bagpipe) and kaval, which are central to social gatherings and traditional celebrations.

 
 

Bulgarian Food

Bulgarian cuisine is a flavorful and hearty reflection of the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Fresh vegetables, dairy products, and grilled meats feature prominently in many dishes. Shopska salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta-style cheese, is a classic starter, while banitsa, a pastry filled with cheese and eggs, is a beloved traditional dish.

Meat dishes such as kebapche (grilled minced meat rolls) and kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew with vegetables) are popular across Bulgaria. Soups like tarator, a cold yogurt and cucumber soup, and hearty stews offer comfort and rich flavors. Bulgarian cuisine combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with traditional methods, making meals both satisfying and memorable.

The Bulgaria Tours - FAQ

What is the internet access like in Bulgaria?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, as well as in many cafés and restaurants throughout Bulgaria. Internet quality is generally good in major cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, though connections may be slower in small towns and rural areas. Mobile 4G coverage is widely available.

Yes, you can use your mobile phone in Bulgaria. EU travelers can usually use their mobile plans without additional roaming charges. Non-EU travelers should check roaming costs with their provider or consider purchasing a local SIM card for better value.

Costs depend on your mobile provider and country of origin. Local SIM cards and data packages in Bulgaria are affordable and widely available at airports and city centers.

Yes. Tap water in Bulgaria is generally safe to drink, especially in cities and towns. However, bottled water is widely available for those who prefer it.

Credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and shopping malls. Smaller towns, local markets, and rural areas may require cash.

ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and tourist areas. International cards are generally accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash when traveling to smaller locations.

Group airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days are included in the tour price. Transfers outside the scheduled times can be arranged at an additional cost.

The welcome meeting is held at the hotel on the first day of the tour or at a designated nearby location. Full details will be provided in your pre-departure information.

Yes, pre- and post-tour accommodation can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and at an additional cost.

Yes, many guests join our Bulgaria tours as solo travelers.

A single supplement applies if you prefer a private room. If you are happy to share, we may be able to pair you with another solo traveler, subject to availability.

Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. info@happydaystour.co.uk (0) 208 800 3836

Flights are not automatically included, but we can assist with international or regional flight bookings upon request.

Vegetarian and most special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if advised at the time of booking. Options may be more limited in rural areas.

The local currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Euros can be exchanged easily, but prices are generally quoted and paid in Leva. Credit cards are commonly used in cities.

We recommend one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. Please be mindful of luggage limits if internal flights are included.

Tipping is not mandatory in Bulgaria but is appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 5–10% is customary if service is good. Tipping tour guides and drivers is optional.

You can join a tour late or miss the Welcome Meeting on Day 1 if you inform us prior to the departure date. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to catch up with the group.

Please contact us at info@happydaystour.co.uk +44 (0) 208 800 3836

For all emergencies, you can contact +44 (0) 208 800 3836

Exact details are provided in the tour program.

Bulgaria Sights