Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa
Explore the cities of Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa in a day trip from Sofia. The mix of traditions, culture, and stunning architecture is a must-see for culture-loving travelers.
A two-hour drive from Sofia will take you to Plovdiv, which is Bulgaria's second-largest city and one of its oldest. In just 2-3 hours of walking around the city, you can uncover the history and culture of a settlement that's been around for 7,000 years. This history has been shaped by the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian civilizations.
You can explore the Old Town, filled with museums, historical monuments, and revival-period houses. The streets are cobbled and lined with souvenir shops. You can also visit the rich Ethnographic Museum and the ancient Roman Theater. Plovdiv is known for its artistic and trade culture, and you can have lunch at a local restaurant to experience it firsthand.
On the way back, you'll stop in the charming town of Koprivshtitsa. It has a fascinating history and authentic 19th-century architecture. You'll spend the rest of the day in this small and picturesque city, nestled in the Stara Planina Mountains, which gives it a sense of calm and timelessness. Once a battleground for Bulgaria's liberation, it's now a museum of Bulgaria's Revival Period. You can visit the homes of famous Bulgarians, including writers and rebels, and explore collections of ethnographic treasures like ancient weapons, intricate national costumes, and stunning jewelry. It's a unique and historical place to discover.
The program (depending on guide’s desicion (based on day of the week, weather conditions etc.) may be executed the other way around, starting from Koprivshtitsa.
What’s included: English-speaking driver and guide throughout the tour. Transport in modern vehicle (car/minibus) with air condition
What’s not included: Food and beverages, personal expenses, entrance fees (approx. 5 euros per person), gratuities.
Extras: Hotel pick-up costs additional 5/10 Euro per reservation (not per person, depends on the hotel location). Tour is offered as well with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use.
Meeting point: the parking lot behind the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia.
Drop off: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Duration 11 h / Physical difficulty level Easy
Arriving in Plovdiv: 10:00 - estimated arrival time in the Old Town in Plovdiv
Plovdiv tour: 10:00-12:00 - guided tour in Plovdiv
Free time in Plovdiv: 13:30 - free time for shopping, lunch, etc.
Heading to Koprivshtitsa: 14:30 - Heading to Koprivshttisa
Time in Koprivshtitsa: 16:30 - free time in Koprivshtitsa
Departure for Sofia: 17:00 - Departure from Koprivshtitsa, heading to Sofia
Arrival in Sofia: 19:30 - Estimated arrival time at the starting point of the tour
