Top Bulgaria How to Get Around in 2026

What makes the trip unique is the authenticity of the places and the combination of a standard tour, experience and small group! Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the largest city with 2 millions inhabitants. Known as Serdica in antiquity and Sredets in the Middle Ages, Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC. Today Sofia is the political, economic and cultural center of the country. The city tour will take 2.5 hours Then we head east, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Rila Mountains, Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains and the Thracian Valley. Plovdiv is a town older than Athens and Rome- the sixth oldest city in the world. A tour of the historic quarter “the Old Town” will introduce you to millennia of history. The tour will take 2 hours. Lunch in local restaurant. Around 5pm we should be back in Sofia.

This 13-day private tour from Sofia takes you through the heart of Romania and Bulgaria, combining scenic wine regions with some of Eastern Europe’s most iconic cultural sites. Travel across two countries with a dedicated driver-guide, exploring medieval towns, castles, and UNESCO-listed landmarks while discovering local wine traditions. From the Thracian Valley in Bulgaria to Romania’s Dealu Mare region, you’ll experience emerging wine destinations known for unique grape varieties and rich heritage. Walk through historic cities, visit famous castles, and enjoy a well-balanced itinerary that blends wine, culture, and relaxation. With accommodation, transportation, and logistics fully arranged, this tour is designed for travelers who want a seamless, private experience without the stress of planning.

Explore Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery on a full-day tour from Sofia. Your day begins with a comfortable, door-to-door transfer from Sofia to the historic Bachkovo Monastery. After exploring this deeply spiritual site, you have the option to take a short, refreshing nature walk before heading back to Plovdiv. Known as the ancient city of Philippopolis, Plovdiv offers a stunning blend of Roman history and 19th-century charm. We will spend the rest of the day enjoying the city's unique atmosphere.

This tour will take you to explore the beautiful UNESCO-protected town of Nessebar - home to many ancient civilizations and rich in archaeological and historical landmarks. On the way we pass by the riverine forests of the Kamchia Nature Reserve, we cross the easternmost part of the Balkan Mountain Range that gives the name of the whole Balkan Peninsular, and we visit the fortress at St. Atanasius Cape, featuring a reconstruction of an ancient winery and early Christian basilica. Stunning seascapes and panoramic views, inspiring history and beautiful legends are adding up to an unforgettable travel experience.

Swap Varna sightseeing for a private day trip to a shortlist of spectacular nature spots and archaeological sites. Get expert advice that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook—such as the best spots to spot birds of prey, and enjoy the convenience of a full itinerary with hotel pickup. Highlights include the Madara Archaeological Reserve, the Shumen Fortress, and Provadia.

Forget the hassle of public transport on a private day tour to 2 of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions, optimizing your time with round-trip transfer from your Sofia hotel. Explore the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and historic city of Plovdiv with your guide, benefiting from their undivided attention and cultural insights for a more personalized sightseeing experience.

Buzludzha is a historical peak in the Central Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria and is 1,432 metres high. In 1868 it was the place of the final battle between Bulgarian rebels led by Hadji Dimitar and Stefan Karadzha and forces of the Ottoman Empire. The House-Monument of the Bulgarian Communist Party (also known as the Buzludzha Monument) was built on the peak by the Bulgarian communist regime. It commemorated the events of 1891, when a group of socialists led by Dimitar Blagoev assembled secretly in the area to form an organised socialist movement that led to the founding of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Party, a forerunner of the Bulgarian Communist Party. Construction of the monument began on 23 January 1974 under architect Georgi Stoilov, a former mayor of Sofia and co-founder of the Union of Architects in Bulgaria. The building exemplifies the brutalist architectural style common to many state-constructed communist buildings.

The Yagodinska Cave is 10 kilometers long, 5 stories tall, and made up of many labyrinths. Visitors enter the cave through an artificial opening and follow a special path with electric lights illuminating the beautiful and mysterious formations – stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls. In the natural entrance to the cave, located 10 minutes walk from the main visitor entrance, hearths dating back to 4,000 B.C. have been uncovered. These hearths are evidence of eneolithic peoples who lived in the cave. Devil’s Throat is, according to legend, the route by which Orpheus, the legendary Thracian singer, attempted to retrieve his beloved Euridice from Hades in the Underworld. It is connected to lots of mystical powers and it beholds the largest waterfall inside a cave on the Balkan peninsula. Teams from all over the world have tried to connect the waterfall with different rivers but nobody has succeeded and the mystery where and how the water goes still persists until today.

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic center. The territory of Skopje has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC; remains of Neolithic settlements have been found within the old Kale Fortress that overlooks the modern city centre. Originally a Paeonian city, Skopje became the capital of Dardania in the second century BC. On the eve of the 1st century AD, the settlement was seized by the Romans and became a military camp. When the Roman Empire was divided into eastern and western halves in 395 AD, Skopje came under Byzantine rule from Constantinople. During much of the early medieval period, the town was contested between the Byzantines and the Bulgarian Empire, whose capital it was between 972 and 992.

Most travelers in Bulgaria have to decide between sightseeing and relaxation. On this unique, full-day combo tour, experience the best of both worlds as you take in striking Rila Monstery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—followed by a restorative soak to a traditional mineral bath at a local spa complex. Air-conditioned transfers from central Sofia are included or a hassle-free 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.

Come with us for a half day tour around the stunning nature in Vitosha Mountain! Enjoy the cultural heritage of the UNESCO site - Boyana Church, and then have an amazing hike to the gorgeous Boyana Waterfall. And to top it all, finish with the mesmerizing view over Sofia from the Kopitoto TV tower on top of Vitosha Mountain.

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountains. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD). Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. If you want to be among the lucky ones who have visited this amazing site, join the tours and let’s have a great time together!

Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We will take you around the area of the lakes, show you around, and guide you through the stunning views of the beautiful mountain! If there are other people in the group who also booked to see the Rila Monastery, we will first shortly go to the Monastery and then head towards the lakes.

The Hot Mineral Baths in our mountains offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. Soaking in the healing thermal waters of an open-air pool, surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Rila Mountain, is nothing short of a fairytale-like experience. We will guide you around the amazing nature of the Mineral baths area in the middle of the mountain. We will show you the geysers, the baths and the stunning natural places around. If there are other people in the group who also booked to see the Rila Monastery, we will first shortly go to the Monastery and then head towards the baths.

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

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

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.

Veliko Tarnovo is hands down the most beautiful and picturesque city in Bulgaria. Often referred to as the “City of the Tsars”, Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. Tsarevets served as the Second Bulgarian Empire’s primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393. The Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex is an open-air museum. It presents the Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship. It spans over an area of 7 ha and contains a total of 50 objects, including water installations and houses with craftsmen’s workshops attached. As a whole, the complex’s goal is to illustrate the architecture, way of life and economy of Gabrovo and the region during the Bulgarian National Revival. It is the place every visitor must experience if he wants to go back home saying that he really saw Bulgaria.

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.

Embark on a quest where you will uncover the secret stories from the communism era of Sofia. Solve clues and unlock stories on your phone, as you discover the National Art Gallery, the Soviet Army Monument, and many more. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. So, are you up for an exciting city game? - Walk along Sofia’s city centre and visit the Temple of Bulgarian Martyrs, the Sofia University, and lesser-known places. - Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. - Walk along the streets filled with remnants of communist times. - Enjoy the most interesting attractions from the communist past of Sofia. - Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. - Visiting the inside of the attractions you will encounter is not required for the game

In this fun city game, you’ll explore Vidin in the spirit of true adventure. Find yourself immersed in the medieval atmosphere while learning all about the most fearsome ruler of the region - Osman Pazvantoglu. He was a man who left a mark on the city and is surrounded by mythic tales of bloodshed, blasphemy, wild parties, and repentance. Along the way, you’ll trace the Kaleto fortifying wall, visit relics of Ottoman rule, and experience the city’s most fascinating historical locations. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience.

Sofia is one of Europe’s most surprising capitals, with seven thousand years of history hidden in plain sight. On this self-guided audio walk, I’ll also show you treasures that reveal how Bulgaria’s capital has reinvented itself through the eras. You’ll also discover how the city’s unique lack of a distinct Old Town creates a compact territory where ancient Serdica meets modern Sofia. The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards. You’ll walk through peaceful parks and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets. You’ll also hear how communist symbols were transformed into democratic spaces, and Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Modernism found their way into the city’s architecture. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater understanding of how Sofia’s absence of an Old Town has created one of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological centres.

Bulgaria’s capital has layers of captivating history, from ancient Roman foundations to echoes of its days under Communist rule. On this walking tour around Sofia’s vibrant streets, you’ll gain local insights into the city’s rich history and take in cultural landmarks from the fresh perspective of a newly immersed expat. On this tour, you'll see not only point out the obvious landmarks but also hear candid stories and wander off the beaten path, offering you an authentic look at life in Bulgaria. Along the way, you’ll hear about the most horrendous massacre in Bulgarian history and the cultural bracelets shared among friends. Whether you’re revisiting Sofia or exploring it for the first time, this tour offers a thorough and intimate view of the city’s past, present, and all the layers in between. This tour takes approximately 90 minutes without stopping. Allocate two hours in case you expect to pause and explore more.