Short break in Bulgaria - Tailormade

Arrive in Sofia and transfer to your centrally located hotel.

The remainder of the day is completely at leisure, allowing you to settle into your surroundings and perhaps take an initial stroll through the city centre. Sofia's compact central area makes it particularly easy to explore independently, with cafés, restaurants and shops within easy reach of the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour introducing the fascinating history and architecture of Bulgaria's capital.

Begin in the heart of the city with the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia's most recognisable landmarks, with its impressive domes and richly decorated interior. Continue to the nearby St Sofia Church, one of the city's oldest surviving buildings, and the Russian Church of St Nicholas, noted for its distinctive golden domes.

The sightseeing continues through central Sofia, taking in the National Theatre, Ivan Vazov Gardens, the former Royal Palace and the elegant streets around the city centre. You will also see the Presidential Palace and the ancient St George Rotunda, a remarkable Roman monument surrounded by later buildings.

Another highlight is the Serdica archaeological complex, where remains of the ancient Roman city can be seen beneath modern Sofia.

The afternoon is free to explore independently. You might visit one of Sofia's museums, browse the city's shops and galleries, or simply relax at one of the many pavement cafés.

Today, leave Sofia behind for an excursion into the beautiful Rila Mountains and a visit to Bulgaria's most celebrated religious monument, Rila Monastery.

The journey takes you southwards through increasingly mountainous scenery before reaching the monastery, dramatically situated in a wooded valley at approximately 1,150 metres above sea level.

Founded in the 10th century by the hermit St John of Rila, the monastery became an important spiritual and cultural centre and remains an active Orthodox monastery today. Its spectacular complex of stone walls, arcaded balconies and colourful frescoes creates a striking contrast with the surrounding forested mountains. The monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

There will be time to explore the monastery complex, visit the church and appreciate the remarkable frescoes and architecture before returning to Sofia.

After breakfast, depart Sofia and travel towards Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city and one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited urban centres.

On arrival, check into your centrally located hotel before beginning an afternoon walking tour of this fascinating historic city. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, with its cobbled lanes, colourful 19th-century Revival houses and hidden courtyards. Visit the Ancient Roman Theatre, one of Plovdiv's most impressive surviving monuments, and continue through the historic centre towards the Dzhumaya Mosque and the remains of the ancient Roman stadium.

Plovdiv has a particularly appealing atmosphere, combining Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Bulgarian Revival influences with a lively contemporary cultural scene.

The evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of the city's restaurants or perhaps take an evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated Old Town.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before further time to explore Plovdiv independently.

You may wish to revisit the Old Town, explore some of its small museums and galleries, or simply enjoy a coffee in the historic centre. Alternatively, take a stroll along the pedestrianised Knyaz Alexander Street, the main shopping and social thoroughfare of the city.

This afternoon, return to Sofia, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Your final evening at leisure in the Bulgarian capital.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Sofia Airport for your onward flight.