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Things to do in Plovdiv

Our most recommended things to do in Plovdiv

From Sofia: Plovdiv Guided Day Tour

1. From Sofia: Plovdiv Guided Day Tour

Depart Sofia in the morning for a full-day excursion to Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest towns in the world. Learn about the history of Plovdiv, dating back to Troya and Mycenae. During a 2 hour guided tour in the old town, discover the history and the culture of the 7,000-year-old settlement from its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods to the present day. Admire museums, churches, historic monuments, revival period houses, souvenir shops, and cobblestone streets. See the Ethnographic Museum and the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman Theater. After the guided tour, you will have about 2 hours of free time for lunch and shopping. The, relax on the journey back to Sofia.

From Sofia: Group Day Trip to Plovdiv by Bus

2. From Sofia: Group Day Trip to Plovdiv by Bus

This full-day trip begins with a 2-hour drive from Sofia to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns. On a guided walking tour, discover the history and culture of this 8,000-year old city that was settled by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Bulgarian civilizations. See the sights of the old town, including museums, historical monuments and revival period houses lining the cobbled streets. Explore the Ethnographical Museum and the impressive Roman Theater. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the day and will point out the most interesting architectural and cultural treasures of the region and provide commentary on modern life in Bulgaria.

Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Fortress Asen, & Wonder Bridges

3. Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Fortress Asen, & Wonder Bridges

Begin the tour at the impressive Asen’s fortress, nearby the charming town of Asenovgrad. Explore the remarkable remains of King Ivan Asen's fortress and discover the nearby ancient 12th-century church painted with authentic pieces of iconography as well as the stone-made inscription carved by King Ivan Asen himself. Continue the tour with a drive to the picturesque Bachkovo monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria and over a thousand years old. Admire the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century that rests inside, as well as the striking frescoed murals of the monastery's walls Conclude the trip with a visit to the "Wonderful Bridges". Situated high in the stunning Rhodope Mountains, 1,450 meters above sea level, admire these unique marble bridges formed by the erosive activity of what was once a high-water river. In summer the longest zip line on the Balkan Peninsula (240 meters) stretching between the 2 bridges is available for the more adventurous travelers.

Plovdiv: Valley of the Thracian Kings Guided Day Trip

4. Plovdiv: Valley of the Thracian Kings Guided Day Trip

At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your hotel and your journey will start. You will have around 2 hours drive until you reach the Valley of the Thracian kings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to numerous Thracian tombs and burial mounds dating back to the 5th century BC. As you travel to the site, imagine the grandeur and splendor of the Thracian civilization that flourished in this region over 2,000 years ago. Envision the powerful kings and queens who were buried in these tombs, surrounded by their wealth and treasures. Upon arrival, your highly educated guide will lead you on a tour of the site, bringing the history of the Thracians to life. You'll see the impressive 5 tombs, and learn about the customs and beliefs of this ancient civilization. As you explore the Valley of the Thracian Kings, you'll be struck by the beauty of the natural surroundings. The valley is surrounded by lush green forests, offering a peaceful and serene setting for your visit. After exploring the Kazanlak region, we will continue our journey toward Stara Zagora where we will observe the layers of human history between the Stone age and modern times. But first, we will walk in the beautiful city center where we will have lunch. When we regain our strength we will start our exploration. Augusta Trayana was founded in the 2nd century AD and was an important center for trade and culture. The city was named after the Roman emperor Trajan and was a thriving metropolis during the Roman Empire. You will walk on the original streets from those days and will see where the city council has gathered for its meetings. We will visit the remains of a Roman house where you will see amazing mosaics in perfect condition, and will get the feeling of the way of living in the city in the days of the Roman empire. During your walk in Stara Zagora, your guide will show you a unique place- the Museum of Religions. It is situated in one of the oldest Mosques in the Balkans- Eski Mosque from the early XV century. Our last stop of the day is the furthest that we will get back in time- to the Neolithic age. You will visit the ruins of 2 houses from those times. They were part of a big Neolithic settlement. These houses are one of the best-preserved prehistorical buildings in Europe. The exposition will bring you back to the VII Millennium BC and your guide will do his best to explain who those people were and how they lived. In addition to the houses, you will also see, an archaeological collection of objects, related to the culture and the religion of the Stone age people, discovered in the Stone age settlements. After this incredible visit, we will start our journey back to Plovdiv.

From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress

5. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress

After a 2-hour drive, begin this full-day tour in one of Europe's oldest towns, Plovdiv. Walk along cobblestone streets and visit a 19th-century house to learn about the local production of alcoholic drinks and rose oil products. Explore the Roman Theater, Roman Stadium and church before enjoying 2 hours of free time to walk around and have lunch and coffee along the main pedestrian street. After exploring Plovdiv, meet your van and guide to make the 30-minute drive to Asen's Fortress. Admire this beautiful, medieval structure and learn about the history of the place before taking photos from the top. Start your journey back to Sofia with an expected arrival time of approximately 6:00 PM.

From Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour

6. From Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour

Drive to the dramatic Rhodope Mountains for this half-day tour from Plovdiv, passing the pretty town of Asenovgrad to see the remarkable fortress remains of King Ivan Asen, a wise ruler of the 2nd Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit the 13th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God to admire the historic iconography and stone inscriptions. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain scenery, and learn why the fortress gained importance in the Middle Ages, and how it was conquered by the armies of the Third Crusade. Next, head to picturesque Bachkovo Monastery deeper in the mountains. Founded in 1083, and one of the most sacred places in Bulgarian history, the monastery’s main church contains a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary from 1310 that, according to legend, can work miracles. Admire the 12th-century Church of the Archangels and its 19th-century paintings. The refectory, with beautifully preserved murals from 1643, is another jewel. Together with the Doomsday fresco, marvel at images of sainted monks and ancient philosophers, such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Diogenes. Admire the stunning mural on the outside wall of the refectory, representing a bird’s eye view of the surrounding buildings. The monastery tour ends at the Church of Saint Nikola, built between 1834 and 1837, but nature lovers can continue with a short walk in the “Red Wall” nature reserve, hiking to a beautiful waterfall, located some 15 min. away from the cloister.

From Plovdiv: Wonderful Bridges and Rhodope Cuisine Day Trip

7. From Plovdiv: Wonderful Bridges and Rhodope Cuisine Day Trip

The Wonderful Bridges are a stunning set of natural wonders that have been carved from solid rock over millions of years. With breathtaking views of the rushing river below and unique rock formations, this is a destination unlike any other. The village of Kosovo is a peaceful and authentic corner of Bulgaria, with traditional homes, cobbled streets, and a strong sense of community. Here, visitors can experience the charm of rural life and admire the well-preserved historical and cultural heritage of the village, and also enjoy the amazing Rhodope cuisine. At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will start a beautiful and scenic trip toward the highlight of the day- Wonderful Bridges. The Wonderful Bridges are a set of unique natural bridges formed over millions of years through the process of erosion. These bridges are located in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria and are considered to be some of the most stunning and unusual geological formations in Europe. Each bridge is carved from solid rock and is a result of the relentless action of water over time. The bridges vary in size, shape, and height, but all have a natural beauty that is truly breathtaking. Some of the bridges are over 100 meters in height and span up to 50 meters across. The tallest and most famous bridge, known as the Eye Bridge, is a popular spot for tourists and is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive natural wonders in Bulgaria. After we admire the mighty of Nature we will start our drive deeper into the mountain and our goal is to reach an amazingly beautiful small village where you will taste the culture and the unique cuisine of the Rhodope region. The village is known for its well-preserved historical and cultural heritage, with many of the traditional homes and buildings dating back several hundred years. Visitors to Kosovo can admire the architecture and intricate details of the old homes, which are characterized by their wooden balconies and intricate carvings. After Kosovo, we will start our journey back to Plovdiv. On the way, we can make a stop and visit the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria- Bachkovo monastery. Its story started in the XI century but is mostly famous for the burial sites of two Bulgarian heroes, responsible for saving the Jews during the Second World War in Bulgaria. Despite the historical value of the place, the monastery is also very beautiful and it is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Together, these destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and motivated. So join us on this day tour and discover the beauty and wonder of Bulgaria!

Sofia: Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain

8. Sofia: Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain

Your tour starts with pickup from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia at 8:00AM. After an approximate 1.5-hour drive, you will reach Plovdiv. Once there you will visit the highlights, such as the 1st-century Roman Theatre, the 2nd-century Roman Stadium, the oldest mosque on the Balkans, and an old pharmacy. You will then have the chance to take a walk through the Old Town where you can observe the typical Revival Period houses, museums, and narrow cobblestone streets. Scheduled throughout your itinerary are visits to 5 sites, as well as the top of the main hill which provides great views over the whole city. After you finish your exploration of Plovdiv, you will drive south to the Rhodope Mountain. This road is very scenic, and you will soon reach Vucha Dam where you will be picked by a boat before being taken to a place where you can enjoy lunch. While at this scenic location, enjoy a nice walk up to the cliff and a boat trip on the reservoir. At the conclusion of this unforgettable experience, you will head safely back to Sofia.

Plovdiv: Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour

9. Plovdiv: Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour

Every traveler in Bulgaria wants to visit the most interesting places and take away the most vivid impressions. Your collection of memories will be complete if you visit the sights of Plovdiv, the capital of culture, in the company of an audio guide. You will explore the old town of Plovdiv on your own at your own pace, with the help of an audio guide and a map of the excursion route. Approaching the desired object, you dial its number and start playback. After paying for the tour, a link with access to audio files will be sent to your email. On the day of the excursion you have chosen, the link will become active and will be valid for 24 hours. You will listen to audio recordings through your phone. You will need internet and headphones to listen to recordings in temples. Attention: internet consumption is minimal! The first point is the Roman Stadium  later you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient theater, Klianty and Lamartine’s house. You can continue the trail through Saborna street and enter the unique Armenian church museum, where you can see the nail and a piece of the wooden board with the abbreviation in Latin INRI (Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews) which was nailed over the head of Jesus on the Crucifix. What is more, according to specialists, the museum possesses some of the richest collections worldwide, of artefacts related to the history of the Armenians. Then you can continue to Nebet Tepe, where you will enjoy a beautiful view over the city standing between century-old remains. Passing through the Artisans Street, you will be lead to the East Gate of Philippopolis and the Small Basilica, where you will discover a beautiful roman mosaic. Following the road you will appreciate the Great Basilica, and of course the Trakart museum. The tour finishes with the new city center and a part of the Roman Stadium. The itinerary that is proposed is circular and seems to be the most convenient in order to see all the sights, but you can feel free to remodel it to your tastes because you decide when and to which audio recordings to listen. The duration of the trip may differ, according to you, from 2,5 hours to 4 hours.

Plovdiv: Guided Walking Tour

10. Plovdiv: Guided Walking Tour

Make the most of your stay in Plovdiv with this guide city tour. Plovdiv is one of the oldest settlements in the world. The beginning of its history dates back to 4,000 BC and it has preserved Thracian, Roman and Bulgarian heritage from different epochs. There will be a 2-hour walking tour in the heart of the town, which will give you the chance to learn lots of historical facts and legends while exploring the most interesting sightseeing locations. See the Roman theatre and parts of the Roman stadium. Walk along the longest pedestrian street in Europe. Explore the magnificent revival area with its unique colorful houses from the 19th century. This year Plovdiv is the current European capital of culture. Don't miss this chance to come and learn all about this wonderful place.

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What people are saying about Plovdiv

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 434 reviews

The day trip to Plovdiv is a great experience! I highly recommend it to everyone visiting Sofia as it is a relatively close destination. The architecture and history in Fillipoupolis is captivating. Our english tour guide (Maria) was very pleasant, helpful and informative about the city. Timing was followed according to the program.

Guide was very informative and pleasant. Was a small group of about 10 people. Saw old and new Plovdiv. Plovdiv tour was about 2hrs. Then we had about 2hrs of free time to explore on our own. Left Sofia at 9am and returned by 4pm. Overall, a very good tour.

It was a great tour . Lots of information and our tour guide and driver were both very professional and kind.

Great day out, Plovdiv is lovely and our guide Plamin was great, very helpful

Excellent tour with our own tour guide Val who was very knowledgeable.