Visit the European Capital of Culture on a private day trip from Sofia: Guided walking tour, visits to Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
The day trip to Plovdiv is available from Sofia. Check out the detailed program bellow for more information.
Plovdiv isn’t just the oldest city in Bulgaria… it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. Historians agree that this scenic valley in the south of Bulgaria has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years – but some will tell you that Plovdiv’s history goes back further still, for as much as 8,000 years of continuous habitation! So what can you expect on a Plovdiv day excursion or tour? The answer is, more culture than you could ever imagine.
During this day tour to Plovdiv we will visit the Bachkovo monastery, the Asen’s fortress and the must seen places in Plovdiv – the Old town from 19th century; the Ethnographic museum; Balabanov house; the Ancient theater of Philipopolis; the Ancient stadium of Philipopolis, The St St Constantin and Elena church, The Djumaya mosque and square, The building of the Regional Historical museum, the Main walking street, “The Trap” neighborhood; Nebet tepe and more
If you want to make a tour to Plovdiv with different schedule let me know. I will create the best custom trip to Plovdiv and the surrounding area for you and your group.
Total Distance:
Form Sofia to Plovdiv: 300 km
Tour Duration: Full Day
Best period: All year
Price: Depends on your personal needs and preferences
Visit Plovdiv on a full day tour (European capital of the culture for year 2019) and its most famous highlights – The Roman ruins and stadium, an enchanting Old Town of cobbled streets, The Mosque, and many others.
Get closer to the Bulgarian local life and history in Plovdiv Ethnographic Museum
See the revival architecture in the Old Town of Plovdiv
Visiting the medieval fortress – Asen’s fortress, located in Rhodope mountain near Plovdiv
Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions in Bachkovo monastery
09:00 Pick up from your hotel in Sofia
Visit the Bachkovo monastery
Visiting the Asen’s fortress
Lunch break
Plovdiv sightseeing
Transfer back to your hotel in Sofia
09:00 Pick up from your hotel in Sofia
Visit the Bachkovo monastery
Visiting the Asen’s fortress
Lunch break
Plovdiv sightseeing
Transfer back to your hotel in Borovets
08:00 Pick up from your hotel in Sunny beach, Sozipol, Nessebar or Burgas area
Transfer to Plovdiv area
Visit the Bachkovo monastery
Lunch break
Plovdiv sightseeing
Transfer back to your hotel
Plovdiv is among the worthwhile locations of Bulgaria to get acquainted with in first and subsequent visits. The city scenically lies on both banks on the Maritsa river. The terrain around offers the expanse of the Thracian Plain, and the rising hills of the Rhodope mountain to the south and the Balkan Range to the north. The name “A City under Seven Hills” is derived from the location of its districts amid seven hills.
The scenery is diverse, with plenty of conditions for hikes into the nearby mountains. The Maritsa passing through the city forms another part of its uniqueness. Visitors who arrive for the annual International Trade Fair which is internationally famous can tour the old city part with its old time architecture and peculiar charm. For fans of historical sights, the amphitheater in the center is a must visit place, and another ancient sight is the Roman stadium.
Bachkovo monastery is near Asenovgrad. There, three cultures interacted: Byzantine, Old Georgian, and Bulgarian cultures. The monuments preserved within the monastery are precious. Founded by a Georgian army commander, it initially served as the center of Georgian monks. Literature and translation developed there. An icon from 1311, donated by Georgians, is preserved.
Ivan Aleksandar, Bulgarian ruler, acquired the area in 1344. There was a surge in cultural life in the monastery, with the ruler contributing ample donations. Ivan Aleksandar ordered the murals in the niches, his own portrait, and several saints’ portraits. On the lower floor, the
Around Asenovgrad, the most renowned sight popular with tourists is Asen’s Fortress. It is near the town, rising on the local river’s rocky bank. Reaching it is convenient via a panoramic road. The rock massif on which to fortress rises spans 12 decares. The slopes are steep, almost vertical. The strategic location made the fortress inaccessible, still in its initial period, the Thracian period. Then the Roman times saw its renovation: the Roman emperor issued orders regarding that. Three periods of renovations, with massive building, in the 9th, 11th, and 13th centuries followed.
The pass guarded by the solid fortress guarded was strategic, connecting Thrace with North Greece. The rich agricultural area around contributed to the forming of an individual economic center in the fortress, with its own administration and army. Another expansion was ordered by Ivan Asen II, Bulgarian tsar, in the 13th century; hence the fortress’s present name.
Send me your requirements
We adjust dates and places
I create your custom tour
We confirm the booking.
Transfer with mini van
Entrance fees (The Ethnographic museum, the Ancient thater, Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s fortress )
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT and parking fees
Local tour guide and driver
Pickup and drop off from your hotel
Food and drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Hat and sunglasses are recommended in the summer
Bring long sleeves or scarf to cover your arms in Bachkovo monastery
Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, too
Don’t forget your camera