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Overview
A journey through 8,000 years of Bulgarian history, art, and culture.
Experience the best of Bulgaria’s heritage on a dynamic day trip that bridges. This is an extended version of our popular Plovdiv day trip. On this special tour, we go beyond the city to discover ancient temples and a unique art village.
Your journey starts in the center of Sofia. There, you will meet your guide and board a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. After a 2-hour drive, we arrive in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in the world. You will explore all the major highlights, including the grand Roman ruins and the colorful houses of the Old Town. You will also see the modern city center. During the visit, you will also have one hour of free time to explore Plovdiv on your own, shop and enjoy lunch.
Next, we enjoy a 1-hour scenic drive to the Starosel Thracian Temple. This is a powerful cult complex and the largest royal tomb found in the region. Finally, we visit the village of Staro Zhelezare. This is a "living gallery" where house walls are covered in fun street art. It is a perfect Instagrammable spot, and you can snap many unique photos before we head back to Sofia.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Plovdiv Highlights: Explore the Old Town with all its famous landmarks
- Free Time: Enjoy one hour in Plovdiv to shop, eat, or explore the "Kapana" art district.
- Starosel Temple: Step inside a massive 4th-century BC stone temple built for Thracian kings.
- Staro Zhelezare: Visit the famous "Art Village" and take unique photos.
- Scenic Travel: Relax on a beautiful drive through the Bulgarian countryside in a modern minibus.
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Know Before You Go
- How to Dress: In the summer, the temperature in Plovdiv reaches over 40°C. Traventuria advice: Bring a sun hat, sun lotion, and sunglasses.
Shoes: We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes as the streets in the Old Town of Plovdiv are cobbled. - Cash or Card: Kindly note that paying with a card is possible at most restaurants, cafes, and stores, but paying by credit/debit card is not possible everywhere.
- Food: Plovdiv is a melting pot of different cultures and arts. In the center, you will find many of those different nuances in the fine restaurants and street foods, especially in the area of Kapana.
*Ask your tour guide for more information and recommendations*.
Included/Excluded
- Live guide throughout the trip (if option selected)
- Audio guide (if option selected)
- Transport by a modern air-conditioned bus
- Entry tickets (optional)
- Food & Drinks
- Tips
Tour Plan
09:00 Departure from a point in central Sofia
Meet us at the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
Please, arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes earlier. The bus departs at 09:00 am sharp and does NOT wait for any late passengers.
Kindly note: Additional pick-up points are available during the booking process
9:00- 11:00 The Journey to Plovdiv
Enjoy a comfortable two-hour drive. Take in views of open fields and the Sredna Gora Mountains as we head toward Plovdiv, with a quick refreshment break included along the way.
11:00 - 13:00: Guided walking tour of Plovdiv's center
Discover the cultural treasures of Plovdiv’s Old Town with a live or audio guide.
Key highlights include:
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Revival-Era Mansions: Admire the unique architecture of Plovdiv's historic homes.
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Ancient Landmarks: Visit the Roman Theatre, Hissar Kapia, and the Roman Stadium.
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Cultural Stops: Explore the Ethnographic Museum and the St. Constantine and Helena Church.
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The Modern Pulse: End with a stroll down Glavnata, the city’s famous pedestrian street.
13:00-14:00: Free Time & Exploration
You will have an hour to experience Plovdiv independently. Stroll through the city center, home to Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, or grab lunch in the artistic Kapana district. This neighborhood, nicknamed "The Trap," is a must-see for its unique street art, boutique cafes, and energetic atmosphere.
14:00-14:45: Transfer from Plovdiv to Starosel Thracian Temple
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Thracian Valley. This relaxing journey takes you from the heart of Plovdiv straight to the mystical gates of the ancient Starosel temple.
14:45-15:45 Tour of Starosel Thracian Cult Temple
Step back in time at the largest underground Thracian royal complex ever discovered. This guided exploration takes you into the heart of the Chetinyova Mogila, where you’ll marvel at the impressive stone facades and the sacred 4th-century BC dome structure used for Orphic rituals.
16:00 - 17:00: Tour of the art village of Staro Zhelezare
A 10-minute drive brings us to Staro Zhelezare, a unique "Open-Air Art Gallery." Famous for its Socialist Surrealism, the village features murals where local residents are painted alongside global icons like Barack Obama, Marilyn Monroe, and Salvador Dalí. It is a vibrant, thought-provoking stop and a perfect spot for photography and a leisurely walk.
17:00–19:00: Enjoy a relaxing return journey to Sofia
After an approximate two hours driving, the tour is back at its starting point - Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
*Please note that all of the timetables are approximate and are subject to change, depending on the size of the group and the traffic along the way!
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