Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia
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Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With an expert guide at your side, explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgarian culture, and way of life. Your guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. Still, you will have ample free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.
Your experience
Stop 1
Your day trip starts early at 08:00 AM from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) to beat the summer heat and the crowds! Board our comfortable, shared tourist coach and begin your journey.
Stop 2
Upon arrival in Plovdiv—one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe—you will begin a comprehensive walking tour. Walk along the cobbled streets and marvel at the beautifully restored 19th-century National Revival houses. (Logistics Note: If you booked a tour in Spanish or Italian, you will be met by a dedicated local expert guide here, while your onboard host from Sofia manages transport logistics).
Stop 3
Explore one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman amphitheaters. Still used for performances today, this spectacular 1st-century structure offers breathtaking panoramic views. (Entry is optional; local fee approx. 2.56 € cash).
Stop 4
Discover the massive Roman Stadium built in the 2nd century AD, located beneath the main pedestrian street. Your guided portion concludes near the vibrant "Kapana" (The Trap) creative district.
Stop 5
How the afternoon works depends on the Option you booked: Plovdiv Extended Free Time: If you booked the base Plovdiv tour, you now have massive extended free time! Relax, dine in Kapana, or visit museums at your own pace. (Note: The shared bus will leave Plovdiv to conduct the "Grand Tours" and return later in the afternoon to pick you up). Starosel OR Koprivshtitsa Grand Tours: If you booked a premium upgrade, you will re-board the bus and travel into the countryside to visit the Thracian Tomb of Starosel & Staro Zhelezare Art Village, OR the historic 19th-century town of Koprivshtitsa (depending on the day's specific route).
Stop 6
After completing the day's itinerary and reuniting the group in Plovdiv, the bus travels back to Sofia. We will make a brief scheduled stop at Sofia Airport to drop off connecting passengers and shuttle riders.
Stop 7
The tour concludes with a final drop-off at the original morning meeting point (or selected hotels, if the premium pickup option was booked). Expected return time is approximately 18:00 - 19:00, depending on traffic and the day's specific routing.
What’s included
- Live Guide OR Audio Guide App (Depends entirely on the specific Option selected)
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minibus or coach
- Extended Plovdiv time or trip to Starosel/Koprivshtitsa (Depends on your selected Option)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Plovdiv & Starosel/Koprivshtitsa site tickets (Optional & payable locally)
- Smartphones, headphones,and internet data- Required ONLY if you book an Audio App/Self-Guided option
- Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dynamic Itinerary & Shared Coach: To offer flexible options, this tour operates on a shared coach. If you book the "Extended Free Time" option, you will remain in Plovdiv to explore independently while the bus continues on to visit Starosel or Koprivshtitsa with the other passengers, returning later in the afternoon to pick you up.
- Guide Language Logistics: If you select a live guided tour in Spanish or Italian, your local tour will be conducted by an expert in that language. However, the transport host accompanying you on the bus from Sofia will manage logistics in a different language (usually English).
- Audio App Users: If you booked a self-guided/Audio App option, the onboard staff will assist with meeting times and logistics only. Please bring your own headphones, a fully charged smartphone, and ensure you have mobile internet data.
- Terrain & Dress Code: The Old Town of Plovdiv features steep, uneven cobbled streets. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are absolutely mandatory.
- Summer Weather: During summer, temperatures in Plovdiv can be extremely hot. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a bottle of water are highly recommended
- All touch points in our vehicles will be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
- Museum Closures: Please note that the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv is closed on Mondays.Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.Not wheelchair accessible.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age is 6 years
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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