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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Our tour will start with a pick-up from your hotel at 09:00. We will have around 2 hours drive on a modern highway which is covering the ancient road connecting the Silk road with Rome. When we reach Sofia we will head toward the historical center of Sofia. We will park the car and will have around 3 hours walking tour of the city. We will visit one more museum- Sofia history museum where you will learn about our 20th-century monarchy period when Sofia became the center of our country. Also during the day tour, the remains of the Roman city of Serdica will be revealed by visiting the Roman ruins, St. Sofia church, and the rotunda of St. George. Other highlights will be Alexander Nevski cathedral, the symbol of the city, the monarchy palace, Sofia University's main building, a piece of art from the very late 19th century, the parliament, and of course the Communist administrative center. When we finish with the exploration of the center of ancient Sofia we will drive to its outskirts and will visit the main Communnist residence where in modern times is situated the National history museum. The museum's collections span over 13,000 years of history, from the earliest civilizations in the region to the Ottoman Empire and modern-day Bulgaria. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of medieval artifacts, including weapons, armor, and religious icons from the Bulgarian Middle Ages. This period saw the establishment of the Bulgarian Empire and the development of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, both important parts of Bulgaria's cultural heritage. Our next stop will be the famous site- Boyana church., a medieval church that is considered one of the finest examples of medieval Balkan art. The church was built in the late 10th century but is known for its stunning frescoes, from the 13th century. These frescoes depict scenes from the lives of saints, as well as portraits of Bulgarian nobles and church dignitaries. The church is also noted for its architectural features, which combine elements of Byzantine and Bulgarian styles. The interior of the church is divided into three parts, each with its own unique characteristics. The nave is lined with columns and has a ribbed ceiling, while the semi-dome of the apse is decorated with intricate frescoes. The narthex, or entrance area, is also adorned with frescoes and serves as a transition between the secular and religious worlds. Our final stop before we head back to Plovdiv will be at one of the most interesting and significant monuments from the Communist period- park "The Bells". It was constructed in 1979 by the daughter of the last Communist leader of Bulgaria through the initiative called "The flag of peace". Children from both sides of The Iron curtain were meeting each other and making bells which are presented in the park.

Day 1 – Arriving in Bucharest and begin adventure. Arrival at Bucharest airport. Individual transfer and accommodation at your hotel. Late walking tour of the Old Town. Pick up from your hotel. Cărturești Carusel - In a nutshell, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores... 6 floors and an amazing setting. There's more here (visit inside). Leisure time, with the option of dining at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel at a predetermined time. Some free time. Overnight stay. Day 2 – Discover Romanian treasures Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Peles Castle. Departure for Bran Castle (Dracula). Dracula – as he is perceived today – is a fictitious character whose name derives from the appellation given to Vlad Tepes, the ruler of Wallachia from 1456-1462 and 1476. Evening panoramic bus tour of Bucharest, including the Romanian Parliament (Ceausescu Palace), Victory Square, the Romanian Triumphal Arch, and Revolution Square. Return to your hotel room. Spare time. Overnight stay. Day 3 – Explore Veliko Tarnovo – Medieval Bulgarian capital Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Bulgarian border. Pick up from your hotel. Cross Danube river and arrive in Veliko Tarnovo. (Transfer 190 km – approx. 3 hours) Short walking tour. Departure, we head further south, to Plovdiv city. (Transfer 180 km – approx. 3,5 hours) We cross Stara Planina (The Balkan), At the top we have a coffee break. Your tour guide will tell you an interesting story about this place. Arriving in Plovdiv and check in at your hotel. Short evening walking tour in Old Town. Spare time for dinner and relax. Overnight stay. Day 4 – Go to Istanbul.. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Istanbul. (Transfer 440 km – approx. 6 hours) During the trip, your tour guide will tell you about the most interesting moments of the historical relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, filled with dramatic events. Short stop for lunch and a short rest in Edirne (Turkey). Arrive in Istanbul. Check in in your hotel. Spare time to relax and dinner opportunity. Evening Istanbul is at your disposal! Overnight. Day 5 - The treasures of Istanbul Breakfast is served at the hotel. Morning - Istanbul sightseeing city tour journey by bus and boat – total 3 hours. Pick up from your hotel. Discover Istanbul on this 90-minute bus tour and a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise. Plus, learn its history through its top sites (and hidden ones too): Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, Galata Tower, and more. Cruise along for 90-minutes over the Asian and European shores. Enjoy the picturesque skyline as you pass historical sites, palaces, fortresses, and the Bosphorus bridges, becoming fully enchanted by the scenery. Transfer back to your hotel. Half day spare time to relax, shopping and discover Istanbul myself. Overnight stay. Day 6 - Coming home Check out and transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight.

Day 1 – Arriving in Sofia. Arrival at Sofia airport. Transfer and accommodation at your hotel. Evening - late short walking tour on lovely place - Vitoshka street – orientation tour for opportunities for dinner in one of Sofia's local restaurants, grocers, wineries, or beer pubs. Pickup from your hotel. Overnight stay. Day 2 – Explore Sofia and Plovdiv. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Check – out. After Breakfast at 9:30 a.m - walking tour of Sofia's historic center (duration - about 3 hours approx.). Pick up from hotel. Landmarks: St. Sophia Church - dating to the 6th century. National Assembly (Parlament) of the Republic of Bulgaria. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - (visit inside). Natoinal Gallery – Kvadrat 500 (visit inside) Saint Nikolas Russian Church - with best elegant domes… National Art Gallery - The former Royal Palace... Teatral Garden – Research and Feel the aristocratic spirit of Sofia from the 19th century. National Theater. The Presidency Building - Watch the change of the guards Council of Ministers. Sveta Nedelya Church - (visit inside). Departure by bus, we head further south, to Plovdiv city. (Transfer 150 km – approx. 2 hours) Arriving in Plovdiv and check in in your hotel. Spare time and opportunities for lunch, shopping or coffee break. Short evening walking tour in Old Town. Pick up from your hotel. Plovdiv, the second biggest city of Bulgaria, is considered to be one of the oldest settlements of Europe, with more than 7000 years of history. Spare time for dinner, relax or take your own walk in this lively and friendly city Overnight stay. Day 3 – Go to Istanbul.. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Check – out. Departure by bus to Istanbul. (Transfer 440 km – approx. 6 hours, depend from Bulgaria – Turkey border traffic). Pick up from your hotel. During the trip, your tour guide will tell you about the most interesting moments of the historical relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, filled with dramatic events. En route stop with opportunities for lunch and a short rest in Edirne (Turkey). Arrive in Istanbul. Check in your hotel. Spare time to relax and dinner opportunity. Evening Istanbul is at your disposal! Overnight stay. Day 4 - The treasures of Istanbul Breakfast is served at the hotel. Morning - Istanbul sightseeing city tour journey by bus and boat – total 3 hours. Pick up from your hotel. Discover Istanbul on this 90-minute bus tour and a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise. Plus, learn its history through its top sites: Top Kapi Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, Galata Tower, and more. Transfer back to your hotel. Half day spare time to relax, shopping and discover Istanbul myself. Overnight stay. Day 5 - Coming home Check-out and individual transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight. Breakfast is available if your flight is not too early. Not all hotels provide a breakfast package for early departure guests.

This tour is perfect for travelers who are doing city trip vacation to the Cultural Capital of Europe. Plovdiv is considered to be one of the oldest cities and it is keeping its heritage from all periods of human history. Itinerary Day 1: Explore Plovdiv Old city You will be picked from your accommodation in Sofia and transferred to the historical part of Plovdiv. Our guide will give you an introduction to the cultural capital of Europe. You will check in your hotel in the historical part of Plovdiv and visit some of the main highlights – wealthy merchants' houses from the XIX century, the Roman theatre, the Roman stadium, 14th-century mosque, which gave the architect fashion in the whole Ottoman Empire, an old pharmacy and many more. Our guide will share all his knowledge about Plovdiv and Bulgaria with you. The evening you can spend in “The Trap” area, full of small restaurants and bars, serving good craft beers and wines. Day 2: Vucha reservoir, Devin path, and wine tasting After breakfast, you will visit one very interesting church, dated Late Antiquity, It is situated 20 kilometers from Plovdiv. After that, we will get in direction of the Rhodope Mountain. We pass a very beautiful and scenic road around some of the biggest water reserves in Bulgaria. You will enjoy the amazing nature by walking an eco path which will lead you to a beautiful waterfall. If your appetite has grown from the fresh air we will go to a restaurant to have lunch and enjoy the view from its terrace. In the afternoon we visit one of the best wine cellars in the South part of Bulgaria. Despite the good wines the place has very interesting owners and history. You will have a wine tasting and a guided tour inside the chateau. At the end of the day, we will get back to Plovdiv and enjoy the evening there. Day 3: Asen’s Fortress, Bachkovo monastery, and the Wonder Bridges This is the final day of your tour. After breakfast, we will check out our hotel and head to Asenovgrad, where we will visit a medieval fortress with a perfectly preserved church from the 13th century. The top of its fortifications will provide you with a spectacular view of the area. Duration: 1 hour Our next objective is the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria – Bachkovo monastery. It is beautifully painted and exists since the 11th century. It is still an active place of worship. It is also the place where the heroes who saved the Jewish community in Bulgaria during the Second World War from being sent to the Nazi camps. The rest of the day depends on your flight details. If you have to spend 1-2 hours more before catching a flight your guide will drive you to the museum of the Bulgarian Airforce. There you can see the evolution of military aircrafts, helicopters, etc. If time allows more you can reach a huge natural formation famous with the name “The Wonder Bridges” and admire the force of nature and time. The transfer to the airport is included.