42 Activities
From Kings to Gladiators: A Dive Into the Thracian and Roman Past of Bulgaria
Starts from
Varna
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
42
Duration
3 days
Length
524 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Varna
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
3 days
Length
524 mi
Desi Kadra
Travel Expert
- See an Opera performance at the best preserved and oldest Roman theater in Bulgaria.
- Dip into the natural spring waters of the famous Rhodope mountains.
- Experience the true magic of sacred places in one of the biggest monasteries of Bulgaria.
Prepare to travel far, far back into the ancient past. Where gladiators existed and kings ruled the lands. Bulgaria is the oldest state in Europe existing under its original name. A successor of the Thracian civilization, where Spartacus and musician Orphius are from. This trip will take through some of the oldest and most fascinating parts of the central region, where you will learn all about the country’s history and heritage.
You will visit Roman theaters and stadiums, learn about the Bulgarian folk culture, and taste incredible Bulgarian food that will leave you full until you can’t move. On your last day of the trip, you will visit one of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries, where pilgrims commune and priests say their daily prayers. You will also have the chance to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty through hiking its bio-reserve and dipping into its fresh waterfalls flowing from the mountains. An absolute dream trip. Prepare with your camera as you will make incredible memories.
You will visit Roman theaters and stadiums, learn about the Bulgarian folk culture, and taste incredible Bulgarian food that will leave you full until you can’t move. On your last day of the trip, you will visit one of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries, where pilgrims commune and priests say their daily prayers. You will also have the chance to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty through hiking its bio-reserve and dipping into its fresh waterfalls flowing from the mountains. An absolute dream trip. Prepare with your camera as you will make incredible memories.
Prepare to travel far, far back into the ancient past. Where gladiators existed and kings ruled the lands. Bulgaria is the oldest state in Europe existing under its original name. A successor of the Thracian civilization, where Spartacus and musician Orphius are from. This trip will take through some of the oldest and most fascinating parts of the central region, where you will learn all about the country’s history and heritage.
You will visit Roman theaters and stadiums, learn about the Bulgarian folk culture, and taste incredible Bulgarian food that will leave you full until you can’t move. On your last day of the trip, you will visit one of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries, where pilgrims commune and priests say their daily prayers. You will also have the chance to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty through hiking its bio-reserve and dipping into its fresh waterfalls flowing from the mountains. An absolute dream trip. Prepare with your camera as you will make incredible memories.
You will visit Roman theaters and stadiums, learn about the Bulgarian folk culture, and taste incredible Bulgarian food that will leave you full until you can’t move. On your last day of the trip, you will visit one of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries, where pilgrims commune and priests say their daily prayers. You will also have the chance to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty through hiking its bio-reserve and dipping into its fresh waterfalls flowing from the mountains. An absolute dream trip. Prepare with your camera as you will make incredible memories.
Desi Kadra
Travel Expert
- See an Opera performance at the best preserved and oldest Roman theater in Bulgaria.
- Dip into the natural spring waters of the famous Rhodope mountains.
- Experience the true magic of sacred places in one of the biggest monasteries of Bulgaria.
Travel itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
208 mi4 mi
Stara Zagora: Where Religions and Cultures Collide
Today you will begin your trip by visiting Stara Zagora, a hidden gem that is not so well known among tourists, but nevertheless provides for a wonderful experience to start your journey into Bulgaria's fascinating culture and history.
To begin with, you will stop off at an ancient fortress and the remains of an old medieval town, where you will see how locals of the past used to live here. You will experience a bit of Bulgaria's wonderful nature, by dipping into fresh mountain waters flowing from a hidden away waterfall. The town of Stara Zagora, features a number of fascinating outdoor and indoor museums and ancient Roman ruins, that will transport you back to a time when gladiators fought for their lives and kings ruled over the lands of this region. You will be amazed at the number of religions and cultures that have passed through this city over the years, each one leaving its unique mark upon the land.
22:45
12 Activities
Day 2
55 mi5 mi
Plovdiv: Exploring One of the Oldest Cities in the World
The second-biggest city of Bulgaria, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world that has been continuously settled for the last 8000 years. Once ruled by Ancient Thracians and then the Romans, the ancient past of the city is still strongly felt through every street and monument around. It is an absolute wonder to walk through the old cobblestoned streets of the Old Town, or sit on the stairs of the Roman theater and stadium. Today you will dive into this romantic city and experience its true magic.
22:00
16 Activities
Day 3
261 mi3 mi
Experiencing the Best of Religion, History and Nature of Bulgaria
Today will be a day full of adventures and incredible sights. You will start by heading over to Asenovgrad, a hidden gem just 20 km away from Plovdiv. Here you will visit the famous Asen's fortress, the symbol of the city, which hides a rich history of the many battles that took place upon this rocky cliff edge overlooking the mountains. You will then visit the Bachkovo Monastery, the second biggest in the country. Nestled between mountains and rich natural bioreserve, you will experience some of the beautiful nature and waterfalls as you trek through a dense forest of trees. Finally, you will see how the famous alcoholic drink 'rakia' is made in one of the town's own distilleries and have the chance to stock up for special occasions.
Bring a swimming suit just in case you wish to swim in the waterfalls and of course your camera.
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