Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
From Plovdiv we head towards the Rhodope Mountains passing through the pretty town of Assenovgrad. Nearby we will see the remarkable remains of King Ivan Assen’s fortress – a wise ruler of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. There we are to find an ancient church dating from the 13th century painted with some authentic pieces of iconography as well as the stone made inscription carved by King Ivan Assen. Next we go deeper in the Rhodope Mountains towards the picturesque Bachkovo monastery. The cloister is the second largest in Bulgaria, founded in 1083 and one of the most sacred places in the Bulgarian history.
We can stop on the way if you wish. If you are the only one booked for that day, the tour is just for you.
Please note that the maximum number of people who can join is 6
Available options
Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress
Pickup included
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Inside the monastery we ll visit the main church of the Virgin Mary built in 1604 where a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary from 1310 is kept. According to the legend, this remarkable icon is wonder-working. Attached to the Virgin Mary church we ll see the Archangels Church dating to the 12th century. The monastery refectory is another jewel in the complex which has preserved colorful murals from 1643. Together with the Doomsday fresco, we ll witness the images of some saint-monks, ancient philosophers and writers as Socrates, Aristotle, Diogenes and many more. The panoramic mural on the outside wall of the refectory represents a bird s eye view of the monastery with all the surrounding buildings at the time of the painting – 1846.
2
Nearby we will see the remarkable remains of King Ivan Assen s fortress – a wise ruler of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. There we are to find an ancient church dating from the 13th century painted with some authentic pieces of iconography as well as the stone made inscription carved by King Ivan Assen. The entry is 4 lv for adults and 2 lv for the kids
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
16 reviews
5★
15
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time is included in the total duration
About Plovdiv
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and Roman ruins. Nestled in the Thracian Plain, it offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern culture.
Top Attractions
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
A remarkably preserved Roman theatre from the 2nd century AD, still used for performances today.
Historical
1-2 hours
5 EUR
Old Town
A charming district with well-preserved houses from the 19th century, museums, and art galleries.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore (museums have entry fees)
Kapana Creative District
A vibrant arts and crafts district with galleries, workshops, and trendy cafes.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore (shops and cafes vary)
Nebet Tepe
One of the seven hills of Plovdiv, offering panoramic views of the city and historical ruins.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A traditional pastry filled with cheese, often served for breakfast.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sirene cheese.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Kebapche
Grilled minced meat sausages, a popular street food.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Rhodope Mountains
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
Cafes in Kapana District
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending local festivals
Boating on the Maritsa River
Skiing in nearby resorts
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.
20°C to 35°C
68°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
EET (GMT+2)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Plovdiv is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and insist on the meter.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Plovdiv International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Plovdiv Central Railway Station
By bus
South Bus Station, Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
A network of buses covers the entire city, with frequent and reliable service.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Kapana District
City Center
Day trips
Bachkovo Monastery
30 km • Half day
One of the largest and most important monasteries in Bulgaria, known for its beautiful architecture and religious artifacts.
Asen's Fortress
25 km • Half day
A medieval fortress with stunning views of the Rhodope Mountains and the Asenitsa River.
Festivals
Kapana Fest • June
Plovdiv International Fair • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Roman Theatre for a performance to experience its incredible acoustics.
- Explore the Kapana District for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
- Try traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa and shopska salad.
- Take a day trip to Bachkovo Monastery for a glimpse into Bulgaria's religious history.
- Walk up to Nebet Tepe for stunning panoramic views of the city.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
