Sofia Day Tours
by Traventuria Ltd.
Since 2009, Traventuria has been creating award-winning travel experiences and is today one of the most trusted experts for adventure and culture tours and ski packages in Bulgaria. Founded by three friends with a passion for travel and deep knowledge of the tourism industry, the company has grown into a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals.
Our staff brings expertise across adventure, culture, transportation, ski/snowboard, and operations, all united by one goal: to deliver travel experiences marked by perfection, flexibility, and respect for local communities and the environment.
Traventuria meets GYG’s and GSTC’s (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) standards for eco-certified and environmentally responsible businesses promoting and supporting global sustainable practices.
You may learn more about our Tours with Causes.
Our Services
Traventuria is the leading provider of day tours from Sofia, with departures running every day. Our portfolio includes:
- Culture & history tours
- Guided & self-guided hiking trips
- Birdwatching tours
- Tailor-made private tours
All tours are led by some of the best English-speaking guides in Sofia, ensuring a consistent 5-star experience.
In addition, Traventuria acts as a trusted ground agent for notable European tour operators, offering escorted trips, flawless transportation services, and excellent hotel partnerships.
Tour Operator License: PK-01-6434
Transportation Services License: 03837
We Make All The Process Easy
Best Travel Agent
Certified best travel agent with local expertise
Beautiful Places
Exclusive access to Bulgaria's most beautiful hidden gems
Trust & Safety
Complete trust & safety with fully licensed tours
Passionate Travel
Passionate guides who love sharing Bulgaria's beauty
Best Price Guarantee
Best price guarantee - we beat any competitor's offer
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Instant booking confirmation in minutes
Customer Reviews




We left with wonderful memories, especially of the way Bibiana showed us around. It was one of those tours that ends and you think, "It was well worth it."









Magical places that are a must-see.














Now we are on the but for the second half tour and the air conditioning is not working well, we are literally dying from heat and lack of oxygen.




Thanks Maria 😉








The Seven Rila Lakes were stunning. The hike takes you through epic mountain scenery, with each viewpoint offering something different. Kidney Lake was my favourite, with the surrounding peaks and lakes creating an unforgettable landscape. The trail does have some steep and rocky sections, so it is worth being prepared with suitable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness, plus a couple bottles of water. Also wear sunscreen and a hat if doing it in summer (the uv is higher at altitude).
Megi was a great guide throughout the day. She was friendly, attentive and clearly experienced with the terrain. I appreciated that she kept the group together and made sure everyone was comfortable along the way.
The visit to Rila Monastery was also a highlight. The colourful frescoes, striped arches and mountain setting were incredible to see in person.
Overall, it was a memorable day that combined nature, culture and history. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sofia.








Bus had usb for charging and AC. Nothing more needed.



My guide was Lubo and was very kind to show me even other destinations to visit




Our guide, Maria, was a wonderful and pleasant lady who created a warm and friendly atmosphere among the group. She guided us through the entire day with ease, making everything enjoyable and stress-free.
I absolutely loved my day in Plovdiv. I also appreciated that the tour offered different options during the day, allowing everyone to choose what suited them best—whether to spend the whole day exploring Plovdiv or visit another nearby village. That flexibility was a great idea.
Everything ran like clockwork, and the whole experience was perfectly organized.
I also joined another Traventuria tour on Saturday: to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Once again, I had a wonderful experience!
Our guide, Svetlozar, was excellent as well. From the moment we boarded the bus, he kept us engaged by sharing interesting facts and stories over the microphone throughout the journey. It made the drive both enjoyable and informative. As a lovely surprise, at the end of the tour he even took us to The Bells Park in Sofia, which I really appreciated. Once again, everything was perfectly organized and ran like clockwork.
The only suggestion I have is regarding the amount of free time at Rila Monastery. We had only about 40 minutes there, which simply wasn't enough to fully enjoy everything the site has to offer. There are several places worth visiting - the church, the museum, the tower, the bakery, and the souvenir shops - and because there were queues everywhere, I didn't even have time to visit the museum. I also noticed on the map that there's a beautiful cemetery next to the monastery, but unfortunately I couldn't see that either.
I would definitely welcome a tour that allows at least two hours of free time at Rila Monastery. I wouldn't mind to start earlier I t is such a remarkable place that deserves to be explored at a more relaxed pace.
I can highly recommend Traventuria to anyone looking for a well-organized and enjoyable tour 🙂



Recommended trip!



And Ivan was a brilliant guide whose rich storytelling about the medieval fortress and the old imperial bulgarian capital made the history so vivid.
Beyond his knowledge, he went out of his way to take care of our group—even making an unscheduled stop at a pharmacy when a guest needed medicine.
Top-notch service and incredible hospitality!

Indeed best transportation service I ever used. Highly recommend!














The bus was super punctual, departing right on time. It's a pleasure to travel with such an organized company. 100% recommended.





The only complaint we had was the air conditioning on the bus. It wasn’t working properly, so it got quite hot during the journey. Everything else was great though.











The pace of the tour was perfect, with enough time to explore both towns without feeling rushed. Comfortable transportation and a great overall experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bulgaria—definitely one of the highlights of my trip!



























Thanks a million to Lyubomir was amazing tour guy











Christo is an excellent guide. He explains the history in a clear and engaging way, and what made the tour even more special was how he included personal experiences and stories. I especially enjoyed hearing about the time Pope John Paul II visited Bulgaria, which made the history feel much more alive and meaningful.
As a bonus, they also took us to the Bells Park, a fascinating place with bells donated by countries from all over the world during the communist era. It was an unexpected stop that added even more value to the day.
Stan was a great driver, and we felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bulgaria. Thank you both for a fantastic day!











First time customer service said bus waited 10min for me, gps tracker say otherwise. No refund.



The one to Rila Monastery, including the climb to the cave, was perfect, and our guide, Krasimira, was delightful, with excellent knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm. The bus, although a bit old, was adequate for its purpose.
The other trip we took was to Plovdiv, a Thracian village and a city of street art. Our guide, Bibiana, was also lovely and had a very good knowledge of the route, but the trip involved many unnecessary kilometers. The other two visits were uninteresting and prevented us from seeing Plovdiv. To top it all off, we had to backtrack to pick up those who hadn't visited these two villages, so we spent a large part of the day on the bus, which, by the way, didn't have working air conditioning.

















Unfortunately, the actual experience was very disappointing. I was instructed to be outside the terminal at 7:00 PM and warned that if I wasn’t there, the shuttle could leave without me and no refund would be given.
I was informed that the shuttle was waiting for a flight from Hamburg, but that flight had already landed earlier than planned. Despite this, the shuttle still arrived more than an hour late.
During that time, neither the company nor the driver responded to calls or WhatsApp messages, leaving me and the other passengers standing outside the terminal for over an hour with no idea what was happening or whether the shuttle was still coming. At one point, we even started wondering if we had been forgotten.
When the shuttle finally arrived, it was a very crowded minivan with passengers squeezed into small seats and very little personal space. The ride to Bansko (over 2 hours) was uncomfortable, almost sitting on a strangers lap with no space to move. The driver was friendly, but communication was difficult as he did not speak English. Also he used the phone several times during driving.
Overall, the combination of the long wait, poor communication, overcrowded vehicle, and uncomfortable journey made this a frustrating experience. I would not book this shuttle service again and would recommend considering alternative transport options.












The Seven Rila Lakes tour was the highlight of my trip to Bulgaria. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and every step of the hike was worth it.
A special thank you to our guide, Megi, who was very friendly, professional, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She made sure everyone was comfortable, shared useful information, and created a great atmosphere for the group.
I was especially proud of myself for completing the hike because it had been a very long time since my last mountain hike. Thanks to the excellent organization and support, I was able to enjoy the experience and make unforgettable memories.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bulgaria. Thank you, Megi, and the whole team for such a wonderful experience! ❤️🏔️🇧🇬


I highly recommend it!!!!!

Furthermore, the two towns we visited were absolutely worthwhile. I personally recommend this tour.











We enjoyed it immensely!
Thank you, Ana, for making it so enjoyable!










I would highly recommend the tour with Megi 👍

The group was mixed in age and fitness levels, and Megi was the perfect gauge of the pace, making sure the experience worked for all. She was so encouraging and got us safely to the top and back, even with the slightly tricky conditions.
Our driver was also warm, friendly, and added to the positive experience.
Overall, the whole trip was just brilliant — well worth the achy muscles afterwards. I highly recommend Traventuria and especially Megi!






It's a wonderful tour, full of history.

The only negative point (and the reason why I gave 4 stars) is that the bus is not comfortable. If you think Ryanair seats are bad, this bus will actually make you miss them. There’s less place for legs, so if you’re taller than 1.75–1.80m, having 3-4 hour ride is a real challenge. There are no charging ports for your phone and no toilet either (not the end of the world, but it would have been a nice bonus). Traventuria could consider upgrading this bus for a more comfortable travel experience.
Overall, I highly recommend this tour if you are in Sofia and want to discover these beautiful heritage sites! 🙂



















UPDATE
We took a second trip with the same organization, visiting the Rila Monastery, a stunning place. Many compliments to our driver Altanin, who managed to navigate the bus through the narrow mountain roads, and to our guide Nikolov for his Italian and his friendliness.












Very enjoyable and very professional.



































Unfortunately, our online registration didn't work.
So we went directly to the office. There, we were greeted by a very nice and friendly man. Although he wasn't actually responsible for bookings and the other employees had already finished for the day, he took care of us in a friendly and enthusiastic manner, explained everything in detail, and registered us for the trip.
The next day, we were picked up right near our hotel.
The bus driver and the tour guide were also very friendly and attentive. During our conversation with the tour guide, we learned that the nice man was actually the director of the company; we hadn't met him by chance.
It was a wonderful and unforgettable trip with very warm, professional, and dedicated staff.
I wholeheartedly recommend this travel agency!





Special thanks to Hristov for his quick and caring response when I felt unwell during the trip. He handled the situation immediately and made sure I was okay. The entire program was well-organized and informative. Highly recommended!



8 hours of tour where the guide only speaks for 30 minutes.



The tour was in Spanish, and we only visited Rila Monastery.
There were many of us in the same situation, and all of us were French… Avoid it.






Guide, Martin, very good. Driver good. Unfortunately, the minibus was from some distant time, we felt every pothole in the road.
Sightseeing and touring Plovdiv, beautiful and interesting. Koprivshtica interesting in a different way, but still worth seeing.
A trip that I can only recommend.



He took us on a wonderful tour and taught us how to navigate the tricky parts! He was attentive, took into account that we were beginners, and gave us extra equipment 😍😍
It's a wonderful memory, and we highly recommend Traventuria 🤩




I think I gained enough knowledge from this tour and I would recommend it to anyone planning to travel to Bulgaria without hesitation.






The guide Veli is a super fun girl that made our day special, she speaks super good Italian , kind and said a lot of interesting things ☺️ super recommended!
The driver very punctual as well, so all very nice! Places and food both very nice!








The same applies to Monday, April 27, when we were in Plovdiv and Koprivchitsa with guide Todor! Too bad the museums were closed!
On Friday the 24th we were with Maria Maneva at Belogradchik and the Magura Cave! Also magnificent! A wonderful experience!
I wholeheartedly recommend your company to friends and acquaintances
I will be happy to travel with you in the future!
Thank you! ❤️












Traventuria went above and beyond - delivering not only two astonishing world heritage sites , but an extra stop or two. Really good, concise and lively information from the guide. Would recommend this tour 100%. Tip - do book the option with Boyana church. You may not be able to spend long inside - but the experience is astonishing. If you just book Rila - you won’t be able to add Boyana at the last moment as the site is too tiny to take extra visitors.

Was fun, interesting, informative and on time 🙂 also very safe drive
thanks, J.

Thanks Martin for making it fun and memorable! Right person in a right place.
Safe drive and always on time 😉
Nice city to visit.



- rose valley and Buzludzha monument
- Rila Monastery
All.nice and well organized















Martin and Mitko were great.
We've had a very nice day.
Thanks a lot.










A very funny, well organised trip with so many nice facts about the places we visited but also about the country,culture and the life of bulgarian people.
Thank you so much!!!!



































Our trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church with our guide Hristo was incredibly enriching, full of fascinating history and insights. We also had a fantastic day exploring Plovdiv, the ancient temple of Starosel, and the Artistic Village with our guide Maria, who made the experience equally enjoyable and memorable.
Both tours were very well organized, with knowledgeable and friendly guides who truly brought each destination to life. We highly recommend Traventuria to anyone looking for meaningful and well-guided trips in Bulgaria.










The trip is incredibly well-organized. We met at the designated spot in the morning, and the bus was clean, modern, and—most importantly—had great AC. Our guide was a legend; they didn't just rattle off dates and facts but told actual stories about the monastery’s history and its role in Bulgarian culture that made the place come alive.
Once we arrived, the monastery itself was breathtaking, but the little "pro-tips" from the team made the difference. They made sure we knew exactly where to find the famous "mekitsi" (traditional Bulgarian donuts) at the local bakery—do not skip these, they are life-changing! We had just the right amount of free time to explore the frescoes and the museum without feeling rushed.
Whether you're taking a break from the ski slopes or just visiting Sofia, this is the most seamless way to check a UNESCO World Heritage site off your list. Professional, friendly, and perfectly timed—highly recommended!





We especially want to give a shout-out to the guides, who were fantastic throughout the day. In particular, Alexander, our Spanish-speaking guide, was very attentive, friendly, and always looking out for us, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Without a doubt, a highly recommended tour.





A wonderful experience with the day trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. We arrived at the meeting point and were greeted with great hospitality: our guide, Pietro, was very knowledgeable, professional, and competent.
The tour's strengths:
• Professionalism and Flexibility: Traventuria was extremely professional. Impeccable organization, thanks to their detailed descriptions of the sites, it was easy to understand every artistic and religious nuance of the places we visited. A very positive and inspiring experience, their professionalism made the trip special. When you find a guide who is highly knowledgeable and supportive of their passengers, the excursion becomes a lasting memory.
If you find yourself in Sofia, Traventuria is highly recommended.




Thank you so much!













. Thank you!





















It was clear how knowledgeable and passionate she was in sharing the history of Sofia, Rila Monastery, and Bulgaria in general.
Thanks to her explanations, the tour was much more interesting and engaging.
She was always available, clear, and very knowledgeable, truly able to convey the historical and spiritual importance of this wonderful place near Sofia.
The climb to the Rila Cave of St. John was also beautiful, a suggestive place immersed in nature.
I absolutely recommend this tour, especially thanks to the skill of our guide, Veli, who made the experience even more special.

"We were incredibly lucky to have Veli as our guide during our visit to Rila Monastery! On the way to our destination, which included a stop at Boyana Church, she explained everything clearly, demonstrating her knowledge of Bulgarian history and culture.
Thanks to her, we discovered hidden corners like Ivan Rilski's cave and understood the profound meaning of Rila Monastery. Her passion and dedication were contagious, they entertained us so much and made us fall in love with this beautiful country.
If you visit Sofia and Rila Monastery, don't hesitate to choose Traventuria and Veli as your guide. It will be an unforgettable experience!






Excellent experience from start to finish - SUPER friendly and welcoming staff, efficient process, good equipment.
I recommend the VIP package which lets you change skis occasionally - staff were very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations.




A fantastic experience that I would definitely repeat.










Very good and beautiful tour. Amazing photos made.
It was smooth, well explained and great with our guide Sved and our driver Hassan
We highly recommend this tour !






Note: I would skip Boyana Church and focus more on Rila Monastery instead.



The team - tour guide Todor nedkov and the driver showed professionalism, organization and friendly atmosphere during the program.
I'm a local, but for a long time I always "cancelled" visit to Plovdiv. And I m a fan of prehistory and antiquity...
Greetings to the team and continue to enjoy us with interesting natural and historical destinations in Bulgaria. 💚🇧🇬💚






Everything was well organized, and he gave us just the right balance of information and time to explore on our own. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does.
Highly recommend him for anyone wanting a memorable day trip!
5 stars for Lubo!




Thanks so much to Hristo, who accompanied us on this day spent together!



A special mention goes to our guide, Svet, who was extremely attentive, caring, and always genuinely concerned about the well-being and preferences of the tourists. He took the time to explained everything clearly, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged.
Overall, it was a memorable and enjoyable experience, and I would highly recommend this city tour to anyone visiting Plovdiv.



Hristo, Captain Peter, and Zaharia were extremely professional yet fun! They showed us the local specialties with passion and enthusiasm! I recommend it to everyone!




I'd do it again in a heartbeat!






I would definitely choose it again and highly recommend it!

Both where very friendly and try to fulfill all our needs in the bus and on tour.
Svet, the tour guide, tell us a lot about the architecture an historical story and answered all the questions very well.
All in all it was a very nice experience that I can definitely recommend.





Because of the deep snow and winter conditions, we managed to visit 4 of the 7 lakes, which was absolutely the right call. Yordan’s judgment and experience really showed here — safety was always the top priority, without taking away from the adventure or the sense of achievement. The hike took around 4 hours and was demanding but incredibly rewarding.
Yordan was professional, supportive, and encouraging the entire time, making sure everyone in the group was comfortable and coping well with the conditions. He shared useful information about the area and kept a great pace given the weather, while maintaining a positive and motivating attitude.
If you’re looking for a well-organized winter hike with experienced guides who genuinely care about the group, I highly recommend Traventuria — and especially Yordan. It was a challenging but memorable experience and one of the highlights of our trip.








Svet was grea! Always making sure everyone understood everything and had the best time.
Stan drove us safely and on schedule.
Overall, it was a great experience and highly recommended.


Priceless experience







The driver answered the phone and came back to bring me my laptop
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
And everybody should know you are a great company





His tour of Plovdiv was incredibly comprehensive, informative, and engaging — every stop was rich with history, insight, and local flavor. Antonio’s passion for the city truly shines through, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. It was a very fruitful day, and I left with a deeper appreciation for Plovdiv’s culture and heritage. Highly recommended!



And the journey back to Sofia? A gentle ride with quiet comfort—perfect for a nap and reflection after such a beautiful day.
If you’re looking for a tour that feels like traveling with a knowledgeable friend who truly understands how to balance structure with spontaneity, Liubomir is your guide.