Day Trips from Sofia to Sliven

Bulgaria’s unique attractions span thousands of years, but visitors without their own transportation risk missing out on some of the country’s most interesting sites. Visit a hand-picked selection of three destinations during this full-day private tour from Sofia. Get a chance to photograph the Communist-era monument of Buzludzha, learn about the Balkan Peninsula’s ancient history at the Tomb of Seuthes III, and explore the historic town of Koprivshtitsa on foot.

Join us on a magical full-day journey from Plovdiv to the heart of Bulgaria’s Rose Valley! Start your day with a step into history at the oldest operating rose oil distillery in Bulgaria, and witness the authentic, steam-distillation process that transforms petals into pure rose oil. you will head into the fragrant rose fields, where you’ll collect your own flowers, hand-picking the delicate Rosa Damascena blossoms alongside local harvesters. Taste rose water, smell the liquid gold and explore the beauty secrets of this centuries-old tradition. After a traditional lunch/optional/, uncover the mysteries of ancient Thracians with a guided visit to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, including royal tombs and golden treasures. This immersive tour blends nature, culture, and heritage in one unforgettable day. Ideal for culture lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to connect with Bulgaria’s soul. Spaces are limited during the rose harvest – book now and be part of the bloom!

Most tours stop at Buzludzha. We include the Shipka Freedom Monument — the hilltop battleground where Bulgaria's liberation was decided in 1878 — and the only rose museum where you see Bulgarian rose oil made the same way it has been for three centuries. Three iconic experiences, one small group, one passionate local guide. Maximum 8 people means you get real conversations, real stories, and real Bulgaria.

With a shared past dating back to the Middle Ages, Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi are widely considered among the most historically significant sites of interest in Bulgaria. With this tour, reach Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with ease from your Sofia hotel, and discover top local landmarks including the 12th-century Tsarevets fortress. Gain insight into life here in the 18th and 19th centuries, and admire 17th-century frescoes and iconostases in the nearby village of Arbanassi.

This one day tour will take you to the communist monument Buzludzha. In fact the monument is on the sixth place of the European the best destinations. The best abandoned places on the planet earth. Visit the Damascene complex in the rose valley. Damascene complex and its unique gardens with 150 different species of roses. Did you know: – The Bulgarian rose oil is declared the highest quality rose oil in the world. – It takes 30 roses to produce 1 drop of rose oil, and 3000-4 000 kg of rose flowers for 1 kg of first-rate rose oil. – The first rose oil in Bulgaria was distilled in the 17th century.

Visit ¨the City of Tsars¨ with the most impressive medieval fortress in Bulgaria. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.

The mountaintop landmark of Buzludzha is one of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating communist monuments, but it’s only reachable by car. On this full-day tour from Sofia, travel in style aboard a classic communist-era Trabant car and soak up the scenery as you journey through the Bulgarian countryside.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sofia to explore the Valley of Roses and the iconic Buzludzha Monument in a single day! Our eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles provide a comfortable and sustainable way to experience these fascinating destinations. The adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Sofia. From there, we’ll travel through picturesque landscapes towards the Valley of Roses, located in central Bulgaria. .We will make a short stop at the wonderful Ethnographic Complex of Damascena where you can learn more about the production of the famous Bulgarian rose oil. Next, we’ll visit the Buzludzha Monument, a striking symbol of Bulgaria’s communist past. Perched atop the Buzludzha Peak, this abandoned monument boasts a unique and futuristic design. Throughout the tour, our expert guides will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of each destination.

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.

Perched atop the mountains like a flying saucer, the Buzludzha Monument is Bulgaria’s best-known Communist-era structure, but at more than a 6-hour round trip, self-driving is not for the faint hearted. Streamline transportation and enjoy stops at a rose oil distillery (own expense) and a church on this convenient tour. Explore using an online audio guide (internet access required), or upgrade for the interaction of a real live human guide.

Discover a historical side of Bulgaria on a 12-hour tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. Thanks to all-inclusive transportation from Sofia, there’s no need for you to interpret cyrillic signs or worry over timetables. Begin with a guided visit of the medieval hill fortress, which served as the country's capital for over two centuries. Continue with the area's main attractions including Samovodska Charshia, Assens Monument, and the village of Arbanassi.

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.

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.