Tour Overview
Enjoy this 8-day group wine tour in the undiscovered wine country of Bulgaria and visit three unique and traditional wine regions in Bulgaria: the Thracian Valley, the Valley of Roses and the Struma Valley.
Taste unique local wines such as Mavrud and Broadleaved Melnik, discover the long history of winemaking on the lands of modern Bulgaria and uncover the fascinating stories behind the wines. Experience the passion of the Bulgarian winemakers and winery owners and learn more about the wines, terroir, winemaking and history of Bulgaria.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Sofia
Sofia-Plovdiv
Upon arrival at Sofia Airport you will be transferred to Plovdiv at 2pm the latest. Check-in to your centrally located 3-star hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Plovdiv and Old Town Plovdiv. Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest cities in the world. The ancient city is also the cultural heart of Bulgaria. Your first day in Bulgaria ends with a welcome dinner!
Day 2: Wines from The Valley of Roses
Plovdiv – Chateau Copsa – Sopot Winery – Plovdiv
Start the day with a visit to Chateau Copsa a high-quality wine producer, located in the foothills of the gorgeous Balkan Mountains. Try a native wine from the grape ‘Karlovski Misket’ during a tasting of 5 wines. The Misket grape is a native variety that takes its name from the nearby town of Karlovo.
Continue the tour in the Valley of Roses at a nearby winery, Sopot Winery. Here you will enjoy a lunch paired with wines before a walk through the winery.
Head back to Plovdiv in the late afternoon. The evening is free to explore the city further at your own pace. Your tour leader will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations and bookings.
Day 3: Exploring the Plovdiv Wine Region
Plovdiv – Manastira Winery – Villa Yustina – Plovdiv
Today you will learn about the region surrounding Plovdiv (The Thracian Valley), enjoy gorgeous views, visit 2 different wineries and taste a total of 10 wines.
The first winery is Manastira Winery, located about 1 hour from Plovdiv in a scenic region known for its culture, history and winemaking. Enjoy a memorable tour and tasting of 5 wines.
Continue to Villa Yustina for a walk through the vineyard park and a spectacular wine-paired lunch in the charming tasting room.
Return to Plovdiv and spend the evening as you wish.
Day 4: Discover the South Sakar Micro-Region
Plovdiv – Bratanov Family Winery – Chateau Kolarovo – Villa Bassarea (Sakar Tasting Room) – Plovdiv
After breakfast, head to the South Sakar micro region. The members of the Bratanov family welcome you into their little wine production facility to taste their wines. Get to know the Bratanov family and enjoy an exclusive tasting in the barrel room.
Continue to Chateau Kolarovo to meet the winemaker and enjoy an unforgettable tasting of 5 wines from their impressive range of wines. Enjoy a traditional, village-style lunch.
The last stop of the day is Villa Bassarea and the Sakar Tasting Room, where you will be greeted by the friendly team behind this boutique wine cellar and regional tasting room.
Day 5: Entering The Struma Valley Wine Region
Plovdiv – Kiossev – Melnik
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Plovdiv. Early departure to the region and town of Melnik.
The first stop is the charming family-owned winery – Kiossev Winery. Members of the Kiossev family will guide us through the history of their winery and winemaking family heritage. Enjoy a memorable lunch at the family winery accompanied by a selection of their wines.
Continue to the Melnik region. Check-in to a traditional guesthouse. The evening is free and there are several options for dinner. Your guide would be happy to point out the restaurants and assist with making reservations.
Day 6: All things Melnik
Melnik – Rupel – Villa Melnik – Rozhen Monastery – Melnik
Start the day by taking a guided stroll around the town of Melnik and learning more about the longstanding history, cultural heritage and wine making traditions. Visit a traditional merchant house from the 18th – 19th century.
Head out to Rupel Winery for a tour and tasting of 5 wines from the cellar. Enjoy a lovely lunch in a nearby restaurant before continuing to Villa Melnik. The Zikatanovi family give a warm welcome to their family winery. Enjoy an informative walk of the winery and end the day with a fantastic tasting of 5 wines from their collection in the tasting room.
In the late afternoon, visit the picturesque Rozhen monastery, the best-preserved monastery from the Middle Ages, before heading back to the guesthouse to relax.
Day 7: Exploring the Melnik Wine Region
Melnik – Orbelia – Orbelus – Melnik
End the tour on a high note. Today, you will visit Orbelia Winery and meet the family behind this family-run winery located under the Belasitsa mountains and not too far from the Macedonian border.
Enjoy a tour and a memorable tasting of a selection of their wines including a few very interesting wines from local grapes.
Lunch will be in a nearby restaurant before you continue to the Orbelus Winery, a 100% Organic Winery. Enjoy a tour of the cutting-edge production process at Orbelus and end the tour with a tasting of a selection of wines in the charming tasting room.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell wine dinner.
Day 8: Departure
Melnik – Sofia
After breakfast, check-out of your guesthouse. Transfer to Sofia Centre or Sofia Airport (3-3.5 hours).
What’s included
- 3-nights accommodation in traditional guesthouse/3-star hotel in Melnik (standard shared double rooms)
- Guided walking tour of Plovdiv and Old Plovdiv
- Visits to the Rozhen Monastery and Traditional Merchant House in Melnik
- Meals as per itinerary
- Tours and tastings at 11 wineries
- All ground transportation mentioned in itinerary
- Transfer from/to Sofia Airport on Day 1 and Day 8
- English-speaking tour guide
- 4 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Plovdiv (standard shared double rooms)
- Flight tickets
- Private transfers
- Travel and medical insurance (please, consult your insurance provider)
- Single room supplement
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
Meeting point
Sofia (any hotel), Sofia Airport
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of a scheduled tour booking must be made by the Client in writing. The cancellation is not effective until it is received and acknowledged by the Company.
For cancellations made until 45 days of departure, no cancellation fee will be applied. Deposit will be refunded.
For cancellations made between 45 days and 30 days prior to departure or less, the deposit will not be refunded.
For cancellations made between 30 days and 14 days before departure, 50% of total cost will be applied as a cancellation fee.
For cancellations made less than 14 days before departure, 100% of total cost will be applied as a cancellation fee.