The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Sofia, Sofia Region

October 13, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Surrounded by sprawling parkland, Sofia, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Bulgaria, lies at the foot of popular ski mountain, Vitosha. With a history that stretches over seven millennia, ruin-rich Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities. The National Historical Museum is one of Eastern Europe's most extensive. Wide, cobblestone boulevards, charming boutiques and truly electrifying nightlife star in this city of 1.3 million. Trolleys, trams and buses traverse the dynamic city.
Restaurants in Sofia

1. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Tour from Sofia

Zelanos Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

The tour includes a visit of the Bulgarian medieval capital Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Step back in time and see the town from the national revival period.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Thienpont

We had a marvelous time on this tour with Lachezar Gudev as our guide. He guided us through a personal route on the mountain right to Kemendall viewpoint in witch he took our sense for adventure, our fysical condition and our disabilities into account. This way he made the road to the viewpoint at least even interesting as the viewpoint itself, which is really something you can not miss when you visit Sofia. We also learned much about Bulgarian daily life and the bulgarian filmindustry from our guide that also seemed to know a lot about other touristic places in Bulgary. In short we couldn't be in better hands during this trip that was a great succes with many thanks to this wonderfull man. We advise this tour to anyone who wants to discover Sofia and likes to be in the nature as well, as we also would advise you to turn to Lachezar Gudev if you want a good guide or some good tips for a trip in Bulgary

2. Small Group Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

BulTrips
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

During this full-day tour you will visit Rila Monastery and Boyana Church –both of which are part of UNESCO world heritage list.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By christS4874QK

I was picked up at my hotel in the morning and taken to where the bikes and gear are kept. Adrian greeted me with a warm welcome and I was quickly outfitted with very nice riding gear. Adrian completed an overview of the trip, a safety brief, and we were on our way. After a short ride through town, we were soon on the highway heading south from Sofia for about an hour. The traffic was light and this was a nice ride. We stopped at a rest stop and Adrian made sure that I was comfortable and that everything was well. After a quick snack and rest, we were back on the highway. After a short ride, we quickly exited the highway and the real fun began! The ride up the mountain was spectacular! Adrian kept a nice pace and checked on me often (as I had not ridden in a few years). After a 45-minute winding ride up the gorgeous hillside, we arrived at the Rila Monastery. What a beautiful place with a rich history set with high mountain tops in the background. Adrian, who had a tourism degree, provided a detailed account of the amazing story of the monastery from it's beginnings to modern-day. After a few hours strolling around the grounds, we got back on the bikes and went a short way back down the mountain and enjoyed an incredible lunch at a very nice restaurant and sat right next to a beautiful river. The fresh trout was delicious! The tour then took a detour to a very nice winery and I purchased four bottles of wine to enjoy with my wife back in the States. This was a beautiful place, set in the vineyards, surrounded by flowers, with the majestic mountains off in the distance. The last leg was very nice back roads returning to Sofia. Adrian stopped a number of times to point out very interesting aspects from the Soviet era, including an enormous metals factory (miles long), and a portion of the road we were on that, was actually part of an old military runway. The tour ended nearly 10 hours after it began, back at my hotel. I left the bike and front and Adrian returned later to retrieve it. This was a very professional operation and Adrian could not have been a better guide and riding partner. What an amazing day we had! I can not wait to return to beautiful Sofia and it's amazing people and take another tour with this tremendous outfit! Adrian, as promised, provided a really cool video of our day from his 360 degree HD camera so I may revisit the wonderful experience. Well done!

3. Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

BulTrips
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

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

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Professional guide, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By christS4874QK

I was picked up at my hotel in the morning and taken to where the bikes and gear are kept. Adrian greeted me with a warm welcome and I was quickly outfitted with very nice riding gear. Adrian completed an overview of the trip, a safety brief, and we were on our way. After a short ride through town, we were soon on the highway heading south from Sofia for about an hour. The traffic was light and this was a nice ride. We stopped at a rest stop and Adrian made sure that I was comfortable and that everything was well. After a quick snack and rest, we were back on the highway. After a short ride, we quickly exited the highway and the real fun began! The ride up the mountain was spectacular! Adrian kept a nice pace and checked on me often (as I had not ridden in a few years). After a 45-minute winding ride up the gorgeous hillside, we arrived at the Rila Monastery. What a beautiful place with a rich history set with high mountain tops in the background. Adrian, who had a tourism degree, provided a detailed account of the amazing story of the monastery from it's beginnings to modern-day. After a few hours strolling around the grounds, we got back on the bikes and went a short way back down the mountain and enjoyed an incredible lunch at a very nice restaurant and sat right next to a beautiful river. The fresh trout was delicious! The tour then took a detour to a very nice winery and I purchased four bottles of wine to enjoy with my wife back in the States. This was a beautiful place, set in the vineyards, surrounded by flowers, with the majestic mountains off in the distance. The last leg was very nice back roads returning to Sofia. Adrian stopped a number of times to point out very interesting aspects from the Soviet era, including an enormous metals factory (miles long), and a portion of the road we were on that, was actually part of an old military runway. The tour ended nearly 10 hours after it began, back at my hotel. I left the bike and front and Adrian returned later to retrieve it. This was a very professional operation and Adrian could not have been a better guide and riding partner. What an amazing day we had! I can not wait to return to beautiful Sofia and it's amazing people and take another tour with this tremendous outfit! Adrian, as promised, provided a really cool video of our day from his 360 degree HD camera so I may revisit the wonderful experience. Well done!

4. Private Day Trip to the Rila Mountain with Traditional Lunch

City Tour
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

The tour starts at 9am with a pick up from your hotel. The traveling time to Borovets is about 1,5 hours. There, you can choose between different options, depending on your interests: walk in the resort, ski- doo, ski/ snowboard lesson, visit to the old royal residence or travel with the cabin lift to one of the highest spots in the mountain. After that, you will continue to the town of Samokov where you will try a traditional Bulgarian lunch (3- course set menu). You can choose the menu to be based on chiken, pork, fish or vegetarian. Finally, after the lunch, your guide will take you to the local museum where you will be able to learn about the history of the region and its famous art school. The expected return in Sofia is at about 6pm. 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.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation, Private guide, 3- course lunch, Hotel pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, Museum entrance fee- 3 euro, Lift ticket (optional)- 10 euro , Ski doo (optional)- 80- 110 euro, Ski/ snowboard rent equipment (optional)- 13- 18 euro

Reviewed By 293rutaa

Highlight of our short stay in Sofia! Our tour guide was a true historian Antonio with lots of passion and knowledge of Sofia history and culture. Highly recommended!

5. 14 Day Balkan Adventure from Tirana

ATHS
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit seven countries on this Balkan tour, where you'll revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations. Explore the castles, churches, monasteries, mosques and the medieval towns, enjoy the breathtaking views over the Montenegreo coastline, Sava and Danube Rivers and Ohrid Lake, admire the wide range of different languages, ethnicities, and religions that co-exists in this part of Europe.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 13 Nights Accommodation, Air-conditioned vehicle, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Fees as mentionned

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Health/Travel insurance, Other personal expenses

Reviewed By Cavidana900

Aspen hotel we are stay hotel ,Cıty centre ,grandbqzaar and hıghıa sophıa we are göne walk 30 mınutes ,undergrand metro and tramvay near good ,guıde and Aths travel good and Perfect agency

6. Tour to Lovech, Devetaki cave & Krushuna waterfalls

BulTrips
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 22 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by modern vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By christS4874QK

I was picked up at my hotel in the morning and taken to where the bikes and gear are kept. Adrian greeted me with a warm welcome and I was quickly outfitted with very nice riding gear. Adrian completed an overview of the trip, a safety brief, and we were on our way. After a short ride through town, we were soon on the highway heading south from Sofia for about an hour. The traffic was light and this was a nice ride. We stopped at a rest stop and Adrian made sure that I was comfortable and that everything was well. After a quick snack and rest, we were back on the highway. After a short ride, we quickly exited the highway and the real fun began! The ride up the mountain was spectacular! Adrian kept a nice pace and checked on me often (as I had not ridden in a few years). After a 45-minute winding ride up the gorgeous hillside, we arrived at the Rila Monastery. What a beautiful place with a rich history set with high mountain tops in the background. Adrian, who had a tourism degree, provided a detailed account of the amazing story of the monastery from it's beginnings to modern-day. After a few hours strolling around the grounds, we got back on the bikes and went a short way back down the mountain and enjoyed an incredible lunch at a very nice restaurant and sat right next to a beautiful river. The fresh trout was delicious! The tour then took a detour to a very nice winery and I purchased four bottles of wine to enjoy with my wife back in the States. This was a beautiful place, set in the vineyards, surrounded by flowers, with the majestic mountains off in the distance. The last leg was very nice back roads returning to Sofia. Adrian stopped a number of times to point out very interesting aspects from the Soviet era, including an enormous metals factory (miles long), and a portion of the road we were on that, was actually part of an old military runway. The tour ended nearly 10 hours after it began, back at my hotel. I left the bike and front and Adrian returned later to retrieve it. This was a very professional operation and Adrian could not have been a better guide and riding partner. What an amazing day we had! I can not wait to return to beautiful Sofia and it's amazing people and take another tour with this tremendous outfit! Adrian, as promised, provided a really cool video of our day from his 360 degree HD camera so I may revisit the wonderful experience. Well done!

7. Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

Sofia Court House, bul. "Vitosha" 2, 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria 365 Association Sofia Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 226 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By maesa2020

Thanks to the passion and dedication of our tour guide Dessi we had an incredible walking tour around the street of Sofia. We learned a lot about the history of the city and she gave us really good recommendations and tips. Thanks again Dessi !

8. Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

BulTrips
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 90 reviews

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.

Inclusions: English-speaking Bulgarian guide , English-speaking local Macedonian guide, Pick-up and drop off , Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By christS4874QK

I was picked up at my hotel in the morning and taken to where the bikes and gear are kept. Adrian greeted me with a warm welcome and I was quickly outfitted with very nice riding gear. Adrian completed an overview of the trip, a safety brief, and we were on our way. After a short ride through town, we were soon on the highway heading south from Sofia for about an hour. The traffic was light and this was a nice ride. We stopped at a rest stop and Adrian made sure that I was comfortable and that everything was well. After a quick snack and rest, we were back on the highway. After a short ride, we quickly exited the highway and the real fun began! The ride up the mountain was spectacular! Adrian kept a nice pace and checked on me often (as I had not ridden in a few years). After a 45-minute winding ride up the gorgeous hillside, we arrived at the Rila Monastery. What a beautiful place with a rich history set with high mountain tops in the background. Adrian, who had a tourism degree, provided a detailed account of the amazing story of the monastery from it's beginnings to modern-day. After a few hours strolling around the grounds, we got back on the bikes and went a short way back down the mountain and enjoyed an incredible lunch at a very nice restaurant and sat right next to a beautiful river. The fresh trout was delicious! The tour then took a detour to a very nice winery and I purchased four bottles of wine to enjoy with my wife back in the States. This was a beautiful place, set in the vineyards, surrounded by flowers, with the majestic mountains off in the distance. The last leg was very nice back roads returning to Sofia. Adrian stopped a number of times to point out very interesting aspects from the Soviet era, including an enormous metals factory (miles long), and a portion of the road we were on that, was actually part of an old military runway. The tour ended nearly 10 hours after it began, back at my hotel. I left the bike and front and Adrian returned later to retrieve it. This was a very professional operation and Adrian could not have been a better guide and riding partner. What an amazing day we had! I can not wait to return to beautiful Sofia and it's amazing people and take another tour with this tremendous outfit! Adrian, as promised, provided a really cool video of our day from his 360 degree HD camera so I may revisit the wonderful experience. Well done!

9. Full-Day Rila Monastery, the cave of St.Ivan and Boyana Church Tour from Sofia

pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski" 4, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria ExploriA
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 51 reviews

Discover the unique culture and nature of two of Bulgaria's most special places on your 8-hour guided tour from Sofia. Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, two of the finest and most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bulgaria, are recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. Sit back and relax in an air-conditioned minivan as your guide leads you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church; the small towns and beautiful, sleepy villages all the way to the heart of the Rila Monastery Nature Park on your small-group tour. Admire the unique architecture and learn many details about the vast history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex.  

Inclusions: All transportation and parking costs, Licensed English-speaking guide, VAT and all local taxes, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Admission fees for Boyana Church (5 Euro) and the Rila Monastery Museum (Optional 4 Euro), Meals, tips and personal expenses, Hotel pickup and drop-off

10. Private Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria City Tour
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 20 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Private/ Small-group tour (10 people max), Walking sightseeing tour in the heart of the city, Professional live guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By sara26387

its amazing trip i would like to do it again thanks for mr dimitar really nice communication thanks alot

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.