Plovdiv

Private Experiences

Depart Sofia and relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 2-hour journey by shuttle bus with friendly English-speaking driver. Head towards the scenic Sredna Gora Mountains, and arrive at the charming old town of Koprivshtitsa to stroll the cobblestone streets and marvel at the old houses at leisure. Get 2 hours to discover architectural gems from the Bulgarian National Revival renaissance at your own pace. Then, continue to the historic city of Plovdiv, known for its huge variety of cultural events and historic monuments. Benefit from 3 hours to explore the Old Town at your own pace, and discover Roman remains such as the ancient theater and ancient stadium. Use the time to go to the artistic district of Kapana, and take an optional free guided tour at 2:00 PM to learn more about the rich history of Bulgaria's second city. Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point, and return to Sofia to get dropped off at the meeting point on arrival.

Explore the largest biosphere reserve in the Rhodope Mountains – the Red Wall. This paradise for orchids was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program back in 1977, due to its rich biodiversity. The centuries-old beech tree forests of the Red Wall host more than 20 species of orchids including the unique “lady’s-slipper”, which can be seen only in this reserve. You'll hike to one of the tallest waterfalls of the Rhodope Mountains, Slivodolsko Padalo (49 meters) where you stop for a refreshing rest under the mist of the falling water before visiting Bachkovo, among the largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Europe. The tour ends with a sightseeing tour of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the best cities to visit in 2015. Your guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel or address in Sofia or Plovdiv, and within a two-hour journey by private car or minivan you'll be at the starting point of the hike in the Rhodope Mountains. Walk by a picturesque trail upstream Slivov Dol river with its numerous cascades where many orchids can be spotted. Reach Slivodolsko Padalo waterfall (49 meters), among the tallest in the Rhodope Mountains. After a short break you'll walk back to the car, then be transferred to Bachkovo Monastery for a sightseeing tour and lunch. Later, the journey will continue with a short transfer and city tour of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. In the late afternoon you'll head towards Sofia, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel.

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.

On this 3-hour tour you will discover the most impressive sites in Plovdiv. Explore the Old Town, an architectural and historical reserve. This part of town features houses from the National Revival period (18-19th-century) and has an imposing open-air museum situated on the 3 hills of the ancient Trimontium. One of the most remarkable sights of the town, the ancient theater (a well-preserved Roman theater), is located there and is still used for open-air performances. Continue your history lesson at the remains of the Roman theater dating back to the 2nd-century before walking down to the 14th-century Djumaya Mosque. Finally, the tour ends at the main pedestrian commercial street with its many cafes and shops, where you can feel the unique laid-back atmosphere of this spectacular city.

Visit the Eastern Orthodox monastery of Bachkovo and admire its ancient frescos, valuable icons, and scenic courtyard. Afterward, head to Plovdiv and tour its old town. Meander through cobbled streets and be inspired by the city's architecture ranging from Antiquity to Bulgarian revivalism. Your day trip begins with a pickup from your hotel with a suggested departure time between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Depart for Bachkovo Monastery. The drive is around 2 hours and 15 minutes and takes you on a scenic drive through the Rhodope Mountains. Arrive at the monastery and spend time touring its grounds. Afterward, head to Plovdiv. The drive takes around 30 minutes. Stop for lunch in a traditional restaurant (subject to your decision) and then visit the old town of Plovdiv. Enjoy spending free time exploring Plovdiv and seeing its stunning architecture and stopping by its Roman theater. Conclude your day trip with a drive back to Sofia, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.