Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we've taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Plovdiv Old Town
The tour starts with pick up from your centrally located hotel/accommodation in Sofia. After approximately an hour and a half drive, we will reach Plovdiv. Plovdiv is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The city has cultural and economic significance both in the past and in the present due to its strategic location. Pieces of evidence of its millennial history can be found all over the place – from the Roman Theatre to the Ottoman mosques. This is the reason why Plovdiv is one of the most charming sights in Bulgaria- wherever you look you will find history, a legend from a different period, traces of glorious past and at the same time, it’s a pleasure to see how vivid is it still and how it continues to develop and writes its new history. There we will visit the highlights – the Roman Theatre, the Roman Stadium, and have a walk in the Old Town with typical for the Revival Period house museums and narrow cobblestone streets. Afterward, we will have lunch.
Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
When we are done with our traditional Bulgarian lunch, we will head towards the final destination of the tour – Asenova Fortress (approx. 25 min drive from Plovdiv). Asen's Fortress is situated on the top of a cliff in Rodopi Mountain, at approx. 20 km distance from Plovdiv. It is a Medieval fortress with a rich history and breathtaking view.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
All Fees and Taxes
Hotel pickup and drop-off from a centrally located address
Transport by private vehicle
Food and drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Pickup included
Reviews
168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic guide and...
Kathryn S,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic guide and wonderful experience! We enjoyed the day and learned so much about Bulgarian culture.
To do without hesitation
chantal1962,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My son came back with stars in his eyes. The beautiful natural scenery, the lovely town of Plovdiv and where history is read at every turn. Not to mention that thanks to Michaela, her kindness and her great knowledge of history, the day was informative, warm and allowed to stock up on beautiful photos.
Our tourguide Mika made...
Pascal t,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tourguide Mika made it a wonderful day for all of us. Plovdiv is worth a visit and Mika divided the time to meet everybody's interests.
Rosen, our guide spoke...
Eileen F,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rosen, our guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable about Bulgaria and its history. We had a wonderful day out with him.
Excellent experience of Bulgaria
179peteru,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very good tour. Illan, the guide, is among the most knowledgeable and interesting guides I have ever had. He told us many things I did not know and had great answers to all questions. His English is excellent. He drives very well too. The maximum size of the tour is 8 persons As it happens, there were only two of us when we went. So it was like a fully private tour. Off season, I imagine this happens quite frequently, and Ilan honored his word and gave us the full, interesting, stimulating treatment.
Great tour to get out of...
Susan P,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour to get out of Sofia and explore a bit more of Bulgaria. I had a lovely day, although the tour did go a bit longer than expected. This was no issue for me but might be good to know if you wanted to make evening plans afterwards.
Visually remarkable and informative
Mary J,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was interesting to see the historic parts of Plovdiv and wander around the shops. The terrain is very rocky, up and down hills, so the recommendation to wear sturdy shoes is spot on. I learned a lot about the Eastern Orthodox Church at the monastery visit, the visuals are intense in the church. The fortress included a hike to a high point with great views. A full and interesting day. Plan for a late return to Sofia.
Plovdiv in one day
Maria H,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Daniel the tour guide was very good, very knowledgeable and informative. We like the small group ( total of 3). Thank you soo much!!!
Fantastic day out with brilliant Guide and lovely fellow travellers
peterwF997EF,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything from first greeting from Anna-Marie, meeting our fellow travellers and getting on the road to Plovdiv was top class. The mini van was spotless and very comfortable, we received very good information from Anna-Marie about journey times, stops for a stretch and toilets etc as we left Sophia. The driving was smooth and very professional and safe. At each of the stops we were actually by Anna-Marie who gave us information about the buildings and history etc. I was very impressed with her knowledge and she was able to answer all of our questions. We were given time to choose where we wanted to eat and left to enjoy our food having done our tour of Plovdiv. We then went to two further sites Asen’s fortress and a beautiful monastery where Anna-Marie once again explained in detail the history of the sites. I need to mention that some of the sites do need a bit of agility and as I have a mobility issue due to a stroke a couldn’t get around every part of Asen’s fortress but Anna-Marie ensured I had somewhere comfortable to sit and did check on me. I was fine and took photos of the group during these bits. After all the visits, which were all well worth it, we set off back to Sophia. Another safe journey back and Anna-Marie gave us a few good options where we might eat that evening. We picked one and it was great. I couldn’t recommend Bultrips more highly and if you are very lucky you might just get Anna-Marie as your guide 10/10
A Great, Unique, Unexpected Experience!
Scott A,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day with our guide Theodore, he was knowledgeable, attentive and great to get along with. Even though there were some surprises he made it a very memorable experience. Due to road construction (no one’s fault!) we could not see the fortress or monastery, which although disappointing, was a hidden blessing, as instead we visited Koprivshtitsa. Theodore provided an insightful view into the history of Bulgaria, and walking around the streets was memorable - we were actually glad the normal tour itinerary did not work out so that we could have this unique experience! Also, the theatre in Plovdiv was not accessible due to preparation for a concert that evening (again, no one’s fault) but we were still able to view it from the perimeter and that was good enough. Plovdiv overall was amazing, we are so glad we went. The tour was a full 11 hours and worth it, we thoroughly enjoyed it and really appreciated having Theodore as our guide.
From €75.00
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