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BULGARIA
DESTINATION GUIDE
As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Bulgaria in a way like no other. Set on the edge of Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is a bewitching blend of ancient history and landscapes. At first glance, you’ll be captivated by the soaring mountains, glacial lakes and protected forests filled with bears and wolves. Delve deeper, and you’ll discover a story that dates back further than Rome. It’s one of the oldest countries in Europe, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and our Bulgaria tours take it all in. See the mesmerising stripes of the 10th-century Rila Monastery and the Tsarevets Fortress from the Middle Ages. Discover the tombs of the Thracians and remnants of Neolithic settlements in the Bulgarian wilderness. Explore the churches of the City of Tsars and the mansions of Arbanasi. From the vibrant cities to the tiny mountain villages, you’ll feel the Bulgarian spirit, preserved in folklore traditions and joyous music and dance. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.
"Bulgaria is always a welcome surprise for our guests, as they discover one of Europe's oldest countries and some of the region's most stunning natural wonders."
Travel Director
Bulgaria at a
glance
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
Winter avg temp
-1°C
Summer avg temp
31°C
Time Zone
GMT +3
Capital City
Sofia
Language
Bulgarian
Good Morning
Dobro utro
Good evening
Dobŭr vecher
A bewitching blend of ancient history and beautiful landscapes, Bulgaria will leave you spellbound by the soaring mountains, glacial lakes and forests filled with bears and wolves. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover one of Europe's oldest countries with a story that dates back further than Rome.
Our top 3 things to do in Bulgaria
We’ll reveal the best of Bulgaria, from the dazzling Rila Monastery and the country’s vibrant folklore music, to the ancient treasures of Veliko Târnovo and Arbanasi.
Visit Rila Monastery
Set in a valley in the mountains of Rila National Park, Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by Ivan of Rila, a hermit monk. Today, it’s the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria, and our Bulgaria trips will reveal the incredible architecture and painted frescoes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Veliko Târnovo, the 'City of the Tsars'
Set on the Yantra River surrounded by forested hills, Veliko Târnovo is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. We’ll reveal the town’s medieval monuments and ancient architecture, including the Tsarevets Fortress, ul Gurko lane, and Samovodska Charshia market.
Get your foot tapping at a traditional folklore show
Traditional Bulgarian music and dance is fast-paced and thrilling, and we’ll take you to a special folklore show where you can see the famous horo dance. With a quick beat and a line of swirling skirts, you can’t help but tap along to the music.
Best museums in Bulgaria
Our Bulgaria tour packages take you to the country’s top museums, from socialist art and Bulgarian icons, to glittering gems and minerals.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Located in Sofia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Christian church buildings in the world. It houses a museum of Bulgarian icons inside the crypt, dating from the 13th to the 19th century. With over 200 icons, it’s thought to be Europe’s largest collection of Orthodox icons.
Earth and Man National Museum
Founded in central Sofia, the Earth and Man National Museum is one of the largest mineralogical museums in the world. Its collection encompasses 40% of all known minerals, including massive gems, volcanic rocks and sparkling geodes. You can also find man-made ceramics created by Bulgarian scientists.
Museum of Socialist Art
The Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia is dedicated to showcasing works from the communist period in Bulgaria. You can explore a park with over 70 sculptures, an exhibition hall of paintings, and a video hall with films and newsreels from the communist era.
Best food in Bulgaria
Our Bulgaria holidays show you the best of Bulgarian food, from cheesy pastries and dried meats, to fiery tripe soup.
Banitza
Banitza is a classic breakfast food, made from a blend of milk, eggs and cheese layered into filo pastry and baked until golden. It can be found in bakeries all over Bulgaria and our Local Specialists will show you the best places to find this delicious treat.
Shkembe (Tripe Soup)
Shkembe is a spicy tripe soup seasoned with crushed garlic, paprika, vinegar and chilli pepper. The tantalising mix of flavours is said to have healing powers, and it’s best eaten with fresh bread and a cold beer.
Lukanka
A traditional food of Bulgaria, lukanka is a semi-dried salami usually made from pork, veal, cumin, salt and pepper. The ingredients are minced together, packed into a dried cow’s intestine and dried for nearly two months, resulting in a delicious snack best served cold.
Bulgarian phrasebook
Bulgarian is the official language and they use the Cyrillic alphabet, so it will be useful to learn a few phrases, particularly if you’re travelling outside of the major cities.
Layered clothing
The weather can be unpredictable with freezing winters, rainy springs and a scorching Bulgarian summer. It’s best to bring versatile clothing and layers to cover your knees and elbows when visiting monasteries.
Bulgarian lev
The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev, and you’ll need to bring some cash for smaller restaurants, markets and outside cities.
Comfortable shoes
From hiking the spectacular mountains to walking the cobbled laneways, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes for your Bulgaria trip.
Adaptor plug
In Bulgaria, the power plugs and sockets are of type F, with standard European 2-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
What to pack for Bulgaria
Other things to know before you go
Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.
Road Trip Adventures
Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!
Guide to Bulgaria Visa Application
Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Bulgaria and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.
This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.
Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience!