Your journey begins with international travel to Bulgaria. A few days before departure, a WhatsApp group will be created by Therapy Abroad to facilitate communication among students, supervisors, and staff. Safe travels! 

Upon arriving at Sofia International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private transfer—look for Therapy Abroad signs. You’ll head straight to your centrally located hotel, enjoy a welcome lunch, and check in for some rest. In the evening, the group will enjoy a short walk around Sofia’s vibrant city center followed by an early dinner. Later, you’ll have free time to explore the lively Vitosha Boulevard with its cafés, shops, and stunning views of Vitosha Mountain. 

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a guided walking tour of Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital and largest city. As we explore the city on foot, you’ll discover landmarks that showcase Sofia’s rich and diverse history—from ancient Greek and Roman ruins to remnants of the Soviet era. Highlights of the tour include the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic St. Sofia Church and its catacombs, the bustling antique market, the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Presidency, and the preserved remains of the Roman city of Serdica.

Following the tour, we’ll enjoy lunch along Vitosha Boulevard. After our time in Sofia, we’ll begin our journey to Veliko Tărnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria and your home for the next nine nights. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of the Bulgarian countryside, with a short stop along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel, settle in, and gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day by exploring Veliko Tărnovo—one of Bulgaria’s oldest settlements and often considered the cultural and historical heart of the country. This will be a great opportunity to get oriented to the area where you’ll be staying for the week. 

After lunch, we will continue our exploration with a stroll through Veliko Tarnovo’s charming cobblestone streets and pay a visit to Samovodska Charshiya, the city’s historic market street. Lined with traditional crafts and shops, it’s the perfect place to browse and shop for unique, handmade crafts and souvenirs.

In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel for a Supervisor Session—a valuable opportunity to ask your supervisors about your chosen profession. It’s a great chance to learn from their experience, gain insights, and ask thoughtful questions. After the session, we’ll head out for dinner (with a view!)

After breakfast, we will visit the children’s center in the village of Gabrovo, where we will spend the morning engaging with the children and supporting local therapists in providing speech therapy services. The center serves 55 children, primarily between the ages of 7 and 18, who attend daily for care and specialised support.

During the lunch break, we will take a step back in time with a visit to Etara, Bulgaria’s Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, where we will experience traditional Bulgarian life and craftsmanship. After exploring this unique cultural site, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to the pediatric center for afternoon sessions.

Gabrovo is known as the longest town in Bulgaria, stretching over 15 miles in length while measuring less than a mile wide in certain areas. Today, our primary focus will be engaging in meaningful interactions with local children and supporting their speech therapy sessions alongside experienced local specialists. This hands-on experience offers a valuable opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world setting while learning from professionals in the field.

Over lunch we will take a break to head to Etara Open-Air Ethnographic Museum – Explore a traditional Bulgarian village showcasing authentic crafts, architecture, and cultural practices. Visitors can see artisans at work, learn about local customs, and experience a living history of Bulgaria’s rural heritage.

Today, we will return to the children’s center in Gabrovo to continue our clinical work with both patients and staff. The day’s activities will include assessments, therapy sessions, staff training, and caregiver education, providing a deeper level of engagement and hands-on experience. This will also be an excellent opportunity to further develop your skills in working with translators, an essential aspect of effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

For lunch, we’ll travel to the historic Shipka Peak, where we’ll enjoy a meal while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of both Northern and Southern Bulgaria from the summit—a moment to relax and recharge amidst stunning natural beauty.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the pediatric center for an additional round of therapy sessions, continuing our support for the children and their families. After returning to the hotel in the evening, there will be time to reflect, document your experiences, and complete any necessary clinical notes or reporting from the day.

After breakfast, we will travel to the village of Stolat to visit a government-run geriatric home for people with disabilities. With over 30 permanent residents, this facility provides essential care and support to the elderly facing various challenges. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to meet both the residents and medical staff, gaining valuable insight into their daily lives, specific needs, and the environment in which they live.

The morning will begin with an introduction to the facility and its operations. Afterward, we will enjoy lunch at Kolyo’s before returning to spend one-on-one time with some of the residents, offering assistance and engaging in their care. Later in the afternoon, we will head to the nearby town of Sevlievo, where we’ll have dinner before making our way back to our hotel in Veliko Tărnovo for the night.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in Bulgaria’s natural beauty as we embark on an outdoor adventure to explore some of the country’s most stunning wonders. Our first stop will be Devetashka Cave, a site rich in both history and natural splendor. Discovered in 1921, the cave has provided evidence of nearly continuous human habitation dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic period, around 70,000 years ago. Excavations from the 1950s uncovered a wealth of artifacts, making this massive cave not only a spectacular natural formation but also a fascinating archaeological site.

Next, we’ll visit Krushuna Falls, renowned for its cascading turquoise pools and stunning travertine formations. As we explore the surrounding trails, we’ll be treated to the serene beauty of this picturesque landscape. After a day filled with exploration and awe-inspiring sights, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and recharge, preparing for the exciting adventures ahead.

After breakfast, we will visit Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration in Veliko Tărnovo. This visit provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between the local system and our own. Participants will have the chance to observe individualized therapy sessions and participate in group therapy activities.

Today, we will return to the center in Veliko Tărnovo, continuing to observe therapy sessions. In addition, we will lead group activities that we planned the day prior, targeting specific occupational therapy outcomes to improve function, independence and safety. Today will be a fun, hands on learning experience!

After breakfast, we will travel back to Sofia International Airport for our flight to Santorini. Before heading to the airport, we’ll enjoy a final lunch in Sofia, savoring the last moments in Bulgaria!

Once we arrive at Athens Airport, we’ll have a few hours before our connecting flight. During this time, we’ll enjoy dinner and relax before our short flight—less than an hour—to Santorini, the stunning island in the Aegean Sea, renowned for being one of the most iconic and picturesque islands in the world!

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights. You’ll have some time to rest and recharge, preparing for the exciting adventures ahead as we explore this beautiful island.

After breakfast, we’ll kick off the day with some time at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. After a delicious beachside lunch, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to explore the vibrant capital, Fira. In the evening, we’ll indulge in a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant, experiencing authentic local flavors. To wrap up the day, we’ll drive to the iconic Lighthouse for a breathtaking sunset over the sparkling Aegean Sea, creating unforgettable memories as the sky colors with the last light of the day.

This morning, after breakfast, we will visit Kamari Beach for a fun and relaxing day, enjoying another tasty lunch by the sea. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel to refresh before visiting the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias, the highest point on the island, where we can take in the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area. After the monastery, we will gather for dinner together and have the opportunity to explore more of the beautiful town of Fira.

Next, we’ll wander through the charming Plaka district, a historic area of Athens filled with narrow streets and vibrant local life. Here, we’ll visit the Ancient Roman Agora and the Ancient Greek Agora, further immersing ourselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll also have time to shop for unique traditional crafts and souvenirs. In the late afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and unwind before coming together for a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences we’ve shared throughout this unforgettable journey.

The day will begin with free time, giving you the opportunity to relax, go shopping, or take a swim—just be sure to stay in small groups. This is your chance to enjoy the island at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will gather to explore Oia, a picturesque coastal town located at the northwestern tip of Santorini. Famous for its iconic whitewashed houses carved into the rugged cliffs, Oia offers stunning views over the caldera. You’ll have the opportunity to wander through charming streets and take in the breathtaking scenery. Later, we will come together for our farewell dinner, providing a special chance to reflect on the trip and connect with your fellow travelers. After dinner, we’ll enjoy one last opportunity to witness the world-famous Santorini sunset, creating memories to last a lifetime.

As your journey comes to a close today, you return home with not only new knowledge but also unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Your time abroad has been transformative, and we hope you carry these experiences with you as you continue to grow both personally and professionally. Stay connected with Therapy Abroad, and we’d love to hear your thoughts — please consider leaving us an online review to share your story. Safe travels, and we look forward to hearing about your next adventure!