All Sofia Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia

(1,060)

from $23

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(368)

from $22

Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

12 hoursFree Cancellation

(471)

from $92

The Eyes of God natural wonder Saeva Dupka cave and Glozhene Monastery day trip from Sofia

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(14)

from $110

Cover 8,000 years of civilization in a single, perfectly coordinated day trip from Sofia. Traveling comfortably by air-conditioned minibus/coach, you'll explore the grand Roman ruins and cobblestone streets of Plovdiv, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Step further back in time at the mystical Starosel Thracian Temple, before wrapping up your journey with a modern twist in Staro Zhelezare, a quirky rural village famous for its avant-garde open-air street art. - Visit Plovdiv’s Old Town and major historical landmarks - Perfectly timed for a quick, authentic local lunch and photo walk in Europe's longest pedestrian zone. - Discover the Starosel Thracian Temple, dating back to the 4th century BC - Capture unique photos in the vibrant art village of Staro Zhelezare - Sit back and relax in a modern, air-conditioned minibus or coach through the beautiful Thracian Valley.

From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

3.0

(1)

from $22

From Roman remains and ancient churches to Turkish baths and royal palaces, Sofia has a world of history to offer. Go beyond the guidebooks and spend the time looking at the sights, not down at your phone, when you join this engaging small-group or private tour. As you hit the city’s highlights, learn who invented the Cyrillic alphabet and why, what happened to the last Bulgarian royal family, and more.

Sofia: History and Heritage - Small Group City Tour

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(140)

from $23

Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Day Tour to Nis, Serbia - Small group with pick-up and tickets

(298)

from $52

(147)

from $58

The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov. You will visit more than 20 attractions and cultural monuments of Sofia. For convenience and good audibility of the excursion, you will be given audio guides and headphones. You will move comfortably, enter the temples, take photographs, and all this will allow you not to stand next to the guide. The tour will end at the Presidency, where you will be able to video and film the changing of the presidential guard. With us you will see the sights of Sofia freely, in your own language, and at your own pace!

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

(96)

from $17

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.

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

12 hoursFree Cancellation

(113)

from $46

See two of Bulgaria's top attractions in one day on this self-guided tour that allows you to combine the convenience of a tour with flexibility of independent travel. By taking a shared shuttle, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, in Rila National Park, in the morning and then in the afternoon explore the charming and historic city of Plovdiv, which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(55)

from $75

Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia

Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(240)

from $22

From Sofia:Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(905)

from $23

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Knowing the best spots to experience Bulgaria’s rich and varied cultural heritage can be tricky for visitors on limited time in the capital. Tick off Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery in just 1 day on a small-group tour from Sofia. Save time with seamless round-trip transfer between landmarks, and learn about their Roman, Ottoman, and modern history from your professional guide.

(186)

from $22

Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

9 hoursFree Cancellation

(177)

from $87

Hike through rugged terrain to the Seven Rila Lakes on a full-day tour from Sophia, and discover the remarkable scenery of the Rila Mountains. Take a chairlift to a high-mountain hut and continue on foot along the jeweled string of lakes. Follow your guide through alpine passes into remote valleys, then rest in the shade of hikers’ shelters; take in sweeping views of the Bulgarian landscape and enjoy the crisp, clear air of the Balkans’ highest mountain range.

The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour From Sofia

The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour From Sofia

Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia

(105)

from $35

4.5

(97)

from $80

Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia

9 hoursFree Cancellation

(40)

from $35

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.

Belogradchik fortress and Belogradchik rocks tour

Belogradchik fortress and Belogradchik rocks tour

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

Many Sofia food tours limit themselves to the city center. See more of the city—including Roman ruins at Serdika—and get a wider range of flavors on this small-group tour that uses the Communist-era tram network to head further afield. Sample a wide range of local specialties, including Bulgarian beer and a glass of good-quality local wine, at five authentic and off-the-path food stops—easily enough for a full meal.

(6)

from $68

Sofia Food & Tasting Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride

Sofia Food & Tasting Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(37)

from $99

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.

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

10 to 11 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(182)

from $68

Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rila Monastery is a must-visit for many travelers to Sofia. Pair it with one of the country’s most sacred sites, the Cave of St. John of Rila, who founded the monastery, on this fascinating day trip. The entry level package includes an online, app-based guide: Upgrade for a physical audio guide or a live guide in your chosen language. All options exclude entrance fees.

Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(40)

from $23

Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(744)

from $21

Buzludzha Communist Monument and Ancient Thracian Tomb

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.

Buzludzha Communist Monument and Ancient Thracian Tomb

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

5.0

(3)

from $68

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What are people saying about Sofia

M_O, Jun 2026

I think the tour covers...

I think the tour covers the major tourist locations in central Sofia, and I really enjoyed it. We all received an audio guide in our preferred language, but the guide also explained the history and answered questions in three languages (English, Italian, and Russian), which was impressive.

Sofia: History and Heritage - Small Group City Tour

Eliana_S, Jun 2026

Excellent Walking Tour of Sofia

Our walking tour of Sofia with Vasil from Hola Bulgaria was fantastic! We met him near our accommodation, where he gave us a quick overview of the day before leading us through the city's main highlights. Vasil brought Sofia's history to life with interesting stories and pointed out details we would have completely missed on our own. He was knowledgeable, passionate, easygoing, and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. If you're visiting Sofia and want to learn about the city's rich history from someone who truly loves sharing it, we highly recommend looking up Vasil and joining one of his tours. It was a wonderful experience!

Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia

Gary_S, Jun 2026

Very interesting place, wear comfortable shoes

It was a 1 day tour to Plovdiv from Sofia, comfortable bus with a good driver and an excellent guide Eva. She was also our English speaking guide for the walking tour in Plovdiv. Eva is very knowledgeable and speaks fluently multiple languages. Very good value for the money.

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

Wu_T, Jun 2026

A Memorable Tour with an Exceptional Guide, Ms. Ornella

We joined the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour on May 27, 2025, and it was one of the highlights of our visit to Bulgaria. A special thank you to our tour guide, Ms. Ornella, who made the experience truly memorable. She is warm, energetic, and humorous, with a genuine passion for sharing Bulgaria's rich history and culture. Throughout the tour, she provided detailed information and clear explanations about the sites we visited, bringing the history to life in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. Ms. Ornella was also attentive to her guests, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and included. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and friendly personality created a wonderful atmosphere for the entire group. The stunning beauty of Rila Monastery and the historical significance of Boyana Church were greatly enhanced by her insightful commentary. We highly recommend this tour, especially if you have the opportunity to explore these remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Ms. Ornella as your guide.

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

Zainab_K, Nov 2025

It was a great tour....

It was a great tour. Alexander took us safe and comfortable. Filled us with a lot of history. Definitely a reliable option to go. I booked a tour on booking.com and they cancelled it last minute and I quickly booked this one on Viator. Unfortunately we could not hike upto the Rila lakes due to the bad weather and the snow storm. Will come back again next year, May or September to do the tour again with this company.

From Sofia:Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave

Gisele_L, Nov 2025

The tour was good - we...

The tour was good - we got the audioguide one and it was interesting enough. We didn't enter Boyana as it was similar to other we've seen before, but the Rila Monastery was good. I just think 3h in there is too much. It is really small and nothing to do. 2h would be good enough.

Sofia Walking Private City Tour

peter_b, Nov 2025

A great private walking city tour

From the very first moment, the 3 hour private city tour around Sofia was very interesting, the tour guide Nikolaj was not only knowledgeable, but also full of personal stories and with a sense of humor which is very important. We would highly recommend such an experience! It was 5star plus. Martin

Sofia Food & Tasting Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride

Ahsanul_R, Sept 2025

Great tour for authentic and nice dishes of Bulgaria

Leading a group of 6 people was not seem to be a problem for Peter on this tour, as he is very well organized, have a clear plan what menu to taste and what story to tell. Everything runs smooth without rushing. Peter leads us to some kind of hidden-gem restaurants, where normal tourist wont find them easily :). We cant remember all the drinks and dishes name, but all were fantastic and authentic. Thank you Peter, we wish you more success with your upcoming tours!

Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Scott_A, Sept 2025

A Great, Unique, Unexpected Experience!

We had a wonderful day with our guide Theodore, he was knowledgeable, attentive and great to get along with. Even though there were some surprises he made it a very memorable experience. Due to road construction (no one’s fault!) we could not see the fortress or monastery, which although disappointing, was a hidden blessing, as instead we visited Koprivshtitsa. Theodore provided an insightful view into the history of Bulgaria, and walking around the streets was memorable - we were actually glad the normal tour itinerary did not work out so that we could have this unique experience! Also, the theatre in Plovdiv was not accessible due to preparation for a concert that evening (again, no one’s fault) but we were still able to view it from the perimeter and that was good enough. Plovdiv overall was amazing, we are so glad we went. The tour was a full 11 hours and worth it, we thoroughly enjoyed it and really appreciated having Theodore as our guide.

Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia

Jennifer_C, Sept 2025

Super organized tour and would highly recommend to everybody!

Philip’s communication before the day and via the WhatsApp group was incredibly helpful. Phillip texted us throughout the day with reminders of timing and it made the entire experience feel extremely organized, well thought out and attentive. I also really like the fact that we were in a small bus van, and we purposely arrived an hour after the big bus companies at the monastery so this way, we could have a much more quiet and authentic experience. We were also given paper maps of the hiking trails and also of the monastery, which made for a very easy day to get around. I encountered other people on the mountain trails from the big bus companies and they were given basically no guidance and ended up asking for my help since I had a map from this company. I was very impressed and would absolutely recommend this trip and company to everybody.