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Bulgaria Group Tours 2024/2025

Find 40+ Group Tours and Group Departures in Bulgaria with more than 50+ customer reviews. The 40+ Bulgaria group tours and Bulgaria group holidays are delivered by some of the top local and global travel companies in Bulgaria.

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Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear

Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains

Bansko Express: Standard Pack

Short Break Bansko: Standard Pack

Highlights of Bulgaria by Bicycle

Eastern Europe Express

Bansko Explorer: Standard Pack

Balkans Uncovered Luxury Tour

Ancient Macedonia

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Bansko Explorer: Premium Pack

Bulgaria At A Glance: Sofia City Break

Short Break Bansko: Premium Pack

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Bulgaria Group Tour Reviews

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Bulgaria Tour Companies

List of bulgaria travel companies & tour operators with 30155 reviews.

Penguin Travel

• Excellent - 518 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Great, varied tBulgaria our with an excellent, knowledgeable tour guide Lubo. Good accommodation and good tour van. Despite intensive tours, plenty of free time

A fantastic trip, very well organised and conducted throughout. Great introduction walking tours in the cities. Guide Andrey was excellent and had everything running smoothly. Driver Bobby was also excellent in getting us around. Hotels were generally good, some were very good. Nice scenic journeys between cities. Good value for money and would recommend.

Across Europe Ltd.

• Excellent - 3 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Outstanding. Communications with the tour operators was smooth and seamless. The guide/driver (Stan) was superior. There wasn't a question or situation that he wasn't on top of. The accommodations were good to very good (using US standards) and the itinerary was very good to excellent. Food and beverages were very good. Bulgaria itself was nice though not, IMO, "bucket list worthy." It is not a nation easy to traverse if you have mobility issues with the usual old European "sortfalls" such as cobblestones, absence of ramps etc. I personally loved the "lack of tourists." I also particularly enjoyed learning about the wine culture and the history of this proud nation. Consider adding a few days on either side of the trip to explore Sofia on your own. Job well done!

This was a very good tour. We had an excellent guide and saw many interesting places. Bulgaria is a beautiful country which now has good roads and very attractive towns and villages. There is a lot to see. We stayed in several four star hotels, mostly for one night. For the most part they were good, although one hotel did not have a lift, which was a nuisance and another, where we stayed for two nights, had hardly any guests the first night. The room was good and the staff were friendly, but it provided a very poor breakfast the first morning and really was below par. The receptionist was new and had not been trained to use the software properly. My fellow traveller was put in a room with no chair. The receptionist (who was a pleasure to speak to and was extremely helpful) and him (he was 88) had to manouvre a chair into his room from another bedroom. This really is not what I would expect from a four star hotel. The second night, they had a tour group, so there were more people and it provided a proper breakfast. On balance I was very impressed with this tour and with the tour guide. I would certainly consider using Tour Radar again. They were very prompt to deal with email queries as well.

Destination Services Bulgar…

We really enjoyed the excellent communication from Emiliana and we found every detail of the organisation to be perfect. We had a delightful day with our very knowledgeable and engaging guide from Varna. We thought all the hotels were well placed and comfortable. The hire car was very good and all arrangements for it went smoothly. We very much appreciated the suggested place to visit and did our best to cover all of them. We also enjoyed the meals arranged for us. In short, we loved Bulgaria and would happily recommend your company to anyone.

Our Bulgaria trip was outstanding as we covered so much each day all of which was so interesting as well as varied. Our guide Milena was very professional. She explained each exploration carefully allowing us to process the history of the country and the impact of other Eurpean forces on the land. Her language ability was precise. She led us through the aims of each day and guided us through towns and fortresses and in and out of so many features such as tombs and churches and food. I cannot thank her enough for making the trip so memorable. George , our driver was expert at his job. He was polite and caring and good company too.

Exodus Adventure Travels

• Excellent - 13,271 reviews for Bulgaria tours

This part of Bulgaria was very remote and it felt as if I had stepped back in time.  Knowing that the food we were eating was grown or produced locally, including the delicious cheese and potato based dishes, jams and honey. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Taking in the stunning views on the walks every day.Standing on the viewing platform at St. Elijah.The last night when women from the village came to dance and sing traditional songs for us.  Also when local people joined in with the singing and dancing and a young man started to play the traditional Bulgarian bagpipes.  Fabulous!   What did you think of your group leader? She was very knowledgeable about the area and the country in general.  Always happy to answer any questions and if she didn't know the answer she would find out.  She was always cheerful and had a good sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was very hot in August which made some of the steepest ascents harder for me than they would have been otherwise.  Take high factor sun cream.If you go to the bear-hide one evening be very patient.  We left just before a group of wild boar came down to eat.  The evidence was captured on a night vision camera.  No bears though!  Is there anything else you would like to add? The transfer from and to the airport is very long but take the opportunity to look at the changing landscape, particularly when it starts to become mountainous as it is quite spectacular.  

It has been three years since my last Exodus trip and this one reminded me of what I had missed. Great accomodation, lots of quality chunky walks, pleasant group and outstanding leader. Able to relax in evenings. Holiday as well as a challenge. Met friendly people everywhere. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Enjoyed the penultimate walk especially winding up through several lakes over snow to peak. Surprised by good quality of hotels. Also managed to see the final set of Wimbledon after walk(avoiding the stress of the first two sets!) in hotel restaurant. The Bulgarians were accomodating of our enthusiasm. What did you think of your group leader? Competent,organised ,charismatic and likeable. Introduced us to Bulgarian culture in imaginative way. Won`t spoil it for others by telling his stories! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I was anticipating searing hot temperatures but the mountain walks were reasonably cool(some snow about) which was a blessing for ascent.  Is there anything else you would like to add? Only reservation was missing a quick tour of Sofia at the end due to half the group being on early flight. The final hotel was upmarket but unfortunately some of us didn`t get to enjoy it as we left 4am.

Crooked Compass

• Good - 5 reviews for Bulgaria tours
• This operator has no Bulgaria reviews

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,800 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Amazing tour!!!! The tour leader was one of the most fun leaders I have seen. She had so much energy and warmness. Many of the destinations on this tour were not the typical tourist type places, but that was refreshing. I especially enjoyed Sarajevo. In fact the whole tour was worth it because of this unexpected beautiful city. I would love to have spent more time there. Kotor was also especially beautiful! I highly recommend a hike to the mountains for a view over the town and a swim in the lake. If you decide to visit these countries I strongly recommend researching about the history before hand. A small group of people on the day trip in Sarajevo did not listen to the guide and missed out through not understanding the places visited. I felt bad for the guide as he did an amazing job to explain the difficult very recent history of the country. I read the book ‘The Cellist of Sarajevo’ before I visited, which helped add more context to my historical knowledge of the region.

I enjoyed the trip and we saw some really interesting places which I wouldn't normally have visited. I was a bit disappointed with the guide. Though he got us from A to B he was rude and stand offish at times. It's a real shame as I have heard some lovely reports about Intrepid's guides but I didn't find him very approachable. The places we visited though were lovely.

DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen

• Excellent - 7 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Europamundo

• Good - 4,378 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Hope ww xan have fix seating arrangement

It was not good. Could not see many places

World Synergy Travel

• Excellent - 12 reviews for Bulgaria tours

both guides are very good, friendly knowlegible.

Great group, guide was so knowledgeable and patient. Saw fantastic sights. Would recommend to everyone.

Prime Holidays Inc

• Good - 34 reviews for Bulgaria tours

Traventuria

• Excellent - 118 reviews for Bulgaria tours

L'organizzazione del tour è stata come da programma. I driver si sono presentati puntualmente al momento della partenza ed erano presenti al nostro arrivo al termine delle camminate. I driver guidano in modo responsabile e sicuro sia sulle strade normali che sui terreni accidentati. C'è stato un piccolo disguido sul noleggio dei bastoncini, abbiamo chiesto un rimborso che è arrivato immediatamente, prima della fine del tour.

I have travelled internationally a great deal and typically really enjoy pulling together arrangements myself. With the Rila-Pirin trek, I followed a friend's advice and gave all of the arrangement-making over to Traventuria. I wanted to only have to think about the beauty and challenges of the Rila and Pirin mountains each day and not whether my reservations were vulnerable to unexpected events. Traventuria took excellent care of us - easily moving us (and our bags) from inn to inn and locally for the daily walks, and sorting all the places we stayed. Orientation materials were top-notch! Thank you, guys!

Balkan Pro Travel

• Excellent - 2 reviews for Bulgaria tours

I was very impressed by the Rila Monastery. The food is very delicious.

Excellent combination of visits and free time

Oasis Travel

• Excellent - 4 reviews for Bulgaria tours

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Balkan Explorer – 10 countries in 17 Days

BALKANS Highlights – Bulgaria Serbia Bosnia Croatia Montenegro Macedonia Albania

Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey Discovery

16 days | explore from eastern europe's romania and bulgaria to turkey.

Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Turkey, discovering the architectural grandeur and quaint cultural enclaves that make this such an intriguing part of the world. Absorb Bucharest’s austere atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains, bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul and soak up sun and history with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs - this 16-day trip is a fascinating study in just how much regions can change as you cross national borders.

Trip overview

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.
• Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
• Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
• As you will have the opportunity to visit several orthodox churches on this trip, please ensure you cover your legs, shoulders and chest and show the appropriate respect. It's a good idea to bring a light scarf to cover your skin as needed.
• If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by starting your travels in Budapest, taking in the best of Romania before continuing into Bulgaria. Or start in Vienna to see the best of Central Europe before heading to Romania and then Bulgaria. Check out our trips 'Eastern Europe Explorer' (trip code WMSEC) and 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.
• On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Salut! Welcome to Romania. Your adventure begins in Bucharest – home to one of Europe's biggest squares and the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. If you arrive early, maybe take a tour of the palace (former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu ordered the construction of this 12-storied building and it includes 1100 rooms and 4500 chandeliers), or visit his former residence where he lived with his family. Consider an Urban Adventures day tour, like the Bohemian Bucharest tour, for the perfect city introduction. Later, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. Then, why not seek out some traditional Romanian fare with the group.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
• Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
• Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
• Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON65
• Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
• Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Travel across the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and on to the town of Veliko Tarnovo – founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls. In the 6th century, a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire, it became the second most important city in the region (after Constantinople) and trade and culture flourished for the next 200 years. In 1393, the town fell to the Turks who held the city until the Russians liberated it in 1877. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, finishing in the Old Town at a family-owned establishment. Here, a local chef will invite you to an authentic and interactive experience that will showcase the rich history of Bulgarian cheese and wine making. The menu includes tasty items such as truffle cheese, cold cuts and locally produced premium wine – what could be a better introduction to the country?

• Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
• Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

This morning, visit Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was built in the 7th century and the ruined citadel is the perfect spot to wander. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the City of Tsars. Wander through the Old Quarter, with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops, or relax in one of the town's cafes or vinarnas (wine bars)

• Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
• Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6

In the morning, take a public bus to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. You've got the rest of the day to wander, so maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum, or spend a couple of hours staring at the local artworks in the National Art Gallery.

• Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
• Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
• Sofia - National History Museum - BGN12
• Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
• Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide - BGN17

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Founded in 927, the entire complex is a work of art in itself. Check out murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then, carry on to Bansko. Set at the base of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments and many of its stone houses have been transformed into mehanes (taverns). Wander through Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. Tonight, indulge in some local cuisine and try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).

• Rila - Monastery Visit
• Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40

Drive to Vihren Chalet – the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. You’ll head to a small but picturesque Okoto Lake (2000 m above the sea level) for clear views over the valley with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak, to the west. If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue to Banderitsko Lake, or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. In the afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway – to Septemvri. After the scenic ride, you’ll continue to Plovdiv – on the Maritsa River, this city was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, maybe try some of the local grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.

• Pirin Mountains - Hike
• Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
• Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 2 km or 1 hour, with 102 m of elevation gain.

For today's hike, it’s recommended you bring comfortable walking shoes with ankle support due to the rocky terrain. Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions, the hike in the Pirin Mountains may have to be cancelled and you’ll visit the local spa instead.

This morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights of Plovdiv. The most remarkable being the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally ‘discovered’ after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6000 people and is now back in use! From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, which is still in use today. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.

• Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
• Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50

Get ready for a long day of travel today that takes you from Europe to Asia. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the scenery pass you by or get stuck into a good book. You'll be travelling how the locals do – on a bus along the Tsarigrad Road, also named the Road to Istanbul. When you arrive in the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have called home, you'll have some free time to settle in. Tonight, maybe join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab (yum!).

• Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
• Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station

Your travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours.

The border crossing from Bulgaria to Turkey is very popular in summer and long queues are unavoidable. We don't advise planning any activities in Istanbul today, as your arrival time may vary.

Enjoy a free morning until your group meeting at 1 pm, followed by a guided tour of the Old City with your expert leader. Visit the scene of many a chariot race in the ancient hippodrome, check out the Blue Mosque, take a walk past the wares of the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Suleymaniye Cami. If you're not too exhausted after all the exploring, join your new friends for dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab. While you might be familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation that you may have come across at 2 am, nothing beats the kind they wrap up in Istanbul.

• Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
• Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
• Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
• Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
• Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
• Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
• Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast this morning, hit the road enroute to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

• Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

Today’s total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning, we’ll drive to Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side – along the way. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your group leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists alike before continuing on to Selcuk. After arrival in the town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll follow your leader on an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress.Then drive out to the nearby picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream. Return to Selcuk and the evening is yours.

• Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
• Troy - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk

Today's total driving time will be approximately 7 hours. Please note that Isa Bey Mosque is under renovation, so you won't be able to visit it.

This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. Then enjoy a lunch after the tour and don't miss out the chance of peeking into their kitchen where the local ladies make the delicious gozleme. You'll some free time later before being transferred to Izmir in the early evening - an overnight train, will be waiting to transport you through the night to the central Anatolian city of Konya.

• Overnight train (1 night)
• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
• Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
• Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
• Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
• Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15

Overnight travel this evening on the Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. Fresh bedding is supplied but you are required to make your own bed. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. There is a snack carriage with simple food on sale like sandwiches, toasts or coffee/tea. But you may wish to purchase some food in advance for this overnight train journey. 

Wake up in Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Keep an eye out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmarks of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains. Stop enroute at one of the underground cities that once provided a safe haven in times of war or persecution. Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup in the late afternoon and take a sunset valley walk before settling in for the evening. This evening, you'll be treated to a stay in a local cave hotel that Cappadocia is famous for here.

• Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
• Konya - Mevlana Museum
• Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30

Today's driving time is about 3 hours.

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which the sun illuminates a skyline dotted with balloons. Later this morning, enjoy a guided walk through one of the nearby valleys, possibly the Valley of Love, which features fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. Your leader will know a number of fantastic scenic routes, and a good walk is by far the best way to experience this unique environment. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the soft cliff face, or check out the Dark Church. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where the family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for you and your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.

• Cappadocia - Valley walk
• Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR260
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR310
• Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20

Hot air balloon in Cappadocia can only be booked directly with your trip leader locally. Please speak to your Turkish group leader on early on your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity. Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your tour leader will advise you the correct rate at the time of booking.

Wave goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm), and get transferred to your hotel. Meet up with your travel buds in the evening and take a stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods, a place of contradictions where tool-selling tradesman share space with chic cafes and galleries – this is the place to be seen. Perhaps, try a local favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), for dinner, then cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few of the bars, or simply enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.

Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, and there are no activities planned. However, if you'd like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi, Chairlift, Overnight Train, Plane

Hotel (14 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 12, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. You don't have a lot of time in Bucharest, so if you're keen to explore it in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip. 3. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader and group composition may change on Day 9 in Istanbul.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Sharon Loehs

Balkan Adventure

Nicole was an excellent guide . She was very helpful and experienced with all her historical facts. The driver Bobby was excellent, and I felt safe all the time he w...

Mitchell Brown

Great history and culture of the region. Excellent location o...

Trusted Customer

This was an amazing trip. Saw so many wonderful sites and beautiful scenery. Danilo, the travel director, made this trip even better with his love and knowledge of...

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Bulgaria holidays.

Uncover one of Europe’s hidden gems with us on our holidays to Bulgaria. No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, all of our trips to Bulgaria include return flights, accommodation, all transfers and an exciting array of excursions with a local guide.

Our Guided Holidays To Bulgaria

Bulgaria holiday faqs, what is included in my holiday.

Travel Department holidays include flights, transfers and hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast, half board or full board basis, and excursions as specified.

All items that are included are clearly stated in our documentation. Add-ons such as insurance, bags and single room supplements are mentioned separately. In some cases you may have to pay a local departure tax or local transport cost. This will be detailed in your documentation and our local guides will assist you with these. Tipping is not included in your holiday price and information regarding tipping will also be included with your travel documents.

What is the deposit and when is full payment due?

Deposit is required on booking and is dependent on your holiday type and starts at €100pp for city breaks. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure hence if you book less than 10 weeks from departure full payment will be due when you book.

Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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FCM Travel in Bulgaria

FCM Bulgaria are one of the largest business travel and events players in the region. Our philosophy is simple: we partner in travel services with companies by listening to our customers and understanding their needs. This allows us to offer creative, logistical and technical business solutions, according to each type of travel or event.

FCM Bulgaria specialises in corporate travel services for the pharmaceutical and healthcare, professional services, retail, sports, IT and multi-level marketing sectors. The TMC is a member of Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents (ABTTA) which on its behalf is member of The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA).

Our expertise

Headquartered in Sofia, the company has forged a strong reputation and this has allowed them to work with some of the best well known private and public companies in Bulgaria.

• FCM Bulgaria service both key national and multinational clients including PRA, Berlin Chemie, Servier, Mars, Royal Canin, Heineken, Axxon, Sportal.bg, Discovery, Bulpros and Euro Games Technology. 
• FCM was named World’s Leading TMC at the World Travel Awards 2020. 

Local services

FCM Bulgaria offers many corporate travel and expense management services including: 

• 24/7 emergency assistance 
• Best in market technology 
• Corporate travel policy advice 
• Global travel buying power 
• Group bookings, and charter services 
• Leisure travel services 
• Local and multinational support 
• Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) 
• Payment solutions
• Traveller safety and security services 
• VIP executive service 
• Visa, passport and travel insurance assistance 

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+359 2 447 2736

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"Nikola Y. Vaptsarov" 35, 1407 Hladilnika, Lozenets Business Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

[email protected]