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. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sofia University and a local SLP center for an insightful session on speech-language pathology in the Bulgarian context. 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 widely regarded as the cultural and historical heart of the country. Our first stop will be the nearby village of Arbanasi, where we’ll visit the Nativity Church, famous for its remarkably well-preserved 16th-century frescoes and religious artistry.

Following this, we’ll return to Veliko Tărnovo for lunch before heading to the city’s most iconic landmark—Tsarevets Fortress. This medieval stronghold, once home to Bulgarian tsars, features remnants of over 400 houses, 18 churches, the royal palace, and even an infamous execution rock. As we explore the fortress and walk along its ancient Roman roads, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria’s royal past and the dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.

We’ll continue our exploration with a stroll through Veliko Tărnovo’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 to relax and then gather for dinner, taking time to reflect on the day’s cultural and historical discoveries.

You’ll visit Sevlievo Hospital and a center for children with disabilities, gaining insights into healthcare and therapy services in Bulgaria. A catered lunch will be held at the municipality office, followed by specialized workshops for OT and SLP students. After a full day of learning, the group returns to Veliko Tărnovo for dinner and free time.  

 After breakfast, we’ll travel to the town of Sevlievo, where we’ll spend the day learning about the local healthcare and social service systems. Our first visit will be to the Sevlievo Hospital, where you’ll gain insight into the structure and delivery of medical care in the region. We will also stop by the Sevlievo Center for Children with Disabilities, offering a valuable opportunity to observe therapeutic practices and support services for children with diverse needs.

Following the site visits, we’ll head to the Sevlievo Municipality, where a catered lunch will be provided. Afterward, participants will take part in professional workshops, divided into separate sessions for OT and SLP students. These sessions will be facilitated by local specialists and offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations in their respective fields within the Bulgarian context.

After a full and enriching day, we’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon to rest before gathering once again for dinner.

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 a center for children with disabilities in Veliko Tărnovo. This visit offers 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. In the afternoon, we will shift focus to planning activities for the upcoming day camp, working together to prepare engaging and meaningful sessions for the participants. After a productive day, we’ll gather in the evening to enjoy dinner, reflecting on our discussions and the preparations made for the camp ahead. 

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Stolat, where a beautiful mountain property with a swimming pool will provide the perfect setting for our interactive kids' camp. Today, we will welcome children from various areas and ethnic backgrounds for a day filled with engaging activities aimed at supporting their speech, language, sensory, gross and fine motor development! Through art, games, and music, we’ll create a dynamic, hands-on environment where we can assess and work with the children in a fun and interactive way.

In the afternoon, we’ll have time to unwind by the pool, play volleyball, and take in the breathtaking scenery, fully embracing the tranquility of this peaceful setting. To end the day, we’ll enjoy a pizza dinner by the pool before returning to our hotel in Veliko Tărnovo for the night.

 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. 

 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 time to enjoy the island at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we will come together to explore Oia, a picturesque coastal town located at the northwestern tip of Santorini. Known for its iconic whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftops, Oia offers stunning views over the vast caldera. You’ll have the chance to wander through charming streets and take in the breathtaking scenery.

 This morning, we’ll take a quick flight back to Athens, ready to immerse ourselves in the heart of Greek history and culture. Our first stop will be the iconic Acropolis, where we’ll explore the magnificent Parthenon and dive deep into the stories of ancient Greece. We’ll also visit the Acropolis Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the significance and history of this ancient site. After soaking in the rich history, we’ll treat ourselves to a traditional gyro for lunch, savoring one of Greece’s most beloved dishes.

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.

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!