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Things to do in Plovdiv

Our most recommended things to do in Plovdiv

Plovdiv: Full-Day Small Group Excursion from Sofia

1. Plovdiv: Full-Day Small Group Excursion from Sofia

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.

From Sofia: Plovdiv Guided Day Tour

2. 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: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress

3. 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 with virtual reality glasses 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 Sofia: Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

4. From Sofia: Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Leave Sofia and enjoy a full-day tour to Plovdiv, Asen's fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery with a licensed guide. See some of the most interesting historic sites in the area, like Nebet Tepe, the Roman theater of Phillippolis, and the Church of the Holy Mother of God on this tour. Leave Sofia and set out for a full-day tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery. Start the day with hotel pickup in Sofia and relax on the 90-minute drive to Plovdiv. Visit the site of Nebet Tepe, an ancient settlement founded around 4000 BC, and see some historical buildings. Travel to the Roman theater of Phillippolis, one of the world's best-preserved ancient theaters. Marvel at the intricate wooden architecture of Hindliyan's house before moving on to the modern Kapana district to explore the shops and wander one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Relax on the approximately 30-minute drive from Plovdiv to Asen's Fortress, perched on top of a hill in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Learn how the fortress that defended the route from the Aegean Sea to Thrace, and see the ruins of the fort itself and the Church of the Holy Mother of God. Admire some of the fragments of fourteenth-century murals in the church, and see its rectangular tower, believed the be the earliest preserved tower of its kind in the Balkans—Marvel at breathtaking views from the top of the fortress before departing for the next stop. Leave the fortress behind and stop at Bachkovo Monastery, the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria. Explore the main church with one of the oldest iconostasis in Bulgaria and the miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary, the biggest fresco from the nineteenth century. Wander the Monastery and see the old dining room and original marble table, where monks ate for over three centuries, and gazer at the well-preserved murals in the St. Archangels and St. Nicolas churches. Sit in the courtyard and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and impressive trees. Buy handicrafts, honey, homemade jam, yogurt, herbs, and other gifts on the walk back by the monastery alley before returning back to Sofia on an approximately 2 hour and 20-minute drive.

From Sofia: Europe's Oldest City, Plovdiv including Pickup

5. From Sofia: Europe's Oldest City, Plovdiv including Pickup

Plovdiv, the second biggest city in Bulgaria, is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in Europe, with more than 7000 years of history. Plovdiv is situated on the crossroads between the West and the East, amid the fertile plain of Thrace, where history and modernity go hand in hand. See how culture and art have always thrived in this city as you explore a vivid medley of shapes, styles, and colors. The city is home to the fabulous remains of the Ancient Roman Empire – the Roman Stadium, the Roman Forum, and the Amphitheatre. During your time in the city, you can discover the Old Town of Plovdiv, situated on the three hills of the ancient Trimontium. See the houses from the National Revival period, which  have been proclaimed an architectural open air museum. Discover many of the main sights in the area with a guide.

From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery

6. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery

On this full-day tour you will visit Plovdiv and the Bachkovo Monastery, located 170 kilometers from Sofia. You will start your journey from Sofia in the morning and first visit the old town of Plovdiv for a 2.5-hour walking tour through the Roman and medieval remains. You will then have some free time for a stroll along the main street in Plovdiv, enjoy an open-air café, or a quick kebab sandwich. Before returning to Sofia in the evening, stop at the Bachkovo Monastery (30 minute-drive from Plovdiv), where you can admire the churches and the dining room wall paintings from 1602. Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns, contemporary to Troya and Mikena. It has existed as a settlement for about 8,000 years, and became a town 3,000 years ago during the Troyan war. In the historic quarter of the city you will see beautifully decorated Revival period houses, the ancient fortress-wall, the Roman forum and stadium, and magnificent churches. The old city of Plovdiv with its museums, historical sites, ancient houses, and paved streets is the perfect place for sightseeing.

Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress Private Day Trip

7. Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress Private Day Trip

Plovdiv is one of the oldest settlements in the world, growing across three adjacent hills, and its incredible history dates back to 4,000 B.C. A must-see in Bulgaria, the town has preserved Thracian, Roman and Bulgarian heritage from different epochs. On a 1.5-hour walking tour into the heart of town, you will learn historical facts and legends while exploring its most fascinating sites. You will see the Roman Theater and parts of the Roman Stadium. Walk through the longest pedestrian street in Europe. Explore the magnificent revival old town with its unique colorful houses from the 19th century. See the recently uncovered early Christian mosaics dating back to the 4th century. After exploring Plovdiv, you will head to the mountains and visit the remains of the old medieval Asen's Fortress (named after the famous Bulgarian king Ivan Asen II) and its church from high above the valley. From here you can see amazing panoramic views and take breathtaking photos. At the end of your tour you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

From Sofia: Full-Day Tour of Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa

8. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour of Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa

In the morning departure to one of the most popular villages in Bulgaria, Koprivshtitsa. Once you arrive the guide will take you around and will make you indulge in the turbulent history of the Bulgarians from the 19th century. Visit the houses of some of the most prominent revolutionaries who fought for the liberty of Bulgaria. Koprivshtitsa One Day Tour from Sofia is a journey back to the 19th century. It is a charming village where many revolutionaries, poets, writers and scholars were born. In the 18th and 19th century, the inhabitants of Koprivshtitsa became famous as good stockbreeders and artisans. They produced thick woolen fabrics and clothing and travelled all over Europe and the Middle East. The wealthy town was attractive for the violent Turkish troops. They burned and looted the village three times. Koprivshtitsa reached its zenith in the 19th century. The locals built churches and schools, lavish houses and bridges. They also established a cultural club, along with a students` society. The inhabitants of the village took part in all of the largest incidents of struggle for national liberation. On April 20, 1976, the first rifle shot at the oppressor was here and the revolutionaries declared the April uprising. It cleared the way for the construction of modern Bulgaria. Proceed to Plovdiv. After arrival take a guided tour of the Old Town. You will admire the very well preserved Roman theater and Roman stadium. Walk around the cobble stone streets and feel the ambience of this beautiful part of Plovdiv. After the tour hang around the art neighborhood Kapana. It will give you the feeling that you are in a real art town. Plovdiv Tour is a must-do tour when you visit Bulgaria. “Ancient and Eternal” Plovdiv is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago, thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life. The most visited and admired is the hilly Old Town, built on three hills called “tepeta”. The maze of cobbled streets which meander the area and contain the cuddled up revival houses with their colorful facades and ornate decoration don’t fail to impress and take you back in time. The modern part of the city center is built along the main pedestrian street starting at the Central Square. It passes along the Mosque just next to the Old Town. This long street runs past all kinds of monuments, fountains, the ruins of the Roman stadium, shops, restaurants and coffees all the way to River Maritsa. Have some free time before you depart back to Sofia. Arrive in Sofia in the early evening. Drop off in your hotel.

From Sofia: Private Transfer to Plovdiv

9. From Sofia: Private Transfer to Plovdiv

The effortless way to reach your desired destination is by car transfer. You are offered the best private car/ minivan transfer service for your vacation, business meeting, work, or commitment. You will receive a high-quality service at top rates for a Sofia – Plovdiv transfer. Booking a private transfer, first, you will be asked to indicate your preferred time and pick-up point (hotel or another place of accommodation). Please be ready for collection at least 5 mins before the specified time for pickup in your reservation. The comfortable vehicles and friendly staff are fully equipped to meet your needs for a real VIP experience. The transfer duration is approximately two hours, with a total length of 150 km. Save yourself time and energy - reach your desired destination with ease. Give yourself the opportunity to travel safely and on time from Sofia to Plovdiv with an exclusive intercity transfer.

From Sofia: Day Tour of Plovdiv with Roman Theater Ticket

10. From Sofia: Day Tour of Plovdiv with Roman Theater Ticket

- Pick up from your hotel. Suggested departure time is between 9 am and 10 am. You can pick up your own departure time. - Departure to Plovdiv. The drive will take around 1 hour and 45 mins. - Take a guided tour of the Old town. Plovdiv Day Tour is a must-do tour when you visit Bulgaria. “Ancient and Eternal” Plovdiv is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago, thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life. The most visited and admired is the hilly Old Town, built on three hills called “tepeta”. The maze of cobbled streets which meander the area and contain the cuddled up revival houses with their colorful facades and ornate decoration don’t fail to impress and take you back in time. The modern part of the city center is built along the main pedestrian street starting at the Central Square. It passes along the Mosque just next to the Old Town. This long street runs past all kinds of monuments, fountains, the ruins of the Roman stadium, shops, restaurants and coffees all the way to River Maritsa. - Have some free time after the tour. You can have lunch in a local restaurant or further explore the central part. - Departure to Sofia. The drive back to Sofia will take around 1 hour and 45 mins. - Drop off in your hotel. End of service.

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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.