Day Trips from Bulgaria to Sofia

Experience the Iskar Gorge and Cherepish Monastery instagrammable beauty! Escape the crowded tourist destinations! Choose between a private romantic option to celebrate a special occasion or a fun family and friends experience along the Iskar Gorge. Reserve your perfect escape!

The tour is one of the classic cultural and heritage tours and with us you will you learn not only about the monastery and the church, but also history of Bulgaria, some Orthodox Christianity basics or details on Orthodox traditions, as well as you will get information on modern daily lifestyle of the average Bulgarian family, and last but not least - great professional and friendly attitude by knowledgeable tour guides!

Rarely would one attend such a venue - just next to the dancing and jumping teams of the keen participants. The colorful masks, made out of leather, feathers, beads and many other things show us the creativity and in the same time the deep understanding of symbols from antiquity until nowadays. We will be able to touch the fir costumes, to hear and see the heavy belts of bells - brass and copper, to see the exhausted but content and happy faces of the participants under the sounds of folklore music. Please NOTE: The timing includes the time needed for the transfer between Sofia and Pernik as well as some time available to yourself for having meals or moving around taking photos from the actual performances etc.

Sofia is surrounded by stunning natural and historical attractions, but visitors without their own transportation often find themselves restricted to the capital. Escape the bustle of the city during this half-day combo tour: Admire panoramic views overlooking Sofia from Vitosha Mountain, pay a visit to UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, and take a hot soak in an outdoor thermal spring. Tours depart from St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

During the 8-9 hours trip, you will see really amazing places and landmarks, starting from our meeting point St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then going by luxury SUV to the popular UNESCO heritage - about 900 years old - Boyana Church, situated in the heart of Vitosha mountain. After the visit we will bring you to a very nice traditional Bulgarian restaurant in the middle of Rila mountain. When we finish our lunch we will go to the most popular UNESCO Heritage - Rila Monastery. You will have the opportunity to touch the spiritual life of this sacred place and discover its hidden treasures! Our next stop will be another amazing place in the nature - Sapareva Banya village and the hot spring mineral pools there :)! Regardless of the weather you will have the pleasure to dip yourself in the hot mineral waters in an outdoor swimming pools with a magnificent views! We will spend 2 hours there and then we will bring you back to the starting point in Sofia - St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral :)!

Step out of the ordinary and into a full-day journey filled with nature, culture, and relaxation. We begin in the heart of Sofia at the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then head up to Vitosha Mountain for a dramatic panoramic view from the cliffs near the TV tower at Kopitoto – a breathtaking photo stop above the city. Next, we explore Bulgaria’s medieval soul with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, over 900 years old and nestled among the trees. Then it's time for a traditional Bulgarian lunch in a cozy mountain restaurant – homemade flavors to fuel your next adventure. After lunch, we escape deeper into nature with a peaceful horseback ride through the wild beauty of Plana Mountain – open meadows, forests, and fresh air. Finally, the perfect ending: a relaxing soak in the natural hot mineral pools of Sapareva Banya. Surrounded by mountains, sky, and steam – this is Bulgaria at its best.

This tour will take you on an incredible journey to the Seven Rila Lakes in the National Park Rila. Experience one of Bulgaria’s most striking mountain landscapes. Leisurely pace and hike all the way up to the highest of the seven lakes in the largest national park in Bulgaria. The park is located about (100 km – 62 ml) south of Sofia. In addition, the Park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities. Self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Some of the largest rivers in the Balkan Peninsula originate here. In fact the name Rila is derived from the Thracian word roula – which means a lots of water.

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes. We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria. With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal. In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives. Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available. This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.

Southern Bulgaria is home to fascinating cultural and natural attractions, but moving between locations isn’t easy by public transportation. Visit two of the country’s most iconic landmarks during this full-day, small-group combo tour. First, tour iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, taste the famous wines of Melnik, near the Greek border, and visit the town’s pyramid-shaped rock formations.

Discover the beauty and significance of Rila Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria, on this engaging half-day tour. Begin your journey early in the morning to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the life of St. Ivan Rilski, the founder of the monastery, and gain insight into the rich history and culture of Bulgaria. This small group tour ensures a more personal experience as you explore the stunning architecture and tranquil ambiance. - Visit the largest and most beautiful monastery in Bulgaria - Small group tour for an intimate experience - Early morning start to avoid crowds - Insightful commentary on St. Ivan Rilski and Bulgarian history

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.

Explore the ancient city of Plovdiv on a full-day small-group tour from Sofia. Discover the city's rich history and culture as you visit top attractions like the Roman Theatre, Old Town, and the iconic Nebet Tepe Hill. With a small group of travelers, enjoy an intimate and personalized experience with a local guide. Plus, enjoy free time to explore independently, browse the local markets, and enjoy Bulgarian cuisine (own expense).

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, and Arbanasi, a postcard-perfect village known for its fortress homes, are two of the nation’s top historical destinations—and more than a 6-hour round trip from Sofia. Skip the hassle of negotiating buses and taxis and enjoy a guide's insights on this small-group tour, direct from your Sofia address.

Explore the 8000-year history of Plovdiv with ruins from the Roman times, beautiful Revival architecture and cozy restaurants in Kapana district. Enjoy breathtaking views from Asen’s Fortress, perched on top of a hill in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Visit the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and see the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.

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.

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.

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.

Cover ground that’s unimaginable by public transport and check off three of Bulgaria’s key attractions safely on this private, fully guided day tour. Hike to—and through!—Prohodna Cave, explore beautiful Saeva Dupka cave, then tour the 13th-century Glozhene Monastery. Besides your private driver/guide, enjoy a dedicated caving guide in Saeva Dupka.

Visit the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day tour from Sofia. Depart at 9:00 AM from Vasil Levski Monument (Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7) and enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive through Bulgaria’s beautiful landscapes. Take a guided tour of the monastery’s breathtaking architecture and frescoes while learning its fascinating history and legends. Then enjoy your free time to explore the museum, stroll the grounds, take photos, or relax at nearby bakeries. Return to Sofia around 15:30 PM with memories of an unforgettable cultural and historical experience. Highlights: Explore Bulgaria’s most famous monastery Learn stories, legends, and artistic treasures from your guide Free time to visit the museum, walk, or take photos Convenient round-trip transport from central Sofia

Explore Sofia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites on a private 3-hour tour with convenient round-trip transport from local accommodations. In addition to navigating, your guide offers background often missed by visitors about each stop on the itinerary: Bulgaria’s National History Museum, Boyana Church and its medieval frescoes, and an 11th century monastery. Booking a private tour ensures plenty of time for photos and your guide's full attention.

Getting an in-depth experience of Plovdiv from Sofia in a day is tricky, but on this full-day tour, explore Bulgaria’s second city with a guide. Travel in a shuttle bus from Sofia and learn about the history of Plovdiv on a sightseeing tour through the city with your guide. Afterwards, take time to explore independently before returning to Sofia.

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are two of Bulgaria's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it can be a challenge to visit without a car. Experience them both in a single day on this convenient transfer service from central Sofia. First, check out the frescoes in the Boyana Church, then head to the Rila Monastery for a short guided tour followed by free time (depending on option selected).

The tour stands out for several unique features: Enjoy Bulgaria entirely at your own pace. This is a fully private tour: once you book, no other travelers are added — whether you are one person, a couple or a small private group. Expertly Guided Tours: Knowledgeable and friendly local guides accompany travelers throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary, historical context, and insider tips about Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Free Time for Exploration: The itinerary includes generous free time at each location, allowing travelers to explore Rila Monastery and Boyana Church at their own pace. Whether it's admiring the intricate frescoes, visiting museum exhibits, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, guests have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of these iconic landmarks. Small Group Experience: PrivaTour BG prioritizes small group sizes to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.

Experience Bulgaria’s most spectacular alpine scenery on this private / small group guided adventure to the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes in the majestic Rila Mountain. This unforgettable tour combines scenic hiking, authentic mountain cuisine, and relaxation in natural thermal mineral waters. If needed, the winter equipment is provided for free - snowshoes, spikes or sticks. Depart from Sofia and travel to the Panichishte mountain resort area. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ascent to 2,100 meters, followed by a guided hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes, dramatic peaks, and panoramic viewpoints. After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch at a mountain hut, surrounded by pristine alpine nature. Option: Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the thermal spa pools of Sapareva Banya, famous for its natural hot mineral springs — the perfect way to recover after your hike adventure. This tour offers the ideal balance of activity, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable day.