6 Day Trips from Bulgaria Worth the Early Start

From Bucharest: Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria - Starting in central Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,008 reviews · 12 hours · from $93Our pick

Cross from Bucharest into Bulgaria for a full day of medieval sights, mountain views, and local culture. Visit Tsarevets Fortress, walk through Veliko Tarnovo, stop in Arbanasi, and see either Holy Trinity Cathedral in Ruse or St. Basarabov Monastery. English-speaking guides such as Narcis, Lucian, and Elena lead the small-group tour.

“We had several tour guides during our month in Romania, some good, some awful. However our guide on the mini-bus to Bulgaria, called Narcis, was an absolute 10-star gentleman. He was so knowledgeable, so inclusive and so helpful in every way that it was an absolute joy to be in his company. As I exited the bus in Bucharest he did something that totally surprised me. I wanted to show my appreciation for a wonderful job with a tip but he refused point blank to take it, saying he was 'paid to do the job'. What a contrast to other guides who asked for a tip. Multumesc mult Narcis!!”

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Day Trips, Day Trips from Bulgaria, Day Trips from Sofia, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

2.From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 866 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $24

Travel by air-conditioned minibus from central Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. You’ll see rare medieval frescoes, explore Bulgaria’s best-known monastery, and have free time for the museum, food, or a short walk. Guides such as Lubo, Ludo, Martin, and Liubomir have earned praise for clear explanations and friendly service.

“Svet was an awesome tour guide, made everything super engaging. Very knowledgeable about all things Bulgaria and a lot of historical references.”

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Day Trips, Day Trips from Bucharest, Day Trips from Bulgaria, Small-Group Day Trips, Tour Reviews

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

3.From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 382 reviews · 12 hours · from $87

Meet your English-speaking guide at your central Bucharest accommodation and cross the Danube into Bulgaria. Visit Ivanovo’s medieval rock churches, Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Samovodene Artisans Street, and Arbanassi. Guides such as Carmen, Tudor, Coco, and Marius are praised for clear history, humor, and safe driving. Lunch and entrance fees cost extra.

“I liked tour guide very much. He explained everything and did great job. and very cared tourist. This city has lots of history heritage and it was very fun. Highly recommend.”

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Day Trips, Day Trips from Bulgaria, Day Trips from Sofia, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Town Full-Day Trip

4.From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Town Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 382 reviews · 13 hours · from $78Top rated

Travel from Sofia to Plovdiv and Rila Monastery on a 13-hour small-group trip with shared minibus transport. You explore independently, using maps and practical advice from an English-speaking host such as Philip or Bobby. Expect more than four hours in Plovdiv, about an hour at the monastery, and several hours on mountain roads.

“A wonderful day trip from Sofia to see the Rila Monastery and the City of Plovdiv. We were very fortunate (or not. It depends on how you look at it) to be greeted by a blanket of snow at the Rila Monastery. It was magical. And the only people there was our very small tour group of 9. Sadly due to the snow the bakery/restaurants had a power cut so we didn’t get to experience any of the Bulgarian breakfast treats. Plovdiv was a very relaxed, and easy city to get lost in for a a few hours. Philip was an excellent guide who gave us just the right amount…”

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Day Trips, Day Trips from Bulgaria, Day Trips from Sofia, Tour Reviews

Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

5.Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 304 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $22Best value

Travel from Sofia to Plovdiv by shared shuttle, then explore the Roman Theater, Roman Stadium, pedestrian center, and colorful Revival houses. You get about two hours with a guide, followed by about two hours to eat, shop, and wander alone. Guides may include Tuni, Sonya, Maria, or Raliza. Expect a long ride and plenty of uneven walking.

“Very informative tour! Sonya was very kind and knowledgable as she is a Plodviv local. We had a great time walking around the city, getting the best views, and having free time to explore.”

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Day Trips, Day Trips from Bulgaria, Day Trips from Sofia, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

6.Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 177 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend one long day visiting two very different Bulgarian towns. In Plovdiv, explore the Old Town, Roman remains, and pedestrian streets with an English-speaking guide. Then walk Koprivshtitsa’s stone lanes and colorful revival-era houses, tied to Bulgaria’s liberation struggle. Transport, guiding, and optional online audio guides are included.

“Martin was very enthusiastic and the whole day was fascinating. There never seems to be enough time to see everything, but it's a great combination if you don't have much time in Bulgaria.”

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6 Day Trips from Bulgaria Worth the Early Start

From Bucharest: Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria

1.From Bucharest: Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

2.From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

3.From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Town Full-Day Trip

4.From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Town Full-Day Trip

Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

5.Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

6.Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

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On the water

Rock and ridge

Old stones

Table and glass