The VIP Tour: A Journey into the Real Bulgaria

Experience the countryside like a local. Authenticity, history, and a homemade meal.

Pick-up: 08:30 (from Golden Sands, Albena, or St. Konstantin)
Return: 16:30
Duration: 8 hours
Available in: German, Dutch, French, and English

Behind the Scenes: How Our Day Begins

Long before we meet you, our day starts at 06:30. We use this time to beat the Varna traffic, fill the tanks, and hand-wash our minibuses so they are sparkling. In the height of summer, it’s already 25°C by 07:00, so our drivers usually enjoy a well-earned coffee once the cleaning is done!

We always try to arrive at your hotel 15 minutes early. When the pick-ups run “like water,” it means more relaxation and more time for you to explore later. We use minibuses and head in different directions to speed things up. We’ll pick you up right in front of your hotel entrance—so just relax and wait for us there about 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

The Adventure Starts

Once everyone is on board, we gather at St. Constantine & Helena where the show begins. You’ll meet the team, and Filip will walk you through the day using our high-quality route board. It’s a great visual of the journey—so detailed that many guests take a photo of it to remember their route!

Varna’s Hidden Treasures

After our briefing, we head toward the city. It’s just a pleasant 15-minute drive into the heart of Varna, passing the Maritime University and following the scenic road right alongside the Sea Garden. These first stops are perfectly timed so we only have short distances to cover, but they are packed with history.

We visit three distinct sites: the Small Baths, the grand Roman Thermae (the big baths), and the oldest functioning church in Varna. We won’t “power-walk” you through; we prefer a relaxed wander at your own pace to let the city’s history sink in. In total, we spend about 45 minutes to an hour here—just enough to give you a wonderful first impression of the city.

The Scenic Route to the Stone Forest

As we leave the city, we take the scenic way past the harbor, the central market, the Malls, and the airport. Filip will share the “ins and outs” of daily Bulgarian life as we go. You might even hear some local chatter over our walkie-talkies as we pass the industrial zone—don’t be surprised if a worker’s shout-out to his colleagues pops up on our frequency!

We usually arrive at the Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani) before the big tour buses have even finished their morning pick-ups. This gives us a much more serene experience. For those who want to see it all, Filip will lead the way right to the very end of the formations. However, we know the sandy, rocky terrain isn’t suited for everyone, so how far you want to go is entirely up to you. Whether you want to achieve your “steps for the day” or just enjoy the initial views, it’s your choice. Afterward, a cold bottle of water will be waiting for you—a small but vital luxury in the desert heat!

Magic Springs & Roman Mosaics

Next, we cool down in Devnya. Hidden among the industrial landscape is a true oasis: the Magic Springs. It’s a wonderful spot to dip your feet in the crystal-clear water.

Just a “stone’s throw” away is the Museum of Mosaics. Funny enough, they’ve been talking about a renovation for two years now, so for now, the building remains a fascinating relic of the Communist era! But while the building waits for its upgrade, we are there for the treasures inside. Filip brings these ancient stones to life with stories you won’t find in any guidebook—he literally “makes the stones talk.”

Traditions & The Local Distillery

The drive to Beloslav is one of Filip’s favorites. It’s only a 15-minute drive, but it is absolutely packed with history and stories about the traditions and customs of Bulgaria. With his “foreign” perspective, Filip brings these traditions to life, leading us to our next stop: the local distillery.

In Bulgaria, no traditional feastday is ever complete—and no table is ever truly finished—without a good glass of Rakia. This distillery is as local as it gets. From September onwards, it’s a hub of activity where you’ll meet the locals keeping this heritage alive. If they are distilling that day, you’ll feel the heat of the stills and see firsthand how the “magic” is made. We save the actual tasting for our lunch, but here you get to breathe in the pure authenticity.

A Meal with the Family

Our next stop is practically next door—in fact, the drive is so short it’s barely a drive at all! In less than 5 minutes, we arrive at the highlight of our day: lunch at “Dom Kasata.”

This beautiful home was built by the owner’s own hands over 15 years and is filled with authentic Bulgarian artifacts and tools from a bygone era—many of which you’ll recognize from Filip’s stories along the way. Mrs. Kasata awaits us with a homemade Bulgarian meal—no “high cuisine,” just honest, delicious food served with water, wine, and that perfect glass of Rakia to toast our day.

The “Final Cherry”

To help digest our meal, we take a short stroll by the Beloslav channel before heading to our secret viewpoint. We’ll master a steep gravel road with a 20% incline to get there—consider it a small jeepsafari included for free! It is absolutely worth it for the breathtaking view over the entire region we’ve explored together. It’s the perfect place to say our thank yous and goodbyes.

We’ll have you back at your hotel by 16:30, while we head back to prep the buses for another beautiful day on the road showing off the beauty of Bulgaria.

We can’t wait to welcome you!