Top Bulgaria Car Tours in 2026

Visit the Buzludzha Monument on a private day trip from Veliko Tarnovo, and skip the need to hire a car. You’ll travel to Stara Planina with a guide, and head up close to the UFO-like monument to learn about Buzludzha from the locals’ perspective; learn why it was built, how it was developed, and what Bulgarians think of it. Just note, it is forbidden to enter inside the monument.

Exploring Bulgaria’s highlights in just a couple of days can seem like a challenging quest, but this small-group tour does the hard work for you. Enjoy a comprehensive itinerary with admission to sites, hotel pickup, breakfast, and Plovdiv accommodation included. Highlights include Rila Monastery, Koprivshtitsa, and Plovdiv’s beautiful old town.

Most people see Rila Monastery from a bus - one rushed hour, a fridge magnet, and back to Sofia. Beautiful, yes. Memorable, rarely. This tour gives Rila the full day it deserves - and goes further than any bus ever will. After a proper guided visit to Bulgaria's most sacred UNESCO site, you hike through ancient spruce forest to the cave where St. Ivan Rilski lived as a hermit. The cave ends in a narrow tunnel. The legend: only those with a clean soul pass through easily. The tradition: enter with a wish in your heart. A holy spring beside the cave is said never to freeze and to bring good health to those who drink from it. Then the moment no other Sofia tour offers. Ten minutes by car, the forest opens into Kirilova Polyana - an alpine meadow at 1,450 metres ringed by Rila peaks. Your guide unpacks a traditional Bulgarian picnic prepared that morning. Seasonal, local, included. Maximum 8 guests. Guaranteed from 1 booking. 95 EUR per person, fixed.

Take a journey back in time to when the Thracians occupied what is now Bulgaria on this tour of the Thracian Tombs. Choose a self-guided tour or opt to have a private guide to learn about how these ancient peoples buried their dead in elaborate tombs. There are over 60,000 tombs in Bulgaria but this tour takes you to six tombs to learn about their stories and the history, customs, and beliefs of the Thracians.

Visit the town of Belogradchik and its two notable attractions—Belogradchik Rocks and Belogradchik Fortress—on this day trip from Sofia that combines the natural scenery and history of northwestern Bulgaria. Be wowed by the natural formations of sandstone rocks in the Balkan Mountains, and admire the fortress, which dates back to Roman times.

Bulgaria is packed with stunning natural and historical attractions, but visitors without their own transportation may find it tricky to venture beyond the capital. Visit two unique sites during this full-day, small-group excursion. First, head to the foot of the Balkan Mountains to the ancient fortress of Belogradchik. Then, get a first-hand peek at stalactites and stalagmites in stunning Venetsa Cave.

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it’s tricky to see both in a day if relying on public transportation. This convenient tour from downtown Sofia makes it easy with round-trip transportation. Couple the sights with your choice of the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski in Rila and The Bells monument in Kambanite. Explore with a downloadable audio app or upgrade for a live guide.

We will be taking you on a journey through Bulgaria's rich history, focusing on the iconic Buzludzha Monument and the impressive East Block aviation industry. Built in the late 1970s, the Buzludzha Monument stands as a symbol of Bulgaria's communist past and is a must-see for anyone interested in the country's history. The monument is located on the top of a mountain and can be accessed by a winding road. The tour also includes a visit to the East Block aviation museum, where you will learn about the impressive accomplishments of the Eastern Block in the aviation warfare and space program during the Cold War. Get ready to experience the might and grandeur of communist-era Bulgaria on this unforgettable tour!

Welcome to Your Skopje one-day tour! During this tour you will be having a Bulgarian guide-driver and while driving to the Bulgarian-North Macedonian boarder you will learn more about the common history of the two states as well as a summed overview of the history of the Republic of North Macedonia. Your guide will make your boarder crossing as smooth as possible and will be in touch with his local Macedonian colleague. On their turn they will provide a nice 2-hour walk along the central part of the city giving you even more detailed, on the spot information, some interesting latest news and will be able to answer your questions. Eventually, you will have the choice to continue strolling down to the fruit and vegetable market or enjoy some of the traditional local cuisine temptations - either at a small non-pretentious restaurant or back downtown in a nice lively atmosphere.

In Bulgaria there are more than 120 monasteries! The interest in them we can explain with their role in the historical and cultural evolution of the Bulgarian nation. They survived the cruelty times of the middle ages and the Ottoman period, the vandalism, the natural disasters. They were the source of light in the dark ages of the people, making literally schools for education, science and religion.  Some of them are like open-air museums, still keeping their secrets. Join us to solve some of their mysteries, to see the biggest ones like Rila, Bachkovo, Troyan. Feel the spirit of the orthodox temples and look over the monks and the nuns. See the incredible frescos and icons, made by the different painting schools. Come to understand why these things are little pieces of heaven.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world and filled with history. Rather than carrying around bulky guidebooks, this small-group tour from Sofia tells you everything your need to know. You'll also visit the charming town of Koprivshtitsa, which retains atmosphere of the 19th-century Bulgarian National Revival period.

Embark on a journey through the mystical East Rhodope Mountains, where history and mystery come together to create an unforgettable experience. On this day tour, you'll have the chance to visit some of the region's most fascinating sites, each with its own unique story to tell. Start your day at the awe-inspiring Perperikon, a megalithic sanctuary that has been called one of the most significant archaeological sites in Bulgaria. Marvel at the intricate carvings and breathtaking views that have made this place famous. From there, travel to Haskovo, a city rich in history and culture, where you'll visit the biggest monument of the Madona. Finally, discover the hidden treasures of the Thracian Tomb of Alexandrovo, where intricate frescoes offer a glimpse into the beliefs and customs of the ancient Thracians. Get ready for an inspiring journey through the mystical East Rhodope Mountains!

For generations, Bulgarians have lived off their land, harvesting wild mushrooms in autumn and wild flowers and herbs in spring and summer to enhance their recipes. Get started foraging on this unique foodie adventure led by a naturalist with a vast knowledge of Bulgaria’s flora and fungi. After you’re done harvesting, savor a gourmet lunch centered on the ingredients you’ve discovered, perhaps a wild garlic pesto or wild mushroom polenta.

An English-speaking guide will pick you up from the meeting point in Sofia at 9:00AM and, after about a 2-hours drive with various landscapes to admire along the way, you will reach the Serbian border. After crossing the border you will go the nearby town of Bosilegrad (the former Yugoslavia's main state) before you cross back over the border with Bulgaria and head for Northern Macedonia. After another short drive, you will arrive at the beautiful Monastery of Osogovo – an incredibly powerful place in the hills from the 12th Century, which was later turned into a mosque by the Ottomans, and then again converted into a church. This place is very scenic and peaceful - take time to go for a walk around the area. Afterwards, you will have lunch in a nice restaurant with good Macedonian grill (meat or fish) and Skopsko beer, of course. Please note that the total driving time is around 5 hours.

This tour will take you on a journey through time, to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient Thracian civilization. The Valley of the Thracian kings is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved Thracian tombs, while Augusta Trayana is an ancient city that was once a major center of trade and culture. As we explore these sites, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Thracians and the impact they had on the region. You will be led by a guide who is educated in History and Archaeology and who will do his best to make history come back to life. So come join us and discover the secrets of the past!

Looking to get high up? How does this sound - getting to the tallest part of the Balkan mountain by the longest chairlift in the country? Seeing the highest peaks of it and also about half of Bulgaria from above in just a day is an opportunity you shouldn't miss! If that's not enough for you we can add a grand finale to the adventure. If you would like to feel even more weightless and free - there's only one way. flying. Yes, you can paraglide down from the mountain with your personal professional pilot!

The region surrounding Veliko Tarnovo is studded with waterfalls, monasteries, and history-steeped sights. Make sure you don’t miss its best bits; take a tour by Jeep with a local guide to make the most of your time in the region. You’ll go off-road to get up close to Bulgaria’s nature, and find the hidden gems that you’d struggle to find if exploring on your own. Hotel pickup is available for added convenience.

This is not a standard tour. This is a private expedition led by a real scientist (zoologist, botanist, ornithologist etc.) depending on what you want to see and learn. You choose: wildlife tracking with a zoologist, vulture conservation with an ornithologist, botanical walks with a botanist, or mountain hiking with a local expert. We'll design the day around your interests. No fixed itinerary. No rushing. Just real nature, real science, and a day that fits what you're curious about. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience Bulgaria's wild side with an expert by their side.

Visit two of Bulgaria's must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just one day with this full-day tour from Sofia. After you're whisked from the city, you get to explore Rila Monastery—the biggest cloister in Bulgaria—and Boyana Church, which is celebrated for its preserved frescoes, dating to the 11th century. After paying the entry fees and exploring with your guide, you end your day with easy travel back to Sofia, where you're dropped off at your hotel.

From Plovdiv we head towards the Rhodope Mountains passing through the pretty town of Assenovgrad. Nearby we will see the remarkable remains of King Ivan Assen’s fortress – a wise ruler of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. There we are to find an ancient church dating from the 13th century painted with some authentic pieces of iconography as well as the stone made inscription carved by King Ivan Assen. Next we go deeper in the Rhodope Mountains towards the picturesque Bachkovo monastery. The cloister is the second largest in Bulgaria, founded in 1083 and one of the most sacred places in the Bulgarian history. We can stop on the way if you wish. If you are the only one booked for that day, the tour is just for you. Please note that the maximum number of people who can join is 7

This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of North Macedonia without going on a long day trip. It is perfect for busy travelers or those who prefer a shorter outing. We are thrilled to invite you to join us and experience one of the highlights of North Macedonia – Osogovo Monastery and taste the delicious traditional cuisine during this short trip. This tour is perfect for those who wish to discover the beauty of North Macedonia without committing to a lengthy day tour. Whether you are a busy traveler or simply prefer a shorter excursion, this experience is designed to fit your needs. Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories in a beautiful part of the world!

Join our journey through time and history with a day trip to Koprivshtitsa Architectural Reserve and Starosel Thracian Tomb. Step back into the 19th century as you wander through the beautifully preserved Bulgarian town of Koprivshtitsa, where every house tells a unique story of the country's struggle for independence. Marvel at the colorful facades and ornate wooden balconies as you immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the region. Next, travel further back in time to the ancient Thracian era at the Starosel Thracian Tomb. Explore the fascinating underground complex, marvel at the intricate murals, and learn about the intriguing rituals and beliefs of these mysterious people. As you stand in awe of the impressive burial chambers, you'll be transported to another world where the past comes to life in vivid detail.

Plovdiv was originally a Thracian city before later becoming a Greek city, and then a major Roman city. In the Middle Ages, it retained its strategic regional importance, changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Plovdiv’s history spans 8,000 years, it’s the second biggest city in Bulgaria, it has traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 6000 BC. Approximate schedule, it can be plus/minus 30 minutes at those stops depending on the day and the traffic: 12:00 Meet and leave Sofia 13:30 We arrive in Plovdiv and have some time to walk around 14:00 Joining the Free Plovdiv Tour (this is a donation based tour, and the tip for the guide is not included in the price of the tour) 16:00 Time to walk around Plovdiv and optionally grab some food 17:00 We leave Plovdiv 18:30 We arrive back in Sofia

Many tours help you explore Bulgaria’s Marvelous Bridges, but not all of them pair the experience with the opportunity to sample authentic Rhodope cuisine (own expense). On this full-day, small-group tour, hop in a minibus and relax on the ride to the Rhodope Mountains. As well as taking in the region’s rock bridges, explore the cobblestone streets of the traditional village of Kosovo.