4 Day Trips from Sofia Worth the Early Start

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour - A practical look at the eight-hour schedule

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

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 Very knowledgeable about all things Bulgaria and a lot of historical references.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

2.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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

4.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

More ways to spend the day

Day Trips Day Trips from Italy Day Trips from Morocco Private Day Trips Boat and Cruise Day Trips Castle and Palace Day Trips

4 Day Trips from Sofia Worth the Early Start

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

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

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

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

Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

3.Plovdiv – Group Day Trip from Sofia

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

4.Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

Find a day trip

On the water

Rock and ridge

Old stones

Table and glass