Top Bulgaria Day Trips - page 2

Experience old-time Bulgaria on this small-group tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi from Sofia. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to Tarnovo, a one-time medieval craft center and capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Stroll the cobbled streets, discover the craft shops, explore Tsarevets Fortress, once a stronghold of Bulgaria’s tsars, and visit nearby Arbanassi village, famous for its well-preserved stone houses and church frescoes. Central Sofia pickup and drop-off included, with entrance fees at own expense.

Most travelers in Bulgaria have to decide between sightseeing and relaxation. On this unique, full-day combo tour, experience the best of both worlds as you take in striking Rila Monstery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—followed by a restorative soak to a traditional mineral bath at a local spa complex. Air-conditioned transfers from central Sofia are included or a hassle-free experience.

Travel back in time to the Socialist Republic of Bulgaria on a full-day Communist tour. Provided round-trip transportation from your hotel eliminates the guesswork of navigating public buses on your own. After a visit to the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia, relax during a scenic country drive to the Buzludzha monument. Along the way, listen to in-depth commentary about the country’s eventful history from 1946 to 1989.

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.

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.

Forget the hassle of public transport on a private day tour to 2 of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions, optimizing your time with round-trip transfer from your Sofia hotel. Explore the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and historic city of Plovdiv with your guide, benefiting from their undivided attention and cultural insights for a more personalized sightseeing experience.

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.

Get out of Sofia and learn about rose oil on this guided tour. Visit the Valley of the Roses, a center of rose oil production before continuing on to the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak to learn about its history from your guide. Admire the architecture at the 19th-century Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ. It is important to note that rose blooms can only be seen from mid-May to mid-June.

Combine two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into a spectacular day of exploring on a full-day tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Round-trip transport by climate-controlled vehicle ensures a comfortable day on the road, as onboard Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Free time to check out Rila Monastery and Boyana Church give you the flexibility to explore on your own pace, without the fixed itinerary of a guided tour.

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.

Visit the town of Belogradchik and its two notable attractions—Belogradchik Rocks and Belogradchik Fortress—on this day trip from Sofia that combines the natural scenery and history of northwestern Bulgaria. Be wowed by the natural formations of sandstone rocks in the Balkan Mountains, and admire the fortress, which dates back to Roman times.

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.

Escape the rush of standard group tours and immerse yourself in Bulgaria’s rich history on this In-Depth Day Trip to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Nestled high in the Rila Mountains, this medieval landmark features breathtaking frescoes, historic architecture, and surrounding alpine beauty. Why choose this tour? Instead of rushing between multiple sites, this tour is designed for travelers who want Extended Free Time at Rila Monastery. After a guided introduction to the complex, you will have ample, unhurried time to deeply explore the inner museums (optional), take stunning photos, hike nearby nature paths, and enjoy a relaxed local lunch completely at your own pace.

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).

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.

Meet other travelers and ride comfortably with this Minibus tour of Bulgaria. Discover local traditions, culture, and history while visiting gems off the beaten path. Led by a guide, with different language options on different days, learn about the nation's daily life and social systems. Tour highlights include the Roman Baths of Odessos, the Stone Forest desert, and the Museum of Mosaics. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Dive deep into Bulgarian history on a 10-hour group tour to the Valley of the Thracian Kings region. Beginning and ending at your Sofia accommodation, comfortable transportation enables you to cover a number of destinations in a short amount of time. Along the way, listen to mysterious stories about Orpheus and Spartacus. You also enjoy guided visits to Ostrusha Tomb, Golyama Kosmatka Mound, and the UNESCO listed Tomb of Kazanlak.

Save well over an hour compared to public transportation and benefit from the local knowledge of a guide on this full-day trek around the Seven Rila Lakes. Experience one of Bulgaria’s most striking mountain landscapes at a leisurely pace and hike all the way up to the highest of the seven lakes. Please note the tour excludes the small chairlift fee.

Get off road with this 4x4 adventure. Drive into the mountains and discover the views and wildlife at at elevation of 250m in the Biberna region. Immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture at Starite Kashti village, where architecture, crafts and pottery are constructed. Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern in the village of Poroy. Finish the tour with a dose of excitement with archery and horse riding.

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.

Save yourself the hassle of hiring a car, and get to two highlights of northern Macedonia with ease, thanks to this small-group day trip. After getting picked up from Sofia, the trip visits the capital city of Skopje to tick off a variety of local landmarks—such as Skopje Fortress, Macedonia Square, and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. The trip also showcases the natural wonder of Matka Canyon, where you can embark on a boat trip through a cave.

Lovers of landscapes will adore this guided group tour of the rocky vistas around Belogradchik town. Travel from Sofia through the Balkan Mountains to Belogradchik, then admire the spectacular rock formations and ancient fortress. Enjoy the stalagmites and stalactites of Venetsa Cave before your guide returns you to your hotel.

Discover over 7,000 years of Bulgarian history in a single day on a private tour from Sofia to Chavdar and Koprivshtitsa. Perfect for history lovers and travelers who want to get off the beaten path, this immersive adventure covers the country's Neolithic Age, Late Antiquity, and the Bulgarian Revival. The robust itinerary includes visits to a Neolithic settlement, Elenska Basilica, and numerous historic houses.

Discover two of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private day tour from Sofia. With round-trip transportation and a local guide included, you're sure to get a seamless and immersive sightseeing experience. Begin with a leisurely visit to the active Rila Monastery, featuring relics, Tsar Boris III's coffin, and a museum. Next, head to Boyana Church, renowned for its beautiful frescoes. Weather permitting, you can also visit the Cave of John of Rila.