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Things to do in Bulgaria

Our most recommended things to do in Bulgaria

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour

1. From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour

Depart Sofia at 09:00 AM sharp, and relax on the 2-hour drive to the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. Upon arrival, explore the largest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria. Admire the arcaded balconies, and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period. See gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Hear the story of the monastery from your guide before enjoying some time to explore the monastic complex on your own. Learn more at the museum, or purchase souvenir icons and other items in the nearby shops. Take some time to refuel with lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can purchase local specialties such as mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep-fried). Depart at 01:30 PM and travel to Boyana Church in the suburbs of Sofia. See the historically significant frescoes of the Byzantine building, and hear how they started the fashion for illustrating biblical figures with emotions and placing them alongside the local aristocracy. With an estimated arrival time at the church of approximately 03:40 PM, enjoy about 30 minutes to explore. Leave at around 04:10 PM for the drive to Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia city center by 04:30 PM to 05:00 PM.

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip

2. From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip

Experience the religious history of Bulgaria on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia. Follow your guide around the monastery to learn about this epic site or choose to explore it on your own before viewing Boyana Church's ancient frescoes. Meet your friendly group for the day near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Settle down in your seat and set off out of the city as you drive along scenic roads with picturesque views of rural Bulgaria. Arrive at Rila Monastery, the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country. If you've booked the tour, follow your guide around the historic site and learn about the main frescoes. If you're an explorer you can visit the museum, take photos, and check out the church at your own pace. Then start your journey back to Sofia with one more important stop along the way. Enter the medieval Boyana Church and stroll within the ancient walls, studying the artistic frescoes which make this place so special.

Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia

3. Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia

Discover Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, on this full-day trip from Sofia. During this day tour to Skopje, you will have the chance to explore the city's highlights and hear its rich history and culture from your guide.  Be picked up from your accommodation in Sofia and board an airconditioned vehicle. Relax, and take in the countryside on the transfer to Skopje. Once in Skopje, begin your walking tour of the at Skopje Fortress. Admire sweeping views of the city from the fortress before heading to the Church of the Holy Savior, home to fantastic iconostasis. Continue towards the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Old Bazaar, where you can witness the remnants from Ottoman Period.  Listen as your guide tells you about Skopje's history as one of the main trade centers in the Balkans. Stop a typical Macedonian restaurant where you can purchase a delicious lunch before crossing the Vadar River explore the other side of the city.  Visit the new neo-classical square and continue to the Mother Teresa memorial house. End your walking tour at the newly built triumphal arch Porta Macedonia. Journey back to Sofia and be dropped off at your hotel or accommodation. 

Bansko: Thermal Pool Escape

4. Bansko: Thermal Pool Escape

Located in the village of Banya, these thermal pools are only a 15-minute ride away from Bansko. The mineral thermal pools are open daily at 11:00AM in the morning. Your experience will begin as you depart from the rental shop at a time of your choosing (after 10:30AM). At your disposal are 3 pools with natural mineral water from the nearby thermal springs: Thermal pool number 1: the big main pool where the water isn’t unbearably hot and great for swimming; Thermal pool number 2: a smaller pool which is shallow and warmer where your children can safely enjoy the benefits of mineral water and those of you who cannot swim can comfortably relax; Thermal pool number 3: a really hot pool, where the water temperature is well over 40 degrees Celsius, but at the same time nice (and not to mention healthy) There are changing rooms right next to the pool and a restaurant at your disposal, and at the conclusion of your experienced you will be returned to your point of origin.

From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip

5. From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip

Depart Sofia in the morning and travel by shuttle bus with a friendly English-speaking driver. Journey in air-conditioned comfort to Panichishte in the beautiful Rila National Park. Get briefed on arrival by your driver, who will tell you the different options and routes you can take up the mountain. Ride the chairlift to the 7 Rila Lakes, where you will get 5 hours of free time to go on some amazing nature walks independently to experience the glacial lakes from different perspectives. Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point and relax on the 2-hour drive to Rila Monastery in a deep valley of the Rilska River. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery complex is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural and historical monuments. Get 1.5 hours to explore the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria at your own pace. Then, return to Sofia in the evening and get dropped off at the meeting point.

Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl

6. Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl

Explore Sofia’s hidden nightlife gems on a 4-hour pub crawl. Meet people at some of the favorite hangouts in the city. If you’re a solo traveler this is a great way to socialize with locals and meet travelers from all around the world. The guides are a unique part of this experience. They’ll take the time to get to know you and at the end of the night you’ll have made some new friends. Enjoy a free beer at the first stop, then proceed to a second bar where you can enjoy an alcoholic dessert with anything you buy. Enjoy another free beer on tap at the third stop and then free admission to the club selected for the night.

Plovdiv: Full-Day Small Group Excursion from Sofia

7. Plovdiv: Full-Day Small Group Excursion from Sofia

This full-day trip begins with a 2-hour drive from Sofia to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns. On a guided walking tour, discover the history and culture of this 8,000-year old city that was settled by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Bulgarian civilizations. See the sights of the old town, including museums, historical monuments and revival period houses lining the cobbled streets. Explore the Ethnographical Museum and the impressive Roman Theater. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the day and will point out the most interesting architectural and cultural treasures of the region and provide commentary on modern life in Bulgaria.

From Bansko: Horse Riding Experience

8. From Bansko: Horse Riding Experience

Start your day of adventure by arriving at the meeting location at your selected time slot. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant meet and greet with the local staff who will direct you to your drive. After a scenic, 15-minute drive to the nearby small town of Dobrinishte, you'll arrive at the horse ranch where you'll meet your instructor for this experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this tour is perfect for you. For beginners, you'll learn the basics of horse riding and ride in a closed field. If you are more experienced at horse riding, you can explore the countryside with your instructor. When you complete the activity, you'll be driven back to Bansko, returned safely to the original starting location.

From Sofia: Afternoon Half-day Trip to Rila Monastery

9. From Sofia: Afternoon Half-day Trip to Rila Monastery

Discover Rila Monastery at your own pace on a self-guided, afternoon tour from Sofia. Begin by boarding the shuttle service at noon (12:00h) at the centrally located meeting point (Aleksander I square) and head to the medieval Rila Monastery in the spectacular Rila Mountains. Get almost 2 hours of leisure time to explore the complex, founded by the hermit monk Ivan Rilski in 927 AD. Marvel at the frescoes of the main church and visit the medieval tower independently. Wander down quiet outdoor corridors adorned with beautiful mosaics, and see gold-plated iconostasis and valuable icons from the 14th to 19th centuries. Learn more about the history of the site at the museum, where highlights include the double-sided crucifix of the Rila Cross. See the old bakery and other monuments, including the residential area with high stone walls and little windows. Board the minibus back to Sofia in the afternoon and get dropped off at the central pick-up point on arrival. Make full use of your day by combining the trip to the Rila monastery with a visit in the morning to the Bells Park monument Boyana church and the National History Museum, located in a former Bulgarian communist leader's residence, on the way to the Rila monastery (depending on the tour option selected).

Sunny Beach: Half-Day Captain Jack's Boat Tour with Lunch

10. Sunny Beach: Half-Day Captain Jack's Boat Tour with Lunch

Benefit from a pick-up in Sunny Beach between 08:00 am and 09:00 am, and then journey to the harbor at Nessebar to climb aboard a boat. · Amusing entertainment provided by our professional entertainment team in the roles of Captain Jack and his pirate crew. · Animation program (face painting in pirate style, fun treasure hunt) and fun games for children and adults during the whole sail. · Swim stop (swimming in the open sea is allowed only for 18+ guests that have not consumed any alcohol! · Kids and guests under the age of 18 can use only the designated pool area with the water slide. · Use of the boat’s water slide including games in a designated pool area (available only for guests taller than 130cm). · Unlimited soft drinks and water. · Free non-bottled wine and beer during the whole trip are available for 18+ guests only. · There will be a buffet-style lunch: four types of fresh vegetables (according to the season), grilled chicken fillet, stewed rice with vegetables, grilled sausages, boiled potatoes, dressings for flavoring, ketchup, mayonnaise, bread/buns for hamburgers and hot dogs, three types of fruit (according to the season). · Transfer from the harbor back to the designated pick-up points around 13:00-13:15. · Pick-up location to be advised after the booking.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Bulgaria

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What people are saying about Bulgaria

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,884 reviews

It is an awesome day trip. Monastery is beautiful and an hour and half is enough to see everything. Bus ride was very comfortable and our guide Filip was great, speaking very good spanish and english. He gave us lots of informations, not only on monastery and Boyana church but also about Bulgar history, culture and food. We had great time, very good lunch and we highly recommend it.

Absolutely wonderful experience with a great guide - Mikhail. Despite the longer drive to and back, Mikhail engaged in conversation en route and even gave us recommendations for Sofia. The pace was steady and the overall day went very smooth.

Really beautiful tour with our guide, Bobby, that gave us some information about the monastery. He is a really funny and kind person and I recommend this experience when in Sofia!

Totally worth to visit even if you are not an expert :) Wine and cheese selection was amazing

Wonderful place, excellent guide! It's worth it!