- From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour | GetYourGuide
- Rila Monastery Day Trip from Sofia | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip | GetYourGuide
- Sofia: Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour | GetYourGuide
- The Seven Rila Lakes: Full-Day Tour from Sofia | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Shuttle Tour to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery | GetYourGuide
- Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia | GetYourGuide
- Plovdiv: Full-Day Small Group Excursion from Sofia | GetYourGuide
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Belogradchik Rocks Full-Day Tour | GetYourGuide
- Sofia Afternoon Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting | GetYourGuide
- Sofia: Communist Walking Tour | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Rila Monastery, Boyana church and History Museum | GetYourGuide
- Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Tour from Sofia | GetYourGuide
- Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Walk & Thermal Spring Pools | GetYourGuide
- From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress | GetYourGuide
- Sofia: Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour | GetYourGuide
- Sofia Real-Life Room Escape Game
- Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery 2022 - Sofia
- Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Tour from Sofia
- The Essential Western Bulgaria in 4 Days
- Belogradchik Rocks and Belogradchik Fortress
- Panoramic Flight over the famous Rila Lakes
- Private & Ultimate Sofia 2,5-hour Walking Tour
- Private Day tour from Sofia to Thessaloniki, Greece
- Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride
- One Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, Macedonia
- Private Day Trip to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress
- Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting
- Kazanlak Full-Day Tour from Sofia
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour
- Hiking The Seven Rila Lakes with option for dinner
- 3 Days Best of Plovdiv and the Region
- Melnik Wine Tasting tour from Sofia
- From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
- Private Day Trip to Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka Cave
- The Oldest European City – Plovdiv with Free pick up
Your guide will tell you all about the history of the monastery, and you'll get some opportunity to explore the complex on your own. Visit the museum to learn more, or visit the neighboring shops to pick up souvenirs and other memorabilia. Make time for lunch at one of the local eateries, where you may sample local delicacies like mekitsi, a popular dish in the region (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep-fried).
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The Rila Cross, a two-sided crucifix, is one of the museum's most notable exhibits, which details the area's history. See the historic bakery and other landmarks, such as the residential section with its high stone walls and small windows.
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Outside of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city, there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth a visit. First, meet at St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral's back steps at 9:00 a.m. The next two hours will be spent relaxing as your courteous, English-speaking chauffeur takes you to the Rila.
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Leaving Sofia in the morning, take a shuttle bus with an English-speaking driver to get to your destination. Panichishte in the Rila National Park can be reached by air-conditioned vehicle. When you arrive, your driver will give you a rundown of the different routes and options you can take.
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You'll stroll along the cobbled streets and observe the classic 14th-century houses as you travel back in time. On your way to the fortress, you will stop at the Vassil Levski Museum for a closer look. Last but not least, the town's famed covered bridge, created by Master Kolio Ficheto, is the final place you'll notice.
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A full-day walk into the Rila Mountains to visit one of Bulgaria's best natural attractions: Bulgaria's seven Rila Lakes, which are located near Sofia. Between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level, this series of glacial lakes is bordered by rocky peaks and deep valleys.
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An early morning excursion leaves from Alexander Nevski. Your first stop will be the Boyana Church, a three-building complex on the edge of Sofia that is on the UNESCO list.
When Sebastocrator Kaloyan authorized the construction of a second two-story edifice next to the eastern church, it was built in the 10th century. Before heading to Rila Monastery, take a look at its amazing architecture and frescoes. Your guide will tell you about the monastery's history as well.
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Enjoy an hour and a half of picturesque driving to Plovdiv from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia. Make time to see some of the city's most notable landmarks, such as the Roman Theatre and Stadium. As you walk around the historic Old Town, look at the Revival-style buildings, museums, and cobblestone streets.
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Macedonia's capital city, Skopje, is about a three-and-a-half-hour trip from Sofia. Skopje's rich history and culture will be on display during this one-day excursion.
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This full-day tour begins with a 2-hour drive from Sofia to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns. On a guided walking tour, experience the history and culture of this 8,000-year-old city that was settled by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian civilizations.
See the sites of the old town, including museums, historical monuments, and Renaissance-period residences lining the cobbled streets. Explore the Ethnographical Museum and the spectacular Roman Theater.
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On a 4-hour pub crawl in Sofia, you'll discover the city's best-kept secrets. At some of the city's most popular hangouts, you can meet new people. One of the best ways to meet locals and other solo travelers is to join a local meetup group.
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Visit the Belogradchik rocks in the Balkan Mountains, located in Bulgaria's northwest corner. To get here from Sofia, it will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving. Sandstone dominates the rock composition, which is found in a variety of formations. They were included in the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2009.
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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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Explore Sofia's Soviet history by visiting the city's significant landmarks. The former Bulgarian Communist Party headquarters is a good place to start your visit. Continue on to view structures such as the investigation facility of the secret police and the damaged mausoleum in the distance. The monument to the Soviet army and the National Palace of Culture are still a few blocks away, so keep going.
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Take a tour of the Rila Mountains National Park's crown jewel, the Seven Rila Lakes, and take in the stunning alpine beauty. Sofia's cool mountain air is a welcome respite from the oppressive heat of the city during the height of summer. After a day of mild to moderate walking, take a dip in one of the thermal pools heated by natural hot springs. From Sofia, you can see all of this in a single day.
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Take a day trip to see some of Bulgaria's most gorgeous and noteworthy sights with the ease and comfort of a vehicle.
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From Sofia, it takes around two hours to travel to the second-longest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv. You may learn about the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian cultures that shaped a 7000-year-old settlement in just two to three hours of wandering through the city. You can take a stroll around the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town, which is full of museums, historical landmarks, and revival-style residences, or you can marvel at the Ethnographical Museum and the ancient Roman Theater. Enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries in this cultural and commercial hub.
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The Seven Rila Lakes Circuit is one of the park's most scenic routes, thanks to its dramatic vistas, stunning alpine scenery, ancient pine forests, and steep mountain summits. Relax in the thermal pools of Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, fed by one of Europe's hottest springs, after a leisurely snowshoe hike in the gorgeous Seven Rila Lakes area. All of this can be done in a single day from Sofia.
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Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, is the starting point for our full-day excursion, which takes place after a 2-hour drive. Visit a 19th-century residence to learn more about the production of alcoholic beverages and rose oil products in the area while strolling along cobblestone streets. Before a two-hour break for lunch and coffee on the main pedestrian street, virtual reality glasses will allow you to explore the Roman Theater, Roman Stadium, and cathedral.
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You will be picked up from your hotel in Sofia to begin your tour. Lovech can be reached after a two-hour trip. From here, you can begin your journey through the city's historic center.
You'll stroll through the narrow cobbled alleyways, admiring the classic 14th-century houses as you go back in time. Afterwards, you'll visit the Vassil Levski Museum, where you'll learn more about the history of the country. Last but not least, the town's famed covered bridge, created by Master Kolio Ficheto, is the final place you'll notice.
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Spend an exciting hour with your pals in an escape room as a fun diversion from the city's usual tourist traps. When you book in advance, you'll be able to skip the line and get right into the room. After what looks like a bank robbery, it's up to you to solve a series of puzzles in less than an hour to stop a disaster.
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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. Take a small-group tour from Sofia to see Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery all in one day. With an expert guide, you'll learn about the Roman, Ottoman, and modern history of the landmarks you visit on a round-trip shuttle service.
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On this 10-hour private tour from Sofia, you'll visit two of northern Bulgaria's most popular sights. Check out the quaint village of Arbanasi, which is known for its rich history and fresco-coated Church of the Nativity. Visit Bulgaria's former medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo and the Tsarevets palace-fortress. Discover the town's history by exploring the hilltop remains, which include the major church and the execution rock, where traitors were driven to their deaths. Entrance fees and private transportation are both included.
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There are numerous cultural and historical attractions in Western Bulgaria that allow you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (18th–19th century). This journey is perfect for those who want to spend a few days in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, before heading out on a loop trip through the countryside. Personal interaction with your guide and local people will be possible, and you'll save time and money by not having to make multiple return trips in a car, as well as by staying in less expensive Sofia hotels. Family-owned and operated 2* and 3* hotels have been featured in our excursions because of our faith in their service quality. If you can afford it, stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel rather than a budget option.
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This day excursion from Sofia takes you to the town of Belogradchik, where you'll see the area's two most prominent landmarks: the Belogradchik Rocks and the Belogradchik Fortress. The Balkan Mountains' natural sandstone formations and Roman-era strongholds are awe-inspiring sights to see.
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Get a birds’-eye view of Bulgaria’s seven Rila Lakes on this light aircraft excursion from Lesnovo. Leave the tourist hordes behind as you sail above the alpine terrain, looking out for sites such as the Iskar Dam and Musala Peak. Enjoy the personalized service of a private flight and take interesting pictures from up high.
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Tour Sofia on foot for two hours with a local guide. Your guide will tell you all about the city's past. While strolling through the city, be sure to see the National Archeological Museum, the National Revival Art Gallery, the Ethnographic Museum, and more.
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On this full-day trip from Sofia to Thessaloniki, Greece, you'll gain a new perspective on the Balkans. Explore the city's ancient history and present culture with your private guide, strolling amongst landmarks including the UNESCO-listed St. Demetrios Church, Aristotelous Square, and the White Tower. With round-trip service from your hotel in Sofia, you may pass the border without a hitch.
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On this day trip from Sofia, you'll ride a horse to see a different side of Bulgaria. Take an air-conditioned minivan out of town. After a quick introduction to the animals, mount your saddled horse and set out on the path with a guide. Visit the monastic complex of Glozhen and take a look around.
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By request, the Osogovski monastery can be visited en route to Skopje. There will be no additional charges for this service. Touring Skopje is an excellent way to see the capital of Macedonia while in Bulgaria. You'll learn about Macedonian history as well as the larger political and historical context of the Balkans. In one day, you can tour Skopje, which is conveniently close to Sofia. Booking is simple, and you can relax knowing that you are in good hands with one of our tour guides. You'll learn about the best spots to try local cuisine and shop for souvenirs from the area thanks to your tour guide. This is a tour that is well worth going on.
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Get around Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress without having to worry about renting a car with this one-day excursion. Make your way straight to Plovdiv's Old Town after a Sofia pick-up. The Roman Theater, Europe's longest pedestrian walkway, and early Christian mosaics are all on your trip. On the itinerary is also a stop at the beautiful Asen's Fortress, a medieval mountain fortress with great views.
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On a full-day excursion from Sofia to Plovdiv and the Thracia Valley, you'll learn about Bulgarian history, food, and winemaking. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plovdiv Old Town in the morning, followed by a traditional Bulgarian lunch and a tour and tasting at a famous vineyard. The Plovdiv Roman Theater, lunch, and tastings are included in this 10-hour tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
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Combine trips to Kazanlak, the rose oil extraction capital of Bulgaria, and the Valley of the Thracian Kings on this full-day excursion from Sofia. Learn about the rose oil business and visit the noble graves in the valley, including one UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance fees and round-trip hotel transportation are included.
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Feel like a Sofia resident on this 3-hour afternoon city and gastronomy strolling tour. Check out historical sites such as the National Theater and King’s Palace and see the Rotunda St. George, Banya Bashi Mosque, Synagogue, and St. Nedelya Church. Stop on route to try‘shopska’ salad and an ‘ayryan’ yogurt drink; shop for culinary goods at the Central Hali Market, and close with tastings of Bulgarian wine and cold meats at a traditional restaurant.
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Make the most of your time in Bulgaria on a trekking trip to the world-renowned Seven Rila Lakes. Going with a guide relieves you of the burden of traversing the trails on your own and gives you an inside perspective on the country’s natural scenery. After the 5-hour hike, halt for a well-deserved meal (own expense) en route to Sofia. Round-trip hotel transport is included for your convenience.
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Besides being one of Europe's oldest cities, Plovdiv is a fantastic starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside, which is home to several wineries, monasteries, fortresses, and mountains. This guided 3-day package includes hotel or airport transfers, two nights' B&B accommodation, admission fees, and a wine tasting, so you can save the hassle of driving alone and make the most of your time. Asen's Fortress, Bachkovo Monastery, and the Red Church in Perushtitsa are all must-sees.
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Take a break from the congested city streets and discover the best of Bulgarian wine on a 9-hour journey to Melnik. A comfortable vehicle receives you from your Sofia hotel and takes you into the wide Bulgarian countryside. Upon arrival in Melnik, explore the wine cellar of an 18th-century mansion. After a bit of touring in Rojen, drink some of the country's greatest wine at Villa Melnik.
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One day in Bulgaria is all you need to see the best of the country. Morning visits to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery in Bulgaria's Rila National Park and an afternoon visit to Bulgaria's cultural center, Plovdiv, are included in this self-guided shared shuttle itinerary. For more than an hour in the morning, a shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery, where you can take your time. Seeing the most essential components of the complex in the allotted time is possible because the complex is small in size. Plovdiv is one of Bulgaria's most popular cultural and historical destinations, and a 3.5-hour shared shuttle ride will take you there from Sofia the next day. In the old city center, you have more than 4.5 hours to explore on your own. The driver will give you a map of the city and give you advice on what to see.
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Spend the day in nature away from Sofia's bustling streets on this private full-day excursion. Your air-conditioned automobile will be fitted with WiFi, so you can keep in touch while you're on the road. Take a plunge in the travertine pools of Krushuna Waterfalls with a guide. Get to know the natural karstic Devetashka Cave by exploring it.
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Our English-speaking guides will take you on a tour of the old city of Plovdiv at a bargain price. A city with a history spanning over 7000 years.
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Table of Contents
What are guided tours?
Guided tours are all-inclusive group travel experiences often guided by a local travel guide and follow a set agenda for a particular tourist attraction or local activity. Several sightseeing guided tours, skip-the-line tickets for major tourist destinations, group day/night trips, food and wine tastings, and even airport transfers are available.
Should I use guided tours on my vacations?
Explore and experience your destination like a local.
Learn about your vacation spot from a local’s perspective. Discover a treasure trove of undiscovered gems!
Avoid scams and pay better prices
It’s best to book your guided tours in advance from the comfort of your own home, then enjoy your trip when you’re overseas on holiday.
I have a tight budget, can I still buy a guided tour?
With such a vast number of guided tours available, there is sure to be one that fits your budget.
Save time, and Get the most out of your trip.
It’s a waste of your vacation time to look for local guided tours while traveling
When you have a tour plan, you know exactly what you’re going to do each day, so you don’t have to worry about any disappointment.
Check reviews before buying a guided tour
Overwhelmed with options and unsure about which guided tour to select? Determine which activities are most suited for you by checking out other user reviews
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
Your guided tours are a great way to meet new people from all over the world.
Types of guided tours available for your vacation
Depending upon the city you are traveling to, there are practically any guide tours and activities for everybody. There are outdoor guided tours, water activities, Nature trails, Music festivals, Local food tours, Workshops and Classes, Arts Performances, Hidden Gems expedition, beer or red wine drinking and tasting tours, special TV & Movies trips, romantic couple tours, kids’ activities, tours to Parks and Gardens, Island expedition trips, check out popular landmarks, Museum guided trips 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 trips, theaters and concert halls, stop by ports and harbors, sightseeing cruise, bikes for leasing, helicopter rides, ferryboat tickets, Jeep and SUV for rental, luxury yacht services and sailboat rental.