Plovdiv , Bulgaria

Sofia - private day tour from Plovdiv

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the capital and largest city of Bulgaria - Sofia. Popular tourist landmarks are the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the early Byzantine Church of St. Sophia, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Russian church, the late Roman Church of St. George, etc.

Available options

Sofia

Sofia - Private Day Tour from Plovdiv<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Private tour

Professional guide

Driver/guide

Live commentary on board

Local taxes

Fuel surcharge

What you'll see

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria with a population of 1.3 million people. It is located in Western Bulgaria at 550 m above sea level and about 150 km northwest of Plovdiv. Sofia is the administrative, cultural, and economic centre of the country. The capital is also located at the northern foot of the Vitosha Mountain, in the Sofia Valley that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Three mountain passes lead to the city, which have been key roads since antiquity, connecting the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe with the Black and the Aegean Sea.

Sofia is a city with a 7000-year history boasting of some artefacts from the Neolithic period. The first known tribes to settle in Sofia and the valley were the Thracians who established a settlement there in the 7-th century BC. Sofia's development as a significant settlement owes much to its central position in the Balkans. The city is also known for its numerous mineral and thermal springs.

On this walking sightseeing tour visit some of the Sofia's popular tourist landmarks like: the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, The Ivan Vazov National Theatre, The Russian church – “St. Nikolai”, the late Roman Church of Saint George (4-th century), The Sofia Synagogue - the largest in the Balkans, the Bulgarian Parliament, The Monument to the Tsar Liberator commemorating Alexander II of Russia, the early Byzantine Church of Saint Sophia (6-th century), etc.

Trip duration: 8-8.5 hours

What's not included

Food and drinks

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.