Tour of Aladzha Monastery, Balchik and Varna

This tour takes in two of the Black Sea coast's top attractions – the former royal palace of Balchik and the rock-hewn medieval monastery of Aladzha. And there's also free time in the centre of Varna, the largest city in the region.You'll start the day in the pretty, fishing village of Balchik. Its most famous resident was the widowed Queen Marie of Romania, who spent her last decade in her summer palace. She found solace here, wandering the botanical gardens – which has a collection of more than 250 cactus species – and meditating in her eclectic Baha'i temple. After a visit, head for a typical Bulgarian lunch in a renowned local restaurant.You'll then head to Aladzha Monastery, which was carved into a mountain and contains medieval mosaics and frescos. Explore the monks' cells, which were cut deep into limestone, and learn about their lives in the museum. And rounding off the trip is some free time for shopping or sightseeing in Varna.