Bulgaria Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Bulgarian embassy website in your country of departure.

There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for Bulgaria. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

Bulgaria tends to experience a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. Summer (June to August) is often pretty sunny and hot, particularly within the interior of the country, and temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F). Coastal areas by the Black Sea are slightly cooler. Both Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are mild but pleasant, with temperatures floating around 10 to 23°C (50 to 73.4°F) — expect occasional rain showers. Finally, Winter (December to February) is cold — temperatures often reach -2°C (28.4°F) — and snowfall is common.

There’s no bad time to visit Bulgaria per se, though if you’re wanting a beach-style trip on the Black Sea coast, then the Summer months (June to August) are best. Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit if you’re wanting to go hiking or sightseeing, as the weather isn’t too hot and you’ll avoid the crowds. Winter (December to February) is great for skiing and snowboarding in the mountainous regions of the country.

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day (лв6 to лв10), depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 (лв60 to лв80) per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Internet access in Bulgaria is generally pretty good and improving steadily as time goes on. You’ll find plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots in urban areas and in places like hotels, restaurants, cafes and stations — in rural areas, expect it to be more unreliable. Please note that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges. Check with your network provider before you travel.

Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in Bulgaria, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Pretty much all ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard and other major networks of bank cards, though fees may apply for withdrawals — especially from Euronet ATMs. Check with your bank before you travel. You should also carry cash with you if you’re in remote areas in case of emergency or if you can’t access an ATM.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Bulgaria has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, there is still a way to go. Same-sex marriage is still banned, and same-sex couples do not receive the same constitutional rights as couples of the opposite sex. However, if you’re respectful and keep discreet then you should run into no problems while you’re here.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

The main language spoken in Bulgaria is Bulgarian, which is spoken by roughly 85% of the population. Other languages spoken here include Turkish, Romani, Russian, and English.

Yes — in most parts of Bulgaria, tap water is safe to drink, especially in cities and towns where it is regularly tested and treated to meet EU standards. However, in rural areas, you may wish to stick to bottled water which is available everywhere and inexpensive.

Generally speaking, Bulgaria is a very safe country in which to visit — particularly within tourist areas. However, that said, it always pays to be aware of petty crime (like pickpocketing) and tourist scams — particularly in larger cities and in resorts like Sunny Beach. There are also occasional protests here which tend to be peaceful — take heed of local advice.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.