Varna is a fantastic place to explore through organized tours. Its mix of seaside charm, lush countryside, and historical sites makes it ideal for different types of travelers. Whether you prefer active adventures like cycling or kayaking, cultural immersions, or full-day excursions, Varna offers a variety of options that promise memorable moments. We particularly like the Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours for its flexibility and scenic routes, and the Varna: Guided VIP Tour for those wanting a deep dive into local life and traditions.
If you’re after an immersive experience that combines history, nature, and local culture, these tours won’t disappoint. Each offers something unique, whether it’s visiting ancient fortresses, tasting Bulgarian wines, or exploring caves. Let’s take a closer look at the best options available, so you can pick the perfect match for your trip.
1. Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours – country & sea
At number 1, the Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours provide a flexible way to explore Bulgaria’s countryside and seaside. Priced at around $67.34 per person, this guided tour lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours and can be tailored to your interests—whether you’re looking for fun, fitness, or a bit of both. The route varies based on your abilities and preferences, offering scenic views of flower fields, forests, lakes, and coastlines.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local culture and history, with stops at Fortress Ovech, the Shabla Lighthouse (the tallest in Bulgaria), and Nikolaevka’s old Orthodox Church. The use of bicycles and helmets is included, and the tour is private, making it perfect for small groups or families. Guests love how accommodating the guide is and how the routes change to suit individual needs.
Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, active way to see both the natural beauty and history of Bulgaria, this tour offers excellent value and flexibility.
2. Varna: Kamchia River Kayaking Day Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Varna: Kamchia River Kayaking Day Tour, which will appeal to those who enjoy the water and wildlife. For about 5 hours, guided kayakers explore the dense forests of the Kamchia Biosphere Reserve, paddling through calm dark waters and discovering Bulgaria’s longest desert beach.
This tour is praised for its experienced guide, Doncho, who expertly manages both beginners and advanced paddlers. You’ll get instructions, a quick training session, and then paddle at your own pace or join the group for the fun of it. The highlight is exploring the river estuary and relaxing on the scenic beach at the end. The included hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics effortless.
Top reviews mention the “beautiful setting” and “attention to detail,” with many guests noting it’s a perfect activity for nature lovers. The scenery and calm waters make this a standout for a half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: If you want a peaceful, scenic paddle and love being on the water, this kayak tour is a top choice, especially with its smooth logistics and friendly guide.
3. Varna: Guided VIP Tour
Number 3 features the Guided VIP Tour, a full-day journey that offers a comprehensive look at Bulgaria’s culture and daily life, all within about 7 hours. Starting from a choice of five pickup locations, this tour takes you outside the city to experience Bulgaria in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
The highlight is the stops every 10 minutes where you encounter Bulgaria’s traditions, meet local families, and taste homemade meals. It includes visits to various sites like the Stone Forest, Magic Spring Complex, and the Museum of Mosaics. The tour is led by an official licensed guide, ensuring in-depth insights.
Guests rave about how the guide, Filip, carefully plans each activity without wasting time, making the most of the day. It’s perfect for travelers who want an immersive, authentic experience with personal touch.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a well-rounded, cultural tour with personal interaction and plenty of photo opportunities, this VIP experience delivers.
4. Nessebar: Guided City Tour
Number 4 offers a guided tour of Nessebar, a UNESCO-listed town just outside Burgas. This 7-hour tour explores the winding streets, historic houses, and churches like St. Stephen’s, with a focus on the town’s ancient architecture and craftsmanship.
The tour includes a visit to a hidden gem, adding a surprise element to the day. Guests appreciate the detailed explanations of Nessebar’s history, along with free time to relax with a drink or shop. The tour starts from multiple pickup points—allowing flexibility for your itinerary.
The reviews highlight how smoothly everything runs, and many say they’d gladly do it again. It’s perfect for travelers interested in history, architecture, and local culture, with enough leisure time to soak in the atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a leisurely, historic walk through a UNESCO site, this tour combines education and relaxation seamlessly.
5. From Varna: Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour
Number 5 is a full-day hike exploring ancient cave monasteries, led by a knowledgeable guide. For about 6 hours, you’ll trek through natural scenery to discover historic cave sanctuaries where monks lived in solitude centuries ago.
The tour’s focus on nature and history makes it ideal for active travelers who like solitude and panoramic views. The guide, Dodo, shares stories about the monks’ lifestyle and the significance of the caves, making it a personal and engaging experience. The route varies in difficulty but is managed with safety in mind.
Guests praise the guide’s ability to adjust the pace, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The highlight is touching the energy of these ancient sites and enjoying spectacular vistas from the plateau.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those who want a mix of hiking, history, and breathtaking scenery, with a small-group experience led by a passionate guide.
6. Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting
Number 6 offers a culinary journey through Varna, focusing on local flavors and wine. Over four hours, you’ll meet Bulgarian food, sample regional snacks, and enjoy a wine tasting in a cellar.
This tour is great for foodies who want to understand Bulgaria’s culinary identity. The guide introduces you to local ingredients and traditions, making the experience both educational and delicious. The tour is well-suited for those who prefer a relaxed, social outing with plenty of tastings.
While the price isn’t specified, the focus on authentic food and wine blending makes it a good value for those interested in Bulgaria’s gastronomic scene. If you’re a fan of wine and local dishes, this tour delivers both in a cozy setting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for food and wine lovers wanting a laid-back but informative experience in Varna.
7. Full-Day Tour: Aladzha Monastery, Balchik, Kaliakra, Varna
Number 7 is a comprehensive full-day excursion covering key sights along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Starting from Obzor, it includes visits to Aladzha Monastery, the Queen Marie’s Palace in Balchik, and Cape Kaliakra.
This well-paced tour spends roughly 9 hours exploring stunning monasteries, seaside palaces, and dramatic cliffs. The tickets are included, making it convenient. The itinerary balances sightseeing with scenic drives along the coast. Guests appreciate the guided commentary and the opportunity to see diverse sites in one day.
Ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into Bulgaria’s coastal culture and landscape, this tour offers excellent value for a full-day adventure. The only potential downside is the long day if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers and coastal scenery fans who want a full overview of Bulgaria’s Black Sea gems.
8. Private Day Tour: Aladzha, Varna, Pobiti Kamani, Kamchia
Number 8 provides a custom private tour from Obzor, ideal for those seeking a personalized experience. Covering Aladzha Monastery, Pobiti Kamani, and the Kamchia River, it lasts about 8 hours.
This tour emphasizes history and nature, with visits to ancient cave monasteries, striking stone columns, and lush forest boat rides. The guide handles all tickets and logistics, ensuring a smooth day. Guests love the flexibility to tailor the route and pace. The Pobiti Kamani stone columns are particularly striking, and the boat ride offers a peaceful nature break.
Considering the private nature and comprehensive stops, the $201 per person price reflects good value for a fully customized day. It’s best suited for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: For a private, highly personalized day exploring Bulgaria’s natural and historic highlights, this tour is hard to beat.
9. Varna: Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide
Number 9 offers a short, customized walking tour of Varna, perfect for those who want a flexible, intimate experience. For 3 hours, a local guide takes you through the city’s key landmarks and hidden corners.
Ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want a tailored experience, the guide shares insights about Varna’s culture, architecture, and local neighborhoods. The review mentions “competent and friendly” guides, making it a relaxed way to get to know the city.
This tour is especially good if you want to combine sightseeing with a personal touch, or if you’re arriving in Varna and want to get oriented quickly.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors who want a quick, personalized introduction to Varna’s sights and stories.
10. Alaja Rock Monastery Tour from Varna
Number 10 is a short visit to the Alaja Monastery, a peaceful site with ancient frescoes and cave chapels. The tour lasts about 2 hours and includes personal pickup and a guide.
This is perfect for travelers interested in geology and history, offering a calm experience with informative commentary. Reviews mention the peaceful atmosphere and the guide’s communicative nature.
It’s a quick, manageable outing for those in Varna who want a taste of monastic life without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Good for a brief, scenic excursion into Bulgaria’s monastic past, with personal service and a relaxed pace.
11. From Varna: Hiking and Climbing Day Tour
Number 11 combines hiking, climbing, and exploring cave monasteries. Over about 5 hours, you climb into historic caves and practice abseiling techniques under professional supervision.
The focus on adventure and physical activity makes this ideal for active travelers. The guide adjusts the pace to suit everyone’s abilities, ensuring safety and fun. Guests mention the experience of touching the ancient rocks, and the scenic views from the plateau are a bonus.
If you want to challenge yourself with physical activity and learn new skills, this tour provides a safe, guided environment.
Bottom Line: For those craving outdoor adventure and a taste of Bulgaria’s rugged landscape, this tour hits the mark.
12. GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea
Number 12 is a self-driving tour with detailed GPS and video guides. Covering Kaliakra Cape, Balchik, and Varna, it allows you to explore at your own pace, starting from Sofia.
Perfect for travelers who want autonomy and flexibility, you pre-book activities and let the route guide you via coordinates. The included stops include a mussel farm and a ZIP-line, making it an interactive experience.
The main advantage is the ability to stay as long as you wish at each site, making this ideal for independent travelers or those with a car.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a customized, self-paced adventure along Bulgaria’s coast, this guided route offers great flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your perfect tour in Varna, consider your interests, fitness level, and schedule. For active explorers, the cycling and hiking options offer both exercise and scenery. Travelers eager to immerse in local culture should opt for the VIP tour or the culinary experience. Those with limited time might prefer the private city tour, while families or those seeking privacy will find the private day trips ideal.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your spot. Think about whether you want a guided experience or prefer the freedom of a self-drive tour, like the GPS-guided route. And if you’re visiting specific sites, check the itinerary details to match your pace and interests.
Final thoughts
Varna offers an impressive variety of tours, from active pursuits like cycling and kayaking to cultural and historical explorations. Whether you want a half-day tasting tour, a full-day adventure, or a private custom experience, there’s something for every traveler. For example, the Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours provides a fantastic way to combine nature, culture, and exercise, while the Guided VIP Tour offers a deep dive into Bulgaria’s traditions and daily life.
If you’re short on time or seeking flexibility, the self-guided GPS tour offers independence without sacrificing the experience. Whatever your interest, booking early will help ensure you get your preferred date and activity. Now is the time to plan ahead and secure your spot for a memorable time exploring all that Varna has to offer.