Top Activities on the Ground in Bulgaria

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend time outdoors, have fun, and explore the uphill terrain of the Balkan mountains with ease by taking part in this all-terrain vehicle adventure. Don’t worry if it’s your first time on an ATV, as all the equipment you need is provided, including an ATV, a helmet, and protective clothing. As an added bonus, the experience is suitable for all ability levels, with different routes available to suit your needs.

Grab your passport and head over the border to Serbia on this full-day tour of Nis from Sofia. Learn about the turbulent history of former Yugoslavia as you visit the Nis concentration camp; visit city sights including the Roman ruins of Mediana, the Skull Tower, and the Nisava riverfront; and sample delicious Serbian cuisine with lunch (own expense) at a local grill house.

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.

Experience the beauty of the Belogradchik Rocks, ranked among the "New Seven Wonders of the World," on this air balloon flight adventure. Marvel at the unique rock formations sculpted by nature over millions of years as you access views you wouldn’t see from below. Tailor your experience by choosing from different flight durations and add-ons such as a bicycle tour.

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.

Trek to the highest peak in the Rila Mountains range with a guide for panoramic views of the area. Transfer from your Sofia hotel to Borovets and take a chair lift to your starting point. From there, begin your trek up Mt. Mousala on a trodden rocky path. Take to time to enjoy the view and snap pictures at the top of the mountain.

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.

We provide you with a unique and interactive adventure that is lead by local experts, who will show you secrets of their trade and years of experience. Zoologists will teach you how to track wildlife, botanists will explain every plant, what to collect and eat, what not to touch. All of this during a nature hike or an easy walk. Explore Bulgaria's nature, wildlife, culture, history, cuisine and how they are all connected from true scientists and specialist, becoming one of them.

Forget planning routes, researching sites, and boning up on history. See all Sofia’s key attractions and learn the stories behind them too on this great-value small-group walking tour: perfect for history buffs. Sights include the ruins of the Roman-era east gate, the 4th-century Rotunda of St. George, the Byzantine St. Sofia Basilica, the Ivan Vazov National Theater, and the Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevsky.

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.

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.

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.

Choose between hiking—in summer—and snowshoeing—in winter—to scale this classic Sofia peak. After pickup from your hotel and a stop at the medieval Dragalevtsi Monastery, climb Cherni Vrah—Vitosha Mountain’s highest peak—from the Aleko Hut with your guide. The views over Sofia, the Rila Mountains, and the Balkan Mountains are just spectacular.

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.

Guaranteed Departure: Unlike other operators, we go even if only one traveler is booked. Your plans are safe with us. True Small Group: Strictly limited to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate, flexible, and personal experience in a premium AC vehicle. Hassle-Free Logistics: We handle the "boring" stuff. Train tickets, winery bookings, and pool entries are all pre-arranged and included. High-Altitude Focus: Most tours skip Belmeken Lake; we include it because we believe 1,900m is where the real magic happens.

Take the opportunity to experience Sofia’s compact city center by bike. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and equipped with a rented bicycle, make your way through many of the city’s green spaces. Ride through the centrally-located Boris Garden, Loven Park, and Yuzhen Park for an active exploration of Bulgaria’s capital.