From Sofia: Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full Day Tour

Two-Day Tour of Plovdiv and Bulgarian Historic Towns

This full-day guided tour departs from Sofia, visiting Plovdiv and either Koprivshtitsa or Starosel/Staro Zhelezare, suitable for history and culture enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Visit two of Bulgaria’s most visited towns in one day
• Explore Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
• Enjoy free time for lunch and souvenir shopping in Plovdiv
• Discover Koprivshtitsa in the Sredna Gora mountain range
• See well-preserved 19th-century Revival architecture and Thracian archaeological sites

Description

Begin by meeting your guide at 8:00 AM in Sofia and boarding a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. The journey includes a brief scheduled stop at Sofia Airport for passenger pickup before continuing to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city and 2019 European Capital of Culture.

Upon arrival, take a one-hour walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town with a guide or audio guide. Walk its cobblestone streets, visit the Roman Theatre—where gladiator games were held—and the Ancient Stadium, which seated 30,000 spectators. Enjoy views from Nebet Tepe fortress and see landmarks from the 19th-century Revival Period. Afterwards, spend about 90 minutes on your own to have lunch or explore the Kapana district.

In the afternoon, the itinerary varies by booking day:

• Route A (Koprivshtitsa): Drive into the Sredna Gora Mountains to Koprivshtitsa, a living museum of Bulgarian National Revival history. Explore its preserved 19th-century houses on a walking tour, followed by free time in the town.
• Route B (Starosel & Staro Zhelezare): Visit the largest Thracian underground royal temple at Chetinyova Mogila in Starosel. Then continue to Staro Zhelezare village, where local houses feature paintings of villagers alongside global icons.

Return to Sofia by minibus with a two-hour transfer after the afternoon tour.

Includes

• Transportation by air-conditioned minibus or coach
• Professional driver
• Live tour guide (with Guided option)
• Multilingual cloud audio guide app (with Audio/Self-Guided option)
• Parking fees and road taxes

Excludes

• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees (optional): Plovdiv Ethnographic Museum (~€2.50), Roman Theatre (~€2.50), Koprivshtitsa museum houses or Starosel Thracian Temple (€4.00–€7.50 depending on route)

Important Information

• The afternoon itinerary visits either Koprivshtitsa or Starosel/Staro Zhelezare depending on the weekday selected
• The minibus stops briefly at Sofia Airport for passenger pickup and drop-off
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes due to steep, uneven cobblestone streets in Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa
• Plovdiv can be very hot in summer; bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water
• Audio guide users must have a fully charged smartphone, headphones, and internet access
• The Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv is closed on Mondays
• This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or disabilities due to terrain
• Children under 6 years of age are not permitted

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Book in advance to secure your preferred date. Bring walking shoes and appropriate sun protection, especially in summer months.