Top Bulgaria How to Get Around - page 6

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.

Explore Bulgaria's Revolutionary capital of Koprivshtica on this full-day tour from Sofia. With your guide and group, stroll the cobblestone streets and hear about the April Uprising. On the return to Sofia, stop at Chavdar, a reconstruction of a neolithic village.

Spin along open roads and explore Bulgaria by bike on this 9-hour Rila Monastery trip from Sofia. Hop onto your bike and follow a guide along rolling asphalt roads through the Bulgarian countryside. Along the way, gain insight into the country’s culture and history, and admire sweeping views over the peaks and vineyards. Visit the 10th-century Rila Monastery — widely considered one of Bulgaria’s most important pilgrimage sites. Explore the cave of St Joan of Rila, then zoom down the valley back to base.

Discover the history and mythology of Bulgaria's cliffs with this guided tour. Personalize this experience according to your interests for exploration and adventure at your own selection of activities. Travel in private transportation around a range of stops. Start at the Aladzha Monastery, to discover the history of the Monks who once lived in the museum. Continuing, other highlights include Cape Kaliakra, located on cliffs sixty meters above the sea.

Step into the lesser-known yet profoundly moving Jewish history of Plovdiv — one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. On this immersive walking tour, you’ll explore the city through the lens of its Jewish community — from ancient roots to modern-day revival. Discover the Forgotten Corners of History Wander through charming streets once home to prosperous Jewish merchants, doctors, and bankers. Hear and see the story of one of Europe’s oldest synagogues and learn about the vibrant Sephardic traditions that flourished here. Experience Memory and Survival Stand where acts of solidarity defied the darkest moments of WWII. Visit the Jewish School, the Monument of Gratitude, and learn the story of how Bulgaria’s Jews survived the Holocaust through a rare and inspiring civil stance.

Discover Sofia through the lens of a working film director. Join Martin — award-winning filmmaker, published photographer, and daily street shooter — for an intimate photography walk through the city's most alive and least-photographed streets. We start at the iconic Hotel Balkan on Sveta Nedelya Square and move through the Area of Tolerance — one of Europe's most quietly remarkable urban spaces, where a Mosque, a Synagogue, and a Cathedral stand within metres of each other. From there we enter the Women's Market (Zhenski Pazar), Sofia's oldest open-air market founded in 1878, teeming with vendors, characters, and the kind of light that turns an ordinary frame into something cinematic. We hunt the raw backstreets surrounding the market, and finish with a shared edit over coffee — included. This is not a sightseeing tour. It's a street photography walk led by someone who shoots these streets every single day. You'll leave with real images, a sharper eye, and a genuine feel for Sofia.

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.

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.

Swap Sofia for a day trip to the beautiful town of Plovdiv—which is known for being one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Instead of facing the crowds on busy local bus services, enjoy the luxury of traveling in a Wi-Fi-equipped private vehicle. Along the way, you can see Roman ruins, early Christian mosaics, and traditional Bulgarian houses, as your driver-guide expands your knowledge of the area’s history.

Avoid the hassle of organizing car rental and have a private driver for the day instead with this day trip to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress. After a Sofia pickup, travel directly to Plovdiv to see its beautiful Old Town landmarks. Enjoy a guided tour past highlights such as the Roman Theater, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, and early Christian mosaics. The trip also visits Asen’s Fortress—a stunning medieval structure in the mountains that offers incredible photo opportunities and panoramic views.

Save yourself the self-drive hassles but enjoy the flexibility of independent travel on this door-to-door private guided tour. Discover the historic town of Plovdiv, with its Roman ruins, Christian mosaics, and gorgeous Old Town. Then explore Bachkovo Monastery, first established in the 11th century. Make the most of free Wi-Fi as you travel.

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.

This private tour of World Heritage–listed Rila Monastery includes a tasting at Medi Valley, a classic winery with locally produced wines. Travel in the comfort of your private vehicle to the country’s largest monastery, where your own personal guide points out 19th-century paintings depicting the Bulgarian Renaissance. Admire the beauty of the Rila mountains en route to the winery, where you’ll sample five different wines and learn more about the region.

Discover the historic marvels and natural wonders of Bulgaria on this full-day hiking tour from Sofia. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, enjoy a scenic 2-hour hike to the St Ivan Rilski Cave, and admire the unique rock formations of Stob’s Pyramids.

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.

This is a full day private tour that takes you to the north of Varna to explore a region with exceptional natural beauty, very rich in birdlife, archaeological and historical landmarks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will reach the northernmost point of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Durankulak Lake, home to one of the most ancient civilizations in Europe. You will explore the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra and hear the legends it has inspired. A visit to the charming bohemian residence of a Romanian queen and the adjacent botanic garden in Balchik, is another highlight of this tour. The garden is famous for its unique collection of big cacti, second biggest of its kind in Europe, exotic trees and seasonal flower collection. You will be treated to a free wine tasting in the Queen's cellar, while enjoying the story of her turbulent life.

Zip around Sofia’s historic landmarks in a traditional Trabant car on this private 2-hour tour. Learn about life in Bulgaria during the communist era as you pass landmarks such as the National Palace of Culture, the former Headquarters of the Communist Party, the Central Department Store, and the State Archive Agency.

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.

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.

On this small-group tour, you'll taste your way through the city with 5 authentic Sofia food stops off the beaten path: from flaky banitsa and grilled cheese on a tile, to peppers stuffed the old way, slow-cooked lamb, and a surprise dessert. Each stop reveals a piece of local life, history, and flavor — all guided by a passionate local host. Taste authentic Bulgarian specialties at multiple stops while traveling on Sofia’s historic public tram with a city card for the day! Please note: the tasting menu is optional and may be adjusted according to availability or seasonal ingredients. We recommend coming with an empty stomach and skipping a big breakfast beforehand!

Journey through Bulgaria’s history from Roman times to modern day on this full-day tour of Plovdiv and Perushtitsa from Sofia. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Plovdiv, including the Roman Stadium, Roman Forum, and Amphitheater, admire the magnificent Red Church and the Three Generations Monument in Perushtitsa; then enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

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 the luxury of having a comprehensive itinerary planned out for you, with admission to sites, hotel pickup, and Plovdiv accommodation included. Highlights to look forward to include Rila Monastery, Koprivshtitsa, and Plovdiv’s beautiful old town.

Without a car, it is very difficult to get to Buzludzha, the famed abandoned Communist Party house. This private tour can take you from Sofia into the remote mountains where the crumbling building sits. Your tour also includes visits to the Shipka Monument and Valley of the Roses.

Did you know that there are Christian tombs dating back to the 3rd and the 4th century under St. Sophia church? Prepare for a loaded experience as we explore the remains of an early Christian necropolis and stroll through a labyrinth of sarcophagi! Feel like the protagonist of a mystery novel as we tour the underground and explore the tomb pits, stone tombs, stone sarcophagi, the typical late antiquity masonry tombs with semi-cylindrical vaults, as well as the separate Honorius Tomb, I will tell you many thrilling stories from the history of the ancient church of St. Sophia throughout the centuries. Come rain or shine, this is a great experience for all the brave explorers at any time of the year!