Sofia Tours & Attractions

Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via modern vehicle, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guides. During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula. Skopje is a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings, complete with ornate columns and rooftop figures of nymphs. After the reconstruction of the new center has been done, as per the “Skopje 2014” project, the city became one of the popular destinations in Eastern Europe.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. The tour offers 3 different options: 1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide. 2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English. 3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).

During this intensitive 2 days tour from Sofia, we will explore the heritage and culture of two countries in the Western Balkans – North Macedonia and Kosovo. You will learn about the rich and fascinating ancient history of these lands and understand a bit better the complexity of the politics and the search for identity in the modern age. In North Macedonia, we will visit the capital of the country – Skopje. This city is one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula - a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings. In Kosovo – Europe’s newest country, we will explore two of the most popular cities- Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) and Prizren. Please prepare for long distances and a lot of new impressions.

Enjoy a day in the mountains by exploring 2 UNESCO sites - the Rila Monastery and the Boyana church. The 8-hour day tour will be with a group and a professional guide in English. In the monastery, you will have a 40-minute guided tour and 2,5 hours free time to make photos, check the museums and the shops, and have lunch. The visit of the Boyana church, although short, is definitely worth since you will see its amazing 800-years old frescoes and learn their history from your guide! *Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery! *If your tour is on a weekend day during the summer, the restaurants could be crowded so you can bring your own food from Sofia in order to have more free time and the monastery. *The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.

If you want to understand better the Balkans with all its complexity, rich history and colorful mixture of different cultures and habits, we recommend you to visit Nis with us.  During this day tour you will travel through history with the professional lead of your guide. Our journey through time will start from the Roman period, when Nis gave to the world one great man – The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Then we will continue through the Middle Ages and the period of Ottoman rule which left constructions like the Nis Fortress and the Skull Tower – a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence from the Ottomans. In the end we will pay attention to the Modern history and the period of Nazi occupation of former Yugoslavia, visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp. Of course after all the impressions that you get, it will be time for some rest. You will have the chance to taste the famous Serbian cuisine - one of the most delicious on the Balkans.

This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base station of the chair lift from where you can take the chair-lift up in the mountain. You have more than 5 hours for your self-guided tour of the Rila Lakes area. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you to the Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical site. You have more than 1 hour to explore the monastery site on your own.

Welcome to our Day Excursion of Bulgaria's stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Rila Mountains. Along with supporting the incredible Bear Sanctuary Belitsa that provides a second chance and lifelong care to rescued brown bears. We are happy to discuss our best group and individual rates, along with bespoke requests directly through our website - SocialTraveler.org - where you can explore a range of further tour options. Our expert storytelling-guide will be with you every step of the way as we venture on and off-road, stopping at additional areas and locations of outstanding beauty and historical significance. With a selection of local wines, juices, and delicacies, you can sit back and relax in complete comfort as we travel between destinations. With full flexibility to extend stays at particular locations or include other landmarks for a tailored experience with us.

During your personal tasting experience I will guide you through the distinctive world of Bulgarian wines. Although Bulgaria has been producing wine for 5000 years it is still relatively unknown to the rest of the world. Now a rising new generation of Bulgarian boutique winemakers are devoted to the craft and bringing new attention to our country. You will taste 5 wine varieties of local grapes unique to Bulgaria, that can not be found anywhere else: Miskets, Melnik, Mavrud, Gumza and Rubin. Plus, local cheeses, artisanal bread and mineral water. The tasting is held in one of the best boutique wine shops in Sofia – Tempus Vini, which is located on an artsy street in the city center, known for its fine restaurants and boutiques. And just a few streets away from Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard. During the tasting I can tell you about the wine regions of Bulgaria including the history and the wine culture of my beautiful country. All tastings are held in English or Bulgarian

During this day tour, you will be able to visit one of the must-see places in Bulgaria, not surprisingly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, as well as two of the highlights in the region - Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and Koprivshtitsa - a picturesque town with an epic history and a striking architecture. Explore all major attractions in the old town of Plovdiv with a professiona English-speaking guide and admire the marvelous heritage left by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Bulgarians. The route between Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa crosses rose valleys, charming villages and the gentle hills of Sredna Gora Mountain. Koprivshtitsa is unforgettable with its spectacular Bulgarian Renaissance mansions and filled with battles chronicles. Despite the long and intensive itinerary, there is free time planned for shopping, self-guided wandering and eating.

A whole-day guided trek to Rila Mountains, easier compared to the previous one, exploring probably the most eminent area in the mountains – The Seven Rila Lakes and the most famous tourist attraction in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery (UNESCO).

Very unique experience to see Sofia from the top! You will see places you won't be able to see on your own. During the 2 hours trip you will first explore the main attraction in Sofia - the Alexander Nevski cathedral - our meeting point! Right after we'll go with a luxury SUV to the heart of Vitosha mountain and we'll bring you to the amazing Golden Bridges - a unique rock formation so called the stone river of Vitosha! Our next stop will be the breathtaking, 186-metre tall TV tower - Kopitoto "The Hoof", situated on top of Vitosha mountain at 1,348 m altitude. You will have unique opportunity to walk around the cliff and take stunning pictures of Sofia from the top! The next destination will be the best skybar in Sofia - Ozone - situated on the 29th floor with a spectacular 360 panoramic view of the city! You will have the pleasure to enjoy a cocktail/drink (not included) overseeing the city from the top. At the end we'll bring you back to the starting point.

During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the oldest Bulgarian cities, which has flourished continuously throughout history, as well as two of the must-see Bulgarian natural wonders.

By this day trip, you will visit two of the most important sites of Northern Macedonia – its Capital Skopje, and one of the breathtaking natural wonders – Matka Canyon. We will dive into the past, while exploring the old part of Skopje with its authentic sites, get to know the modern understanding of the history which the Macedonians have while walking in the new part of the city - rebuilt during the “Skopje 2014” project. In the end, we will take a break from all the history and new facts and rest our minds in the heavenly nature of Matka Canyon.

Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive history as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! Enjoy a full-day tour out in the mountains with a convenient hotel pick up and drop off. *Women should have thier knees and shoulders covered on the monastery. *The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December and the 31st of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery. Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

Located only 163 kilometers from Sofia, Nis is a fantastic option to add a Serbian stamp in your passport, without checking out from your hotel in Bulgaria. Nis is the third largest city in Serbia and the birthplace of Constantine the Great, one of the most important emperors in the Roman history. Explore the intriguing history of former Yugoslavia, while having delicious authentic Serbian roshtil (grill) either in a traditional restaurant where you can pay with a card (plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available) or try the Serbian street food.

Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With a guide explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgaria culture and way of life. Your English-speaking guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. You will have free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.

Enjoy a great day trip to Plovdiv- the oldest existing settlement in Europe. Admire the hills, walk through the longest pedestrian street in Europe, explore the unique Revival old town, see the Roman theater and learn more about the history of the town from your local guide. In Plovdiv you will have about 2 hours guided tour and about 2 hours free time.

A British Owned operation - has become well known for providing fun and practical training for nearly 4 years in Bulgaria. We only use experienced professional instructors who understand that your group are not soldiers and are with us to have a great time and learn some new skills! Our focus on your safety whilst making sure our students leave us feeling empowered and confident in the use of their new skills, has meant we have had nearly 100% repeat visitors to our training centre over the last few years. We must be doing something right!

The beauty of the Bulgarian nature has many faces. The country’s nature is diverse and offers wide range of adventure options with its magnificent mountains, scenic landscapes and beautiful coastlines, but much of the breathtaking sites are hidden in a fantastic underworld. During this cave tour we will explore 3 of the most popular and interesting underground pearls of Bulgaria - Saeva dupka, Prohodna cave (known also as The Eyes of God) and Devetashka cave.

The town is known as the birthplace of the famous Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Your first stop will be the skull tower (Chele Tower). It is a stone structure embedded with human skulls located in Nis, Serbia. It was constructed by the Ottomans following the Battle of Cegar of May 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising. The next stop is the former concentration camp. It was opened in 1941 during the World War II and used to hold captured communists and Jews. More than 10,000 people are thought to have been killed at the camp. Now it is opened as a museum. The final stop will be at the city museum in Nis where are placed all archeological findings in the area and where is kept the history of the town. After the guided tour around all the monuments, you are going to take a walk pass the central pedestrian street, where you can find different type of local shops and delicious food. You will have around an hour and a half free time.

The Sofia City Tour is a great possibility to discover its rich history and to get acquainted with its present. The city of Sofia offers beautiful buildings, Roman remains, old churches, extremely interesting archaeological complexes and of course thousands of bars and restaurants where you can taste traditional Bulgarian dishes.

Panoramic tour of Sofia by private car and a rich dinner with typical starters, meals, deserts and folklore program in traditional Bulgarian restaurant during this shared experience.

You want to learn about Bulgaria's culinary traditions and new trends? You want to have a meal in some of the best (and unique) restaurants in Sofia's city center? Done! And all of this comes with a private guide that will share interesting details and facts about our history, food and culture.

You will have a chance to visit Boyana church and National Historical museum, Pancharevo lake near Sofia and the main sights in Sofia city center.

Come to this beautiful via ferrata in the Rila Mountains for a day of active exploring! If you have never been on a via ferrata and are interested in doing it in Bulgaria, then this is the trip for you! Join for this day-trip in the Rila Mountains, the highest mountains in the Balkan peninsula!

Visit the Bulgarian town of Belogradchik on this guided, full-day, minibus tour from Sofia. Just 180 kilometers north of Sofia, nature has sculpted the amazing Belogradchik rocks, a group of strange shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations. The view from the old fortress of the fascinating formations is breathtaking. Use some imagination and visions of 'the Rabbit,' 'Adam and Eve,' 'the Ice-Age Squirrel,' 'the Rebel' and many more can be seen. On the way back to Sofia, visit a beautiful cave called Venetsa (aka the Wreath).

Feel the power of mother nature and explore this million years history just in one day! Belogradchik rocks are natural phenomenon located in the Northwestern part of Bulgaria. For millions of years the nature has molded interesting forms from the rocks which are connected with many legends. We will see the Madonna, Adam and Eva, the monks, the horseman and many more, depends on your imagination! Among the rocks we will visit the Belogradchick fortress which was built during the Roman Empire. If you can handle more experiences, we will visit the Venetsa cave, which is one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria.

After belonging to many empires over time (including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and most recently Yugoslavian), Macedonia gained its independence in 1991. This influence from different eras and cultures has made its mark on the appearance of Skopje. Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic centre. Тhe city has long been shared by Christians and Muslims. - Feel the spirit of time in ancient Skopie and discover its modern transformation from the "Project 2014". - Save time finding a meeting point with hotel pickup and drop-off included - Learn about the city’s history and culture from an experienced guide! - Visting Old Bazaar + Caravanserais - Sultan Murad Mosque - Memorial House of Mother Teresa - Church of the Holy Savior

The history of Skopje starts with the settlements of the Thracians and the establishing the fortress of Scupi. The town was part of the Roman, Byzanatine, Bulgarian and for short notice, of the Serbian countries. The Ottomans will conquer the city in 1392. They will change the name to Uskub and the place will convert into unique of its kind town, which will be called home from numerous Ottomans, Bulgarians and Albanians. In 1912, the city will be liberated from the Ottomans during the First Balkan war and eventually become a part of the Serbian country. During the two world wars will be eventually given to the Bulgarian country, before in the end to became part and a capital of the Macedonian Federation in the Yugoslavian socialistic republic. The city will start growing rapidly in economic and industrial way. Unfortunately a huge earthquake in 1963 has destroyed a huge part of the town, leaving more than 100 000 people without homes.

Hike through the beautiful Vitosha Mountain; visit to the Boyana lake and Boyana waterfall.This walking tour is for the admirers of wild nature and crystal-clear air. This shared experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Spend a day exploring the idyllic Seven Rila Lakes on this small-group hiking tour from Sofia. With an expert guide, travel from the Bulgarian capital to the Rila Mountains, the country’s highest range. Be wowed by sweeping mountain panoramas during a 30-minute chairlift ride, and then set off on foot to explore the lakes. During your 4- to 5-hour hike, you’ll see all seven lakes and enjoy frequent stops to capture photos and rest your legs. Enjoy personalized attention from the guide on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.

With this guided tour you will have the chance to see and get to know the history behind Sofia`s historical landmarks located in the center. The capital of Bulgaria has preserved heritage from different cultures and epochs- Roman, Early Christian. Ottoman, Bulgarian, Soviet. You will walk by all of the important buildings while your guide is telling you their stories. You will also enter for free the three most iconic places in Sofia- Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Basilica and Saint George Rotunda. This tour is done as a private tour without an additional charge if there is only one reservation for a given date and time which most often is the case.

"Discover Bulgaria with dance" is the only workshop in Sofia that gives tourist the opportunity to explore the culture of Bulgaria with the art of dance. You will have the chance to learn a folklore dance and taste a traditional meal. At the same time our instructors will give you interesting trivial information and insights on the customs of the region. To top it off, you will take a photo in a traditional dance costume(garb).

Enjoy a memorable day by entering the Thracian valley! Walk through the streets of Unesco World Heritage of the ancient and eternal city of Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Taste local wine and delicacies. Be in the company of a professional local guide and capture memories from the Bulgarian lands.

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! With this tour you will have the opportunity to discover two of the most charming places in Bulgaria for one day. Plovdiv is one of the oldest existing settlements in the world. It has preserved Thracian, Roman and Bulgarian heritage. You will see the Roman theater, walk through the longest pedestrian street in Europe and explore its unique old town. Plovdiv itself will be a European capital of culture in 2019.  The small village of Koprivshtitsa is tucked in the bosom of "Sredna gora" mountain, surrounded by century old pines. You will walk by its colorful old Revival houses from the 19th century and learn about the history of the April Uprising. 

Enjoy a great private day trip to the beautiful town of Plovdiv- the oldest existing settlement in Europe- learn its rich history and discover the amazing architecture. Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, the jewel of the Rila Mountains National Park and admire breathtaking alpine scenery! Escape the summer heat in Sofia and enjoy the refreshing mountain climate of the highest mountain of the Balkans! Come join us for a pleasant, easy to moderate walk and relax deeply at the end of the day in thermal pools fed by hot spring waters! All this within a day tour from Sofia!

Feel like a local in Sofia with this 3-hour tour. You will become a real Bulgarian by tasting the traditional food (shopska salad) and drinks (ayryan). Afterwards you will take a walk around the city with your guide, who will show you the Rotunda St. George, St. Nedelya church, Banya Bashi, Mosque and the Synagogue. Next stop will be Central Hali Market where you can buy some traditional products. The last stop of the tour will be a typical restaurant where you will taste fantastic Bulgarian wine together with different meat cuts – meze: lukanka, babek, fillet Elena, pastarma.

During this day tour you will have the chance to learn more about the mysterious Thracians, best known for the mythical hero Orpheus (ancient musician and thinker), Spartacus (Roman slave and gladiator, and leader of the famous slave revolt), as well as for the oldest golden treasure in the world. We will visit 5 of the masterpieces of the Thracian burial architecture, one of which UNESCO site, as well as the History Museum in Kazanlak. During our day of Thracian heritage exploration, we will have the chance to admire the picturesque landscape, which obviously was highly valued by the Thracians as well.

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! Rila monastery and hiking through the Stob pyramids with a taste of traditional Bulgarian banitsa! If you join this tour you will: walk through the pyramids! See the 19-th century Monastery frescos from the Bulgarian revival and marvelous Iconostasis of the Church. See the unique miraculous icon of the Monastery. Go to the cave of Saint John of Rila. Visit the rich Monastery museum or/and/ the 14th century guard tower of the Monastery. Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

In this one day tour, you will have the chance to get acquainted with the communist period (socialistic period) in Bulgaria. The socialistic republic of Bulgaria existed from 1946 until 1989. This is one of the most controversial parts of modern history. But one thing is for sure - like any other political system, communism (socialism) bequeathed us both things that we would like to forget and others that we can admire.

Find out what it was like on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain by joining our Communist tour. A 45-year-long period compressed in about 3-3.5 hours, including factors that led to it and its aftermath. The main goal is to present this controversial period of history in an objective and informative way.

Explore the picturesque Bulgarian countryside, visiting three famous Bulgarian attractions within a day tour from Sofia! Spend the morning in the Rila Monastery, one of the country’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a "must see" for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Discover the centuries old forests of the Rila Mountains on a scenic walk to the cave of St. Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila), where the founder of the monastery lived as an anchorite and explore the amazing rock formations of the Stob’s Pyramids nature phenomenon. Escape the Sofia crowds for a memorable full-day trip led by an expert!

During the 6-7 hours trip, you will see really amazing places and landmarks, starting from our meeting point St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then going by car/van to the breathtaking, 186-metre tall TV tower - Kopitoto ("The Hoof"), situated on top of Vitosha mountain at 1,348 m altitude. You will have unique opportunity to walk around the cliff and take stunning pictures of Sofia from the TOP :)! Next stop will be the popular UNESCO heritage - about 900 years old - Boyana Church. After the visit we will bring you to a very nice traditional Bulgarian restaurant. When we finish our lunch we will go to another amazing place in the nature - Pancharevo lake and the hot spring mineral pools there :)! Regardless of the weather you will have the pleasure to dip yourself in the hot mineral waters in a outdoor swimming pool with a magnificent view of the lake :)! We will spend 2-3 hours there and then we will bring you back to the starting point in Sofia - St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral :)!

Escape Room Attraction, consisting of two separate games - the TNT Bank Robbery Game - a classical second generation escape room with a duration of 60 minutes and the Atlantis Real-Life Quest Adventure - a new generation escape game combining escape room elements with adventure quest.

Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! This trip is an excellent opportunity for a one-day escape from the city to the refreshing Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka cave! Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you.  The incredible nature of this place will capture you and make your visit unforgettable. You will have the chance to enjoy and explore Sofia from above by a special ride with a professional guide and enjoy the atmosphere of being in one of the mineral spots near Sofia. Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

With this tour you will have the opportunity to discover two of the most charming places in Bulgaria for one day. The tour departs at 8am from Alexander Nevsky square, behind the Cathedral. The travelling time to Plovdiv is about 2 hours. There, you will have about 1,5- hour guided sightseeing tour with which you will see the old town, the hills, the Roman theater and the Roman stadium. After that you will have some free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will go to the charming town of Koprivshtitsa, with its fascinating history and authentic 19th century architecture. The traveling time to it is about 2 hours. Spend the rest of the day in this small and picturesque town situated in Central Bulgaria among the slopes of Stara Planina Mountain that carries a specific spirit of tranquility and eternity. Learn about the dramatic Bulgarian History from your professional guide and get the chance to visit the original houses of the heroes of the April Uprising.