Are you planning your first trip to Bulgaria and want to know how to make the most out of it? Maybe you already checked the tours to Bulgaria but this is not everything that you need to do as a first-time visitor.
Organising a tour to a new location can be very difficult sometimes, particularly if you haven’t been to Bulgaria before. However, there are some easy tips and tricks that will make the planning easier for you. It is also important to learn the specifics of the tour in advance and you will have no difficulties. So, let’s see what the experts from Boiana MG suggest to first-time visitors.
The 5 most famous Bulgarian tours
The first thing that you need to do in your planning is choosing the right destination. Here are 5 must-see locations to visit and additional tips to make your excursion enjoyable.
The capital city of Sofia is an excellent location to begin your trip. It is a blend of ancient and modern, with something for everyone. Don’t skip the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, the Vitosha mountain, and all of the museums which are a short drive away.
One tip, if you are searching for a similar experience to Sofia, you can think about a tour to Plovdiv. It is the second-largest Bulgarian city and is known for its ancient Roman amphitheatre and old town. The old town has a lot of well-preserved houses from the Bulgarian Revival period, and the streets are paved with cobblestones.
The Rila Monastery is one of the most famous Bulgarian landmarks, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-see location. The monastery was founded in the 10th century, and it’s one of the most significant local cultural and historical monuments.
If you love history, plan a tour of Veliko Tarnovo. It is a beautiful village in the northern part. It functioned as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and is known for the well-preserved Tsarevets fortress and old town.
If you are a ski lover, you can consider visiting Bansko. It is a well-known winter resort in the Bulgarian southwestern part. It’s a great location to come to if you enjoy winter activities or hiking in the summer.
The country has a lot to offer, from picturesque villages to bustling cities, and these suggestions are not all the great places to visit. If you are a tourist travelling for the history and the culture, you need to look for places such as Melnik, Karlovo, Kalofer, Sopot, Bachkovo Monastery, Balchik, Shipka and Panagurishte.
If you are more of a hiking and nature lover, you can consider exploring some of the most famous caves in the country– Yagodinska Cave, Devetashka Cave, Magura Cave, or waterfalls and lakes– Krushuna Waterfall or the Seven Rila Lakes. One tip, if you want to learn more about the stories of these places, you can buy guides from the places or simply read on the internet in advance.
How to plan your trip in Bulgaria?
Now that you know some of the must-see destinations you need to start the actual preparation for your tour. Here are 5 tips that you can follow to make your preparation easier.
- Tip 1: Plan your budget. Bulgaria is reasonably affordable, but it’s still essential to decide on your budget before you start planning your journey. Think about how much you want to spend on transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions.
- Tip 2: Book your accommodations in advance. Keep in mind that there are a lot of different accommodation options, but people book them in advance and especially if you’re visiting the country during the peak season, most of the places can be booked.
- Tip 3: Think about transportation. Bulgaria has a well-developed public transportation infrastructure that includes buses and trains. If you intend to tour numerous locations, you should consider buying a rail ticket or renting a vehicle.
- Tip 4: Learn some basic Bulgarian phrases. While many people speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Bulgarian phrases. This can help you communicate with the locals more effectively, especially with the older generation.
- Tip 5: Think about the weather. Bulgaria has a continental climate, which implies hot summers and chilly winters. Check the temperature forecast before you depart so you can prepare accordingly.
What should I know before a Bulgarian tour?
The Bulgarian Lev is the country’s official currency (BGN). Banks, exchange centres, and ATMs are all places where you can trade money. It’s essential to note that credit cards are widely recognised, one tip– you don’t need to bring a lot of cash with you.
The official language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. In terms of history, Bulgaria has a rich past and a distinct culture that are both worth investigating. Bulgarians are famous for their friendliness and pride in their history.
Safety precautions tips to consider.
Bulgaria is considered to be a safe country, especially for tourists, but there are some fundamental safety measures that should still be taken. For example, you can avoid bringing a lot of money with you or just keep them cautiously. Also, you can consider avoiding taking walks in places without any people during the night, as you don’t know the country. Keep an eye on your luggage or personal belongings, if you are using public transport.
Bulgaria is lovely because of its fascinating past and culture. It is a good choice if you consider exploring it. Follow the given tips and a good time during your tour is guaranteed.