Top Bulgaria Day Trips - page 3

Maximize your limited vacation time in Bulgaria on a private day tour from Sofia to Plovdiv. As you explore Plovdiv's Old Town, the Roman Stadium, and the Roman Theater, your guide provides live commentary that takes you beyond the guidebook and into the city's history. Thanks to your local guide, you also gain insights and up-to-date information on Bulgaria's current political and economic landscape.

This is a full day private tour that takes you to the north of Varna to explore a region with exceptional natural beauty, very rich in birdlife, archaeological and historical landmarks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will reach the northernmost point of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Durankulak Lake, home to one of the most ancient civilizations in Europe. You will explore the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra and hear the legends it has inspired. A visit to the charming bohemian residence of a Romanian queen and the adjacent botanic garden in Balchik, is another highlight of this tour. The garden is famous for its unique collection of big cacti, second biggest of its kind in Europe, exotic trees and seasonal flower collection. You will be treated to a free wine tasting in the Queen's cellar, while enjoying the story of her turbulent life.

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.

See ancient caves and visit a 13th-century monastery with this small-group tour from Sofia. You'll visit the Prohodna Cave, known as the God's Eyes Cave in English, and the Saeva Dupka Cave, known for its fantastic acoustics (in fact, it sometimes serves as a concert venue). Admission to Saeva Dupka Cave is not included. You’ll also visit the fortress-like Glozhene Monastery—which dates to the 13th century—before returning to Sofia.

Discover the highlights of southwestern Bulgaria without even thinking of touching the wheel on this convenient tour. Discover Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance art and architecture. Visit the tiny town of Melnik, with its extraordinary pyramid rock formations, and explore the Kordopulova House. Your tour includes transport and guiding but excludes entrance fees.

This day trip takes you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities—Plovdiv, as well as the stunning Rhodope Mountains. Going on an organized tour means there’s no need to worry about booking transport or waiting in ticket lines—round-trip transfers and admission are both included. During the tour, learn about Bulgaria’s history and culture, explore Plovdiv’s Old Town, and enjoy a boat ride that showcases mountain views.

Make the most of your time in Bulgaria and embark on a combo tour to Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa from Sofia. Discover the more than 7,000-year-old history of the region as you embark on a walking tour through Plovdiv and hear stories of Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians. Then, head to Koprivshtitsa to admire the 19th-century architecture and learn about the liberation of Bulgaria before heading back to Sofia.

Immerse yourself in the Bulgarian wilderness on an 8-hour tour to Trun, a region once home to Thracians, Romans, and Crusaders. The full-day excursion is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, aspiring geologists, and adventurous travelers who want to veer off the typical tourist path. Comfortable transportation takes your small group (maximum five people) to the Dragowski Stone Trail, where you hike to the Gorge of Trun and more.

Leave the crowds of Sofia behind for the day and take a small group tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Relax as comfortable transportation takes you from the city and into the scenic Bulgarian countryside. Discover 10th-century medieval history at Rila Monastery, then see some of the best preserved Orthodox frescoes in Europe at the Boyana Church. Enjoy immersive guided visits at both UNESCO sites, along with free admission.

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.

Admire the sights of Sofia by night before dinner and a folklore show on this evening tour. Take a panoramic drive around Bulgaria’s capital to see its illuminated highlights, including the floodlit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Palace of Culture, and more. Then, savor a 3-course Bulgarian dinner complemented with a live folklore show of traditional local music and dance. Dinner, show, air-conditioned transport, and central hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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.

Trek up Mt. Vitosha and see the Boyana waterfall on this full-day tour from Sofia. Don your walking boots and hike to the top of Bulgaria’s fourth-highest mountain, passing lush meadows and pine woods. After soaking up panoramic views of Sofia from the summit, enjoy lunch (own expense) and descend to the Boyana fall, whose waters tumble down a steep rock face. Your tour includes return transfers from Sofia, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Save yourself the self-drive hassles but enjoy the flexibility of independent travel on this door-to-door private guided tour. Discover the historic town of Plovdiv, with its Roman ruins, Christian mosaics, and gorgeous Old Town. Then explore Bachkovo Monastery, first established in the 11th century. Make the most of free Wi-Fi as you travel.

Discover the rugged nature of Bulgaria when you book this Jeep safari from Obzor. Alongside a private guide, discover small villages to see how the locals live, make several stops for photos, and stop at a small beach to relax. There is also the opportunity to make a stop at Dvoinitsa River for a short boat ride (at an additional expense).

Immerse yourself in Bulgaria’s millennia of history—and enjoy tastes of some of the country’s best beers, too—on this two-in-one, full-day tour. In the morning, depart from Sofia and head to the ancient city of Plovdiv: upon arrival, you’ll discover its Old Town, see its Roman–era ruins, and more. Following lunch (own expense) and beer and some free time to explore, continue to Bulgaria’s oldest brewery for an in-depth tour and tasting.

Plenty of tours cover Rila Monastery—Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site—but how many include a rafting excursion? Combine history and adventure during this unique full-day combo tour. First, navigate the fast-flowing Struma River gorge alongside a private instructor during a rafting trip, with boat rental and gear included. Then, enjoy a self-paced audio tour of Bulgaria’s iconic mountainside monastery. Transportation from Sofia is included.

Discover a side of Bulgaria that’s hard to reach independently as you explore the dramatic rock pinnacles known as Stob’s Pyramids with a private hiking guide. Then journey into Bulgarian culture as you tour the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and taste home-made “banitsa” pastries. Tour includes private door-to-door transport and guiding but excludes entrance fees and lunch.

Explore Bulgaria's Revolutionary capital of Koprivshtica on this full-day tour from Sofia. With your guide and group, stroll the cobblestone streets and hear about the April Uprising. On the return to Sofia, stop at Chavdar, a reconstruction of a neolithic village.

Explore Bulgaria’s spectacular Black Sea coast and countryside on a full-day trip to Cape Kaliakra and Balchik from Varna. Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to craggy Kaliakra, a peninsula nature reserve renowned for its wild beauty. Take a stroll to witness the steep cliffs and wave-lashed coast, and explore the remnants of the cape’s ancient fortress. Then, after lunch and time at a snail farm, explore the beautiful botanical gardens at Balchik, pausing to enjoy a delicious wine tasting. Finally, stop at a fascinating medieval monastery before returning to Varna.

Bulgaria is packed with stunning natural and historical attractions, but visitors without their own transportation may find it tricky to venture beyond the capital. Visit two unique sites during this full-day, small-group excursion. First, head to the foot of the Balkan Mountains to the ancient fortress of Belogradchik. Then, get a first-hand peek at stalactites and stalagmites in stunning Venetsa Cave.

Avoid the restrictions of a group excursion and discover the historic capital at your own pace on an audio-guided tour of Sofia, with commentary available in multiple languages. Be immersed in the city’s atmosphere as you stroll between top attractions, and take advantage of the self-led nature of the tour to depart at a time that suits you.

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.

Discover the architecture, culture, and history of Koprivshititsa on a private full-day tour from Sofia. Forget uncomfortable public buses and relax in your very own end-to-end private transportation. En route, you’re free to pause the scenic ride at any point to stretch your legs or photograph the surrounding wildlife. Upon arrival, explore the charming Bulgarian town with your guide and learn about the dramatic history of the April Uprising.