Top Bulgaria How to Get Around in 2026

Travel back in time to the Socialist Republic of Bulgaria on a full-day Communist tour. Provided round-trip transportation from your hotel eliminates the guesswork of navigating public buses on your own. After a visit to the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia, relax during a scenic country drive to the Buzludzha monument. Along the way, listen to in-depth commentary about the country’s eventful history from 1946 to 1989.

Travel with a small group to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, two UNESCO World Heritage sites. An informative guide points out 19th-century paintings depicting the Bulgarian Renaissance at the country’s largest monastery, set against the beauty of the Rila mountains. In the afternoon, visit Boyana Church to view its medieval frescoes. You’ll travel round-trip by air-conditioned minivan from Sofia’s Alexander Nevski Square.

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.

Venture away from the bustling city of Sofia and discover the natural landscapes of Bulgaria during this small-group tour. Visit three of the country’s most popular, and beautiful, caves and learn about how these underground locations have been used throughout the centuries. See the corridors and halls of Saeva dupka, then head to Bulgari’s most famous cave, Prohodna—also known as the ‘Eyes of God’—before concluding at Devetashka.

This day trip takes you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities—Plovdiv, as well as the stunning Rhodope Mountains. Going on an organized tour means there’s no need to worry about booking transport or waiting in ticket lines—round-trip transfers and admission are both included. During the tour, learn about Bulgaria’s history and culture, explore Plovdiv’s Old Town, and enjoy a boat ride that showcases mountain views.

With its lakes, waterfalls, caves, and forests, Pirin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—but it’s hard to reach without your own transport. Skip the hassle of researching routes and join a guide for a scenic hike past three of the beautiful Banderishka Lakes. After lunch (own expense) in Bansko, Bulgaria’s biggest ski resort, take a short walking tour of its historic quarter, then enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off in Sofia.

Dive deep into Bulgarian history on a 10-hour group tour to the Valley of the Thracian Kings region. Beginning and ending at your Sofia accommodation, comfortable transportation enables you to cover a number of destinations in a short amount of time. Along the way, listen to mysterious stories about Orpheus and Spartacus. You also enjoy guided visits to Ostrusha Tomb, Golyama Kosmatka Mound, and the UNESCO listed Tomb of Kazanlak.

Discover two of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private day tour from Sofia. With round-trip transportation and a local guide included, you're sure to get a seamless and immersive sightseeing experience. Begin with a leisurely visit to the active Rila Monastery, featuring relics, Tsar Boris III's coffin, and a museum. Next, head to Boyana Church, renowned for its beautiful frescoes. Weather permitting, you can also visit the Cave of John of Rila.

Discover the beautiful parks of downtown Sofia on this guided bike tour. Conveniently, a bike, helmet, and bottled water are provided, so you don’t have to organize your own rental, and a guide takes care of the navigating. Along the way, see magnificent scenery, pass by top landmarks—such as the National Palace of Culture, the Ivan Vazov National Theater, and Borisova Gradina Park—and learn fun facts about the city too.

Get to know Sofia by foot on this 2-hour guided walking tour. Learn about the city’s history from your guide. Stroll past most of the notable sights in the city, including St. George Rotunda, the National Archeological Museum, the National Revival Art Gallery and Ethnographic Museum, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and more.

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.

See two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in a day—a feat that’s not possible on public transport—when you book this private guided tour, with round-trip hotel transfers from Sofia. First, explore the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest Orthodox monastery, with a history going back to the 10th century. Next, visit the Boyana Church, a complex of three churches that include 13th-century Byzantine frescoes.

Visit St. Anastasia Island the easy way on your Black Sea vacation, with a boat trip that offers same-day return tickets or an overnight stay. After a cruise of around 40 minutes from the Bourgas port, you’ll have ample free time to explore the island before your return. Nice touch: The return route is a scenic one, taking in sights of Strandzha National Park, Vaya Beach, Burgas, and more.

Designed with foodies in mind, this off-the-beaten-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.

Avoid the restrictions of a group excursion and discover the historic capital at your own pace on an audio-guided tour of Sofia, with commentary available in multiple languages. Be immersed in the city’s atmosphere as you stroll between top attractions, and take advantage of the self-led nature of the tour to depart at a time that suits you.

Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city on a day tour to the Buzludzha Monument and Rose Valley. Benefit from round-trip transfer from your hotel to travel the distance with ease, and gain intimate insight into the rural region’s communist and industrious history as you explore the iconic monument and 2 rose oil distilleries with your small-group guide.

Discover the architecture, culture, and history of Koprivshititsa on a private full-day tour from Sofia. Forget uncomfortable public buses and relax in your very own end-to-end private transportation. En route, you’re free to pause the scenic ride at any point to stretch your legs or photograph the surrounding wildlife. Upon arrival, explore the charming Bulgarian town with your guide and learn about the dramatic history of the April Uprising.

Get to know Sofia on a private walking tour of the city. Receive personalized attention from your guide and learn about Sofia’s history and culture. Visit landmarks that include Sveta Nedelya Church, Sofia Synagogue, the Cathedral of St. Joseph, and more, and hear stories about famous people and places in the city.

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.

Discover the natural wonders of Bulgaria on this full-day hiking tour from Sofia. Set out on a 3-hour trek through the Iskar Gorge, admire the stunning Skaklia Waterfall, and enjoy lunch (own expense) overlooking the Iskar River Ravine. Finally, visit the magnificent Cherepish Monastery, at the foot of the Balkan Mountains.

Escape the tourist trail and discover Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains on this private guided day tour. Explore the 13th-century castle, Asen’s Fortress, and the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery with its murals and frescoes, then admire the naturally carved bridges known the Wonderful Bridges. Tour includes door-to-door round-trip transportation and a private guide but excludes the affordable entrance fees.

Get out of the busy city and explore Bulgaria’s history on this full-day private tour. Depart from your Plovdiv hotel with a guide. Visit the Rose Valley and learn about rose oil production. Continue on to the Valley of the Thracian Kings and visit the Golyama Kosmatka Tomb and the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscapes of the Rila Mountains National Park on this full-day hiking tour from Sofia. Set out on a 3- or 5-hour hike around the seven Rila lakes; enjoy spectacular views of Okoto Lake, Lakes Peak, and Bubreka Lake; then relax with a soak in the hot springs at the Sapareva Banya Spa resort.

Visit two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a full-day excursion from Sofia to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery. Spend the morning exploring the Roman ruins in Plovdiv Old Town, then see the gorgeous icons in one of Europe’s oldest Eastern Orthodox monasteries. This 9-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at Sofia hotels as well as entrance fees at the Plovdiv Roman Theater, and it’s the perfect introduction to Bulgaria’s rich history and culture.