Plovdiv
Explore the Old Town of Plovdiv with a guided tour where you'll discover the fascinating blend of art, culture, and history for an unforgettable experience. It's the best way to make the most of your time in Plovdiv and get to know its main attractions. Plovdiv was elected as the European Cultural Capital for 2019, adding to its charm. Enjoy the artistic and relaxed atmosphere in the colorful city of Plovdiv.
The saying "you have to visit Plovdiv to really understand Bulgaria" is absolutely true, and there's so much to discover in this country's second-largest city. Plovdiv, which is 160 meters above sea level, is about a 2-hour drive from Sofia. It's located in the western part of the fertile Thracian Valley and is one of Europe's oldest cities, existing around the same time as Troya and Mycenae.
During a 2-hour walking tour, you'll uncover its fascinating history while exploring the charming historic part of the city. This area is like a beautiful collection of 19th-century houses adorned with decorations, ancient fortress walls, impressive churches, and Roman structures, such as a theater that can hold 7,000 people and a stadium that can accommodate 30,000 spectators. It's a great way to learn about Plovdiv's past and its architectural wonders.
What’s included: English-speaking driver and guide throughout the tour. Transport in modern vehicle (car/minibus) with air condition, VAT and parking fees.
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.
What do I need to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable to walk on cobbled streets.Especially in summer – bring sun hat, sun lotion and sun glasses.
Meeting point: the parking lot behind the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia.
Drop off: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Tour duration 8h/ Difficulty - Easy
1. Your day trip starts at 9:00 am from the parking lot behind the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia. You will board a comfy, air-conditioned minibus and head for a 2-hour drive on the motorway to Plovdiv. This is the time that you will learn from your guide more about Bulgarian history, culture, economy and nature.2. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, cosmopolitan Plovdiv is packed with fascinating Thracian, Roman, Slav, Turkish and Bulgarian history. With your guide, enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour on the cobbled narrow paths in the Old Town of Plovdiv. Explore and learn about all its major highlights including the finest examples of Bulgarian Rennaissance town architecture, the spectacular 2nd-century Ancient Theater, the Roman Stadium, Plovdiv's Ethnographic Museum and much more.11
3. After the guided tour of the Old Town, you will have about an hour and a half to further independently explore the attractions of the city centre. You can have lunch (own expense) or go shopping on "Glavnata"- the longest pedestrian in Europe. You can get entertained by some of the artistic events organized in the heart of the city while Plovdiv is celebrating its nomination as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. A lot of tourists choose to wander in the Kapana neighbourhood - a place with a bohemian vibe, chic bars and beautiful graffiti. The region of Plovdiv is famous for its wine production and in Kapana you will find options to sample some of the local red or white wines.
4. After you have immersed in the unique atmosphere of Plovdiv, sit back and relax on your 2-hour transfer back to Sofia's Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
