Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey. Be sure to get rest when you can, stay hydrated, and bring some snacks for the long flights. If you experience any issues with your flights or travel disruptions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff team via WhatsApp. Our local team in Bulgaria will be eagerly awaiting your arrival!

After arriving at Sofia International Airport, you’ll collect your luggage and meet your private transfer just outside the baggage claim area—look for the Therapy Abroad signs to guide you. From there, you’ll head to a welcome lunch before checking in and having time to settle into your room and rest. In the evening, we’ll gather for a short walk around Sofia’s vibrant city center, followed by an early group dinner. After dinner you can enjoy free time exploring Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s lively pedestrian street known for its cafés, shops, and scenic views of Vitosha Mountain.

After breakfast, we will visit a local kindergarten to meet with the speech therapists, specialists and teachers there and get familiar with how the government provides help within these educational institutions to kids with special needs in a preschool age. You will get familiar with different methodologies and fields of speech therapy used by the local professionals.

After that 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. 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. We will walk on the old cobblestone street “General Gurko” in the old part of the town, enjoy the river views and visit the “Asenevtzi Monument” dedicated to the brothers Asen, Petar, Kaloyan and Ivan Asen II. It was built in 1985 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the uprising of Asen and Petar, which led to the liberation of Bulgaria from the Byzantine Empire. The sword located in the middle is a symbol of the power and prosperity of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

For lunch we will visit Arbanasi, a unique settlement with the status of Architectural reserve and rich history. It is located on the hill overlooking the whole VT town. We will have lunch in a restaurant with a gorgeous view and visit the St. Nikolai’s monastery in close proximity to learn more about these sacred Eastern Orthodox places.

In the afternoon 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. 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 observing the local teachers and staff, including the Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapists at the center. Please come prepared with questions and an open mind, ready to learn about these professions within a new cultural context. You will have opportunities to engage with the professionals, gain insights into the school environment, and learn more about the students. Be ready to participate in meaningful interactions with the local children. In the afternoon, we will take part in group activities, guided by your supervisors, who will assist in leading the sessions.

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.

In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel to reflect on your experience and to prepare to return to the children’s center tomorrow, where you will work as a group to plan activities for the students at the school. Don’t worry you will work as a team, and have the guidance and assistance of your skilled supervisors. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and put your creativity to the test!

Today, we will return to the children’s center in Gabrovo, where you will lead group activities with the students based on yesterday’s planning session. This will offer a deeper level of engagement and provide valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, it will be an excellent opportunity to further develop your skills in working with translators—an essential component of effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration. This will be a fun and engaging learning opportunity! 

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 group activities that you have prepared as a group. 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 visit the adults center in Veliko Tărnovo, where we will spend the morning to get familiar with the structure of the institution and its operative methods. We will meet with the director and the local therapists. The center serves more than 80 adults, between the ages of 18 and 80, who attend daily for care and specialized support.

Today, we will be observing the local specialists and staff, including the Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapists at the center. In the afternoon, we will take part in group activities such as Art and work therapy.

In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel to reflect on your experience and to prepare to return to the adults center the next day, where you will work as a group to plan activities for the clients at the center. Another great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and put your creativity to the test!

This morning we will visit the second largest university in the country - Veliko Tărnovo “St.st. Cyril and Methodius” university. Meet with professors and lecturers from the Psychology department.  

In the afternoon we will go exploring - we will have lunch at Bacho Kiro hut and after that we’ll delve into the depths of Bacho Kiro Cave, a natural wonder shaped over thousands of years by flowing rivers. Inside, you’ll marvel at the fantastically shaped stalactites, stalagmites, and rock columns with names like the Stone Flower, the Jellyfish, the Lonely Column, and the Elephant. Highlights include the Rain Room, the Concert Room, and the Guest Room. Thanks to an impressive lighting system, visitors can fully appreciate the cave’s surreal formations. This site is also part of Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites.

Next, we will head to Dryanovo Monastery “St. Archangel Michael”, a spiritual and cultural landmark nestled in the Balkan Mountains. Founded in the 12th century, this historic monastery has long been a center for Bulgarian Christianity and culture. Today, it continues to draw both worshippers and tourists alike. Recognized as a national monument of culture, it is proudly included in the list of 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.After an exhilarating day of exploration, we’ll return to the hotel for a well-earned rest and recharge for the adventures to come!

After breakfast, we will head to the town of Sevlievo, where we will meet with municipality representatives. We will visit Sevlievo hospital to get to know the health system of the country. After lunch we will head to Sevlievo center for children for disabilities to meet with the speech therapist and other professionals. 

This morning we will head 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 will check out from the hotel and have lunch before we head for our next adventure - the Bulgarian Black Sea coast! We will drive to the beautiful and buzzing city of Varna. The drive will take 2,5 hours with short restroom breaks along the way. We will stop for a visit at the only desert in Europe - The Stone desert of Varna!

Once we reach Varna, we will check in at our hotel, located in the heart of the city center and go to have dinner together. After dinner, we will have free time to explore the full of life, city center of the second largest city in the country.

After breakfast, we will head to Varna central beach, located 2 minutes away from our hotel - soaking up the sun and enjoying the golden sand and warm water. We will have lunch there and spend most of the day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing and exploring the cafes and the beach bars. In the afternoon everyone can go back to the hotel at their own convenience to rest and prepare for dinner. Exploring the Sea Garden and its beautiful flower garden, cozy cafes and gelato points on the way back to the hotel is a must do experience. After the rest from the beach we will head for another tasty dinner together.

This morning, after breakfast we will visit Aladzha monastery - the most famous medieval cave monastery at the Black Sea coast. After the monastery and at just one hour driving we will visit Kaliakra cape - a natural and architectural reserve which cuts almost a mile and a half into the sea, closing enormous bay - the only place where if you’re lucky, you can see the Black Sea dolphins. After our visit to the cape, we will go to one of the most beautiful wild beaches - Bolata for more sunbathing and swimming. Then we will drive back to our hotel and go out for dinner.

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!