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Bulgaria

Treasures of Bulgaria: Ancient Ruins, Roses and Revival

Program No. 19207RJ
If you are looking for a place to explore off-the-tourist paths, then join us in Bulgaria, a nation rich with ancient wonders, natural beauty and people eager to show you their land.
Participant Reviews
4.92
Based on 15 Reviews
SHOWING
This participant did not give a star rating.
Charlotte – Class of 2003 | North Falmouth, MA
My sister and I were among 16 likeminded people touring Bulgaria October 8 to 20, 2025. It was a wonderful experience led by an excellent guide, Kamen Metchkov. If you're thinking of taking this tour, ask for Kamen. He loves his country, he knows it's history thoroughly, he shepherded us patiently and smoothly. He tutored us on walks and bus rides so we were prepared for what we were about to see and entertained as we went along but did not overwhelm us. Kamen was one of the best parts of of the trip for us. Bulgaria was of course the star. We have been to Romania and Turkey so we thought Bulgaria might be a blend of the two and to some extent it semed so. Rila Monastery is the granddaddy prototype for the fortified Unitarian churches of Transylvania and evidence of the Ottoman's 500 years of rule over Bulgaria was everywhere from roof shapes and overhanging bay windows to Islamic style decorations and the occasional mosque. But these were only touches on a unique landscape of snow dusted mountain chains enclosing broad open valleys. It's an underpopulated country now of only 6.5 million, down from 9 million just a few decades ago, so we drove through open meadows, unbroken forests, and small villages - a beautiful ride in the fall- to make our way from Sofia to the Varna on the Black Sea, visiting three other cities on the way. Places were chosen to give us prime evidence of the major cultures that shaped the country - neolithic indigenous people, Thracian, Greek and Roman conquerors, Bulgarians followed by the Ottomans, chased out by the Russians and now self-rule by Bulgarians. The Bulgarian Orthodox catherdrals dominated the cities we visited. We have more pictures of their ornate golden interiors than of anything else. We were comfortable the whole time. Good hotels, interesting restaurants and tasty food - but a tip. On your own in Sofia try Happy Bar and Grill. You might have to stand in line to get in but it's worth it.
— Review left October 31, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Sheryl – Class of 2019 | Springfield, IL
Why did I not learn much about Bulgaria in school? It Ii one of the oldest countries in Europe, established in 681 AD and it is the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet. Two historic Bulgarian empires were very large and very important in world history. The tour elucidated the impact of this region. I went in October to experience Bulgaria in the autumn, and I am happy I selected this date. We had nice weather with beautiful fall colors. One rainy day, some cloudy days and the rest were sunny. The weather was brisk and comfortable. Beautiful landscapes (mountains, plains, valleys and the Black Sea). I am so appreciative to have had Kamen Metchkov as our tour guide. What a Guy!!! He loves to teach you about his country with humor, stories and history. Then there is Nora who was his substitute Assistant. I had some knee issues,and she was there with a helping hand literally. I could not have done it without her. I think this is a must see country and a great tour. Sheryl
— Review left October 24, 2025
Terry – Class of 2015 | San Francisco, CA
Bulgaria was only just recently added to my “Countries of Interest” list. It deserved to be there much earlier. Its history is long, complex,and incredibly interesting. I’ve lived in or traveled to more than 100 countries and I rank Bulgaria toward the top for anyone interested in world history.
— Review left October 21, 2025
Martha – Class of 2014 | Tucson, AZ
The Treasures of Bulgaria tour was an excellent adventure and well planned to understand the history, culture and areas of the country. I did back-to-back tours with Bulgaria and Romania and it was a wonderful opportunity to see both countries in 21 days. This provided an enriching journey into Eastern Europe to understand their rich history and diverse cultures.
— Review left May 22, 2025
Carol – Class of 2023 | Port Angeles, WA
If you like multiple layers of history and unexpected twists and turns, then Bulgaria is a great choice.
— Review left October 8, 2024
John – Class of 2024 | Seal Beach, CA
Fantastic experience. The sights were fabulous and the group leaders (Kamen Metchkov and Rosen Potzkov) were excellent.
— Review left September 28, 2024
Michelle – Class of 2022 | New Paris, OH
This was an awesome trip. It taught me about a fascinating culture that was barely mentioned in my schooling. It has opened my eyes to an entirely new section of the planet. I can't recommend it enough.
— Review left September 18, 2024
Jonathan – Class of 2017 | Lutz, FL
We had great group in a very exotic place, lots to see and do. The Bulgarians were very friendly and welcoming. They learn English in school and they're very willing to use it. The museums all have explanations in English and the displays are very well done. Please visit Bulgaria before it is overrun with tourists and some of its easy going charm is lost. Also, not a scam or cheater in sight. I never felt the need to count my change whenever I paid for anything. Visiting Bulgarians is just plain, effortless fun.
— Review left May 1, 2024
Leslie – Class of 2015 | Lutherville Timonium, MD
Good program. Pair it with Romania for the best experience.
— Review left November 14, 2023
John – Class of 1998 | Santa Barbara, CA
Add this program to your bucket list !! If you're tired of the usual, this out of the way tour is wonderful.
— Review left November 2, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ann – Class of 2015 | Concord, NH
Can heartily recommend this trip. Kamen and Rozzen, our guides, were wonderful, full of knowledge and love for their amazing country, always approachable and willing to share about any topic. Bulgaria has wonderful cities, especially Plovdiv, Varna and Veliko Tarnovo. You can go for a swim in the Black Sea (Varna) and experience the incredible spiritual feel of Rila Monastery high in the picturesque mountains. So many wonderful sites and memories. Loved this trip!
— Review left November 7, 2022
Barbara – Class of 2022 | Washington, DC
Bulgaria is a Wow! This program did a great job of presenting the history, culture, and beauty of the country, as well as its place in modern Europe.
— Review left October 30, 2022
William – Class of 1997 | Tucson, AZ
Bulgaria is an amazing country in natural beauty as well as its history as shown in great museums, ruins, churches and antiquities. The people of Bulgaria are very welcoming and hospitable. At this point in time it is not over crowded, but will be shortly in view of what they have to offer.
— Review left June 26, 2019
Raymond – Class of 2013 | San Francisco, CA
If Kamen is your guide the program is worth your time and money. Churches are magnificent and scenery is beautiful. Don't have high expectations about lodging. Food is good but not gourmet. Be prepared for 1500 km in the bus.
— Review left May 28, 2019
Lauren – Class of 2015 | Stillwater, MN
This was a very interesting and well organized trip. Our leader, Kamen Metchov, was one of the best tour guides I have had. If you are interested in history and visiting a former communist country I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 28, 2019