Top Activities on the Ground in Bulgaria

Sofia is rich in colorful street art—if you know where to look. This self-guided tour leads you to the best graffiti, murals, and public art in the city and tells you about the artists and stories behind each work of art. Choose to follow along via Google Maps or a PDF file and set your own pace as you explore the city.

Perhaps Bulgaria’s most important religious sight, the Rila Monastery nestles deep in the Rila Mountains. But, with only one direct bus a day, it’s fiddly to reach by public transport. This small-group tour from central Sofia brings you direct to the monastery, with an audio guide to keep you informed, and includes a stop at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boyana Church. Entrance fees are at your own expense.

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.

Learn what life was like in communist-era Bulgaria on a Sofia city walking tour. Meet your informative guide in central Sofia and check out the buildings and monuments that testify to its and Bulgaria’s 45 years on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. See the Largo complex, former home of Bulgaria’s Communist Party; the Monument to the Soviet Army; the National Palace of Culture and more as your guide explains communist ideology and the everyday lives of Bulgarians during the controversial Cold War period.

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.

Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just one day. Travel the distance with ease in a small group, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guide.

Mingle with fellow travelers from all over the world on this action-packed pub crawl. Discover Sofia’s hippest nightlife hotspots with an insider guide as you explore the Bulgarian capital with new friends. Tours include complimentary wine, beer, or liquor shots at each of five different locations, plus free dance club admission on weekends.

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.

Immerse yourself in one of Bulgaria’s signature sights at the Rila Monastery on this convenient day trip from Sofia. Delve into the history of the medieval landmark and its fresco-coated church, with plenty of free time to explore on your own. There's also time to include a visit to Boyana Church, with its pre-Renaissance frescoes, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

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.

Venture into Plodiv and explore the city like a local on this private, half-day bike tour. If you don't own your own bike, you can rent one for a small fee—making your adventure as easy as can be. Your guide is happy to customize the tour to suit your interests, from busy city streets and interesting neighborhoods, to parks and riverbanks. Choose what interest you most and set the speed—no need to rush or worry about getting lost.

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.

Choose mountain biking in Pamporovo or in the Rhodope mountains special trails around Smolyan with a guide or self-guided. Full equipment is provided. Choose your desired experiences out in the beautiful Rhodope mountains.

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 to explore only Plovdiv, either with a guided walking tour or a comprehensive audio guide, or upgrade to include a visit to the National Revival town of Koprivshtitsa.

Take a trip to the Blue Stones Natural Park on this hiking tour from Sliven. Do the Halkata hike, otherwise known as ‘The Ring,’ and take in the beautiful natural landscapes of rural Bulgaria. Learn about the magical powers and myths behind the Halkata and how it became the symbol of Sliven.

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.

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.

Explore the Historical Park near Neofit Rilski and discover the ancient Kara Peshtera Rock Monastery on board a thrilling yet eco-friendly e-motorbike with this unique excursion. Set off through the countryside, stopping to take a good look at the “Black Cave” before heading back through the thick woods. Focus on the views rather than a map with a guided tour and visit a treasure most tourists miss.

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.

This is an amazing walk in the Central Balkan National Park. The trail offers real wilderness in combination with cozy touristic huts. The landscape is varied. It comprises ancient beech and coniferous forests where the average age of the trees is around 150 years, high-mountain meadows and narrow rocky strips along the main mountain crest. It is part of the E3 European long-distance walking route. The Balkan mountain gives the name of the Balkan Peninsula. This tour offers many opportunities for hiking all year round. We offer this hike in several options depending on your preferences-with transport or without transport, with a guide or without a guide. If you prefer with transport, we will pick you up from Sofia or Plovdiv.

Our tour stands out for its unique blend of adventure and cultural exploration in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains near Plovdiv. Unlike typical tours, we offer an exhilarating journey aboard eco friendly e- motorbikes, allowing travelers to experience the thrill of off road riding while minimizing their environmental impact. What truly sets us apart is our carefully curated itinerary, which combines visits to natural wonders like the breathtaking "Maiden's Rocks" with adrenaline pumping off-road excursions through the rugged terrain of the Rhodope Mountains. Led by experienced guides, our tours cater to both beginners and seasoned riders, ensuring everyone can enjoy the adventure at their own pace. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, our tour offers something unforgettable for every traveler. Join us for an unparalleled experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the majestic Rhodope Mountains.

What sets this experience apart is the complete freedom of choice. Unlike standard group tours with fixed paths, this is a 100% private journey where you choose the landscape that fits your mood—be it the high-altitude challenge of the 2,290m summit, the lush scenery of Boyana Waterfall, or the famous "balcony" views from Kikish and Kamen Del peaks. Combined with flexible start times (including a stunning sunset option) and door-to-door hotel transfers, it is the most personalized way to experience the wild side of Sofia.