Explore Bulgaria's rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural sites on a rail tour through monasteries, Thracian tombs, and Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy scenic railways like the "Alpine railway in the Balkans".

Festival of Cherry: Kyustendil celebrates cherries with art, treats, and a cherry display competition. Cherries symbolise good fortune and the arrival of summer.

All hotels are 4-star with breakfast and dinner included.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1, Friday, 20 June - Sofia - Fly from Heathrow (08:25, BA), or via Lufthansa from Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, or Manchester. First-class rail travel is also available.

Day 2, Saturday, 21 June – Kyustendil Cherry Festival – Sofia (B,D) - Visit Kyustendil for the Cherry Festival. Return to Sofia for a walking tour and overnight.

Day 3, Sunday, 22 June – Sofia – Veliko Turnovo via Arbanassi (B,D) - Train to Gorna Oriahovitsa, transfer to Veliko Turnovo. Visit Tsarevets Hill, Samovodska Charshia, and Arbanassi. Overnight in the area.

Day 4, Monday, 23 June – Veliko Turnovo – Varna (B,D) - Train to Varna via Shumen. City tour including the Varna gold treasure. Dinner at Villa Wisteria.

Day 5, Tuesday, 24 June – Varna – Nesebar – Nova Zagora/Sakar (B,L) - Train to Karnobat, visit UNESCO-listed Nesebar. Afternoon wine tasting. Overnight at Zaara Estate.

Day 6, Wednesday, 25 June – Dimitrovgrad – Plovdiv (B,D) - Visit Dimitrovgrad. Continue to Plovdiv for a city tour and overnight.

Day 7, Thursday, 26 June – Plovdiv – Bachkovo (B,D) - Explore Plovdiv’s old town. Visit Bachkovo Monastery. Return to Plovdiv.

Day 8, Friday, 27 June – Plovdiv – Bansko (B,D) - Ride the scenic narrow-gauge train to Bansko. Walking tour and dinner at a traditional mehana.

Day 9, Saturday, 28 June – Bansko – Rila – Sofia (B,D) - Visit Rila Monastery. Free time in Sofia. Farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 10, Sunday, 29 June – Departure (B) - Free time and transfer to Sofia Airport for return flights.