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.

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day

We are the only company that offers this unique combination of tour to Rila Monastery and Plovdiv in one day. Visit the two most visited locations in one day with this amazing tour. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria. Plovdiv’s history spans 8,000 years, it’s the second biggest city in Bulgaria. Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. Please have appropriate clothes. We won't have time for a restaurant meal, just packed lunch or fast food. Approximate schedule, it can be plus/minus 30 minutes at those stops depending on traffic: 07:45 Meet and leave Sofia 09:15 Arrivel at Rila Monastery 10:15 Leaving for Plovdiv 13:30 Some time to walk around Plovdiv 14:00 We join the Free Plovdiv Tour (this is a donation based tour, and the tip for the guide is not included in the price of the tour) 16:00 Time to walk around and optionally grab some food 17:00 We leave Plovdiv 18:30 We arrive in Sofia

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!

Day tour from Sofia to Skopje and Matka Canyon

After belonging to many empires over time (including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and most recently Yugoslavian), Macedonia gained its independence in 1991. This influence from different eras and cultures has made its mark on the appearance of Skopje. Skopje - where ancient history and modern life collide in a fascinating way. Set along the Vardar River, the city is known for its lively squares, stone bridges, museums, and monuments, as well as its vibrant café culture and welcoming atmosphere. Skopje serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. Matka Canyon Just a short drive from Skopje lies Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Carved by the Treska River, the canyon is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, medieval monasteries, and deep caves. - Visting Old Bazaar + Caravanserais - Sultan Murad Mosque - Memorial House of Mother Teresa - Church of the Holy Savior Note: Bring your passport!

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.

Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia

Located only 163 kilometers from Sofia, Nis is a fantastic option to add a Serbian stamp in your passport, without checking out from your hotel in Bulgaria. Nis is the third largest city in Serbia and the birthplace of Constantine the Great, one of the most important emperors in the Roman history. Explore the intriguing history of former Yugoslavia, while having delicious authentic Serbian roshtil (grill) either in a traditional restaurant where you can pay with a card (plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available) or try the Serbian street food.

Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

During this day tour, you will be able to visit one of the must-see places in Bulgaria, not surprisingly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, as well as two of the highlights in the region - Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Flexible Group Day Trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church

Experience the pinnacle of Bulgarian cultural heritage in a single day! This unique itinerary allows you to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the majestic Rila Monastery, renowned as Bulgaria's largest and most significant monastery, and the captivating Boyana Church, celebrated for its exquisite 13th-century proto-Renaissance frescoes. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Rila Monastery, marvel at its intricate architecture, and delve into centuries of monastic history. Later, journey to the charming Boyana Church and be transported back in time by its breathtaking wall paintings. Choose your preferred exploration style with either a self-guided tour for independent exploration or a private guided tour for personalized insights and captivating narratives. This exclusive day trip offers an unforgettable cultural experience, showcasing the best of Bulgaria's historical and artistic treasures. Choose between privately-guided and self-guided tour.