As part of the “Passage to Eastern Europe” itinerary with Viking River Cruises, we stopped a few days in Bulgaria. I wanted to share 10 photos to inspire you to visit Bulgaria’s countryside as it was absolutely incredible. I had no idea prior to the trip just how beautiful this small country is. This Balkan Nation has a diverse landscape, with mountains, rivers, and more.
During our two port days in Bulgaria, we stopped at Vidin and Veliko Tarnovo to explore. From Vidin, we made the journey to Belogradchik Fortress to see the ancient fortress built into impressive rocks. It was also the beginning of fall, so the stunning colors of the leaves were bright and made the scenery that much more incredible. Belogradchik Fortress is right near the Balkan Mountains, so you can see one of the best-preserved strongholds in all of Bulgaria still today. Tiny stairs wind around the oddly shaped rocks, where eventually you make it to the top and see one of the best surrounding views. It’s definitely worth the 100 plus steps for this view alone! After taking in the scenery, we headed back to check out the small town of Vidin. It was lively, with a lot going on in the square — I recommend coming for a coffee while there.
In Veliko Tarnovo, we headed to see the incredible city built into the mountainside. It reminded me of something out of Italy, with the houses colorful and stacked. There’s also an impressive fortress here where you can take the cobblestone road to see the outer wall and the church. Be sure to stop by the Bohemian street as well to shop local artisan’s goods.
Bulgaria is a melting pot of cultures and there is plenty to see to do in this incredible country!
Wanting to see more of Europe? These are some of the best fall destinations to visit.
Checkout 10 photos to inspire you to visit Bulgaria’s Countryside:
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
