Drive to the dramatic Rhodope Mountains for this half-day tour from Plovdiv, passing the pretty town of Asenovgrad to see the remarkable fortress remains of King Ivan Asen, a wise ruler of the 2nd Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit the 13th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God to admire the historic iconography and stone inscriptions. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain scenery, and learn why the fortress gained importance in the Middle Ages, and how it was conquered by the armies of the Third Crusade. Next, head to picturesque Bachkovo Monastery deeper in the mountains. Founded in 1083, and one of the most sacred places in Bulgarian history, the monastery’s main church contains a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary from 1310 that, according to legend, can work miracles. Admire the 12th-century Church of the Archangels and its 19th-century paintings. The refectory, with beautifully preserved murals from 1643, is another jewel. Together with the Doomsday fresco, marvel at images of sainted monks and ancient philosophers, such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Diogenes. Admire the stunning mural on the outside wall of the refectory, representing a bird’s eye view of the surrounding buildings. The monastery tour ends at the Church of Saint Nikola, built between 1834 and 1837, but nature lovers can continue with a short walk in the “Red Wall” nature reserve, hiking to a beautiful waterfall, located some 15 min. away from the cloister.

In recent years archeologists made a sensational discovery near the village of Starosel in central Bulgaria. They uncovered the enormous temple-grave of what is believed to be a Thracian ruler, possibly Sitalkes I, the first king of a combined Thracian empire. On this 5-hour trip you’ll stop first to visit the temple and then continue on to Hissaria, a small resort town noted for its hot mineral springs. Located near the Sredna Gora mountain range, it boasts a very mild climate and over 2 dozen mineral springs. The Starosel temple dates to the 4th or 5th century B.C. This impressive site is also known as the Starosel Thracian Cult Complex, as several tombs were discovered around the central temple. Hissar is one of the 3 international spa resorts in Bulgaria, and is also known for its Roman ruins. The ruins are visible everywhere, and include public buildings, a small amphitheater, the barracks of the Roman garrison and the best-preserved Roman fortress in the country. Take a walk in the town’s green parks and pass mineral hot springs, fountains and ruins.

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.

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.

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.