Top Bulgaria Day Trips

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are two of Bulgaria's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience them both in a single day on this convenient transfer service from central Sofia, with a driver/guide. First, check out the frescoes in the Boyana Church; next head to the Rila Monastery for a short guided tour followed by free time. Please note: entrance fees are at your own expense.

Getting an in-depth experience of Plovdiv from Sofia in a day is tricky, but on this full-day tour, explore Bulgaria’s second city with a guide. Travel in a shuttle bus from Sofia and learn about the history of Plovdiv on a sightseeing tour through the city with your guide. Afterwards, take time to explore independently before returning to Sofia.

Reaching the Seven Rila Lakes by public transport typically involves two buses, a shuttle and most of your day. Take the pain out of transportation—while maintaining total independence—with this cost-effective shared transfer. Visit both these beautiful glacial lakes and the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ample time for hiking.

If you're interested in visiting the centuries-old Belogradchik Fortress from Sofia, you likely need to rent a car, pay for gas, and navigate yourself on the drive. Visit this top Bulgarian cultural sight—without the hassle and expense of renting a car—with this private tour. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the bizarre geologic formation known as the Belogradchik Rocks, spend two hours at the fortress—with entry at your own expense—and admire the landscape as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride from Sofia.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Sofia on this full-day trip to Rila Monastery and the town of Sapareva Banya—home of Kotvata Thermal Spa Complex. Explore the monastery with free online audio-guides in multiple languages, visit the charming town for a wander, and if you like, head to the spa to bathe in its mineral water pools (additional expense).

Enjoy a day away from the bustling capital on a small-group day tour to Niš in Serbia. Explore top attractions including Mediana, the Skull Tower, and Niš Fortress with your professional guide for intimate insight into the region’s history and culture, and benefit from round-trip transfer from your accommodation to travel the distance with ease.

Knowing the best spots to experience Bulgaria’s rich and varied cultural heritage can be tricky for visitors on limited time in the capital. Tick off Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery in just 1 day on a small-group tour from Sofia. Save time with seamless round-trip transfer between landmarks, and learn about their Roman, Ottoman, and modern history from your professional guide.

Escape the hassle of planning and enjoy a seamless full-day adventure from Sofia to Bulgaria’s cultural gem, Plovdiv. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle and explore one of Europe’s oldest cities without worrying about transport, navigation, or tickets. Choose between a live guided walking tour or a comprehensive audio guide to dive into over 8,000 years of history at your own pace. Discover ancient ruins, the charming Old Town, then enjoy free time to savor authentic Bulgarian cuisine or wander the cobblestone streets.

This day tour of Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa from Sophia saves you the headache of renting a car and navigating Bulgaria’s roads on your own. Your transportation and itinerary are taken care of, and you'll discover the highlights of both cities. Discover the influences of the Romans, Thracians, and Byzantines as you walk through Plovdiv, and see the homes of some of Koprivshtitsa's most famous residents.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Sofia on a day tour to Lovech, Devetàshka cave, and Krushuna Falls, and explore with a professional guide for intimate insight into the rural region’s landscape, history, and culture. Take advantage of round-trip transfer from your hotel via air-conditioned vehicle for a hassle-free experience, and benefit from the more personalized service of a small-group tour.

Embark on a day trip to the northwestern corner of Bulgaria to visit the stunning Belogradchik Rocks. The journey from Sofia takes approximately 3 hours. These rock formations, primarily composed of sandstone, were nominated in 2009 as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The rocks form various impressive shapes, each associated with fascinating legends. Many are named after people or objects they resemble, and during your tour, the guide will share some of these intriguing stories, pointing out the specific formations along the way. The rocks are recognized as a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government. Perched on a hill near the rocks is the medieval Belogradchik Fortress, originally constructed during the Roman Empire. You’ll have the chance to explore this historic site and admire its well-preserved and imposing facade. The trip also includes a visit to the nearby Venetsa Cave, renowned for its stunning natural formations enhanced by modern, colorful lighting.

The mountains are one of Bulgaria’s great joys—especially for hikers—but can be hard to reach independently. Tailor-made for lovers of both walking and history, this action-packed day features a hike around the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes and a tour of the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt for self-guided tour, book an audio guide, or explore with a live guide: All packages exclude entrance fees and chairlift tickets.

Hike through rugged terrain to the Seven Rila Lakes on a full-day tour from Sophia, and discover the remarkable scenery of the Rila Mountains. Take a chairlift to a high-mountain hut and continue on foot along the jeweled string of lakes. Follow your guide through alpine passes into remote valleys, then rest in the shade of hikers’ shelters; take in sweeping views of the Bulgarian landscape and enjoy the crisp, clear air of the Balkans’ highest mountain range.

See two of Bulgaria's top attractions in one day on this self-guided tour that allows you to combine the convenience of a tour with flexibility of independent travel. By taking a shared shuttle, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, in Rila National Park, in the morning and then in the afternoon explore the charming and historic city of Plovdiv, which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

Discover one of the Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, spend some time to explore independently. Entrance fees not included. The tour offers 3 different options: 1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide. 2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English. 3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).

Visit ¨the City of Tsars¨ with the most impressive medieval fortress in Bulgaria. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rila Monastery is a must-visit for many travelers to Sofia. Pair it with one of the country’s most sacred sites, the Cave of St. John of Rila, who founded the monastery, on this fascinating day trip. The entry level package includes an online, app-based guide: Upgrade for a physical audio guide or a live guide in your chosen language. All options exclude entrance fees.

Explore the ancient city of Plovdiv on a full-day small-group tour from Sofia. Discover the city's rich history and culture as you visit top attractions like the Roman Theatre, Old Town, and the iconic Nebet Tepe Hill. With a small group of travelers, enjoy an intimate and personalized experience with a local guide. Plus, enjoy free time to explore independently, browse the local markets, and enjoy Bulgarian cuisine (own expense).

Visit one of Buglaria's must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites, without planning a thing, on this hassle-free tour to Boyana Church. After an easy ride to the outskirts of Sofia, you can pay your entry fee and enter this stunning medieval religious space. See the church's three distinct parts—built in the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries—and admire the renowned frescoes dating back over 1,000 years.

Save yourself the hassle of hiring a car, and get to two highlights of northern Macedonia with ease, thanks to this small-group day trip. After getting picked up from Sofia, the trip visits the capital city of Skopje to tick off a variety of local landmarks—such as Skopje Fortress, Macedonia Square, and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. The trip also showcases the natural wonder of Matka Canyon, where you can embark on a boat trip through a cave.

Belogradchik is around a 3-hour drive from Sofia, and the only practical way to see the extraordinary Belogradchik Rocks and dramatic Belogradchik Fortress in a day is to join a tour. On this intimate tour, with a maximum of seven travelers, your package includes round-trip transfers from your Sofia hotel for an even more seamless experience.

Combine two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into a spectacular day of exploring on a full-day tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Round-trip transport by climate-controlled vehicle ensures a comfortable day on the road, as onboard Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Free time to check out Rila Monastery and Boyana Church give you the flexibility to explore on your own pace, without the fixed itinerary of a guided tour.

Meet other travelers and ride comfortably with this Minibus tour of Bulgaria. Discover local traditions, culture, and history while visiting gems off the beaten path. Led by a guide, with different language options on different days, learn about the nation's daily life and social systems. Tour highlights include the Roman Baths of Odessos, the Stone Forest desert, and the Museum of Mosaics. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.