DAY 1: UK - Bourgas.
Fly to Bourgas where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. (D)

DAY 2: Bourgas - Nessebur - Varna.
This morning, depart Bourgas and visit Nessebur, a small, historical town on the Black Sea coast, included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites due to its architectural and archaeological uniqueness. A tour of the Old Town is included before heading to the city of Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria. Here you will visit the historic Roman Baths, called Odessos in Roman times, thought to be one of the largest and most important bath-houses in the Eastern Roman Empire. Overnight stay in Varna. (B, D)

DAY 3: Varna - Shoumen - Veliko Tãrnovo.
Today, journey to the city of Shoumen to visit the Shoumen Fortress. Partially restored, this ancient fortress is set on the Shoumen Plateau and is the most historically and archaeologically significant site in the area. Learn about the history of the fortress, spanning over 3000 years, in the dedicated Fortress Museum before taking a short trip out to the village of Madara to view the Madara Horseman. Carved at the beginning of the 8th century, this medieval bas-relief, set in the rock face of Madara Plateau, remains intriguing and unique to this day. Next, you continue to one of the highlights of the tour, Bulgaria's ancient capital Veliko Tãrnovo. Situated amongst a cluster of hills, one of which, Tsarevets, is designated an archaeological reserve. Admire the preserved and restored architecture of the Baldwin Tower, the Palace of the Bulgarian Kings and the Patriarch's Church before returning to the city for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 4: Veliko Tãrnovo - Gabrovo - Kazanlak.
Journey to Gabrovo this morning, an old industrial centre set on the banks of the Yantra River, for a tour of ETARA, a unique open-air ethnographic museum. This 'living' museum re-enacts typical working crafts, folklore and cooking techniques common to 18th century Bulgarian village life. Watch the artisans crafting everything from pottery, clothing and braids, to cowbells and flutes, before continuing to Kazanlak this afternoon. Known as the Valley of the Roses, Kazanlak is also home to a renowned Thracian Tomb. This ancient, vaulted burial chamber, constructed in 4BC, is part of a larger Thracian necropolis, filled with well-preserved and intricate murals. After an included tour of the tomb, head to your hotel for one night in Kazanlak. (B, D)

DAY 5: Kazanlak - Sofia.
Today, visit Sofia, Bulgaria's capital and one of Europe's oldest capital cities. Set in a niche surrounded by mountains, the city is laden with history yet it is also very modern and the harmonious blend of past and present lends the city a unique charm. Your included sightseeing tour includes a visit to the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Thought to be one of the most impressive architectural edifices in Europe, the cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Constructed between 1882-1912 in a Neo-Byzantine architectural style, the interior is lavishly decorated with many opulent materials, fine craftsmanship and numerous decorative frescoes, murals and icons. The cathedral crypt is also home to a museum of cultural icons that you will have time to view before continuing to your hotel in Sofia for one night. (B, D)

DAY 6: Sofia - Rila - Borovets - Plovdiv.
Leave Sofia today and enjoy an included sightseeing tour of the Rila Monastery - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the hermit St Ivan Rilski (St John of Rila) in the 10th century, Rila Monastery was uniquely constructed and architecturally designed, and is now considered to be one of the most important cultural centres in Bulgaria. The interior houses many precious items including Rafail's Cross - an ornate cross carved from a single piece of wood. Afterwards, continue to the city of Plovdiv, by way of the Borovets - the largest first-class mountain resort in Bulgaria. After free time to explore the beautiful mountain scenery, resume your journey to Plovdiv for one night. (B, D)

DAY 7: Plovdiv - Sliven - Bourgas.
Bulgaria's 'second city' Plovdiv is set on the banks of the Maritsa River and across the three hills of Bounardzhika, Nebbet, and Sahat Tepe, overlooking the Thracian Plain. The city's strategic location has ensured a rich and varied history of habitation and occupation. Enjoy a tour of the area's cobbled streets and alleyways to admire the sophisticated yet stylishly simple architecture of the National Revival Period. Each ornate building, constructed by highly skilled craftsmen, is now home to a museum, gallery, workshop or craft-house illustrating the day-to-day life of a bygone era. Afterwards, enjoy a tour of the Roman Amphitheatre, unearthed in the 1980s, this impressive edifice once formed part of the Trimontium Acropolis when, in 2AD, the Romans appointed Plovdiv a state capital. The amphitheatre has since been restored and is currently used for its original purpose - a stage! We then continue to the picturesque town of Sliven, set in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, where a tour of the Textile Museum is included. One of the oldest settlements in Europe, 'Sliven' is the only town in Bulgaria to have kept its original Slavonic name and is renowned for its beautiful natural environment, nearby mineral springs and clean, fresh air. Later, return to Bourgas for time at leisure. Overnight stay in the area. (B, D)

DAY 8: Bourgas - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)