Bulgaria
Explore our selection of trips to Bulgaria and embark on a journey to reconnect with your roots and explore your cultural heritage.
Shared Journeys. Personal Discoveries. Expertly Managed.
Over the last 30+ years, we've witnessed the transformative power of group travel for adoptees and their loved ones.
Supported by our dedicated Ties staff before, during, and after travel, we take pride in crafting opportunities that allow you to reconnect with people and places important to you, while connecting with a community who share similar life experiences. Join us and discover the power of heritage travel!
Bulgarian Ties - Flagship
10 Days
Visit Bulgaria's Top Destinations
Reconnect with People and Places
Bulgarian Ties - LITE
7 Days
Explore the Beautiful City of Sophia
Reconnect with People and Places
Day 1 - Arrive in Sophia
Day 2 - Orientation and City Tour of Sophia
Day 3 - Visit the Rila Monastery
Day 4 - Embark on the Charming, Traditional Village of Busintsi for a Glimpse into Authentic Bulgarian Culture
Day 5 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 6 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 7 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 8 -
Lite: Travel Back to Sophia for Departure Home the Following Day
Flagship: travel to Plovdiv from Birth Region
Day 9 - Spend the Day Exploring Plovdiv
Day 10 - Enjoy a Full Day Excursion to the Historic Towns of Hisarya and Starosel
Day 11 - Return to Sofia for Free Time and Farewell Dinner
Day 12 - The Journey Home and Beyond
Inclusions:
- Comprehensive pre-travel materials to help prepare logistically and emotionally for the journey, a very important part of each traveler’s readiness for this amazing, life-enhancing experience
- A team of adoption specialists available before, during, and after the trip who build bridges, facilitate activities and discussions, create community, and attend to details enabling you to focus on the meaning of the journey
- Optional group discussions for adoptees and siblings (Connect & Chat) and adult loved ones traveling (Talk Time) led by an adoption specialist
- Assistance thinking through the significant people and places you'd like to visit related to your adoption and how visits might impact the adoptee's birth country experience
- Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and transportation for all inclusions
- Double or triple occupancy in moderate or first-class accommodations with private bath, including tax and service fees
- Transportation between locations included in the journey
- Orientation gathering to help travelers get to know one another and understand the journey ahead
- All sightseeing, inclusions, admissions listed in the information packet (click to request)
- (B)reakfasts, (L)unches and (D)inners as shown in the information packet (click to request)
- English-speaking guides who will enrich your experience by sharing local customs, lifestyle, and humor
Exclusions:
- International airfares
- Passport and/or Visa fees
- Tips and Gratuity
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Any meals that are not included on the information packet itinerary
- Excursions or Extensions that families opt into during their time in-country including travel to the adoptee's province or city of birth.
- Optional activities
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)
Prefer to travel to Bulgaria without a larger group? For some adoptees and their loved ones, private travel is the best fit. Visit our page on Private Travel to learn the reasons private travel may be for you, or contact our Bulgarian Ties Program Manager, Autumn Ackerson, to discuss the possibility of private travel (please include details like dates, length of visit, reconnections you'd like to make, why you think private travel is right for you, and any other information you'd like us to know).
While we excel in individualized trips, we generally recommend group travel for adoptees and their loved ones. Whatever your preference, a transformative heritage journey awaits – let us help you create memories that last a lifetime.
Day 1 - Arrive in Sophia
Day 2 - Orientation and City Tour of Sophia
Day 3 - Visit the Rila Monastery
Day 4 - Embark on the Charming, Traditional Village of Busintsi for a Glimpse into Authentic Bulgarian Culture
Day 5 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 6 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 7 - Adoption Reconnection Day
Day 8 -
Lite: Travel Back to Sophia for Departure Home the Following Day
Flagship: travel to Plovdiv from Birth Region
Day 9 - Spend the Day Exploring Plovdiv
Day 10 - Enjoy a Full Day Excursion to the Historic Towns of Hisarya and Starosel
Day 11 - Return to Sofia for Free Time and Farewell Dinner
Day 12 - The Journey Home and Beyond
Inclusions:
- Comprehensive pre-travel materials to help prepare logistically and emotionally for the journey, a very important part of each traveler’s readiness for this amazing, life-enhancing experience
- A team of adoption specialists available before, during, and after the trip who build bridges, facilitate activities and discussions, create community, and attend to details enabling you to focus on the meaning of the journey
- Optional group discussions for adoptees and siblings (Connect & Chat) and adult loved ones traveling (Talk Time) led by an adoption specialist
- Assistance thinking through the significant people and places you'd like to visit related to your adoption and how visits might impact the adoptee's birth country experience
- Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and transportation for all inclusions
- Double or triple occupancy in moderate or first-class accommodations with private bath, including tax and service fees
- Transportation between locations included in the journey
- Orientation gathering to help travelers get to know one another and understand the journey ahead
- All sightseeing, inclusions, admissions listed in the information packet (click to request)
- (B)reakfasts, (L)unches and (D)inners as shown in the information packet (click to request)
- English-speaking guides who will enrich your experience by sharing local customs, lifestyle, and humor
Exclusions:
- International airfares
- Passport and/or Visa fees
- Tips and Gratuity
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Any meals that are not included on the information packet itinerary
- Excursions or Extensions that families opt into during their time in-country including travel to the adoptee's province or city of birth.
- Optional activities
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)
Prefer to travel to Bulgaria without a larger group? For some adoptees and their loved ones, private travel is the best fit. Visit our page on Private Travel to learn the reasons private travel may be for you, or contact our Bulgarian Ties Program Manager, Autumn Ackerson, to discuss the possibility of private travel (please include details like dates, length of visit, reconnections you'd like to make, why you think private travel is right for you, and any other information you'd like us to know).
While we excel in individualized trips, we generally recommend group travel for adoptees and their loved ones. Whatever your preference, a transformative heritage journey awaits – let us help you create memories that last a lifetime.
YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER
Autumn Ackerson
Autumn is a Chinese adoptee and works as a program manager for the China and Bulgaria Program at Ties. She was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but currently calls Grand Rapids, MI home with her boyfriend and cat, Otto (the best cat in the world). As an adoptee herself, she understands the significance of Ties trips. Her journey with Ties began back in 2014 when she went on her first Ties trip. After finishing college, she started working for Ties as an adjunct travel staff and has staffed Ties trips to both China and Guatemala before taking on more responsibilities as a program manager.
Please note: Autumn may not travel on every trip.
(303) 418-8051
Frequently Asked Questions
The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.
For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.
We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.
Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.
Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.
Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.
To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.
No, the registration fee is separate from the program fee. For travel insurance purposes, the registration fee is a separate administrative charge that covers processing and securing your spot on the trip and does not count as the first land payment. The first land payment refers specifically to the initial installment of the program fee, which covers the costs of accommodations, transportation, and activities during the heritage trip.
If you have specific questions about the payment structure and its impact on travel insurance, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.
Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.
Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.
Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.
Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.
Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.
Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.
*Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.