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Drive to Rila monastery in the Rila Mountains from Sofia around 09:00 AM and rest for two hours. Explore Bulgaria's largest and most prominent Orthodox cloister upon arrival. Discover magnificent paintings painted by a well-known Bulgarian National Revival artist on the arched balcony. Views of the mountains and a golden iconostasis are just a few of the highlights.
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Leave Sofia early in the morning on a shuttle bus driven by a helpful English speaker. Comfortably travel to Panichishte in the Rila National Park by air-conditioning. Get a briefing from your driver upon arrival, who will explain the many paths and alternatives you have to ascend the mountain.
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The shuttle service is located behind Sofia's St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Then, amid the stunning Rila Mountains, see the historic Rila Monastery.
Ivan Rilski, a hermit monk who established the complex in 927 AD, gives visitors more than two hours of free time. See the main church's frescoes and the medieval tower on your own. See gold-plated iconostasis and priceless icons from the 14th to the 19th century as you stroll through peaceful outdoor passageways covered with magnificent mosaics.
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Early in the morning, in front of Alexander Nevski, a tour departs. The first stop on this tour will be the Boyana Church, a three-building complex on the edge of Sofia that is on the UNESCO list.
In the 13th century, Sebastocrator Kaloyan ordered a second two-story edifice to be built next to the original eastern church, which was established in the 10th century. Next, you'll get a tour of Rila Monastery, where you'll be able to see the beautiful artwork and architecture as well as hear about the history of the monastery from your guide.
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The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are well worth a day trip. To get things started, we'll gather at 9:00 am outside of Sofia's St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You may sit back and relax for the next two hours while your English-speaking driver takes you to the Rila.
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Macedonia's capital, Skopje, is around 3.5 hours away from Sofia by car. On this one-day trip, you'll get the opportunity to see Skopje and its rich history and culture.
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After being picked up from your Sofia hotel or lodging, take in the gorgeous journey to Plovdiv for an hour and a half. Visit the Roman Theatre and the Roman Stadium to learn about the city's history. As you walk around the historic Old Town, you can look at the Revival-style buildings, museums, and cobblestone streets and admire them.
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Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, is the first stop on our full-day excursion from Sofia. On a guided walking tour, you can see this 8,000-year-old city, which has been home to many different cultures over the years.
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A trip to the harbor for a VIP catamaran and hotel pick-up are included. Upon arrival, you are given a safety briefing and information on the itinerary and schedule. Drinks such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) are available in the bar.
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On a one-day excursion from Sofia, you may see the Belogradchik rocks, located in the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. From Sofia, it will take 2.5 to 3 hours to get here. Most of the rocks are comprised of sandstone, which is found in many different formations. They were nominated in 2009 as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
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Begin your journey in front of the 5-star Grand Hotel Sofia, where you’ll meet your guide. Visit the stunning National Theater, the historic Royal Palace, and the Presidency.
On this 3-hour afternoon stroll, your guide will take you adjacent to the Art Club café, a favorite site for many. Try the world-famous shopska salad, produced from fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, and spices, and sample the classic Bulgarian cold soup, called tarator, prepared from yogurt and cucumbers.
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A 2-hour trip from Sofia will take you to the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city and one of its oldest settlements. Within 2-3 hours of walking along the city walls, you will learn the history and culture behind a 7000-year old community, written by the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian civilizations. You can enjoy sightseeing in the Old Town with its museums, historical buildings, and restored period residences, lined with souvenir shops and cobbled streets, or get impressed by the rich Ethnographical Museum and the ancient Roman Theater. Feel the ambience of this creative and trade center and enjoy a lunch at one of the neighborhood restaurants.
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Forget the inconvenience of the crowded beaches and sweltering city streets, and go on a cruise to leave Varna for a little time. You will travel from Varna on a 3-hour cruise along Bulgaria’s gorgeous Black Sea coast. Step on the boat, lean back, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas and the peaceful sounds of the ocean. Relax and bathe in the sun while onboard while traveling through the waves. Enjoy your free time and swim in the Black Sea.
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The Seven Rila Lakes, one of Bulgaria's most spectacular natural wonders, may be explored on a full-day hike into the Rila Mountains near Sofia. Glacier lakes are found between 6,900 and 8,200 feet above sea level in the steep mountains and deep valleys surrounding them.
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Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, the jewel of the Rila Mountains National Park, and experience stunning alpine beauty. Escape the summer heat in Sofia and experience the invigorating mountain climate of the highest mountain in the Balkans. Join a pleasant, easy-to-moderate walk and relax thoroughly at the end of the day in the thermal pools fed by hot spring waters. All this within a day's visit from Sofia.
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This private transfer service covers Sofia Airport to your hotel or accommodation. Some 8-seater shuttle buses or minibuses are employed depending on how many people need to be transported. Your trip will be enjoyable regardless of the mode of transportation.
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The city of Sofia is home to many important communist-era monuments. The former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party are a good place to begin your visit. Continue on to view structures such as the investigation facility of the secret police and the damaged mausoleum in the distance. Aim for the Soviet Army Monument and the National Palace of Culture.
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On this one-day excursion in Thrace, learn more about the mysterious Thracians, who are most known for the mythological hero Orpheus (an ancient musician and thinker) and the oldest gold treasure in the world on this one-day excursion in Thrace.
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With a short amount of time in the Balkans, it can be difficult to appreciate the region's cultural richness. Macedonian culture and history may be explored in only one day on a journey from Sofia to Skopje. In a private vehicle, your guide will take you to see the Fortress of Skopje, Mother Teresa's Memorial House, and the Old Bazaar.
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Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of two of Bulgaria’s most beautiful places on a full-day journey from Sofia. Admire the natural magnificence of rural Bulgaria as you drive to the Rila Monastery, a spiritual edifice sheltered by the lush pine trees of the mountains. Delve into the history of the medieval landmark and browse the intriguing exhibitions of the on-site museum. Continue to Boyana Church to gaze at the amazing pre-Renaissance frescoes that grace the walls within. Please note that admission costs are not included on this trip.
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Visitors with a limited amount of time in Sofia may have difficulty locating the ideal locations to take in Bulgaria's diverse cultural heritage. It's possible to visit Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress in one day on a small-group excursion from Sofia. You can save time by taking round-trip transport between locations and learning about their Roman, Ottoman, and modern histories from a knowledgeable guide on this tour.
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The Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 8-hour day tour will be led by a professional English-speaking guide and a small group. You will enjoy a 30-minute guided tour and 2.5 hours of free time in the monastery to take photos, visit the museums and shops, and have lunch. Your guide will tell you all about the 800-year-old frescos in the Boyana church, and you'll be able to see them for yourself.
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On a small-group day trip to Ni, Serbia, you may get a break from the city's bustle. Get up close and personal with the region's history and culture as you visit top landmarks including Mediana, the Skull Tower, and Ni Fortress with a professional guide and get round-trip transportation from your hotel.
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Take a day trip from Sofia to Lovech, Devetàshka Cave, and Krushuna Falls, where you'll learn about the region's nature, history, and culture from a professional guide. Take advantage of round-trip hotel transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the more personalized service of a small-group tour for an easy time.
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Whether you prefer to travel on your own or with a guide, this private tour gives you the best of both worlds. Explore two of Bulgaria's most beautiful destinations, Plovdiv's Old Town and Koprivshtitsa, at your own pace. You'll get free Wi-Fi and door-to-door transportation, but you won't have to pay any admission prices.
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On this full-day tour to Nis from Sofia, you'll cross the border into Serbia with your passport in hand. The Nis concentration camp, Mediana, the Skull Tower, and the Nisava riverfront are just some of the things you'll see during your tour. You'll also have the opportunity to try Serbian cuisine at a local grill place.
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We recommend kayaking for everyone looking for an active form of recreation that will provide them with new feelings and sensations. Iskar, Bulgaria's largest reservoir in terms of both area and volume, is a must-see!
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Skopje, the capital of Northern Macedonia, and Matka Canyon, one of the region's most stunning natural treasures, are both within easy reach on this full-day tour.
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Forget about figuring out where to go, what to see, and what to know in terms of history. During this small-group walking tour of Sofia, you'll see the city's most popular sights while learning the fascinating stories behind each one. St. Sofia Basilica, Ivan Vazov National Theater, and Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevsky are all notable landmarks in the city's historic center.
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We'll be dropped off at Rila National Park by the van. It's a two-hour drive.
Our journey begins at an elevation of 1800 meters and concludes at a height of 2500 meters at a lake known as "The Tear".
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This small-group excursion will take you away from Sofia and into the Bulgarian countryside. On this tour, you will see three of the most magnificent caverns in the country and learn about their varied uses over time. Bulgari's most famous cave is also known as the "Eyes of God," and Devetashka is the final resting place.
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Belogradchik Rocks is a rock formation with a 30-kilometer length and a 6-kilometer width that is one of a kind in nature. Over the course of more than 200 million years, nature has carved the rocks into their current form. The iron oxide in these plants is what gives them their reddish hue. They have a wide range of rock art forms and sizes, rising more than 100 meters into the sky!
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If you don't have a car, visiting the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria is difficult. Take advantage of the round-trip shared transfer in an air-conditioned minivan on this tour and get there quickly. Travel to Rila Monastery by car from Sofia's center square. Before taking the shuttle back to Sofia, take some time to explore the complex on your own.
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Take advantage of the opportunity to ride a bike through Sofia's tiny downtown. Make your way through the city's parks and green spaces with the help of an English-speaking guide and a rented bicycle. The Boris Garden, Loven Park, and Yuzhen Park are all located in the heart of Sofia, making them ideal for a cycling tour around the Bulgarian city.
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Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's most famous city, and Hotnitsa Waterfall, the country's second-largest city.
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I'll lead you through the unique world of Bulgarian wines during your private tasting. Bulgarian wines have been produced for 5000 years, although they are still mostly unknown outside Bulgaria. There is now a new generation of young Bulgarian winemakers that are dedicated to their profession and are bringing attention to our country.
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Feel mother nature's power and explore this million-year history in just one day! Belogradchik rocks are natural phenomena located in the northwest portion of Bulgaria. For millions of years, the environment has shaped intriguing forms from the rocks, which are related to various legends. We will see the Madonna, Adam and Eva, the monks, the horseman, and many more, depending on your imagination! Among the rocks we will see the Belogradchick stronghold, which was built during the Roman Empire.
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Save yourself the difficulties of self-driving yet 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 stunning Old Town. Then tour Bachkovo Monastery, first founded in the 11th century. Make the most of free Wi-Fi as you travel.
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Purchasing guided excursions help you get the most out of your holiday.
We work with the most prominent and best-known travel companies to put together a list of curated guided tours for you to choose from at your own pace. If you buy any of them, we get a small commission without you having to pay extra.
Table of Contents
What are guided tours?
Guided tours are often all-inclusive group travel experiences guided by a local travel guide and following a predetermined schedule centered on a particular tourist attraction or local activity. Numerous sightseeing guided tours, skip-the-line tickets to major tourist destinations, group day/night trips, food/wine tastings, and even airport transfers are available.
Should I use guided tours on my vacations?
Explore and experience your destination like a local.
Take it all in! Receive tailored suggestions before to and throughout your trip to ensure you take advantage of everything your location has to offer. Discover your holiday location through the eyes of a native. Discover a treasure trove of hidden gems!
Avoid scams and pay better prices
Book your guided tours in advance from the comfort of your home. Just enjoy your holiday when you are overseas.
I have a tight budget, can I still buy a guided tour?
Whatever your budget is, there is probably a guided tour out there for you with the large selection of guided tours available.
Save time, and Get the most out of your trip.
Trying to find local guided tours during your holiday is a waste of your valuable holiday time.
With a scheduled tour itinerary, you will know precisely what you will be doing each day, eliminating the possibility of disappointment.
Check reviews before buying a guided tour
Spoilt for choices and not sure which guided tour to choose? Check out past reviews and decide on which activities suit you better.
No risk to you. Free cancellation
For the majority of guided tours, you can change your mind and cancel your ticket without incurring any fees up to 24 hours before the activity’s start date. This is really beneficial if your travel plans change at the last minute.
Meet people all over the world, make new friends on your next vacation
It’s great to meet folks from all around the world on your guided trips!
Types of guided tours available for your vacation
Depending upon the city you are traveling to, there are just about any guide trips and activities for everybody. There are outdoor guided tours, water activities, Nature routes, Music festivals, Local food tours, Workshops and Classes, Arts Performances, Hidden Gems exploration, beer or wine drinking and tasting tours, special TV & Movies trips, romantic couple tours, kids’ activities, tours to Parks and Gardens, Island expedition tours, check out popular landmarks, Museum guided tours and tickets, Airport transfer services, Memorials for you to check out to under the local culture and history, go up Towers & viewing platforms to get a birds-eye view of the landscape, shopping tours, theaters and auditorium, stop by ports and harbors, sightseeing cruise, bikes for rental, helicopter rides, ferryboat tickets, Jeep and SUV for rental, yacht services and sailboat leasing.