Tours and Trips in Bulgaria

Plovdiv is the 2019 European capital of Culture and home to one of Bulgaria's most impressive archeological sites. This full-day tour from Sofia takes in all the highlights, including a walking tour of the atmospheric Old Town and visits to the Roman Stadium, Roman Forum, and Amphitheatre. Tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.

Combine the flexibility of independent travel with the expertise of a private guide on this private Plovdiv tour. Learn about the Bulgarian National Revival as you wander the cobbled streets of the old town. See the Plovdiv Roman Theater, the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis, and early Christian mosaics, and enjoy a 3-course lunch.

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are two of Bulgaria's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites and this full-day tour from Sofia visits both in one day. Tour the medieval Boyana Church, famous for its magnificent 13th-century frescoes; admire the natural landscapes of the Rila Mountain Nature Park; then explore the churches and caves of the Rila Monastery complex.

If you love folk culture, you'll adore this guided evening tour - particularly as Sofia is at its most beautiful by night. Soak up the illuminated sights on a scenic drive, then savor a hearty Bulgarian dinner as you enjoy a folklore show with songs, dance, music, and traditional costumes. Tour includes door-to-door round-trip transfers for maximum ease.

Travel to Rila Monastery with ease and explore independently on this self-guided tour with a round-trip transfer. Depart from Sofia in a shared air-conditioned minivan with a driver and make your way to Rila National Park. Experience the area at your own pace before heading back to Sofia in your transfer.

Designed with foodies in mind, this off-the-path market tour visits three essential Sofia markets: Flea Market, Zhenski Pazar Women's Market, and the covered market known as Central Market Hall. Alongside your guide and a small group, enjoy access that would be impossible to achieve independently and savor tastings of classic Bulgarian fare at a range of venues.

Enrich your knowledge of Bulgaria’s rich culture and history on a full-day excursion to Koprivshtitsa and Starosel from Sofia. Alongside an expert guide, travel through the picturesque Bulgarian countryside and embark on a tour of Koprivshtitsa, a town whose architecture typifies the Bulgarian style. After admiring 19th-century houses, historical monuments and precious jewelry, continue to the ancient Neolithic ruins of Starosel, home to the largest underground temple in the Balkans. Conclude your tour with a visit to a popular wine cellar to sample some of the best wines in the region before returning to Sofia by comfortable coach.

Uncover the truth about Bulgaria's communist past with a guided tour of the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia. First visit the controversial Monument to the Soviet Army, then explore the Socialist Art museum, including highlights like the red star from atop Sofia's Party House, and busts of communist leaders like Lenin, Stalin, Marx and Dimitrov.

History buffs and anyone with an interest in the Communist era will love this informative walking tour, led by a historian guide. Learn about everyday life for Bulgarians during the Communist period as you tour the city's key Communist sites. See the Soviet Army Monument, the National Palace of Culture Congress Center, and the Georgi Dimitrov Mausoleum, and shop for relics at the Flea Market.

Explore Ravadinovo Castle on horseback during this 1-hour tour. Children and adults of all experience levels are welcome; flexible departure times to fit your schedule.

Experience Vitosha Mountain by mountain bike on this tour. Equipped with a hardtail mountain bike and helmet, depart from the village of Yarlovo with your guide. Bike on dirt roads past beech forests and meadows on your ascent. As you descend the mountain, enjoy panormaic views of the Rila Mountain.

Knowing the best spots for insight into Bulgaria's socialist past can be difficult. Visit the Museum of Socialist Art for insight into the People's Republic of Bulgaria, and get an intimate look at examples of socialist realism, political sculptures, and archival footage from the era. Avoid disappointment with advanced booking, and benefit from regular opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.

Maximise your time in Sofia and take in the highlights of the Bulgarian capital on this full-day sightseeing tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, learn more about the city's history at the National Historical Museum, and admire landmarks such as the Church of St George, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and Banya Bashi Mosque. Hotel pickup and entrance fees are included.

The town of Belogradchik is located in the heart of one of nature's miracles - Belogradchik Rocks. Often underestimated and belittled, these rock formations are unique with their beauty and shapes resembling people, animals, castles and everything else your imagination can see, if you just let it loose. The strange figures have been sculpted in the red sandstone rock for more than 230 million years.The rock area is 30 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. This 30 minute tour will give you an insight of the magic of this piece of Heaven.

Discover Plovdiv, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, and the mighty Asen's Fortress on this full-day small-group tour from Sofia. Explore the atmospheric Old Town of Plovdiv on a guided walking tour; go back in time with a virtual reality experience; enjoy a typical Bulgarian lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), then marvel at the views from the mountaintop medieval castle.

Hike up Mt. Musala, the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans, on this full-day trek from Bansko. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle to a base hut before taking scenic mountain paths to the top. Enjoy the bird's-eye views over glacial lakes and ridges from here, and savor a picnic lunch before descending. This trip is suitable for reasonably fit walkers with some mountain experience, and includes lunch, return transport, and Bansko hotel pickup and drop-off.

Get out of Sofia and visit a medieval monastery and a quaint town on this tour. Travel from your Sofia hotel in a comfortable vehicle and visit Rozhen Monastery, the largest in the Pirin Mountains. Take a scenic stroll through the town of Melnik and learn about its history. Sample local Bulgarian wines.

It can be difficult to appreciate Bulgaria's far-reaching history as you stroll the streets of the modern capital. Visit the National Museum of History to learn more about the country's prehistoric, imperial, and socialist past, and absorb striking views of the stately buildings' facade. Benefit from regular opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.

Trek up Mt. Vitosha and see the Boyana waterfall on this full-day tour from Sofia. Don your walking boots and hike to the top of Bulgaria's fourth-highest mountain, passing lush meadows and pine woods. After soaking up panoramic views of Sofia from the summit, enjoy lunch (own expense) and descend to the Boyana fall, whose waters tumble down a steep rock face. Your tour includes return transfers from Sofia, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

It's impossible to visit both the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church by public transport in one day, so this convenient tour saves both time and energy. Check off not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites as you explore the medieval church on the outskirts of Sofia and the 19th-century monastery in the Rila Mountains. The day includes guiding and door-to-door transfers but entrance fees are at your own expense.