Bulgarian Culture and Cuisine Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sofia

Arrive at Sofia airport, where your guide will meet you. Pay a visit to the biggest and most important monastery in Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will be able to taste some of the best Mekitsi, which are traditional Bulgarian pastry sweets.

Next is a transfer to a small village deep in the forests, where you will be welcomed in a nice family hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pirin
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Bulgarian Dishes or Wine Making Experience

After breakfast it is time for a transfer to the town of Bansko, an old-style settlement now developing as a big ski resort. Short tour of Bansko and lunch in a traditional tavern. Here you will visit the local beekeepers.

Return back to your lovely accommodation as the hosts have some great activities for their guests – you can either be shown typical Bulgarian dishes and how to prepare them or shown the process of making wine and rakia and how the farm is maintained.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Soup Preparation and the Mandra Tour

Begin with breakfast and transfer to a nearby eco farm, situated beautifully in the forests. Here you will have the opportunity to observe how the farm works and taste all the food produced here – fruits and vegetables, herbs and juices. Later you will prepare your own lunch and the hosts will guide you through the preparation of traditional Bulgarian cold soups (tarator), barbecue, and salads.

In the afternoon, transfer to the nearby village of Dobarsko to visit a “mandra,” a small local factory for Bulgarian yellow and white cheese and also the masters of Bulgarian salamies to taste their products. Return to the family hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 The Wine Capital Tour

Transfer to the picturesque town of Melnik, the Bulgarian wine capital. Tour the magnificent old town of Melnik and the Rojen monastery. Eat lunch in a traditional folklore restaurant.

In the afternoon, it is once again time for tasting. Melnik is the home of world-famous Bulgarian wine cellars. Here you will have the opportunity to try some of the amazing local red wines.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Walking Tour in Rila Mountains

Today you will have a picnic in the woods. A short, pleasant walk will take you to a stunning location in the forests, where you will make your own campfire and prepare lunch. Your guide will tell you more about the wildlife in the Rila Mountains and how to recognize the bird songs.

In the afternoon, return to your nice family hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Departure

After breakfast, you’ll head back to Sofia and the airport. Safe travels.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast