Highlights of our Walking Holiday in Bulgaria

Bulgaria: The Black Sea Coast and the Rhodope Mountains – Highlights of our Walking Holiday in Bulgaria

Wild and beautiful, Bulgaria’s high mountains and vast forests create a stunning backdrop for this cultural walking tour through one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Bulgaria is steeped in history, from its Thracian roots to its role in the Ottoman Empire. On this tour, you'll visit key sites that reflect this rich past. The National Museum of History in Sofia reveals treasures from Bulgaria’s ancient Thracian civilisation, while the Boyana Church features remarkable Byzantine frescoes.

Spring is the perfect time to take our 13-day comprehensive walking holiday in Bulgaria: walking in the richly diverse natural habitats of the Sredna Gora, Balkan and Rhodope mountains; exploring the ancient past mixed with more recent historic episodes of rebellion; visiting frescoed Byzantine churches and well-preserved Roman ruins; discovering the pleasures of Balkan cuisine and excellent Bulgarian red wines and seeing the recently unearthed finds of Thracian gold.

Spring starts early in Bulgaria, especially around the Black Sea coast. The weather in Bulgaria can get hot in the summer months, but the high mountains still offer splendid walking in this period.

Here are our 5 highlights of our Bulgarian Walking Holiday:

1)  The Rhodope Mountains: A Walking Paradise, The Rhodope Mountains are a haven for walkers, offering a blend of cultural history and natural beauty. Spanning Bulgaria's southern border, they are characterised by deep valleys, high cliffs, and remote villages. The region’s mix of continental, Mediterranean, and temperate climates makes it one of Europe’s richest regions for wildlife, including vultures and other rare bird species. The terrain is varied, but the walks are well-paced, allowing ample time to enjoy the scenery. Follow Orpheus into the Underworld as Roman roads lead between farming villages and wild flower-festooned meadows give way to ancient forests and cavernous river gorges. The Rhodopes are blessed with as many mythological tales as walking trails.

2)  Picturesque Koprivshtitsa: Koprivshtitsa is a picturesque town nestled in the Sredna Gora mountain range, known for its role in the 1876 uprising against Ottoman rule. The streets are lined with Bulgarian National Revival architecture, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life.

3) The Madara Horseman, an enormous 8th-century rock carving depicting a mounted figure spearing a lion and followed by a dog, showcases Bulgaria’s deep Thracian heritage. 

4) Thracian Heritage and Byzantine Art: Visit the Boyana Church and the Kazanlak Tomb to witness some of Bulgaria's most iconic artistic and historical achievements.

We will also stop in Varna to see the remarkable collection of 6th century BC Thracian gold objects in the Archaeological Museum. As you cross the Balkan range, the Valley of the Roses reveals the Thracian tomb of Kazanlak, a stunning 3rd-century BC burial site adorned with vivid Hellenistic paintings.

5)  Roman Theatre in Plovdiv: End your trip with a walk through Plovdiv’s Roman past. From our hotel in the old town, we set off to explore the intact historic centre on foot, following cobbled lanes past restored wooden mansions, Byzantine churches, art galleries, mosques and tree-filled small squares to reach the highlight, the magnificent Roman theatre. Built during the reign of Trajanus in the second century AD, it was rediscovered after a landslide in 1972 and carefully restored.

With each walk, you'll experience Bulgaria’s vibrant culture, rich history, and striking natural beauty. From ancient Thracian treasures to Byzantine monasteries, our Bulgaria cultural walking holiday promises to be a unique journey through one of Europe’s hidden gems.