From Sofia Plovdiv Starosel Temple and an Art Village
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Bulgaria’s rich heritage on an engaging day trip that spans 8,000 years of history, art, and culture. Begin your journey in Sofia, where a comfortable minibus takes you to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in the world. Explore the grand Roman ruins and the vibrant Old Town, with an hour of free time to shop and enjoy local cuisine. Continue to the Starosel Thracian Temple, the largest royal tomb in the region, before visiting Staro Zhelezare, a captivating village adorned with street art for perfect photo opportunities. Enjoy a seamless blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty throughout the day.
- Visit Plovdiv’s Old Town and major historical landmarks
- Enjoy one hour of free time to explore Plovdiv’s art district
- Discover the Starosel Thracian Temple, dating back to the 4th century BC
- Capture unique photos in the vibrant art village of Staro Zhelezare
Available options
Plovdiv&Koprivshtitsa - 11 hrs
Guided tour: Explore Plovdiv&Koprivshtitsa with English-speaking guide and multilingual smart audio.
Guided Tour in English
Tour in English: Discover Plovdiv's old town with a certified English-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating stories
Smartphone audio guide
Transport only tour, live guide NOT included. Bring your own headphones and power bank, and ensure you have Internet access.
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Driver/guide in English
Detailed itinerary
1
Your day trip starts at 9:00 am from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) 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
Stop 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.
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
The Roman Stadium in Plovdiv is one of the city’s most remarkable ancient landmarks, built in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Once seating up to 30,000 spectators, it hosted athletic games inspired by the Greek traditions of Olympia. Today, part of the stadium is visible in the city center, blending seamlessly with modern Plovdiv’s lively pedestrian area.
5
Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings as you explore the grandest underground Thracian royal temple ever found. Your guide will lead you into the Chetinyova Mogila to see the striking 4th-century BC stone architecture and the mysterious dome where Orphic rituals once took place.
6
Just a short drive away lies Staro Zhelezare, a village transformed into a surreal open-air gallery. Your guide will walk you through the streets where local Bulgarian villagers are painted alongside global legends like Barack Obama and Marilyn Monroe. It’s a quirky, thought-provoking bridge between rural tradition and pop culture—and a dream for photography lovers.
7
After you have immersed in the unique atmosphere of Plovdiv, sit back and relax on your 2-hour transfer back
What's not included
Admission tickets (will be paid onsite)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
IT
ES
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The Old Town of Plovdiv is with cobbled streets (some of them steep) , please have comfortable walking shoes
The Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv is closed on Mondays
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
During the summer months the weather in Plovdiv can be very hot. We highly recommend sunscreen, hat and sun glasses.
Minimum age is 6 years
Tour with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
Meeting point
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Important notes
Google Maps link for where we will meet the travelers before the tour: https://goo.gl/maps/KY3uaHDALKjDJukQA | GPS coordinates: 42.695601, 23.333790
About Sofia
Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.
Top Attractions
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)
National History Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.
Museum
2-3 hours
€5
Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
Historical
1 hour
€4
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Kebapche
A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).
Main Course
Contains meat
Tarator
A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Vitosha Mountain
Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts
Mountain biking and other outdoor activities
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Strolling through parks and gardens
Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar
Exploring museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys
Getting there
By air
- Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center
By train
Central Railway Station
By bus
Central Bus Station, South Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Lozenets
Studentski Grad
Orlov Most
Day trips
Rila Monastery
120 km (75 miles) • Full day
The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Plovdiv
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Bansko
160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight
Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.
Festivals
Sofia Film Fest • March
Sofia Pride • June
Sofia International Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
- Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
- Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
- Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
- Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.
$24
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
