Choir Tours

Bulgaria – A Choir Tour Proposal

Bulgaria is renowned for its rich musical heritage. In this one-of-a-kind choir tour, we discover the magnificent singing and instrumental traditions of Bulgaria, alongside its folklore, natural landscapes, wine, and dance. We will journey through mountainous regions and visit authentic villages to meet “real Bulgarian folklore” before it fades away. Each day features an encounter with a local ensemble showcasing diverse styles: Bulgarian choir singing, the “Bistritsa Babi” (Grandmothers) tradition of throat singing—known as “The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices”—male and female ensembles, polyphonic Macedonian singing, and the unique irregular rhythms of the Sofia region.

This proposal is uniquely crafted by three experts in their fields: Uri Hartman, long-time producer at the Israeli Opera; Asen Marinov, one of Bulgaria’s leading guitarists and leader of a world-music ethnic ensemble; and Dr. Zeev Ben-Arie, a Balkan expert and author of The Beauty of the Rose: Cultural and Spiritual Journeys in Bulgaria. In addition to the music, we will explore nature through attractions such as cable cars and open-air hot springs, accompanied by high-level professional guiding.

Itinerary Suggestion (Customizable)

Day 1 | Arrival at the Rila Mountains & Folklore Introduction

Morning landing in Sofia. We head to the Rila Mountains, the highest and most beautiful in the Balkans. We arrive at the Borovets area for a 2-night stay. Options include a 4-5 star spa hotel in the ski resort or authentic guest houses in nearby villages. If time permits, we will take a nature walk in the forest and visit the nearby town of Samokov, where we will meet a local ensemble.

Overnight: Borovets Area.

Day 2 | Mount Musala & The Grandmothers of the Ibar River

In the morning, we ascend to the peaks of the highest mountain in the Balkans (via gondola) for breathtaking views. We continue to the picturesque village of Raduil for a short hike in the Maritsa Canyon. In the afternoon, a special cultural event will be held in Raduil for the locals and guests, featuring an award-winning village choir. There will be an opportunity for the visiting choir to perform for the local community.

Overnight: Borovets Area.

Day 3 | Cultural Event in Sofia

Morning departure for Sofia. We will visit art galleries, the National Historical Museum (housing Thracian gold treasures), the magnificent Alexander Nevsky and Sveta Nedelya cathedrals, the Roman underground city, and other sites. We’ll enjoy free time on Vitosha Boulevard and attend an evening cultural event—a concert, opera, or local performance.

Overnight: Sofia.

Day 4 | The Pirin Mountains

Every region in Bulgaria boasts distinct music, instruments, and folklore. In the morning, we visit the Rila Monastery, the most stunning site in the Balkans. We’ll walk through the beautiful valley of springs and streams, including Kiril’s Meadow. Continue to Bansko, the heart of Macedonian music, to meet a local ensemble in a traditional tavern, explore the old town, and attend cultural events if available.

Overnight: Bansko Area.

Day 5 | The Rhodope Mountains

A morning drive to the stunning lakes of the Rhodope Mountains, famous for their “50 shades of green,” jagged cliffs, and vast canyons. We stop at Dospat Lake and reach the Trigrad Gorge and the “Devil’s Throat” cave. Dinner in the village with a local choir ensemble (throat-singing), and arrival at a spa hotel in Devin.

Overnight: Devin or Trigrad Area.

Day 6 | The Balkan Mountains & Sacred Music

A morning hike in the Devin Canyon or relaxation in spa pools. We continue to the village of Shiroka Laka, home to the only bagpipe school of its kind in the Balkans. We will meet a bagpipe maker and local players. If time permits, we will visit nearby Pamporovo. Farewell dinner with a performance in Devin.

Overnight: Devin or Trigrad Area.

Day 7 | Plovdiv

On the last day of our tour, we will head to Plovdiv, the cultural capital of Bulgaria and one of the most ancient cities in Europe, featuring a World Heritage old city. We will arrive in Plovdiv in the late morning and start discovering the Roman sites, the Ottoman city, and the pedestrian promenade. Plovdiv houses one of the two music academies of Bulgaria; we will visit it and meet with local musicians and a choir. There is a possibility of performing in a church with special acoustics.

Overnight: Plovdiv.

Day 8 | Departure

Plovdiv is an hour and a half drive from Sofia International Airport. Our tour will end on this day, with an option for an extended stay in Bulgaria or departure.