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Small Group Tour: Exploring Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
4.8
168 Ratings
Sofia
With this daylong journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a location in Bulgaria that’s a must-visit and was fittingly chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Also included in this tour are two significant landmarks of the area - Asen’s Fortress and the Bachkovo Monastery.
With this daylong journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a location in Bulgaria that’s a must-visit and was fittingly chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Also included in this tour are two significant landmarks of the area - Asen’s Fortress and the Bachkovo Monastery.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Plovdiv Old Town - The tour begins with a pick-up from your centrally located hotel or accommodation in Sofia. After a drive of about an hour and a half, we will arrive in Plovdiv. Known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, Plovdiv holds cultural and economic importance both historically and currently due to its strategic location….
- Plovdiv Old Town - The tour begins with a pick-up from your centrally located hotel or accommodation in Sofia. After a drive of about an hour and a half, we will arrive in Plovdiv. Known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, Plovdiv holds cultural and economic importance both historically and currently due to its strategic location. Evidence of its millennia-long history is visible throughout the city, from the Roman Theatre to the Ottoman mosques. This makes Plovdiv one of Bulgaria’s most enchanting destinations, where every corner reveals history, legends from different eras, and traces of a glorious past. Simultaneously, it is delightful to witness how vibrant the city remains as it continues to evolve and create new history. During our visit, we will explore key attractions such as the Roman Theatre, the Roman Stadium, and stroll through the Old Town, featuring house museums from the Revival Period and narrow cobblestone streets. Following this, we will enjoy lunch.
- Assenova krepost (Asen’s Fortress) - After savoring a traditional Bulgarian lunch, we will proceed to the tour’s final destination – Asenova Fortress, approximately a 25-minute drive from Plovdiv. Asen’s Fortress is perched atop a cliff in the Rodopi Mountain, about 20 km from Plovdiv. This medieval fortress boasts a rich history and offers breathtaking views.
- Bachkovo Monastery - After admiring the natural beauty, we will drive to Bachkovo Monastery. This is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the oldest, founded in the late 11th century by a Georgian man. The monastery later became part of the Bulgarian church and has endured much through turbulent times, preserving a wealth of history and drama.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from a centrally located address
- Transport by private vehicle
- Professional guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from a centrally located address
- Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we’ve taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize…
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we’ve taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.
Location
InterContinental Sofia by IHG
ploshtad "Narodno sabranie"
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(168 Ratings)
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Chantal1962
Mar 1, 2026
To do without hesitation - My son came back with stars in his eyes. The beautiful natural scenery, the lovely town of Plovdiv and where history is read at every turn. Not to mention that thanks to Michaela, her kindness and her great knowledge of history, the day was informative, warm and allowed to stock up on beautiful photos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascal_t
Feb 18, 2026
Our tourguide Mika made... - Our tourguide Mika made it a wonderful day for all of us. Plovdiv is worth a visit and Mika divided the time to meet everybody's interests.
Review provided by Viator
Eileen_f
Feb 16, 2026
Rosen, our guide spoke... - Rosen, our guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable about Bulgaria and its history. We had a wonderful day out with him.
Review provided by Viator
179peteru
Dec 29, 2025
Excellent experience of Bulgaria - This was a very good tour. Illan, the guide, is among the most knowledgeable and interesting guides I have ever had. He told us many things I did not know and had great answers to all questions. His English is excellent. He drives very well too.
The maximum size of the tour is 8 persons As it happens, there were only two of us when we went. So it was like a fully private tour. Off season, I imagine this happens quite frequently, and Ilan honored his word and gave us the full, interesting, stimulating treatment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_p
Nov 23, 2025
Great tour to get out of... - Great tour to get out of Sofia and explore a bit more of Bulgaria. I had a lovely day, although the tour did go a bit longer than expected. This was no issue for me but might be good to know if you wanted to make evening plans afterwards.
Review provided by Viator
Mary
Nov 21, 2025
Visually remarkable and informative - It was interesting to see the historic parts of Plovdiv and wander around the shops. The terrain is very rocky, up and down hills, so the recommendation to wear sturdy shoes is spot on. I learned a lot about the Eastern Orthodox Church at the monastery visit, the visuals are intense in the church. The fortress included a hike to a high point with great views. A full and interesting day. Plan for a late return to Sofia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria_h
Sep 29, 2025
Plovdiv in one day - Daniel the tour guide was very good, very knowledgeable and informative.
We like the small group ( total of 3).
Thank you soo much!!!
Review provided by Viator
Peterwf997ef
Sep 28, 2025
Fantastic day out with brilliant Guide and lovely fellow travellers - Everything from first greeting from Anna-Marie, meeting our fellow travellers and getting on the road to Plovdiv was top class. The mini van was spotless and very comfortable, we received very good information from Anna-Marie about journey times, stops for a stretch and toilets etc as we left Sophia. The driving was smooth and very professional and safe.
At each of the stops we were actually by Anna-Marie who gave us information about the buildings and history etc. I was very impressed with her knowledge and she was able to answer all of our questions. We were given time to choose where we wanted to eat and left to enjoy our food having done our tour of Plovdiv. We then went to two further sites Asen’s fortress and a beautiful monastery where Anna-Marie once again explained in detail the history of the sites. I need to mention that some of the sites do need a bit of agility and as I have a mobility issue due to a stroke a couldn’t get around every part of Asen’s fortress but Anna-Marie ensured I had somewhere comfortable to sit and did check on me. I was fine and took photos of the group during these bits. After all the visits, which were all well worth it, we set off back to Sophia. Another safe journey back and Anna-Marie gave us a few good options where we might eat that evening. We picked one and it was great. I couldn’t recommend Bultrips more highly and if you are very lucky you might just get Anna-Marie as your guide 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_a
Sep 27, 2025
A Great, Unique, Unexpected Experience! - We had a wonderful day with our guide Theodore, he was knowledgeable, attentive and great to get along with. Even though there were some surprises he made it a very memorable experience. Due to road construction (no one’s fault!) we could not see the fortress or monastery, which although disappointing, was a hidden blessing, as instead we visited Koprivshtitsa. Theodore provided an insightful view into the history of Bulgaria, and walking around the streets was memorable - we were actually glad the normal tour itinerary did not work out so that we could have this unique experience! Also, the theatre in Plovdiv was not accessible due to preparation for a concert that evening (again, no one’s fault) but we were still able to view it from the perimeter and that was good enough. Plovdiv overall was amazing, we are so glad we went. The tour was a full 11 hours and worth it, we thoroughly enjoyed it and really appreciated having Theodore as our guide.
Review provided by Viator
Ruben_h
Sep 27, 2025
Great tour guide, bad ride. - The tour itself with the knowledge and explanation of the charming tour guide was beyond excellent. Even though some of the tour changed due to circumstances, it didn't lower it or nothing.
The down side was the ride.. it was way too crowded in the minivan, very difficult to seat and even unpleasant (constantly touching and disturpting others) . And I'm quite a skinny guy.
Review provided by Viator
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