9 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Make your way to a central location by the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, then meet a guide and group for the two-hour trip to Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria.
Upon arrival in Plovdiv, get your bearings on a guided walking tour that explores the history and culture of the city, which was founded 8,000 years ago. See traces of the successive Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian cultures, and learn about the distinctive architecture of the Old Town.
Throughout the tour, the guide shares stories and insights about Bulgarian culture and history, while leading the way down the cobblestone streets that wind through the heart of the city.
This tour includes admission to the Ethnographic Museum, which explores Bulgarian folk culture, costumes, and lifestyles.
Following your time in Plovdiv begin the return trip to Sofia, where this tour concludes at the original departure point.
Operated by
Traventuria
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.43
/ 5
218 traveller ratings
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Skip Mondays in Plovdiv
parmagrey721, Apr 2025
Don’t go to Plovdiv on Monday. Almost all the museums are closed. You are never provided with a full itinerary, so you don’t know what you will see or where the guided tour will start or end. It makes planning what to do in your free time difficult because you don’t know how much time you will have or how long it will take to walk there from where the guided tour ends. Hristo was a great guide and the only reason I rated this higher than 2 stars.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
We’re delighted to hear that Hristo made a positive impression, and we will certainly pass along your kind words to him. The closure was due to Easter holidays, a decision of the Plovdiv municipality, which surprised us as we find it illogical to have so many visitors to Bulgaria's second biggest town, and at that time to close galleries and museums. We apologise for not meeting your expectations, but we hope we will have another chance to prove the quality of our tours to you. Svetoslav and the rest of Traventuria's team
Great Tour of Plovdiv, Just Wish We Had More Time
222888SL, Apr 2025
It was a great tour. I didn't give it 5 stars because the time allotted in Plovdiv was too short. I didn't have time to visit museums and historical houses. The old town is charming, picturesque, and has a rich history. I was very pleasantly surprised by such a beautiful old town. Our guide Martin is very knowledgeable about the history and I learned a lot from him. The itinerary covered all the important points of interest. He is responsible and caring. Definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and found Martin’s insights valuable. We’ve received similar comments from other guests about the time in Plovdiv, and we’ve taken it into account. To improve the experience, we’ve decided to extend the tour duration slightly, allowing for more time to explore. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you on another tour soon!
Plovdiv and Koprivshtisa
Lilia_B, Mar 2025
A lot of interesting historical information was shared, great sights. Very knowledgeable tour guide.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted that you enjoyed the historical insights and breathtaking sights of Plovdiv. Our guides are truly passionate about sharing the city's rich heritage, and it's wonderful to hear that their expertise made your experience even more memorable. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
Poor - not what was expected!
526nehas, Jan 2025
Booked this tour as smartphone audio guide but was also told there would be a live English speaking guide too. We thought there would be an English speaking guide on the coach (as that is what it said) and the smartphone guide was for when we got to Plovdiv. Turns out they gave us incorrect information, we were put on a coach full of Italians, with an Italian speaking guide. Unable to understand anything, no english explanations given and unable to hear the audio guide during the journey, as the Italian guide was speaking so loud. Also falsely advertised on the site that admission tickets to the theatre and museum are included - this is NOT true. The company know this is incorrect information however do not tell you until you reach Plovdiv that you have to pay for those tickets yourself. Tried to contact Traventuria by e-mail however they did not provide a satisfactory explanation/resolution. Would not recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Dear Neha Seth, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you experienced during your tour. We as a team, strive to provide accurate information and a seamless experience. I would like to use the occasion given by your review to give additional information on our tour options to the Viator's travel community. Our tour to Plovdiv is usually offered with three options. They are: 1. Transport with a smart audio guide This is the most inexpensive and basic preference. This was your tour choice. It offers transportation from Sofia to Plovdiv and back, as well as a smart audioguide. The smart audioguide is a 24-hour valid link we send to our customers, which they can use to access audio files for Plovdiv and a map of the old town. The texts for the audio files have been written by historians and experts in the interpretation of cultural and historical heritage. They have been read in a studio by professional guides and actors so the recording can sound clear and engaging. We do not promise any English-speaking guide on this tour - just a smart audio guide and transport. As a bonus, we offer free-of-charge headphones for the tourists who forgot to bring their own. 2. Transport with an audioguide This upgraded option to the first one, as our customers receive an audioguide as a device and a map of the old town. The tracks are the same as the smart audioguide ones. 3. Guided tour of Plovdiv This option includes transportation, but also a live guide. We offer the tour in English, Spanish and Italian. Usually, this option as with the highest price. We deeply regret the miscommunication regarding the availability of admission tickets. In the voucher and in the section of the tour description mentioning what is included and what is not, it is stated that entry tickets are excluded. However, in the introduction lines of the tour, I believe it is Viator's AI, which mentions the entry fees as included. Without considering the reasons for this discrepancy, I believe it may have led you to a misunderstanding for which I apologise sincerely. A refund of the amount of the entrance tickets has been offered to you, but you have refused it. Once again, I apologize for the discomfort you have experienced. Your concerns have been heard and Traverturia's team will continue to try contacting Viator's admins with the hope to amend the introductory line stating that admission tickets are included. I wish you happy and many travels, Svetoslav
Itinerary
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
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.
15 minutesPlovdiv Old Town
Stop at Sofia International Airport for picking up the clients who have booked pick up form there.
15 minutesPlovdiv Old Town
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.
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.
2 hoursAncient Theatre of Philippopolis
Explore the well-preserved Ancient Theatre of Philipopolis (local fee 4 BGN cash), a stunning Roman amphitheater in Plovdiv offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich history. The entry is optional.
20 minutesDroping off the clients who have booked drop off at the airport.
15 minutesSt. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
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.
10 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
- Driver/guide in English
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Admission tickets
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 6 years
- The Old Town of Plovdiv is with cobbled streets (some of them steep) , please have comfortable walking shoes
- During the summer months the weather in Plovdiv can be very hot. We highly recommend sunscreen, hat and sun glasses.
- All touch points in our vehicles will be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
- Tour with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
- The Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv is closed on Mondays
Guide Languages
English
Russian
Spanish
German
Italian
French
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.