Enjoy a tour from Plovdiv and discover the "Wonderful Bridges" in the heart of the mystical Rhodope Mountains. Visit the impressive Asen's fortress, and admire the ancient Bachkovo monastery and its remarkable frescoed walls and icon of the Virgin Mary.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
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Duration 7 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Driver: English
Pickup included: Any hotel or adress within Plovdiv city.
Small group: Limited to 8 participants

Highlights

Walk around the unique rock bridges situated high in the Rhodope Mountains
Explore the Bachkovo monastery and its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary
Enjoy the fantastic panorama from the top of the Asen’s fortress

Full description

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.

Includes

English-speaking driver/guide
Transfers from/to hotel in Plovdiv
Parking fee

Entrance fee to Asen’s Fortress € 2
Entrance fee to Bachkovo Monastery €0.50
Entrance fee to Bachkovo Monastery's refectory €3 (optional visit)
Food
Tips

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 11 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
4.8/5

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Our guide, Stoyan (hope that’s spelled right), was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about everything Bulgarian and was patient with all our questions. He knew all the right places to stop and was in no hurry to get us home. It was an amazing day (even with the rain) in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains outside Plovdiv.

June 25, 2019

beautiful excursion into the Rhodope mountains

We were only two people with our guide Kamen. So it was kind of a private tour. He picked us up at our hotel with his car and took good care of us. He answered all our questions about Plovdiv and surroundings and Bulgaria in general. We had an excellent day in nature with a little bit of hiking to the fortress of Assen and to wonderful stone bridges. We also went to the beautiful monastery Batschkowo. Kamen is a friendly knowledgeable guide. This tour is highly recommendable when you are in Plovdiv.

April 15, 2019

It was a wonderful excursion in a lovely day. My guide and driver, Dimitri was very helpful and friendly and gave me all type of explanations about places, history and culture. I also enjoy his knowledge about music, which, by the way is my favourite subject, and he is an expert driving in those winding roads on the mountains. Thank you.

October 2, 2018

Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Fortress Asen, & Wonder Bridges

Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Fortress Asen, & Wonder Bridges

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beautiful excursion into the Rhodope mountains