Bulgaria Travel Guides

Full Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest

Add a second country to your trip with a well paced day tour from Bucharest to northern Bulgaria, covering three distinct stops in one itinerary: Ruse, Arbanasi, and Veliko Tarnovo. After crossing the Danube, enjoy a short stop in Ruse, including the city center pedestrian area and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, then continue to the traditional village of Arbanasi, known for its historic houses and local atmosphere. The highlight of the day is Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, where you will visit the Tsarevets Fortress and have free time to explore and enjoy the panoramic hilltop views. A tour leader keeps the schedule on track and shares practical context about Bulgaria between stops, making this an easy, efficient way to experience the country in one day. Timings may vary depending on border procedures and traffic.

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to two UNESCO sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Enjoy a 40-minute tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. At Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit. Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery. Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time. *Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery. This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via modern vehicle, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guides. During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula. Skopje is a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings, complete with ornate columns and rooftop figures of nymphs. After the reconstruction of the new center has been done, as per the “Skopje 2014” project, the city became one of the popular destinations in Eastern Europe.

From Sofia:Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave

Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila Mountains to explore the sprawling Rila Monastery complex at your own pace, paired with a stop at the historic medieval Boyana Church. ⚠️ BOYANA ENTRY NOTICE: Inside entry is heavily regulated by UNESCO to protect the 13th-century frescoes. Indoor access is ONLY guaranteed if you select an option including Boyana at checkout. Standard transport tiers include an exterior garden visit only. - 2 UNESCO Icons in 1 Day: An efficiently paced route from central Sofia. - Secure your Boyana entry slot by upgrading your tier. - Uncover the secrets of 800-year-old art with your guide. - Enjoy traditional restaurants nearby or bring your own lunch. Note: Local entry fees apply based on your selected booking option

Day Tour to Nis, Serbia - Small group with pick-up and tickets

If you want to understand better the Balkans with all its complexity, rich history and colorful mixture of different cultures and habits, we recommend you to visit Nis with us.  During this day tour you will travel through history with the professional lead of your guide. Our journey through time will start from the Roman period, when Nis gave to the world one great man – The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Then we will continue through the Middle Ages and the period of Ottoman rule which left constructions like the Nis Fortress and the Skull Tower – a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence from the Ottomans. In the end we will pay attention to the Modern history and the period of Nazi occupation of former Yugoslavia, visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp. Of course after all the impressions that you get, it will be time for some rest. You will have the chance to taste the famous Serbian cuisine - one of the most delicious on the Balkans.

Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia

Join us for an unforgettable journey to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Nestled among picturesque hills, this vibrant destination offers a rich blend of history, culture, and charm. Stroll along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, explore the beautifully preserved Revival-era Old Town, and marvel at the impressive Roman Theatre. Your knowledgeable local guide will bring the city’s fascinating past to life during a 2-hour guided tour. Afterward, enjoy around 3 hours of free time to discover Plovdiv at your own pace—relax in a café, browse local shops, or wander its charming streets. Total duration: 8.5 to 10 hours A perfect day trip filled with culture, sights, and unforgettable experiences!

Sofia Food & Tasting Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride

On this small-group tour, you'll taste your way through the city with 5 authentic Sofia food stops off the beaten path: from flaky banitsa and grilled cheese on a tile, to peppers stuffed the old way, slow-cooked lamb, and a surprise dessert. Each stop reveals a piece of local life, history, and flavor — all guided by a passionate local host. Taste authentic Bulgarian specialties at multiple stops while traveling on Sofia’s historic public tram with a city card for the day! Please note: the tasting menu is optional and may be adjusted according to availability or seasonal ingredients. We recommend coming with an empty stomach and skipping a big breakfast beforehand!

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

Experience Bulgaria’s two ultimate highlights in a single day. This expertly timed day trip combines a breathtaking hike to the panoramic Seven Rila Lakes with a cultural visit to the historic Rila Monastery, the largest and most important spiritual landmark in the country. It is the ultimate mountain-and-culture combo designed to maximize your time without feeling rushed. - Conquer the highlights of the Rila Mountains in just one day from Sofia. - Trek past the spectacular lakes with stunning panoramic views (chairlift ticket optional/paid locally). - Rila Monastery: Enjoy ample time to explore the vast UNESCO-listed complex and its famous frescoed church. - Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver navigating the mountain roads. - Active yet Accessible: A moderately active trek perfect for travelers with basic physical fitness and comfortable shoes.

Private 2 in 1 Tour: Koprivshtitsa & Plovdiv from Sofia

Full day (10 hours) private combo tour to the 2 of the most beautiful towns in Bulgaria - Plovdiv, and Koprivshtitsa. The European Capital of Culture for 2019 is a must-see destination and the revival town of Koprivshtitsa is something not to miss while in Bulgaria. Travel with your own private guide and take the tour at your own pace and interests.

VIP Catamaran 4 hour Activity with Snorkeling in Bulgaria

We are the largest and most exclusive catamaran in the Bay of Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. Our boat is characterized by its comfort and spaciousness. We have a large sun deck with six areas of nets where you can relax in the sun while sailing. We also have a central shaded area with comfortable seats and a bar where you can order your drinks.

Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

This day tour perfectly combines history, culture, and nature experiences. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the beautiful green countryside as you head toward the majestic Rila Mountains. Discover Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO site, the Rila Monastery, with a guided or audio-guided tour. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the woods to reach the Cave of Saint Ivan. You will also have free time to explore the monastery on your own before we drive back to Sofia.

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.