From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
Description
Cover 8,000 years of civilization in a single, perfectly coordinated day trip from Sofia. Traveling comfortably by air-conditioned minibus/coach, you'll explore the grand Roman ruins and cobblestone streets of Plovdiv, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Step further back in time at the mystical Starosel Thracian Temple, before wrapping up your journey with a modern twist in Staro Zhelezare, a quirky rural village famous for its avant-garde open-air street art. - Visit Plovdiv’s Old Town and major historical landmarks - Perfectly timed for a quick, authentic local lunch and photo walk in Europe's longest pedestrian zone. - Discover the Starosel Thracian Temple, dating back to the 4th century BC - Capture unique photos in the vibrant art village of Staro Zhelezare - Sit back and relax in a modern, air-conditioned minibus or coach through the beautiful Thracian Valley.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day trip starts at 08:00 AM from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please arrive by 07:45 AM to check in. Board our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Plovdiv.
Explore one of Europe's oldest cities! Your guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of the Old Town architectural reserve. Marvel at the 19th-century National Revival houses, ancient Roman walls, and historic churches while learning about Plovdiv's 8,000-year history.
Visit the spectacular 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Still an active venue for opera and concerts, this UNESCO-listed site offers the most iconic panoramic views of Plovdiv and the Rhodope Mountains. (Entry is optional and paid locally).
Discover the massive Roman Stadium (2nd century AD) located right beneath the feet of shoppers on the main pedestrian street. You will also have time to explore the vibrant "Kapana" (The Trap) creative district.
Stroll through Europe’s longest pedestrian zone and dive into the trendy, car-free streets of the Kapana creative hub. Enjoy dedicated free time to grab an authentic local lunch at a courtyard café, shop for unique handmade souvenirs, and soak up Plovdiv's artistic energy at your own pace.
Step inside ancient mysteries as you climb the grand stone staircase of Europe's largest 4th-century BC Thracian royal tomb. Walk through the mystical 10-column dome chamber with an expert guide and uncover secret rituals older than many Roman monuments. Note : The itinerary depends on the specific option you have booked Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
Capture surreal photos in a traditional rural village completely transformed into a vibrant, open-air street art gallery. Walk past local homes and barns where village elders are painted right alongside global celebrities, politicians, and pop-culture icons. Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
After exploring the street art in Staro Zhelezare, we will make a quick, scheduled stop back in Plovdiv to pick up the passengers who chose the Plovdiv-only option. Once the entire group is comfortably back on board, we will head straight back to Sofia.
Sit back and relax on the drive back to Sofia. You will be dropped off at the original meeting point.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 6 years, children must be accompanied by an adult
- Features historic cobblestone streets with slight inclines in Plovdiv's Old Town. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection (sunscreen/hat) are highly recommended.
- The Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv is closed on Mondays
- Operates in all weather conditions. During the summer months, temperatures in Plovdiv are significantly higher than in Sofia.
- Travel safely in a modern, fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle led by a professional regional driver.
- Please provide a valid mobile number (with WhatsApp preferred) at checkout so our coordination team can easily reach you regarding morning departures if needed.
- If selecting a self-guided (Audio App) option, please note that you must bring your own smartphone and headphones. Using the audioguide throughout the day requires active internet, and we strongly recommend bringing a power bank to ensure your phone battery lasts the entire tour.
- For tours booked in Spanish or Italian, you will be met by a local expert at the historical sites. The Traventuria host accompanying you on the bus from Sofia will manage travel logistics and will speak a different language (usually English).
- The Starosel/Art Village option returns the latest of all routes. This is because the bus must loop back into Plovdiv city center in the late afternoon to collect passengers who remained in the city for "Extra Free Time" before heading back to Sofia.
- Please note that both the Koprivshtitsa and the Starosel itineraries are long, full-day tours. Expect a late return to Sofia, typically between 18:30 and 19:30.
Reviews(1)
Far too much time in vehicle, we left at 9:00 am and returned at 7:30 pm. Driver's slow, don't obstruct traffic. So instead of 2 hours of free time, only 1 hour...
