Bulgaria for Vegan Travelers: A Hidden Gem | Valeria Hogg

Link for the Show Notes

In today’s episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we’re heading to the beautiful and often underrated country of Bulgaria. I’m joined by Valeria Hogg, the founder of Heritage Ltd Bulgaria, a charming vegan guesthouse and restaurant nestled in a rural area just outside of Sofia. Valeria is not only a passionate advocate for plant-based living but also a certified tour operator offering immersive travel experiences that connect visitors with Bulgaria’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and evolving vegan food scene. In this episode, Valeria shares how she transitioned from city life to creating a cozy retreat for vegan travelers, and how she’s now curating unique tours that celebrate local traditions, seasonal events, and natural beauty. If you’ve never considered Bulgaria as a vegan-friendly travel destination, this conversation might just change your mind.

🌊 Our Croatia 2027 Vegan Sailing Trip is now open for bookings!
Join us as we sail the stunning Adriatic coast, exploring beautiful islands, historic seaside towns, crystal-clear waters, and incredible plant-based cuisine — all with a small group of like-minded vegan travelers.

👉 Get the Limited Time Early Bird Offer

Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Transcript

Brighde: Hello Valeria and welcome to The World Vegan Travel Podcast. 



Valeria: Thanks for having me. 



I am thrilled to have you on the podcast today, Valeria, because we are going to talk about a country that we have never talked about on this podcast in more than 160 episodes of this podcast, which is a smallish country in Eastern Europe, and that is Bulgaria. I'm so thrilled to have you on talking about this, honestly, this country that I don't know so much about. I will be pleased to tell you about our country. 



Brighde: Fabulous. Fabulous. Alright, so Valeria, why don't you start off by telling us what it is that you do in the vegan space and the vegan travel space, because there is some intersection there.



Valeria: Yeah. Actually I started five years ago by moving to a rural area outside the capital, and really going back to our roots, where I planted vegetables in the house I created, a bed and breakfast. After a certain time, after the first two years, I thought it's a good idea to get a vegan certification because I'm vegan, and I deeply believe in the profits of being vegan. But that is a very long story. I don't want to go into that. I created that. I really thought, okay, let's go one step further because I had people visiting me here from abroad. From Europe, Germany, England and other countries. And they're fascinated by Bulgaria. They knew very little about Bulgaria. So when I showed them around, they were, 'Okay. You must go further into with your project.' I had this dream to create my own tour operator company, which I did only last year due to the documentation side of it. I can say, I do everything now from A to Z. Vegan-friendly. Not obligatory, but, I believe in in that very much.



Brighde: That's amazing, Valeria. So there's two facets to your business. There's your vegan accommodation and there's the tour operator business. I'd love to spend a little bit of time talking about the kinds of services that you offer. Let's start with the bed and breakfast that you have. Can you talk a little bit about that? Like where is it located, what can guests expect, et cetera. 



Valeria: Yes. It's a small bed and breakfast. It's only for ten people. It is close to the capital. There is a lot of people who come also for celebration here. I must say the foreigners who come here are more vegan orientated. Bulgaris, somehow a little bit behind on that, although we have many dishes, which are only vegan and vegetarian in our traditions. It's not, how do I say, promoted as a vegan destination.



Brighde: Sure. Okay. Yes. I have heard about like Eastern Europe not being super vegan-friendly in terms of like the traditional cuisine as well and being as developed in terms of like vegan options that non-vegan restaurants, et cetera. We don't just go to a place just because of the food. As long as there's fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds, and the occasional opportunity to some fun vegan dishes, that's good enough for me at least. So your accommodation. I'd love to ask a couple more questions about that. So you said it's 10 people can be hosted there. That seems like quite a lot. It's almost like a small hotel. You have maybe five rooms perhaps. And do you offer dinner? What are the rooms like. Could you share more about that? 



Valeria: I wanted to restore them in a traditional way, so I did claim, for example, timber wood from other old houses where it was destroyed. I did paint the walls in a traditional ways where you see it here in the like 19th century. So I offer food only to groups when they come on a specific event. It's a set up menu. The house itself has a small flat, which is basically two rooms and then one bungalow. It was built after. So it is not part of the traditional house. It's beside, but it's very interesting as well, I think. And, another room basically, that's it. It's not so much, but it's done with a lot of thought love. 



Brighde: I love it. I love it. What is the name of the bed and breakfast? 



Valeria: It's, Heritage. 



Brighde: Heritage. Okay. And how do visitors get there from the capital? 



Valeria: Yes. They can find me on local platforms. I'm also accessible on international platforms. And Heritage is also the name of my company. It's basically the idea going back to our roots, but in our time, and with our vision. Creating something new for the generations to come. Basically, that was my idea.



Brighde: I love it. Okay. Fantastic. All right, so I'd love to now move on to the tour operator part of your business. Do you offer like just single day tours or multi-day tours, join in or private? Could you explain like the style of travel that it 



Valeria: Yes. As I'm officially a tour operator since last year, I don't have too much official experience with big groups. I can only refer to private guests in groups who visit me. It is more day tours. For example, now we are creating for German and England, for the sun solstice tour. 



Brighde: Oh. Summer solstice? 



Valeria: Yes. Then, for the Rose festivals, the rose collecting tour, more for China, for example. But, it is at least 4, 5, 6 days. I had in mind, to create, basically after the summer solstice tour, which is the 21st to the 22nd of June. There is in Bulgaria, a ritual on the 24th where it's collecting in the morning herbs because due to a long tradition, dating back from, ancient time. It is believed that the power of the herbs are actually the most powerful than. So I thought to create a vegan orientated, vegan-friendly tool, which includes also those participating in this ritual, which I found could be very in interesting.



Brighde: Ah,I know you are very keen to share with our listeners here more details about the festivals that happen in Bulgaria .Even I have heard of a couple of them. Maybe we'll dig into that a little bit later. But first of all, I would love to talk with you about Bulgaria, just very generally. I'm sure not so many people who were listening to this podcast know a lot about Bulgaria. We probably need to be a little bit oriented with that. So why don't you just give us a real sort of general overview. Where is Bulgaria, what's the capital city? How many people live there, et cetera.



Valeria: As you mentioned it is in eastern Europe. It's a small country, but, exactly what is interesting in such a small country. We have, the Black Sea. We have high mountains. So basically the biodiversity is very, important. You can really, experience,a huge variety in undiscovered nature basically.



Brighde: Interesting. That's so interesting. Well, talking about getting around, how do people normally come to Bulgaria? What are the connections from outside of the country into Bulgaria. And then how do people generally get around? Like public transportation or do they need a car. For example, I'm pretty sure that there are no direct flights to Bulgaria from Vancouver, the city close to where I live. 



Valeria: I can't say this exactly from Vancouver. My husband is from South Africa and his father travels directly over Dubai. But anyway, I don't know from Canada. As I said, I know from the UK we have, I think it was five flights a day from London. There is flights to Bristol also and to the north, but from London, I think it was recently five flights. Then of course, Germany or Istanbul because Istanbul is a big hub which is connecting to the other continents. I would say ,inside for Bulgaria, you do need a car because if you want to explore and stop at small places, you really want to be independent. And renting a car is not very expensive. I would highly recommend it.



Brighde: Okay. Okay. So a car is helpful if you want to get out into nature. I mean, that usually is the case, even in Europe where public transportation is pretty good. Usually you do need a car to get out into nature. So a question I have is, you mentioned flights, but does Bulgaria have a train system and can people enter from other countries into Bulgaria by train or maybe by bus?



Valeria: You know, by train, they are, trying to, I found that very interesting, to redo the Orient Express from Vienna to Istanbul. And I think I did it last year, but I'm not quite exactly sure. You could also do boat over the Danube, from Vienna. They're have nice tours to Vienna, Budapest, and here, to the Black Sea. Ah, yeah. Okay. So I think the river that you are referring to is the Danube. The Danube, yes. 



Brighde: I have done a river tour of the Danube, but finishing in Budapest. I love it. Okay. Yeah, that's always fun. I think a lot of people, they like to travel to several of these Eastern European countries in one trip, so it's always nice knowing how they can connect with each other, like through land-based means. Okay. So I'd love to talk to you about the capital city, in terms of like how many people live there and what it's like to visit there, and some must see sites. 



Valeria: That is a very good question. I would say, it's very interesting. I'm attracted to ancient history, and now they discovered underneath of Sofia, and it's open to visitors, the ancient ruins. When they started digging for the metro from that point of view, I mean, before that they were not visible. Also it's interesting to mention that people who come here, they're very impressed by the mineral waters that are actually freely running in the capital, in the city center. So you go with your bottle and you fill up, which, you can't, it's very rarely to see, especially in Western Europe. I don't know for other places. Very interesting to mention is that we have churches which I think, the ancient one is, dating even from the third century. I mean, one of the churches is the Boyana Church. It's in the UNESCO world Heritage for the frescoes. Yes. Which precede by one century the frescoes of the renaissance in Italy. So, it is interesting. 



Brighde: Wow. 



Valeria: I live on the street which is close to that. And when the American president came long time ago, let's say 20 years ago, he was literally going to that church because of that. So that was interesting because he passed in front of my house. Yeah. 



Brighde: Ah, okay. I have the impression that in Eastern Europe, churches are a big reason to go because they're just so beautiful. What is the main religion in Bulgaria? Orthodox. Orthodox. 



I have to mention although that when you not for Sofia in general, but when you go outside, Sofia in rural, Bulgaria, basically churches date from 6,000 BC. So, dating back to Paganism and when Thracian civilization was thriving. Sure. Alright, so we've got beautiful churches and by the sounds of it, incredible history in Sofia. Could you talk maybe, are there some interesting museums or, interesting parks or other interesting places that might be of interest to visitors? 



Valeria: Of course, there is the archeological museum in the city center, but also outside, city center. I would not say, parks are big to walk on. But, I definitely, recommend maybe, if you're coming to Bulgaria to pass at least one day in Sofia. 



Brighde: What is the weather like in Sophia and maybe Bulgaria generally. Are the winters very cold, or is summer extremely hot. When's the best time to come?



Valeria: I would say, maybe, from April to November, October to October, November. Yeah.



Brighde: Okay. Okay. 



Valeria: But, as you mentioned, yes, lately, especially the summers, are very hot. Last summer in end of July, beginning of August, it was really not recommended. 



Brighde: I see. Yeah. Yeah. I think because Bulgaria is in the middle of the continent, it can get really hot in the summer. So yeah, I think spring or autumn sound like lovely times to visit for sure. So leaving the capital city now, I'm wondering if you might share with our listeners, like the main sort of regions of Bulgaria and the interesting things that there are to do in each of those different regions?



Valeria: Yes. I can summarize it accordingly to what I think because you can summarize geographically by interests. I would say we have the highest mountain. It's very known, The Seven Rila Lakes. Every summer, people are gathering,because Bulgaria is known for spirituality and spirituality since ancient times. From now and 100 years ago, the White brotherhood. Anyway, but if you wantto visit some spiritual place, this is what they say you have to feel The Seven Rila Lakes. Then after that, we can go to Rhodope Mountains, which is a little bit southeast. So you have very interesting places, and keep in mind, that a lot of things are not yet discovered because the nature is so untouched, especially in the Rhodope Mountains. 



 We continue east, you go to the Black Sea. And Black Sea is nice because also you have this complexes which are for the mass tourism. But you have still places where it's quite untouched. And, what I like the most, is the sand. It is very nice sand. Really fine sand. Very long stretches. 



Brighde: Ah. 



Yes. This is what I like. Personally, of course. So we going back, from the north of Bulgaria. In the northern part of Bulgaria, there was the first Bulgarian capital. That in the middle of North Bulgaria have the second Capital. And, the northern part of Bugaria is, basically, it's the bottom part of the mountain that divides. Yes. Into two parts, and it starts from Serbia to the Black Sea. So it's the longest, chain of mountains. This is why of also the name, The Balkans. We have the Belogradchik Fortress, which is now known because of it's stone formation which somehow out of the world. There was a few movies which were shot there. That's perfect. That's perfect. So we've got lots of mountains, we've got some incredible archeological sites, and we've even got beaches and mass tourism and hotels and things like that. That's super cool. Are there any kind of really unique and interesting ways where people can enjoy this incredible natural spaces that are available in Bulgaria. For example, like kayaking or canoeing or cycling or hiking or paragliding. Are there lots of options for this?



Valeria: Ah, yes. There is also climbing mountains. I must admit, I'm not too much in the extreme sport, but there is a rafting center. You can do the sports on the sea. Bungee jumping, things like this, yes you could.



Brighde: It seems like there are a multitude of ways in which to enjoy the natural area. I love it. So I'd love to move on now to talk a little bit about the cuisine in Bulgaria. Can you talk about what is Bulgarian cuisine? What does it normally include and are there any fun traditional accidentally vegan dishes that vegans can want to try and maybe ask for when they're traveling around? 



Valeria: Yes. Bulgaria is known for agriculture. A lot of people also plant their own vegetables. Also, there are times we do some fasting, in also religions, but it's not obligatory. The tomatoes here, I would say, they taste like, nowhere, really, because, the varieties, the soil. So one of the tradition, is the salad, it's tomato, cucumber, cheese. I know, it's not vegan, but you could say don't add the cheese. What is funny about this, and why I'm saying it, is because a lot of people, when from abroad, and they're asking me, is it actually by chance or on purpose with the Bulgarian colors of the flag? Okay. This is one signature dish. We also have a spread, which is mixed with tomato and paprika. And you can put on bread. This is absolutely vegan. As far as I know, most people like it. Also we do grilled the paprika. But this you can find on the Balkans anyway. It's not only Bulgarian. We have dishes like corn meal. So I think there is plenty of options, especially in the summer, where I would say, maybe 50% is really vegan or vegetarian, due to the salad and the fresh vegetables and fruits.



Brighde: That's good to know. That's good to know. A question I have, is, what are your favorite vegan restaurants that happen to sell vegan versions of Bulgarian or Balkan food? Are there any?



Valeria: Yes, there are a few vegan restaurants. One also vegetarian. Several vegetarian, and last year, it was existing at center, a holistic center, vegan center, a long time. But they open on the Black Sea. Even a part of a hotel or even a whole hotel, only for vegan with a holistic center. I'm not the only one. There is a vegan association, which every month, have the vegan actions. Also we meet, sometimes, just to see without vegan action. But, yes, there are more and more people who are vegan or vegetarian. There's plenty of course. 



It sounds like such an interesting country. I would love to check it out. Are there any particular times of year in terms of festivals that travelers might like to time their visit for? 



As I mentioned, I think, very specific for the region, is the Rose Festival. I must say here, for the listeners, not only Bulgaria of course, but why I say Bulgaria, first, the quantity that it's exported. And second, the essential oil is the best quality. This is why for France exported for the perfume industry. You need to pick the roses in the morning, because this is when the essential oils is the strongest. And this time, it's only, like maybe, a week, but it's very crowded. We're a big exporter and producer of lavender. 



Brighde: Oh, lavender. 



Also, there is the Bulgarian yogurt, and there is a festival around it. I see. So if I understand well, and the information that you gave to me, that really, it sounds like a lot of Bulgaria's festivals are really dictated to by the moon, and the sun, and the solstices. So can you talk about how these special times of year are celebrated. For example, I know in Sweden, midsummer's a really big deal and it's an absolutely beautiful festival, quite unique. So can you talk about these special times of year and how Bulgarians celebrate 



Valeria: Uh, It comes from ancient times, long before Christianity from Paganism when the Thracian culture was here which is based by the stars and the sun.



Brighde: You've mentioned this a couple of times, but I have to admit that I don't have any knowledge of it. Thracian, what is that?



Valeria: He had ritual, basically where he said that our soul can rise to the gods or close to the gods with the singing. Basically it brings us closer. One notable Trachian soldier is Spartacus. He rose against the Roman Empire.



Brighde: Right.



Yes. For example, our city in the Black Sea, Varna, has the oldest gold in the world. The civilization, which was located around the Varna region. So you can see it in the museum of Varna. It's a very old civilization with lot of history going back to the sun. , They had the observation, and you can see it in the mountain but in a rock formation. You can see a small, like niche or like a hole where the sun pass exactly on the 21st, for example, at that time. We don't exactly know how they were celebrated then. And a lot of things, that we celebrate now, we cannot say is from this time or so on, but for example, Midsummer, as you mentioned, yes, it's quite big. It's exactly on the 24th. I don't know why. Two days actually after, in the morning exactly when the sun goes up. So you have to go and collect herbs because they say it is then when the herbs have the most power. You need to collect 77 and a half herbs. But that is another thing. Beforehand, I forgot mention, in the evening, there were bonfires lit. And in the morning, after the collecting of herbs, women also in traditional dresses, they jump on, like a ring, down from herbs. That does sound interesting. And what about, in the winter solstice? Is there anything special there?



Valeria: Yes. Yes and no because it's not celebrated anymore, but I have myself. Because the 22nd of December is basically the old Bulgarian calendar which is the oldest in the world. So in the evening, on the 22nd, we collect with a group of people. We light, also bonfire, we dance traditional dances, in the rhythm of seven, eight, which is basically with that knowledge in mind of spirituality that bring us closer to God because the heart is connected with seven, eight to the universe. So it's not widely celebrated, yet it does exist.



Brighde: Yeah, I mean it's interesting. Bulgaria seems to be, really, a place for just people interested in history and culture, and enjoying the place. But then there's also this sanctuaries where they've got like these pyramids and all of these incredible monuments which obviously were built to, worship their gods at the time. And there's just so many of them, like 60,000 or so. Is that right? 



Valeria: We don't know exactly where they are because we have mountains and forest, and not everything is accessible. There is the Trachian Kings Valley also. The Warriors, when they died, they were put in a grave, in a two miles. Basically in a small, like a small pyramid, you can imagine. They believed in afterlife. Yes, one of those is a UNESCO world heritage. But it's interesting because there are so many. 



Brighde: That's amazing. Alright.



 So Valeria, I wanna thank you so much for taking this time to share so much about this little visited country. I know. I really would love to go and check it out. Perhaps if people are listening to this and they like the idea of coming to Bulgaria and would like to use your services as a tour operator, or to check out your beautiful bed and breakfast accommodation, can you give us the URLs, the social media handles that will help them to do that? 



Valeria: Yes. It is heritagetours.bg I have also TikTok, Instagram, Facebook with Heritage Tours, and the bed and breakfast is only Heritage, but I add more now on the tour side of it. I have some small videos on TikTok, et cetera. 



I love it. I love it. Thank you Valeria. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. 



Thank you so much for having me.