Wonderful Bridges-Bachkovo Monastery-Assen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover 3 of the most famous 100 National Tourist Landmarks of Bulgaria during this bestselling day tour from Plovdiv to the stunning Rhodope Mountians. First visit the impressive Asen's Fortress from 13th century and the second largest Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 11th century. In the main cloister court yard visit the main church of Virgin Mary, which was built in 1604. Walk around the 45 m high rock bridges named the Wonderful Bridges, situated at 1450 m. a. s. l. in the heart of the mystical Rhodope Mountains. Before exploring the exceptional nature phenomenon have lunch at a small local restaurant in the nearby chalet amid refreshing conifer tree forests.

Note: Often this trip is actually delivered as a private one as there are no other travellers to join the experience.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Professional local guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Driver/guide

Fuel surcharge

Live commentary on board

Entrance fees: Assen's Fortress (4 EUR)

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

What To Expect

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

The remarkable Asen’s Fortress from 13-th century is located on a panoramic hill in the Rhodope Mountains som 30 min south of Plovdiv. There you’ll also find very well preserved Christian Orthodox church dating from the 13-th century painted with some authentic pieces of iconography. At the top of the fortress you’ll enjoy an awesome 360 degrees panorama all over the Rhodope Mountains, Asenovgrad town, The Thracian Valley and the imposing Balkan Range with its highest Botev Peak in the far distance.

30 minutes•Admission Not Included

Bachkovo Monastery

Founded in 1083 Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest in Bulgaria. Inside the monastery you’ll visit the main church of Virgin Mary built in 1604 where a valuable miracle working icon of Saint Mary from 11-12th century AD is being kept together with some very well preserved original frescoes. The monastery refectory is another jewel in the complex which has preserved colorful murals from 1643. The refectory’s visit is optional at an extra charge for a small entrance fee. Inside together with the Doomsday fresco, you’ll witness the images of many prophets, saint-monks, ancient philosophers and writers such as Socrates, Aristotle, Plato etc. In the second monastery yard you’ll finally visit the Saint Nikola church built between 1834 and 1837. Optionally, for the nature enthusiasts you may continue the tour with a short and easy walk in the Red wall nature reserve nearby Bachkovo Monastery where you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, green meadows and lush forests.

45 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Wonderful Bridges

Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

31 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing experience.
CeliaCristina C,
Jul 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Absolutely amazing! Our guide was so kind, educated, and informative. He gave us a really good overview of Bulgarian history, the area and the religious icons. This particular was the perfect combination of nature and culture. Thank you.
Great tour, would highly recommend
Christine C,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great tour, made exceptional by our guide Christian. Christian was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the tour content, he answered hundreds of questions thrown at him on the day, and he was friendly and a joy to be around. The tour itself is also worth it and I’d recommend to anyone, being able to see all three points of interest in one day as well as having someone to explain everything was great. I’d recommend to anyone and also use this company again.
Monastery, Fortress and Bridges Trip
Heather K,
Jul 24, 2024
- Viator
5.00
This was an amazing trip with a very knowledgeable guide. The scenery was breathtaking and Assen’s Fortress was the star of the show. Photos do not do justice to this piece of history you just have to see it for yourself. Thank you so much!
We had a great time! This...
Sara P,
Mar 26, 2022
- Viator
5.00
We had a great time! This tour is definitely worth it if you're looking for an adventure outside of Plovdiv. We started with the fortress, which was very impressive, then headed to the wonderful bridges, and ended with the monestary. We had a lunch as well which was delicious Bulgarian food at a nice restaurant. Highly recommend!!
Wondrous Sites, exceptional guide!
Gordon T,
Sep 13, 2021
- Viator
5.00
All the points of interest were very unique and exciting to visit. Our guide, Dimitar, was extremely personable and delighted us with his experience and knowledge. An amazing day, thanks Dimitar!