Day Trip from Plovdiv to
Buzludzha Monument

Includes

Licensed tour guide/driver
Private transportation
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT, and parking fees
Pickup and drop off from your hotel in Plovdiv

Excludes

Food and Drinks: Meals and beverages are not included in the tour price.
Tips and Gratuities: While optional, tipping is greatly appreciated. Offering a gratuity is a thoughtful way to thank your guide for their expertise and hospitality.
Entrance Fees: Admission to landmarks depends on group size and can be paid on arrival.
Personal Expenses: Any additional personal costs, such as souvenirs or extra snacks, are not covered.

Benefits

Pick-up/ Drop off from your hotel in Plovdiv
Friendly English-speaking tour guide/driver who is knowledgeable about the local culture, history, and attractions.
Private transportation
Personalized attention, ensuring that all your questions are answered and your needs are met throughout the tour.
Opportunity for spontaneous stops, whether it’s for photos, local snacks, or additional sights, giving you a unique and memorable experience.

Good to Know

Duration of the Trip: This full-day tour lasts approximately 6-7 hours, including travel time from Plovdiv to Buzludzha and back.
Comfortable Clothing & Footwear: Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain around the Buzludzha Monument. 
Safety Considerations: Some areas of the Buzludzha Monument may be unstable or restricted. Your guide will provide safety instructions to ensure a safe exploration.
Weather Considerations: Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended as conditions can change quickly in the mountains and it’s often windy.
Personal Expenses: Additional personal costs such as souvenirs, snacks, or local products are not included. Bringing cash is recommended.

Detailed Program of the Day Trip

Pick-up from your hotel in Plovdiv and depart for Buzludzha Monument
Transfer to Buzludzha Monument (2.5 hours)
Explore the communist-era Buzludzha Monument and learn about its history
Transfer to the Kazanlak area, with a stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a beautiful Russian-style church built in honor of the fallen soldiers during the Russo-Turkish War
Stop for lunch (Optional) at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant
Visit the Thracian Tomb of Golyama Kosmatka, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Transfer back to Plovdiv (2 hours)
Drop-off at your hotel

Other day trips in and around Plovdiv we provide:

• Walking city tour of Plovdiv
• Day tour to Veliko Tarnovo & Etar Complex

More About Buzludzha Monument

The Buzludzha Monument, perched atop a craggy peak in the Balkan Mountains, is a potent representation of Bulgaria’s convoluted and frequently turbulent past. This famous building, which resembles a massive spaceship or UFO, was built in 1981 to mark the establishment of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. Buzludzha, which was formerly a lavish gathering spot for the communist elite, is now in a state of eerie decay but still provides a window into the socialist past of the nation.

An Exceptional Work of Architecture

Georgi Stoilov, a Bulgarian architect, created the monument, which is a masterwork of Brutalist architecture. The tower, which rises to a height of almost 70 meters and is topped by a red star that formerly glowed over the mountains, is striking due to its circular shape and enormous concrete facade.

History in Ruins

The Buzludzha Monument was abandoned following the fall of the communist regime in 1989, leaving it open to the elements and looters, despite its past as a symbol of strength and advancement. Even though many of the mosaics have been damaged and the roof has partially collapsed over time, the site’s haunting beauty and historical significance still draw tourists in.

The monument’s exterior alone makes the trip worthwhile, even though the interior is still off-limits to the public due to safety concerns.