The Rose Valley, UNESCO Thracian Tomb, Shipka Monument, and Veliko Tarnovo

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - The day begins with an exciting journey from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia. The adventure kicks off as we meet and set out on a scenic drive along the winding roads beside the Central Balkan Mountain. Along the way, enjoy the natural beauty and the charming Revival period villages. We’ll pass through the renowned Rose Valley, where, if the season permits, you’ll witness the fragrant rose fields in full bloom. Our first UNESCO site visit is the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, a remarkable example of ancient art. Its well-preserved paintings from the 4th century BC showcase the styles of the Hellenistic era.

Shipka Monument - Our next destination is the Memorial Russian Church, a stunning architectural masterpiece built to honor the casualties of the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877-1879. Following this, we’ll head to the highest point in the Central Balkan Mountain area, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and visit the Shipka Monument, commemorating the heroic battles of the same war.

Veliko Tarnovo - Our final stop for the day is Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the remnants of this glorious medieval city. We’ll also visit a fascinating museum—the Ottoman prison and dungeons. The evening will be spent in a centrally located hotel.

Riding time for the day is approximately 4 hours / ~220 km.

Waterfalls, Roman City, Medieval Cliff Monastery, and the Pearl of the Danube - Ruse

Hotnitsa - After breakfast, we’ll pack up and hit the road. Our first stop is the Hotnica Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction. The road leading there is particularly appealing for motorbike enthusiasts.

Nicopolis ad Istrum - A guided tour awaits at the best-preserved Roman town in Bulgaria. Destroyed by the Huns in the 5th century and never rebuilt, it offers a unique glimpse into the past. We’ll then journey through the Lom Natural Reserve, enjoying its breathtaking scenery.

Ruse - Continuing through the Lom Natural Reserve, we’ll enjoy the stunning landscapes. Before reaching our final destination for the day, we’ll visit another UNESCO site—the Ivanovo Cliff Monastery, dating back to the 14th century. The evening plan is to arrive and stay overnight in Ruse, known as the “Small Vienna of Eastern Europe.” Enjoy a pleasant stroll through one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful city centers and along the Danube River.

Riding time for the day is approximately 3 hours / ~150 km.

In the World of the Ancient Thracians and Pre-Christian Bulgarians

Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari - This day promises to be fascinating as we explore the worlds of diverse ancient peoples. Our first stop is the royal tomb of the Thracian Getae, dating back to the 4th century BC. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a prime example of this ancient culture’s legacy. The ride there is along a scenic and picturesque road.

Madara Rider - Next, we’ll visit another unique UNESCO World Heritage site—the Madara Horseman, a complex related to the Bulgarian pre-Christian religion and society. You’ll learn about the various theories regarding the Bulgarian pre-Christian beliefs, although much knowledge was lost during the Ottoman era.

Varna - Our journey continues to Varna, the Bulgarian capital of the Black Sea. This city is both beautiful and intriguing. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the city center and the renowned Sea Garden, with an overnight stay in Varna.

Riding time for the day is approximately 5 hours / ~300 km.

The Black Sea

Varna Archaeological Museum - After breakfast, we have the option to visit the city’s archaeological museum, home to the world’s oldest gold treasure. It tells the story of a highly developed civilization from the Copper-Stone Age, known as “The Danube Civilization.”

Nessebar - Following the museum visit, we’ll head south along the coast, occasionally crossing the Central Balkan Mountain. Our final destination for the day is Nessebar, another UNESCO site. This small peninsula, free from modern structures, serves as a time capsule, taking you from its Greek colonization in the 7th century BC through the powerful Bulgarian state of the 13th-14th century to the Revival period of the 19th century. We’ll spend the night in this enchanting place.

Riding time for the day is approximately 2 hours / 150 km.

The Cultural Capital of Europe 2019

Plovdiv Old Town - Our journey takes us to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city and the oldest in Europe. Although the ride involves mostly highway travel, you can relax and enjoy the speed. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city’s main attractions, including the Roman Theater, Roman Stadium, Bulgarian Revival period mansions, the oldest mosque in the Balkans, and more. The city boasts a vibrant area known as “The Trap,” filled with charming craft bars and restaurants. This neighborhood is the city’s lively heart. We’ll spend the night in the historic part of the city.

Riding time for the day is approximately 3.5 hours / ~280 km.

Returning to Sofia

Koprivshtitsa - Our return journey to Sofia avoids highways, taking us along a scenic mountain road. We’ll stop at Koprivshtitsa, an architectural reserve that transports you back to the 19th century. Here, you’ll learn about the famous “April Uprising” against the Ottomans and its heroic aftermath.

Thracian Temple Complex Starosel - We’ll also visit the Starosel Thracian Tomb, dating back to the 4th century BC, another remarkable site left by the Thracians. We’ll arrive in Sofia in the late afternoon. Overnight accommodation is not included, but assistance can be provided if desired.

Riding time for the day is approximately 5 hours / ~240 km.

• Breakfast included
• 5 nights in 3-star hotels
• Entrance fees to scheduled sites

• Fuel
• Lunches and dinners
• Gratitudes to your guide

This tour offers an excellent opportunity to discover many of Bulgaria’s renowned sites, traveling through various regions such as the Black Sea coast, the Thracian Valley, the Central Balkan Mountains, and the northern plains. Throughout this memorable week, participants will visit numerous UNESCO sites and significant historical locations, gaining insight into the ancient people and lands with the guidance of our knowledgeable and experienced biker guides.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.