Day 1: Sofia — Capital Layers

Arrive in Sofia and orient yourself with the free walking tour (10:00 or 14:00 from Palace of Justice). Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Serdica Roman ruins at the metro. Afternoon exploring the National Museum of History (€6) in the former Boyana Residence — the Thracian gold collection is world-class. Evening dinner in the trendy Oborishte district with its garden restaurants and craft beer bars.

Accommodation: Sofia city centre (€12–50/night).

Entry: National Museum of History €6; cathedral free.

Meals: Dinner in Oborishte district (€8–15).

Day 2: Sofia to Rila Monastery — Frescoes & Forest Trails

Morning bus from Sofia’s Ovcha Kupel station to Rila village (€4, 2 hours), then minibus to the monastery (€3). Explore the complex thoroughly — the courtyard, Nativity Church, museum (€4), and Rafail Cross. Walk the forest path to Saint Ivan of Rila’s cave (20 minutes). Overnight at a guesthouse in Rila village or at the monastery guest rooms (basic but atmospheric, €12–15 per person).

Transport: Bus Sofia → Rila €4; minibus to monastery €3.

Accommodation: Monastery guest rooms (€12–15) or village guesthouse (€20–35).

Entry: Monastery free; Museum €4.

Day 3: Rila to Bansko via the Seven Rila Lakes

Early taxi from Rila to Panichishte (€5–8, 30 min). Ride the cable car up (€12 return) and hike the Seven Rila Lakes trail — allow 2–3 hours for the full circuit. Descend by cable car and catch a bus from Panichishte to Bansko (€5, 1.5 hours via Razlog). Check into Bansko and explore the old town in the evening. Dinner at a traditional mehana.

Transport: Taxi €5–8; cable car €12; bus to Bansko €5.

Accommodation: Bansko apartment or guesthouse (€20–45/night).

Day 4: Bansko — Pirin National Park Trek

Full-day hiking in Pirin National Park. Take a taxi from Bansko to the Vihren Hut trailhead (€10, 20 min). Hike the trail to Lake Tevno Ezero through pine forests and alpine meadows, with views of Vihren Peak (2,914 m). For experienced hikers, continue to the Koncheto Ridge — a thrilling knife-edge ridge with 500-metre drops on both sides. Pack lunch and plenty of water. Return to Bansko by late afternoon for a well-earned soak and dinner.

Transport: Taxi to Vihren Hut €10.

Guide (optional): €30–50 for a half-day guided hike.

Meals: Packed lunch from bakery (€3–4); hearty mehana dinner in Bansko (€8–12).

Day 5: Bansko — Old Town, Craft Beer & Coworking Culture

A slower day in Bansko. Morning exploring the old town — Holy Trinity Church (free), Velyanova House museum (€2), and the cobbled merchant streets. Afternoon at Bansko Coworking or one of the town’s excellent craft breweries (try Bansko Craft Beer on Pirin Street). Evening cooking class — learn to make Bansko kapama, the town’s signature slow-cooked meat dish, or banitsa with local cheese.

Entry: Velyanova House €2; church free.

Cooking class: €15–25 per person.

Beer: Craft pints €2–3.

Day 6: Bansko to Dobarsko — The Spaceman Church

Take the local bus (€2, 30 min) or taxi (€10) to the mountain village of Dobarsko, perched at 1,100 metres. The highlight is the 12th-century Church of St. Theodore, famous for its enigmatic fresco depicting the crucifixion with a humanoid figure in what some interpret as a spaceship — a folk-art masterpiece that has fascinated historians and ufologists alike. Spend the afternoon walking the village’s quiet lanes, visit the icon workshop, and overnight in a Dobarsko guesthouse.

Transport: Bus Bansko → Dobarsko €2.

Entry: Church of St. Theodore free (donation requested).

Accommodation: Dobarsko guesthouse (€18–30/night).

Day 7: Dobarsko to Sofia — Departure

Enjoy a mountain breakfast of fresh dairy products and honey at your guesthouse. Morning walk through the Dobarsko meadows if the weather allows — the views of the Pirin peaks are stunning. Bus back to Bansko (€2), then direct bus to Sofia (€10–12, 2.5 hours). Arrive in Sofia with time for a final meal before departure, or connect directly to Sofia Airport (metro from central station, €1.50).

Transport: Bus Dobarsko → Bansko €2; bus Bansko → Sofia €10–12.