Bulgaria's Black Sea Riviera

You will stay at the excellent Sol Nessebar Palace Hotel in the modern resort complex overlooking the bay. You can relax on the beach, or if you’re feeling a little more energetic try out the fabulous watersports (available at an extra charge), tennis courts, beach volleyball and basket ball. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, café bistro, bars and a health and spa centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. All bedrooms have private facilities, a balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, Internet access, minibar, safety deposit box and hairdryer.

Day 1: UK/Varna

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Bulgaria. Upon arrival in Varna, transfer to your hotel for a seven night stay.

Days 2 - 7: Bulgaria

The next six days are yours to enjoy entirely at your own leisure. You can relax in your resort, explore the surrounding area, or take our three optional excursions if you wish. The holiday includes an excursion to the lovely old town of Nessebar.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Nessebar

Set on a picturesque peninsula, the lovely old town dates back over 9,000 years and is often called the ‘Pearl of the Balkans’. Stroll around the narrow cobblestone lanes and tiny squares, visit ornate renaissance churches, take time to admire the lovely flower gardens, browse in the gift shops and enjoy a refreshing drink at a charming tavern, before returning to the hotel.

Pomorie - ancient Thrace, modern orthodoxy and wine tasting

On a half-day excursion we will visit an ancient grave house, where you will hear about the lives and deaths of the ancient Thracian inhabitants of these lands. We will then drive to Pomorie, a pretty seaside town established by the Greeks in the 7th century. Pomorie is home to St. George’s Monastery, an active Orthodox religious house where visitors are welcome. A drive through the country takes us to Chateau Medovo, a winery which has the capacity to produce 400,000 bottles of red and white wines each year. Visit the vats, see where the winemaking process takes place, then enjoy a tasting of three white wines, three red wines and a brandy with an expert.

Sozopol, Ropotamo River Cruise & Burgas

This full day begins as we head to one of the oldest protected natural areas in Bulgaria – the national reserve Ropotamo. The Ropotamo River rises near the village of Bosna and turns from fresh water to salt water after just a few kilometres. We will take a leisurely scenic cruise along the river through this area of outstanding natural beauty - it’s a little like sailing through a fascinating equatorial forest, and is a haven for birds and plant life. We will then visit Sozopol, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, founded by the Greeks in 610BC. After lunch you can enjoy some free time when you can relax on one of the town’s two wonderful beaches or wander around the old town’s twisting, narrow cobblestone lanes down to its picturesque harbour. Our final stop will be the lively city of Burgas, with its delightful mix of 19th and early 20th century architecture. Take some time to explore, shop or simply take in the sights with a drink.

Bulgarian Folklore evening

After taking a look at a typical Bulgarian village house, where life goes on as it did centuries ago, you will dine on traditional Bulgarian dishes in a restaurant in the small village of Erkech. You will then be entertained by a folklore show, fire dancing and music.

Please note: This excursion will not operate in April or October. Excursions operate subject to weather conditions and the season.

Day 8: Bulgaria/UK

Today we depart the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. We arrive in the UK later the same day.